Pu'er Tea is brewed differently from other teas, which is related to its unique nature. Pu'er tea comes from large leaves in Yunnan and is mostly Compressed tea, known for becoming more fragrant with age. It is categorized into raw and ripe Pu'er based on its fermentation level. Therefore, brewing Pu'er tea requires a certain skill set. What should you pay attention to when brewing Pu'er tea?

What Should You Pay Attention to When Brewing Pu'er Tea?

1. Water Quality Requirements

Water quality is one of the critical factors affecting the taste of tea. Good water quality enhances the tea's flavor, making it fresh and natural. Therefore, choose pure, clean water with low mineral content. For drinking Pu'er tea, use odorless tap water that has been boiled or sterile bottled water.

2. Choice of Teaware

There are many types of teaware used for brewing Pu'er tea, and you should choose one that suits your preferences and purpose. Regardless of the type of teaware selected, pay attention to the material and cleanliness. Ceramic teaware is recommended; ensure it is cleaned thoroughly before use to avoid any odors, guaranteeing the best quality of tea.

3. Water Temperature for Brewing

Selecting the correct water temperature is key to brewing high-quality tea. The ideal water temperature for brewing Pu'er tea is generally between 90 to 100 degrees Celsius. Boiling water directly over tea can make it overly bitter, affecting the taste. Thus, pour out some boiling water and let it cool for a moment to reach the appropriate temperature before using it to Brew the tea.

4. Brewing Time

Brewing Pu'er tea requires patience and technique. Before brewing, understand the type of tea and the relevant brewing time. Pu'er tea comes in various types, each requiring different brewing times. Typically, the brewing time for Pu'er tea ranges from 30 seconds to 5 minutes. Too short a brewing time results in a too mild taste, while too long makes it overly bitter.

5. Number of Infusions

The number of infusions for Pu'er tea varies depending on the tea's quality and brewing method. High-quality Pu'er tea can be steeped multiple times, demonstrating good durability. Each infusion reveals different layers of aroma and changes in the tea liquor. However, note that the tea has a limited shelf life. Generally, Pu'er tea can be brewed about 3 to 5 times, ensuring optimal drinking quality.

6. Pu'er Tea Brewing Method: Pouring Out the Tea Liquor

The timing of pouring out the tea liquor is also important. For the same type of tea, the tea brewed by a tea house tastes great, but yours may not. This could simply be a matter of timing. It should be just right; if left to steep for too long, it won't be good. Pouring out the tea liquor too quickly is also not ideal.

Generally, after waking the tea, the first eight infusions are poured out immediately. Starting from the ninth infusion, extend the brewing time by 5 seconds for each subsequent infusion (e.g., the ninth infusion by 5 seconds, the tenth by 10 seconds, the eleventh by 15 seconds). After the ninth infusion, you can rinse the pot to maintain warmth and humidity during brewing. This ensures a full-bodied taste without uneven concentration in the tea liquor.