If you are a tea enthusiast, raw Pu'er tea cake will certainly not be unfamiliar to you. Not only does raw Pu'er tea cake have a unique Taste, but it is also beneficial to health. However, for many beginners, how to properly brew raw Pu'er tea cake can be a bit complicated. Today, we'll talk about how to brew a delicious cup of Pu'er tea, allowing you to easily enjoy the charm of this traditional tea.
(Image source: network, delete upon infringement)
What is Raw Pu'er Tea Cake?
Raw Pu'er tea cake is a Compressed tea made from large-leaf Yunnan sun-dried Green Tea. Raw tea is unfermented tea that has a fresh and fragrant taste. Over time, raw tea naturally oxidizes, and its flavor gradually becomes richer and smoother.
Preparing Tools and Materials
First, you need to prepare some basic tools and materials, including:
- Raw Pu'er tea cake
- Tea knife or tea needle (for prying open the tea cake)
- Teapot or Gaiwan
- Teacup
- Strainer (optional)
- Boiling water
Step One: Prying Open the Tea Cake
Raw Pu'er tea cakes are usually tightly compressed, so we need to use a tea knife or tea needle to carefully pry them open. Use a tea knife to gently pry along the edge of the tea cake, trying to maintain the integrity of the leaves so that they can evenly release their flavor during brewing.
(Image source: network, delete upon infringement)
Step Two: Warming the Teapot and Teacup
Before officially brewing, warm the teapot and teacup with hot water. This step can increase the temperature of the tea utensils, helping to better stimulate the aroma of the tea leaves. Pour hot water into the teapot and teacup, shake a few times, then pour it out.
Step Three: Rinsing the Tea
Rinsing the tea is an important step in the brewing process of Pu'er tea. Take an appropriate amount of pruned tea leaves (generally 5-7 grams of tea per 100 ml of water), place them in the teapot or gaiwan, pour boiling water over them, and quickly pour it out. The purpose of rinsing the tea is to remove dust and impurities on the surface of the leaves and to awaken the tea.
Step Four: Official Brewing
After rinsing the tea, you can begin the official brewing. Pour boiling water, with the water temperature suggested to be controlled between 90-95°C. The first brewing time is 10-15 seconds, with each subsequent brewing time increasing by 5-10 seconds. Raw Pu'er tea can generally be brewed 6-8 times, adjusting specifically based on the quality of the tea leaves and personal taste preferences.
(Image source: network, delete upon infringement)
Step Five: Tasting the Tea
After each brewing, pour the tea into the teacup to taste. Raw Pu'er tea has a clear infusion, a fresh taste, and a noticeable aftertaste. You can savor the changes in each brew, experiencing the unique charm of raw Pu'er tea.
A Few Tips
1. The brewing method for raw Pu'er tea of different years and origins may vary slightly, and adjustments can be made according to specific circumstances.
2. Use mineral water or purified water for brewing, as water quality affects the taste of the tea.
3. When storing tea, be sure to avoid light, moisture, and odors to maintain the quality of the tea.
Brewing raw Pu'er tea cake is actually not complicated. As long as you master the above steps, you can easily brew a delicious cup of Pu'er tea. We hope this article can help you and allow you to enjoy good times amidst the aroma of tea.