Time for Tea!

How to Brew Good Chinese Tea

General Guidelines

Serving size depends on personal preference and type of tea. Typically, it works out that 1 flat tablespoon is about the right size for 1 serving, which is equal to

Green, Jasmine, Red teas	3-5 grams
Oolong, Fermented, Black teas	6-8 grams

Still not sure how much to use? We have single-serving packs for sale!

Water temperatures (+/-5 degrees… don’t be too rigid)  

Green, Jasmine	175F / 80C
Oolong	195F / 90C
Red, Black, Puer, Fu Cha	212F / 100C

 

Gong Fu Style

“Gong Fu” (aka Kungfu) translates to Effort, Labor, Skill, Art. This term exemplifies the very Chinese notion that exquisite things come from work and practice.

Gong Fu style tea brewing is, as its name suggests, labor-intensive. Different teas require different water temperatures, brew times, and vessels in order to yield optimal flavor. It uses special equipment that you probably don’t have, so we won’t go into detail about it here, but @TeaHouseGhost has some excellent videos if you’re curious. Come to one of our tasting events to experience Gong Fu style tea. It’s really fun!

 

Grandpa Style

**Read next section below for Grandpa style specific to Puer and Fu teas**

This no-fuss method is used across China for enjoyment of everyday tea. For added pleasure, use clear glass to showcase the leaves and colors. Go fancy with a highball glass, or keep it simple with a jar.

1. Add loose tea leaves to the glass/jar.

 

2. Add hot water. See above for water temperature guide.

 

3. Let steep. Enjoy the movement, expansion, and evolving colors. If you’re making good green tea, look for the tiny “fur” floating in the liquid, a sign of freshness. The leaves will settle downward. No need to strain. When it’s cooled to a good temperature for you, drink straight from the glass.  

 

4. You can top off the glass 1-2 times. Leave a bit of liquid from the first brewing when adding more water, for continuity of flavor. This is a great way to keep enjoying tea later in the day if you’re caffeine-sensitive: most of the caffeine will be in the first brew, with subsequent brews being lighter in flavor and very low in caffeine.

 

Brewing Fermented Teas (Puer, Fu Cha) ~ 2 ways

1. Use a small teapot for easy repeated brewing; or a glass jar/big mug for Grandpa style.

Add 6-8 grams of tea (about the amount that fits on a teaspoon, or 1 individually-wrapped dragon pearl).

2. Rinse the tea: This step allows the compressed teas to start opening up so the flavors can come out. Also, it cleans off any dust that may have accumulated through the years of aging these teas.

Add boiling water. Pour enough to just submerge the tea. Let sit for 15-30 seconds to begin the blooming process.

  

3. Discard the water. Keep the tea leaves : )

4. Now the tea has opened, and is ready to brew!

5. Once again, add boiling water to your vessel. Let steep 30-60 seconds.

(take time to appreciate the leaves expanding, the colors and smells of different teas)

   

6. Strain out and enjoy your tea. Or, for grandpa style, you can sip straight from the jar.

 

     

7. These fermented teas are very sturdy and will keep giving plenty of flavor with subsequent brewing! We enjoy at least 3 brews with the Fu Cha, and 5+ brews with good Puer.

 

 

Summer-Sippin’ Chinese Tea

When it’s 90 degrees with 90% humidity, you may not want your tea piping hot. Here’s a SUMMER way to enjoy these beautiful teas.

You can use any good-quality Chinese tea – check above for serving size and water temperature tips. Our favorite summer teas are Jasmine, Oolong, and Green, which have neutral or cooling energetic properties, and are truly refreshing.

1. Put loose tea into a quart jar.

2. Fill jar ~3/4 full with hot water. See above for water temperature guide.

3. Let steep ~2 minutes, then strain into another quart jar. Don't over-steep, it can get too bitter. (These metal mesh strainers are so useful! We sell them for $3 as a public service.)

4. Let cool to desired summer-sippin’ temperature. Dilute a bit if you like a lighter flavor. Use more tea in step 1 if you like it stronger. Enjoy!

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