Many tea enthusiasts who enjoy health and wellness appreciate drinking tea, and have tasted a variety of teas. One type of tea they enjoy is called black tea, known for its unique flavor and long-term Health benefits. So how do you brew black tea? What are the brewing methods?
Black Tea Brewing Method
1. Teaware
When brewing Anhua black tea, choose robust, atmospheric teaware that can filter the tea liquor. Generally, use thick-walled purple clay pots or earthenware pots (which can also be used for boiling the tea); for the pitcher and tasting cups, transparent glass is best, as it allows you to admire the color of the tea.
2. Water
For brewing tea, spring water, well water, mineral water, or purified water are ideal.
3. Water Temperature
The water temperature should be high, typically using boiling water at 100 degrees Celsius; you can also rinse the tea with boiling water before steeping it in cold water for an even better taste.
4. Tea-to-Water Ratio
For high-grade brick teas and the three tip teas, the tea-to-water ratio is around 1:30; for coarser, older brick teas, the ratio is around 1:20.
5. Brewing Method
New teas are generally brewed using a floating cup or a covered bowl, which is easier to manage. The amount used can be based on personal preference, usually about eight to ten grams. When breaking up the tea, try to keep it in chunks or lumps, since the surface and inner leaves of compressed black teas are selected and aged differently. This approach helps you fully appreciate the tea's qualities.
6. Amount of Tea
Place an amount of tea that fills one-fifth to one-quarter of the Teapot.
7. Steeping Time
About ten to thirty seconds (the first steeping is to rinse the tea).
8. Number of Steepings
About twenty steepings.
Five Ways to Drink Black Tea
Method One: Traditional Drinking Method. For the most traditional way of drinking black tea, take about twelve grams of tea and place it in a teapot or cup filled with five hundred milliliters of boiling water. Let it steep for one to two minutes before drinking.
Method Two: Gongfu Tea drinking Method. This method involves using gongfu tea ware to prepare and drink the tea.
Method Three: Covered Bowl Drinking Method. In the south, a ceramic cup or bowl is commonly used. Use about seven grams of tea, rinse once with boiling water, then add boiling water and let it steep for about one minute before drinking.
Method Four: Cold Tea Drinking Method. Use cooled water and follow the traditional brewing method.
Method Five: Milk Tea Drinking Method. After brewing the tea traditionally, mix it with milk in a one-to-one ratio.
Notes on Brewing Black Tea
1. Note the Length of Brewing Time: The brewing time should be adjusted to suit the drinker's preference for the concentration of the tea liquor. Typically, black tea takes about one to two minutes to brew, and the brewing time can be extended slightly with each subsequent steeping.
2. Note the Choice of Teaware: Robust, atmospheric teaware is suitable for brewing black tea. Typically, thick-walled purple clay pots or Teapots are used, while white or transparent glass pitchers and tasting cups are preferred.
3. Note the Quality of Water: Since ancient times, people have paid attention to the quality of water used for brewing tea, seeking water that is fresh, sweet, and clear. Natural water sources are generally used; if possible, mountain spring water or purified water can be used to bring out the full aroma and flavor of black tea.
4. Note the Water Temperature During Brewing: Black teas are generally quite coarse and require boiling water at 100 degrees Celsius for brewing. To maintain the water temperature, you can preheat the teapot and cups with boiling water before brewing.