brewing Tea is an art and a way of life. Brewing tea on a tea tray not only allows you to savor the essence of tea but also experience the charm of traditional culture. So, how do you brew a great pot of tea on a tea tray? Today, we will go through this process in detail so that you can handle every step from preparation to enjoyment with ease.

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Preparation: Selection of Tea Ware and Tea Leaves

First, you need to prepare well. There are many types of tea ware required for brewing tea, including teapot, tea cups, tea tray, pitcher, tea tongs, tea cloth, etc. When choosing tea ware, you can pick according to personal preference and the type of tea. For example, a purple clay teapot is suitable for brewing Oolong tea, while glass tea ware is better for brewing Green Tea, allowing you to better appreciate the changes in the tea leaves.

The selection of tea leaves is equally important. Different teas have different brewing methods and ways of drinking. Common types of tea include green tea, Black Tea, oolong tea, Pu'er tea, etc. Beginners can start with their preferred taste and gradually try different types of tea.

Warming the Cups and Teapot: The Step to Awaken the Tea Ware

Before formally brewing tea, warming the cups and teapot is an essential step. This is not only for cleaning the tea ware but also to bring it to an appropriate temperature. This helps release the tea's aroma more effectively.

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Start by pouring boiling water into the teapot, cover it, wait for a moment, and then pour out the water. Next, use the same method to pour boiling water into the tea cups and pitcher, warm them, and then pour out the water. The process of warming the cups and teapot also gives you a quiet preparation time before brewing tea, helping you relax.

Rinsing the Tea: Washing the Tea Leaves and Removing Impurities

The step of rinsing the tea is to remove impurities from the surface of the tea leaves and awaken their aroma. Specifically, place an appropriate amount of tea leaves in the teapot, pour a small amount of boiling water over them, and quickly pour it out. This step typically takes just a few seconds and does not require long soaking.

Brewing the Tea: Mastering Water Temperature and Steeping Time

When brewing tea, water temperature and steeping time are key. Different teas have different requirements for water temperature; for example, green tea generally uses water at 80-85 degrees Celsius, while black tea and oolong tea require water at 95-100 degrees Celsius. You can refer to the recommendations on the tea packaging for specifics.

The steeping time also needs to be controlled properly; green tea and black tea usually steep for 1-3 minutes, while oolong tea can be steeped for 3-5 minutes. Shorter times result in insufficient flavor, while longer times can make the tea bitter. Adjust the time based on personal taste.

Serving the Tea: Pouring Evenly and Ensuring Fair Tasting

After brewing, pour the tea into the pitcher, then from the pitcher into the tea cups. This ensures that each cup of tea has a uniform concentration, guaranteeing that everyone can enjoy the same aroma and taste. Pour slowly and evenly, not too full—usually to about seven-eighths full.

Tasting the Tea: Savoring the Flavor

Tasting tea is an enjoyment; it is recommended to sip slowly and savor the aroma and flavor. Start by smelling the tea, then take small sips, letting the tea fully contact your taste buds to feel its sweetness and aftertaste.

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Cleanup: Cleaning the Tea Ware and Keeping It Clean

After each tea brewing session, clean the tea ware promptly to prevent the buildup of tea stains. Pay particular attention to cleaning purple clay teapots and glass tea ware. Place the tea ware in a well-ventilated, dry area to air-dry and avoid dampness and mold.

A Few Tea Brewing Tips

In addition to the above steps, there are some tips that can help you brew better tea. For instance, you can use mountain spring water or purified water to brew tea, which better presents the true flavor of the tea leaves. Maintain a pleasant mood when brewing tea; a calm mind brings out the tea's fragrance.

Brewing tea is not just about drinking tea; it is also a process of cultivating oneself. Brewing tea on a tea tray can give us a moment of tranquility in our busy lives, allowing us to enjoy this moment of beauty.

Hopefully, this article can help you better grasp the techniques of brewing tea on a tea tray, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned tea enthusiast, so you can find joy in brewing tea and savor the beauty of life.