Tea tasting is actually a form of enjoyment. The rich aroma of tea, sipping slowly, brings a sense of relaxation and joy. How can one better appreciate tea? Let’s take a look with the editor below.
Preparations Before Tasting Tea
1. Choose the Right Teapot
To fully appreciate tea, it’s important to select a teapot that matches the type of tea leaves. The quality of the teapot also affects the brewing results. Porcelain teapots, with their high density, bring out the tea’s light and fragrant notes, making them suitable for green tea, jasmine tea, light oolong, and other delicate teas. Clay teapots, with their lower density, enhance the deep and robust flavors, ideal for Pu-erh, Tieguanyin, and other bold teas.
2. Choose the Right Environment
A pleasant environment influences the mood during tea tasting. Therefore, it’s best to select an elegant setting to help relax and enjoy the moment.
3. Brewing the Tea
Before brewing, pour boiling water into the teapot and cups, let it sit for three to four minutes, then discard the water. This removes any odors and helps release the tea’s aroma.
When pouring water, it’s best to pour from a height to allow the water to flow vigorously into the teapot. When serving tea, keep the spout close to the cup to preserve the tea’s fragrance.
Steps for Tasting Tea
1. Smell the Aroma
Bring the cup to your nose and inhale gently to sense the tea’s fragrance. Alternatively, hold the cup at lip level, use one hand to hold it, and gently fan the air near the cup with the other hand to direct the aroma toward your nose.
2. Savor the Flavor
Take a small sip and let the tea’s taste unfold in your mouth. Close your eyes and slowly appreciate the flavor. Since the area where the sense of smell is most sensitive to aroma is where the upper palate meets the nasal cavity, lowering your head while tasting can enhance the experience.
3. Reflect on the Aftertaste
After each sip, take a moment to savor the lingering aroma before taking the next sip.
Tea tasting is truly wonderful. Enjoy it to the fullest.