With a vast variety of teas in China, they are primarily categorized into six main types.

Green tea is refreshing and invigorating; Black Tea is mellow and sweet; oolong tea is complex and versatile; white tea is light and smooth; yellow tea is fragrant and sweet; dark tea is rich and robust.

The taste of each type of tea varies when brewed, with specific methods for each. brewing tea correctly maximizes its benefits, and in this article, we will share the best brewing methods for the six main types of tea with fellow tea enthusiasts.

01. Green Tea

Common green teas include Biluochun, West Lake Longjing, and Mengding Ganlu, among others.

These delicate teas should not be steeped in boiling water; instead, a temperature of 80°C to 85°C is ideal. The recommended ratio of tea leaves to water is 1:50, and the Steeping time should be 2-3 minutes. When brewed correctly, the tea has a clear, bright green color and a pleasant aroma.

However, it is important to note that steeping at too high a temperature for too long can destroy the polyphenols in the tea, causing the tea to turn yellow and the aromatic compounds to evaporate.

When using a porcelain cup, first moisten the tea leaves with one-quarter of the water, wait for about 20 seconds or half a minute, then add more water to drink, without covering the cup, as this can cause the tea to become yellow. We recommend using a glass cup for brewing, as it allows you to watch the tea leaves sink and rise in the water, adding an extra layer of enjoyment!

02. Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is a semi-fermented tea that combines the sweetness of black tea, the freshness of green tea, and the fragrance of flower-scented tea, making it popular among tea lovers.

Tasting oolong tea not only quenches thirst but is also an artistic experience. Three key elements in brewing oolong tea are the water used, the teaware, and the brewing technique, adhering to the principle that “the best water comes from stone springs, charcoal fires are ideal for heating, and smaller teaware is preferred.”

To brew oolong tea, use a specialized Yixing clay pot or a covered bowl, and ensure the water is at 95°C. A larger quantity of oolong tea leaves is used, typically filling half or more of the pot or bowl, and cover after brewing.

When brewing oolong tea, discard the first infusion and use this water to warm all the cups. Then pour hot water over the tea and drink. High-quality oolong tea can be brewed multiple times, up to 7-8 infusions, with each subsequent infusion taking slightly longer, ideally between 2-5 minutes.

03. Yellow Tea

Yellow tea is a lightly fermented tea, including Mengding Huangya, Junshan Silver Needle, and Weishan Maojian.

Due to its delicate nature, water that is too hot can scald the leaves, so a brewing temperature of 85-90°C is preferable.

To brew yellow tea, place one-quarter of the tea leaves in the teaware based on its capacity, adjusting according to personal taste. The optimal brewing time for the first infusion is 30 seconds, increasing to 60 seconds for the second, and approximately two minutes for the third. This results in a better-tasting tea.

A glass cup or porcelain cup is recommended, especially a glass cup for brewing Junshan Silver Needle, allowing you to appreciate the tea leaves emerging like bamboo shoots, rising and falling gently, creating a fascinating spectacle known as “three rises and three falls.”

04. Black Tea

Black tea is a fully fermented tea, with Qimen black tea being a famous representative. Common black teas include premium full-bodied red strip tea and broken black tea.

Unlike green tea, higher water temperatures facilitate the release of beneficial components. Therefore, the best way to brew black tea is to use freshly boiled water, using the same amount of water as for green tea, with a brewing time of 3-5 minutes. Premium full-bodied red strip tea can be brewed 3-4 times, while broken black tea can be brewed 1-2 times.

The best teaware for brewing black tea is a covered bowl or Yixing clay pot. Using a covered bowl brings out the original flavor and distinct layers of the tea, which is why it is often used for tasting tea samples, making it convenient for appreciating the aroma and accurately evaluating the quality of a tea. However, it does not retain heat as well as a Yixing clay pot; if you enjoy nurturing your teapot, use a Yixing clay pot.

05. Dark Tea

Dark tea is a post-fermented tea that continues to naturally age during storage, developing a richer flavor over time.

Dark tea is not only effective but also does not affect sleep, making it particularly suitable for drinking in the evening.

“Better to go without food for three days than without tea for one day” refers to dark tea, highlighting its unique status as a tea that combines collection, culture, and health.

For dark teas such as Anhua dark tea, use boiling water at 100°C for brewing. For the first infusion, rinse the tea quickly for 10-20 seconds by placing the tea leaves in a cup, pouring boiling water over them, then discarding the water before refilling the cup with boiling water and covering it. This not only filters out impurities but also makes the tea more fragrant. Subsequent infusions should take 2-3 minutes.

Dark tea is usually brewed using specialized teaware, such as a Yixing clay pot or a covered bowl, with twice the amount of tea leaves compared to green tea.

06. White Tea

White tea is categorized into five types based on the tea plant variety and the standard of fresh leaf used: Baihao Yinzheng, Baimudan, Quancheng Hong, Quancheng Green, Gongmei, Shoumei, and new white tea.

Selecting good water is crucial for brewing white tea, as it requires fine, thin leaves. Therefore, the water temperature should not be too high, ideally around 85-90°C.

The best choice for brewing white tea is a transparent glass cup or a transparent glass covered bowl. Brewing white tea in a glass cup allows you to fully appreciate the myriad postures of the tea leaves in the water, savoring its flavor, inhaling its fragrance, and observing the unique quality of its white leaves and green veins.

Tea leaves, simply leaves from nature; tea, a taste of natural sweetness; as long as you take the time to experience it, you can find the most beautiful experience in brewing, tasting, and appreciating tea!