Raw Pu'er Tea, also known as Pu'er raw tea, is a specialty tea from Yunnan Province. It is characterized as a naturally aged post-Fermented tea that becomes more fragrant over time, with a robust and sweet taste. Here are some brewing methods and tips for raw Pu'er tea cakes.
1. Preparation
First, prepare your tea utensils. Use a purple clay pot or a Gaiwan for brewing raw Pu'er tea. Additionally, you will need a raw Pu'er tea cake, hot water, and a tea needle among other tools.
2. Loosen the Tea
Use a tea needle or other utensils to gently pry open the edge of the tea cake, allowing the surface leaves to spread out. This makes it easier to brew and taste the tea. It helps the leaves release their aroma and flavor, making the tea broth richer and the taste more complex.
3. Rinse Utensils and Wash the Tea with Boiling Water
Rinse the tea utensils with boiling water once, primarily to increase their temperature and clean them. A quick rinse of the tea with boiling water removes impurities and off-flavors, which awakens the tea. This also helps to loosen the leaves for better brewing later on.
4. Brewing the Tea
Place the tea cake into the Teapot and pour in hot water. For the first infusion, keep the water temperature below 90°C (194°F). The brewing time should be about 20 seconds.
5. Pouring the Tea
While brewing, prepare your teacups. Once the tea is brewed, pour the tea broth into the cups. When pouring, place the cup near the teapot and let the tea broth flow naturally, ensuring the quality of the tea.
6. Additional Infusions
After the first infusion, you can brew the tea 3-4 more times, gradually increasing the brewing time. You can also gradually increase the water temperature. During the brewing process, adjust the amount of tea cake and brewing time according to your taste preferences.
Note that raw Pu'er tea cakes may sometimes have off-flavors, so appropriate pre-processing is necessary before brewing. Additionally, pay attention to the water temperature, brewing time, and amount of tea used when brewing raw Pu'er tea. This ensures the best taste and quality of the tea.