“Cease wine, halt songs, and put an end to laughter; listen to the rain, burn incense, and brew tea.” Although it's nearly the end of spring with temperatures steadily rising, the weather remains unpredictable. Over the next one to two weeks, we're in for continuous rainfall, which can be a headache for those in the south who have just endured the humid season. The damp and gloomy days can also bring down one's mood.

The sound of heavy rain outside contrasts with the tranquil ambiance indoors. This juxtaposition of movement and stillness is akin to the bustling market eventually returning to silence – a common rhythm of life. We don't need to feel despondent, as inner fulfillment is often more important. A cup of tea, a book, and oneself, basking in the tranquility of the heart, can make everything clearer.

However, observant friends might notice that tea brewed on a rainy day doesn't taste quite as good as when brewed on a sunny day. It seems the aroma is weaker, and the freshness and richness are diminished. When savoring tea, one savors a certain mood and state of mind, so losing the tea's original fragrance is unacceptable. In fact, there are some key points to brewing tea on a rainy day.

Three Key Points for Brewing Tea on a Rainy Day

One: Maintain Stable Water Temperature

Ensure the water temperature remains stable, such as using a constant-temperature kettle. Don't let too much time pass between brews to avoid the tea leaves being in a low-temperature state for too long, which could further reduce the water temperature upon subsequent infusions. If you don't have a constant-temperature kettle, keep the water boiling and pour quickly to ensure the internal substances of the tea leaves are activated.

Two: Use Less Tea Than Usual

On rainy days, not only is the air humid, but the atmospheric pressure is lower, affecting our perception of the tea's flavor. It may seem lighter and more bitter. Therefore, use 2-3 grams less tea than usual to make the infusion milder and more pleasant.

Three: Choose Teaware with Good Air-Tightness

Due to the greater temperature differences on rainy days, it's easy for the tea's aroma not to fully develop. In this case, choose teaware with good air-tightness to maintain a stable temperature and ensure the tea's aroma is fully released. Generally, on rainy days, it's recommended to use a clay teapot instead of a glass gaiwan.

Teas Suitable for Rainy Days

1. Chrysanthemum Tea

The upcoming rainy weather makes the already humid spring even more irksome, but brewing a cup of chrysanthemum tea during a rainy break is simply perfect. Its refreshing and elegant flavor leaves a lasting impression.

Chrysanthemum has a sweet and slightly bitter taste and is cold-resistant. Chilled chrysanthemum tea with rock sugar or honey has cooling properties, helps reduce heat in the body, and soothes the throat, making it very popular. As living standards improve, people increasingly value the quality of their lives, and chrysanthemum tea, with its multiple health benefits, is becoming more loved. Brewing a cup of chrysanthemum tea on a rainy day is both comforting and enjoyable.

2. Black Tea (red tea)

Black tea is ideal for rainy days. As a fully fermented tea, its high fermentation level gives it unique flavors in terms of aroma, color, and taste, all of which remain stable. Even in the damp and low-pressure weather of rainy days, black tea maintains its character and is less affected by the weather. Moreover, drinking black tea on rainy days can warm the heart and nourish the stomach, helping to dispel the bad moods brought on by the damp environment.

3. Oolong Tea

Oolong Tea is a semi-fermented tea, a uniquely Chinese variety, and its mild nature suits most people. Even those with less robust constitutions can enjoy oolong tea. It not only nourishes the spleen and stomach but also aids digestion and effectively removes dampness. On rainy days, brewing a fragrant cup of oolong tea can warm the heart and stomach, reducing the chill brought on by the rain.

“The drizzling rain wets the apricot blossoms, but the willow breeze is not cold against the face.” Continuous rainy weather brings not only discomfort from damp skin but also a dark atmosphere and temperature drop, negatively impacting both physical and mental well-being. At such times, brewing a cup of hot tea allows the aroma to dispel the gloom in one's heart and the warmth of the tea to flow through the body, bringing joy and comfort. Let the raindrops on the banana leaves be without interest, why not boil water and share a cup of tea, letting the wind scatter the flowers in the courtyard!

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