Tea Tips
How to Brew Green Tea
Top Pouring Method
Prepare: Add hot water (85-90°C) to your cup.
Brew: Put 3 grams of tea leaves per 100ml of water into the teapot and watch them unfold in the hot water.
Drink: Once the leaves sink and small bubbles appear, it’s ready to drink.
Middle Pouring Method
Prepare: Use 3 grams of tea leaves per 100ml of water with hot water (85-90°C).
Brew: Fill the teapot about one-third with hot water, add the tea leaves, let them soak for a bit, then fill the rest with water. Brew for 1-3 minutes based on your taste.
Bottom Pouring Method
Prepare: Use 3 grams of tea leaves per 100ml of water with hot water (85-90°C).
Brew: Place the tea leaves in the teapot first, then pour in the hot water. Brew for about 3-5 minutes.
Tips for Brewing
Tea Amount: Adjust the amount of tea based on the type. For dense teas (like Longjing), use a 1:50 ratio; for fluffy teas (like Anji white tea), use a 1:40 ratio.
Brewing Time: Don’t steep too long to avoid bitterness. For the first brew, aim for 10-15 seconds, then increase by 10 seconds for each subsequent brew.
Teaware: Use a glass cup to see the leaves unfold and keep their color.
Water Temperature: Avoid using boiling water to preserve the tea’s flavor and nutrients.
What kind of water is best for making tea?
Use Fresh Water: Always start with fresh, cold water. Avoid using water that’s been boiled multiple times, as it can lose oxygen and flavor.
Filtered or Spring Water: If possible, use filtered or spring water. Tap water can have chlorine and other chemicals that might affect the taste of your tea.
Temperature Matters: Different teas require different water temperatures. For green tea, aim for 70-80°C (158-176°F), and for black tea, go for 90-100°C (194-212°F). A good kettle with temperature settings can help!
Avoid Hard Water: Hard water, high in minerals, can make your tea taste flat. If you notice a weird taste, it might be time to switch your water source.
Tea Storage Tips
If you love tea, keeping it fresh is key to enjoying its full flavor and aroma. Here are some simple tips to store your tea like a pro!
1. Choose the Right Container
Use airtight containers to keep your tea away from moisture and air. Glass jars or metal tins work great. Avoid using clear plastic bags since they let light in.
2. Keep It Cool
Store your tea in a cool, dark place. A pantry or cupboard away from the stove and direct sunlight is ideal. Heat can degrade the quality of your tea over time.
3. Avoid Strong Odors
Tea can easily absorb strong smells from its surroundings. Make sure your storage area is odor-free. Keep your tea away from spices, coffee, or any strong scents.
4. Label Your Tea
If you have a variety of teas, label your containers with the type of tea and the date you bought it. This will help you keep track of freshness!
5. Don’t Store in the Fridge
While it might seem like a good idea, storing tea in the fridge can introduce moisture and odors. Stick to room temperature for best results.
6. Check for Freshness
Give your tea a smell before brewing. If it doesn’t smell fragrant, it might be past its prime. Fresh tea should have a strong, pleasant aroma.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your tea stays fresh and flavorful for every cup you brew. Happy sipping!
Adding Flavor to Your Tea
Want to spice up your tea experience? Here are some fun and easy ways to add flavor:
Citrus Zest: Add a slice of lemon, lime, or orange to your tea. The citrus will brighten up the flavor and add a refreshing twist.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like mint, basil, or rosemary can give your tea a unique taste. Just toss in a few leaves while it brews!
Spices: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon, ginger, or cardamom. These spices not only enhance flavor but also bring added health benefits.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Sweeten your tea naturally with honey or maple syrup. They add a delicious sweetness without overpowering the tea.
Fruit Pieces: Toss in some fresh or dried fruit, like berries or apple slices. They add natural sweetness and a fruity aroma.
How to choose tea
I. Appearance
1. **Integrity**
- High-quality tea should have intact leaves and buds. For example, Longjing tea should have flat and smooth leaves without damage. For compressed tea, the leaves should be able to be separated completely with clear edges and without excessive debris. Tea with many broken pieces or fractured leaves may have been improperly handled during processing, transportation, or storage, affecting its quality.
2. purity
- The color of tea leaves should be uniform and free of impurities. For example, high-quality Baihao Yinzhen white tea should have plump buds that are silvery white and shiny and of uniform size. If there are weeds, uneven tea stems, or non-tea substances, it indicates that the screening and processing are not fine enough. At the same time, the color should be natural. Too bright or too dull colors are abnormal. Normal green tea is vividly green, and black tea is jet-black and shiny or reddish-brown.
II. Smell
1. **Dry tea aroma**
- High-quality tea has a fresh, natural, pure, and long-lasting dry aroma. For example, Oolong tea has a unique floral and fruity aroma that is rich but not pungent. If there is a musty, sour, or other strange smell, the tea may be damp and deteriorated or contaminated. New tea has a fresh and high-spirited aroma, while aged tea has a stable aroma. Neither should have a bad smell.
2. **Wet tea aroma**
- After brewing, the aroma is more intense and rich. For example, jasmine tea has a blend of jasmine and tea aromas that is lasting. If the wet tea aroma is weak, has an off-flavor, or disappears quickly, the tea quality may be poor. The aroma should be layered and harmonious, not a mixture of strange odors.
Teaware Tips
How to clean a teacup
Here’s a quick and easy way to clean it:
Rinse Immediately: : After using your cup, rinse it with warm water right away to prevent tea stains from setting in.
Use Baking Soda: : For stubborn stains, sprinkle a little baking soda inside the cup. Add a splash of water to make a paste. Gently scrub with a soft sponge.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: : Stick to natural cleaners. Avoid bleach or strong detergents that can affect the taste of your tea.
Rinse Thoroughly:: After cleaning, rinse your cup well with warm water to remove any residue.
Dry Properly: : Let your cup air dry or wipe it with a clean cloth. Avoid using a rough towel to prevent scratches.
How to choose tea sets for beginners
Consider the Type of Tea
- If you're a fan of green tea, a glass teapot and cups can be a great choice For black tea, a ceramic teapot might be better as it can retain heat well and bring out the rich flavors. Oolong tea often pairs well with a Yixing clay teapot, which can enhance the tea's unique aroma over time.
Look at the Material
- Glass is transparent and heats up quickly, ideal for visual appreciation of the tea. It's also easy to clean. Ceramic is available in various designs and glazes. It's good at maintaining a consistent temperature and gives a classic look. Porcelain is delicate and smooth, suitable for serving refined teas.紫砂 (Zisha) clay is famous for its breathability and ability to absorb the tea's essence, making each brew more flavorful with use, but it requires proper care and seasoning.
Evaluate the Size
- Consider how many people you usually serve tea to. A small teapot with two or three cups might be sufficient for personal use or a cozy chat with a friend. For family gatherings or tea parties, you'll need a larger teapot and more cups. Also, make sure the size of the teapot spout and the cups' rims are comfortable for pouring and drinking.
Check the Quality
- Examine the teapot for smooth edges, a well-fitted lid that doesn't rattle, and a handle that's comfortable to hold. The cups should be evenly glazed and free from cracks or blemishes. If there are any painted or decorated parts, make sure the colors are stable and won't fade or peel easily after washing. Look for a set with good overall workmanship as it will last longer and provide a better tea-drinking experience.
How to Use a Gaiwan
A gaiwan is a traditional Chinese tea brewing tool. Here's how to use it:
Preparation:
- Clean the gaiwan with warm water.
- Select your tea and determine the right amount (3-5 grams for green/white teas, 5-8 grams for oolong/black teas).
Brewing:
- Put tea leaves in the gaiwan.
- Optionally rinse with hot water for some teas.
- Pour hot water (80-90°C for green/white, 90-100°C for oolong/black), fill about 70-80%.
- Cover and steep for the appropriate time (2-3 minutes for green tea, etc.).
- Hold the gaiwan and pour tea into a cup through the gap.
After Use:
- Empty tea leaves.
- Rinse with warm water and let air-dry.
How to Clean Tea Stains
For ceramic tea sets:
- Vinegar method: Mix vinegar and water in a 1:2 ratio, soak the tea set for 30-60 minutes, then wipe and rinse.
- Baking soda method: Sprinkle baking soda on stains, wipe with a damp cloth and rinse.
- Toothpaste method: Apply toothpaste and brush gently, then rinse.
For glass tea sets:
- Salt method: Put salt in the tea set, add a little water, shake and wipe, then rinse.
- Lemon method: Put lemon slices in hot water, soak the tea set and wipe, then rinse.
For purple clay tea sets:
- Daily cleaning: Rinse with boiling water immediately after use.
- For stubborn stains: Use special tea stain cleaner, soak as per instructions, then rinse and dry.