Tea is an ancient beverage, and different types of tea have distinct brewing and drinking methods. Understanding the correct way to brew each type can help you better appreciate the aroma and taste in every cup. This article will detail the brewing and drinking methods for Green Tea, Black Tea, Oolong tea, white tea, and Pu'er tea, helping you become a true tea connoisseur.
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Green Tea
Green tea is unfermented and retains its natural color and fragrance, suitable for brewing with water around 80°C.
Brewing Method: Place about 3 grams of green tea leaves into a teapot or glass cup, pour in 80°C hot water, and wait for 2-3 minutes before drinking. Green tea leaves are delicate and should not be brewed with boiling water, as it would destroy their nutritional components.
Drinking Method: Green tea is best enjoyed freshly brewed and should not be consumed overnight. Drinking green tea in the morning or during the day helps to refresh and energize you.
Black Tea
Black tea is fully fermented, with a bright red liquor and rich aroma. It is suitable for brewing with water at 90-95°C.
Brewing Method: Place 5 grams of black tea leaves in a teapot, pour in 95°C hot water, steep for 3-5 minutes, then strain out the leaves before drinking. The brewing time for black tea should not be too long, or the liquor may become bitter.
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Drinking Method: Black tea can be sweetened with sugar or milk for a better taste. Enjoying black tea during afternoon tea time can be invigorating, especially when paired with snacks.
Oolong Tea
Oolong tea falls between green and black tea, being semi-fermented, and has unique floral and fruity aromas.
Brewing Method: Place 7 grams of oolong tea leaves in a covered bowl, pour in boiling water at 100°C, and quickly pour out the tea liquor. Oolong tea is suitable for multiple infusions, with each infusion time gradually increasing. The first few infusions take approximately 15-30 seconds, while later infusions can last over a minute.
Drinking Method: Savor oolong tea slowly, as each infusion brings out different aromas and flavors. Drinking oolong tea after meals can aid digestion.
White Tea
White tea is lightly fermented, with a simple production process that preserves the natural form and components of the leaves.
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Brewing Method: Place 5 grams of white tea in a glass or ceramic pot, pour in water at 85-90°C, and steep for 3-5 minutes before drinking. White tea is durable and can be infused several times.
Drinking Method: White tea is best enjoyed plain, without any additives. Its taste is light and sweet, with detoxifying properties, making it suitable for consumption at any time.
Pu'er Tea
Pu'er tea comes in raw and ripe varieties, known for becoming more fragrant with age.
Brewing Method: Place 7-8 grams of Pu'er tea leaves in a purple clay pot or a covered bowl, pour in boiling water at 100°C, rinse the tea once, and then infuse. The initial steeping time is about 20 seconds, with subsequent infusions gradually increasing in duration.
Drinking Method: Pu'er tea is ideal for consumption after meals, aiding digestion and reducing greasiness. Ripe Pu'er tea has a mellow taste, perfect for winter; raw Pu'er tea is refreshing, suitable for summer.
Cold-Brewed Tea
Cold-brewed tea is a great way to cool down during the summer, and various types of tea can be cold-brewed.
Brewing Method: Mix tea leaves with cold water at a ratio of 1:50 in a container, place it in the refrigerator, and cold-brew for 4-8 hours. Cold-brewed tea has a fresher aroma and less bitterness.
Drinking Method: Cold-brewed tea is best served chilled. You can add ice cubes, lemon slices, or mint leaves according to your taste, making it even more refreshing.
Mastering these tea brewing and drinking methods will enable you to better savor the unique flavors in every cup. Whether traditional hot-brewed tea or modern cold-brewed tea, they can both add enjoyment and health to your life.