Currently, the “dry brewing” method for tea is quietly gaining popularity. What are the differences between the “dry brewing” and “wet brewing” methods as simpler, more convenient, aesthetically pleasing ways of brewing tea? Which do you prefer?

What is “Dry Brewing”?

Dry brewing involves not pouring water over the Teapot; used tea liquor is directly poured into a water receptacle, so it is a method that does not require a tea tray.

The absence of splashing water keeps the table always neat and tidy, maintaining the elegance and cleanliness of the tea table! When brewing tea, one needs to be more focused to avoid spilling water everywhere.

Compared to “wet brewing,” dry brewing is more convenient and elegant, emphasizing the brewer's state of mind and the pleasure in the process of brewing.

The tea table can be decorated with various tea mats, flower vases, scenery, and play items, integrating traditional Chinese culture of simple offerings. A branch of flowers, a patch of calamus, a piece of spirit stone, or even an old, weathered brick… all these can be elements on the table, not only reflecting personal interests and preferences but also embodying the owner's artistic taste and cultivation.

A tea table can condense the graceful charm of traditional Chinese gardens, like a three-dimensional painting and a silent poem, revealing the essence of the national culture of harmony between man and nature.

Such a tea table serves as a haven for the soul, allowing us to feel the tranquility and calmness of time.

Since no tea liquor is poured over the teapot during dry brewing, the tea liquor nourishes the clay pot from the inside out through its double-pore structure. Combined with daily handling of the pot with clean hands, a patina gradually forms, making the pot increasingly lustrous. This process is slower compared to wet brewing.

What is “Wet Brewing”?

Wet brewing originated from Chaozhou Gongfu tea and requires a tea tray or tea stand because the teapot is watered.

Wet brewing provides a platform for watering the teapot, something that cannot be done with dry brewing. With many large tea trays, tea liquor can be freely poured over the pot, allowing one to savor the true flavor of the tea amidst the steam.

Moreover, the hot tea liquor helps the surface of the clay pot absorb continuously. After watering, to prevent the accumulation of tea marks, the teapot should be gently wiped with a fine cotton cloth.

In line with the tea liquor nurturing method, compared to dry brewing, the clay pot will more quickly show signs of developing a patina, gradually taking on a pearl-like quality with a restrained luster.

Although tea trays come in various shapes, they tend to be somewhat bulky, and the splashing of tea water when watering the pot makes them less refined and less aesthetically pleasing compared to dry brewing. Moreover, tea trays get dirty easily and need to be cleaned promptly.

Whether it's dry brewing or wet brewing, what matters is that you enjoy it. Through Drinking Tea and nurturing your teapot, you cultivate your mind and temperament, carving the beauty of time in the passage of days, and enjoying the physical and mental pleasure of drinking tea and caring for your teapot!