The most complete tea brewing method
The most complete tea brewing method will depend on the type of tea being brewed. Different teas require different water temperatures, steeping times, and amounts of tea leaves. Here are some general guidelines for brewing common types of tea.
Green tea
Green tea is a delicate, non-fermented tea that should be brewed with water between 80 to 85 degrees Celsius and a ratio of 1:50 tea leaves to water. Using glass tea sets is also a good choice, as it allows you to observe the color and clarity of the tea. It is also important to not brew it for too long, around 2-3 minutes, as brewing it for too long can cause the tea to become bitter. Additionally, brewing green tea with boiling water can cause the tea to lose some of its nutrients and flavor.
Black tea
When brewing black tea, it is recommended to preheat the cup with hot water and then use freshly boiled water at a temperature of around 200-212°F (93-100°C). The brewing ratio is typically 1:50 (tea leaves to water) and the steeping time should be 3-5 minutes. A white porcelain tureen is a good choice for brewing black tea.
Dark tea
When brewing dark tea, it is important to first wash the leaves to remove impurities. Boiling water at 100 degrees Celsius should be used for brewing, and the tea should be steeped for 2-3 minutes. The purple sand tea set is commonly used for brewing dark tea. Additionally, it's also recommended to wake up the tea quickly for 10-20 seconds for the first brewing, and then pour out the water, before pouring boiling water again for the actual brew. This will help to make a more delicious tea soup.
Oolong tea
Oolong tea is a semi-fermented tea that is typically brewed with boiling water. It is best to brew oolong tea in a purple sand pot using 100 degrees of boiling water. A larger amount of tea leaves should be used compared to other teas. Using a boiling kettle is recommended as it allows for immediate brewing when the water is boiled. Oolong tea can be brewed multiple times, with good quality oolong tea able to be cursed 7-8 times. The appropriate steeping time should be chosen for each brew.
White tea
White tea is a delicate and light tea that is made from young leaves and buds of the Camellia sinensis plant. When brewing white tea, it's best to use one bud and two leaves, as this will give a fresh aroma and a good taste. To ensure the best flavor, it's important to use good quality water and to control the water temperature, which should be between 85-90 degrees Celsius. This is because white tea is made from tender raw materials, and a higher water temperature can damage the delicate flavor of the tea.
Yellow tea
Yellow tea is a type of green tea that has undergone additional fermentation. When brewing, it is best to use water at a temperature between 85 and 90 degrees Celsius to avoid boiling the leaves. The amount of tea leaves used should be 1/4 of the capacity of the teapot. Brewing time can vary, with the first brew being 30 seconds, the second brew at 60 seconds, and the third brew at two minutes. Glass or white porcelain teaware is recommended for brewing yellow tea, and the type of utensil can vary depending on the type of yellow tea being brewed.
