Dian Hong tea is primarily produced in the high mountain valleys west of the Lancang River and east of the Nu River in southwestern Yunnan, including areas such as Fengqing, Menghai, Lincang, Shuangjiang, and Baoshan. These regions have a subtropical monsoon climate with warm and humid conditions, mild winters, cool summers, fertile soil, ample sunlight, and sufficient water, which leads to vigorous tea growth and a long picking season. The Dian Hong tea produced here is of exceptional quality, rich in flavor, and has a strong and satisfying taste. While Dian Hong tea tastes great, it's important to use the right brewing methods to achieve the best possible taste. So, how should you brew Dian Hong tea for the best taste?
How to Brew Dian Hong Tea for the Best Taste
1. Warming the Cups: First, scald white porcelain cups, teacups, and a fair cup with boiling water.
2. Adding the Tea Leaves: Use a tea spoon to gently place the Dian Hong tea leaves into the teacup. Do not use too much; 3-5 grams per serving is sufficient, as using more can make the tea overly concentrated and affect its overall aroma and texture.
3. Rinsing the Tea: Pour hot water (around 85 degrees Celsius) into the Teaware and immediately pour it out and discard.
4. Brewing the Tea: Pour water cooled to around 85 degrees Celsius slowly along the side of the teacup to make the tea leaves rotate and fully absorb the water. This helps release the color, aroma, and flavor, achieving an even infusion. Fill the teacup up to about 80% full.
5. Tasting the Tea: Cover the white porcelain teacup and wait for about 20 seconds before straining the tea into a fair cup for serving. Once the tea is at a comfortable drinking temperature, it can be enjoyed.
Dian Hong Tea Brewing Tips
1. Quality Tea Leaves: It is essential to choose high-quality tea leaves. If you lack experience in selecting tea, opt for branded teas within the same category, as brand reputation often indicates quality. Store tea away from dampness and high temperatures and avoid storing it with cleaning agents, fragrances, or soaps to maintain its purity. About 3-4 grams of tea is needed for one cup of tea.
2. Good Water Quality: High-quality pure water or mountain spring water containing rich trace elements can best bring out the inherent aroma of the tea.
3. Suitable Teaware: To complement the unique fragrance of Dian Hong tea, appropriate teaware is necessary. Porcelain and glass teaware are recommended.
4. Appropriate Temperature: Place an appropriate amount of tea (3-4 grams) in a Gaiwan, Teapot, or teacup. The water temperature should be around 90 to 95 degrees Celsius. It is also important to preheat the teaware and teacups with hot water beforehand.
5. Correct Timing: After adding the tea leaves and pouring hot water, cover the teapot or gaiwan to allow the aroma and flavor of the Dian Hong tea to develop fully in the hot water. For the first infusion, steep for about 15 to 20 seconds, then increase the Steeping time by 5 to 10 seconds for each subsequent infusion. Depending on the processing method, Dian Hong tea can be brewed 6 to 8 times.
Best Time to Drink Dian Hong Tea
Due to different levels of fermentation, Dian Hong tea contains less tea polyphenols than green tea and is gentler on the stomach. Drinking a cup of Dian Hong tea before a meal to warm up the stomach is perfectly fine. It will not harm the stomach but instead protect it and prepare it for the upcoming meal, achieving the purpose of “waking up the stomach.”
In addition to warming the stomach, Dian Hong tea also excels in promoting intestinal movement, aiding digestion, and reducing the burden on the stomach. Drinking it either before or half an hour after a meal can have very good effects. However, drinking it on an empty stomach can dilute gastric juices, leading to reduced appetite, impaired absorption, and a feeling of fullness. Therefore, this can be a way to lose weight by drinking tea, but it is not recommended to overdo it. Thus, the time before and after meals is also suitable for drinking Dian Hong tea.