What teas are best brewed in a gaiwan? Teas such as Little Green Tangerine (Xiao Qing Gan), white Tea, black tea (red tea), green tea, Oolong Tea, dark tea (pu'er), and floral teas can all be brewed using a gaiwan. A gaiwan is also known as a “trinity bowl,” and it is characterized by its simplicity and ease of pouring the infusion. Moreover, a gaiwan does not absorb the flavors of the tea nor mask its imperfections, allowing for an authentic representation of the tea's taste and aroma. It also avoids the issue of oversteeping, making it suitable for all types of tea and effectively showcasing their unique characteristics.

Why Use a Gaiwan to Brew Tea?

Appreciating tea involves a meticulous focus on “observing color, smelling fragrance, tasting flavor, and viewing the shape.” Brewing tea in cups or pots does not facilitate observation of color and shape, nor does it allow for easy adjustment of the tea's strength. Furthermore, prolonged brewing can lead to a decline in quality, causing the tea to lose its color and aroma. From both a connoisseur's perspective and a health standpoint, the limitations of brewing tea in cups or pots are clear.

A gaiwan set includes a bowl, a lid, and a saucer, each uniquely designed and meticulously crafted. The tea bowl is wider at the top than at the bottom, and the lid fits snugly inside. The saucer serves as a base, ensuring that the lid does not slip off while drinking and eliminating the risk of burning one's hands. Additionally, holding the saucer helps maintain balance, and there is no need to remove the lid entirely; instead, it can be partially opened to prevent leaves from entering the mouth while allowing the tea to flow out gradually.

The Benefits of Brewing Tea with a Gaiwan

1. A gaiwan is suitable for brewing any type of tea, unlike a glass cup which is only ideal for green tea and other teas that do not fare well. Yixing clay Teapots are not recommended for brewing green tea, and since they have a double-pore structure, they tend to absorb the flavors of the tea. If you enjoy a variety of teas, you would need different teapots for each kind. However, with a gaiwan, the porcelain does not absorb flavors. Using just one gaiwan, you can adjust the brewing process slightly according to the nature of the tea, allowing you to brew any type of tea effectively.

2. Porcelain gaiwans have a tightly packed glaze, which does not enhance the flavor of the tea but allows for an accurate assessment of the tea's quality. Whenever you encounter a new tea, it's best to try brewing it several times using a gaiwan. This will help you understand the tea's character before deciding whether to use a Yixing Teapot to target specific brewing techniques that highlight the tea's strengths and mitigate its weaknesses.

3. Brewing tea with a gaiwan requires minimal equipment. At its simplest, you need only a gaiwan, a kettle of hot water, and some tea leaves. However, if you prefer a more elaborate setup, you can include additional items like a pitcher, a tea tray, and teacups. The configuration of your gaiwan setup is flexible, allowing for both simplicity and complexity.

4. Brewing tea with a gaiwan is water-efficient, which may appeal to environmental enthusiasts. To brew the same amount of tea, using a Yixing teapot requires approximately twice as much water as a gaiwan.

This concludes our introduction. When using a gaiwan to brew tea, be mindful to avoid burns. If you're unsure about how to use a gaiwan, familiarize yourself with various gaiwan brewing methods. This will help you prepare a delicious cup of tea.