Guizhou Tea has always been regarded as a gem among Chinese teas. Whether it's the Douyun Maojian, Zunyi Black Tea, or the Meitan Green Bud, each variety is unique in its own way. To truly appreciate the wonders of Guizhou tea, the brewing method is crucial. Today, we'll discuss how to brew Guizhou tea so that you can savor its authentic aroma at home.

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Selecting the Right Teaware

When brewing Guizhou tea, the choice of teaware is important. Generally, glass cups, porcelain cups, and purple clay pots are good options. Glass cups allow you to admire the beautiful unfolding of the tea leaves in water, while porcelain cups better retain the tea's aroma. If you have a beloved purple clay pot, it's also an excellent choice because it has unique breathability, allowing the tea's aroma to last longer.

Water Quality and Temperature

For brewing Guizhou tea, water quality is key. It's best to use mountain spring water, purified water, or tap water that has been filtered. Water temperature varies depending on the type of tea. For green teas like Douyun Maojian, a temperature of 80-85°C is most suitable. For black teas like Zunyi Black Tea, the water temperature can be slightly higher, around 90-95°C.

Amount of Tea Leaves

The amount of tea leaves used for each brewing session is also important. Generally, 3 grams of tea leaves for every 150 milliliters of water is appropriate. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can increase the amount of tea leaves accordingly. Of course, the specific amount needs to be adjusted based on personal taste.

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Detailed Brewing Steps

1. Warm the cup: Rinse the cup or pot with hot water first. This not only cleans the teaware but also raises its temperature, helping to release the tea's aroma more effectively.

2. Add tea: Place the appropriate amount of tea leaves into the cup or pot.

3. Pour water (first rinse): Pour water until one-third full, swirl gently, then discard the water. This step is known as “washing the tea,” which removes impurities from the surface of the leaves and awakens their aroma.

4. Pour water again: Slowly pour water along the side of the cup, avoiding direct impact on the leaves. The water level should be about seven-tenths full.

5. Steeping time: Green Tea typically steeps for 1-2 minutes, while black tea can steep a little longer, around 3-5 minutes. Do not completely drain the first infusion, leaving a small amount of tea in the bottom of the cup, which will make the second infusion more balanced in taste.

Steps for Tasting Tea

Tasting tea is also an art. First, observe the color of the tea liquor to see if it is clear and bright. Then smell the natural aroma emitted by the tea leaves. Finally, taste it by taking a small sip and letting the tea liquor slowly spread in your mouth, savoring the unique character of the tea leaves.

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The Unique Charm of Guizhou Tea

Due to its unique geographical environment and climate conditions, Guizhou tea has a distinctive quality. The teas here are typically fresh and refreshing with a long-lasting aftertaste. In particular, Douyun Maojian is renowned for its high, fragrant aroma and its green and lustrous liquor. Zunyi Black Tea is loved by tea enthusiasts for its bright red liquor and rich flavor. No matter which type of tea, by mastering the correct brewing method, you can fully experience the charm of Guizhou tea.

Tips

1. Do not use boiling water directly, as this can destroy the nutritional components and aroma of the tea leaves.

2. Avoid steeping the tea leaves for too long, as this can make the tea liquor bitter.

3. The amount of water and steeping time can be adjusted according to personal taste for each brewing session.

The method of brewing Guizhou tea may seem simple, but every detail can affect the final quality of the tea liquor. Hopefully, through this article, you can master the secrets of brewing Guizhou tea and savor its authentic aroma at home. Next time you brew tea, try these methods, and you're sure to discover something new and enjoyable.