Different teas have different characteristics; only by matching the brewing method to the nature of each tea can its aroma and flavor be best brought out, truly doing justice to a fine tea.

Based on different tea-making techniques, teas are primarily categorized into six main types: Green tea, Black (Red) tea, Oolong Tea, White tea, Yellow Tea, and Dark (Black) tea. Each type has specific brewing methods that should be followed.

Green Tea

Common green teas include Maojian, Enshi Yulü, etc. These teas are relatively tender, and a water temperature of 80°C to 85°C is suitable, with a tea-to-water ratio of 1:50 being ideal. This results in a clear, bright green tea liquor.

Brewing at too high a temperature or for too long can destroy the polyphenols in the tea, causing the tea liquor to turn yellow and the aromatic compounds to volatilize and dissipate.

Oolong Tea

Oolong teas such as Tieguanyin and Dahongpao are known for their sweet, rich fragrance and are much loved by tea enthusiasts. The three key elements in brewing Oolong tea are the water used, the Teaware, and the brewing technique, following the principle that “spring water is best for the water, charcoal fire is best for the stove, and smaller teaware is preferred.”

When brewing Oolong tea, use a clay pot or a covered bowl with boiling water at 95°C or above. The leaf-to-water ratio is relatively large, typically half or more of the capacity of the pot or covered bowl, and the lid should be placed on top after brewing.

The first infusion of Oolong tea should be discarded, then hot water added again for drinking. High-quality Oolong teas can be brewed 7-8 times, with each subsequent brewing time being slightly longer than the previous one.

Yellow Tea

Yellow tea is a lightly fermented tea, including varieties such as Mengding Huangya, Junshan Yinzhen, and Weishan Maojian. Its leaves are delicate, and a brewing temperature between 85-90°C is suitable. When brewing yellow tea, use about one-quarter of the teaware's capacity in leaves, adjusting according to personal taste.

The optimal brewing time for the first infusion is 30 seconds, extended to 60 seconds for the second infusion, and approximately two minutes for the third, resulting in a better tasting tea liquor.

Black (Red) Tea

Black Tea is a fully fermented tea, and higher water temperatures promote the dissolution of beneficial components. Therefore, it is best to brew black tea using water at 85-90°C, with a similar water volume to green tea and a tea-to-water ratio of 1:50. High-quality gongfu red strip teas can be brewed 3-4 times, while broken black teas can be brewed 1-2 times.

Using a covered bowl when brewing black tea brings out the layers of the tea, which is why it is used when tasting tea samples. It makes it easy to appreciate the aroma and accurately evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a tea infusion.

Dark (Black) Tea

Dark tea is a post-fermented tea that continues to age naturally over time, developing a richer flavor the older it gets.

When brewing dark tea, use boiling water at 100°C. The first infusion should be a quick rinse of 10-20 seconds, which not only filters out impurities but also makes the tea liquor more fragrant. Subsequent infusions are usually steeped for 2-3 minutes. Dark tea is typically brewed using specialized teaware, such as clay pots or covered bowls.

White Tea

Choose white tea with young shoots and leaves just beginning to unfold, with dry leaves that are fresh and green with a slight golden hue, a clear and refreshing aroma, and a fine, uniform appearance.

The choice of water is most important when brewing white tea, and the water temperature should not be too high, generally kept at 85-90°C. Use a transparent glass cup or a transparent glass-covered bowl to brew white tea. Through a glass cup, you can enjoy watching the various shapes of white tea as it unfurls in the water, savoring its flavor, appreciating its aroma, and observing its unique character of white leaves with green veins.

Tea doesn't require complex theories; as long as you take the time to experience it, you can gain the most beautiful experiences through brewing, tasting, and appreciating tea!