The Basics of Puerh Cake Tea
Puerh cake tea, the name sounds full of mystery. It is not only a kind of tea, but also a symbol of culture. For newbies, how to properly brew Puerh Cake Tea may be a bit of a challenge. Don't worry, I will take you step by step to master this art so that you can make a good cup of tea at home.
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What is Puerh cake tea?
Puerh Cake Tea is a type of tea that has been fermented and pressed into cake form. It originated in China's Yunnan Province and is known for its unique flavor and aging potential. There are raw and ripe Pu-erh teas, with raw teas having a fresh flavor and ripe teas being more mellow.
Preparation Before Brewing Puerh Cake Tea
Choosing the Right Puerh Cake Tea
There are different years and types of Puerh cake tea. Beginners can choose some more basic tea cakes to try. Pay attention to the appearance and aroma of the tea leaves. A good quality Puerh cake tea should have an even color and a natural tea aroma.
Choice of Tea Set
The best way to brew Puerh cake tea is to use a purple clay pot or a gaiwan. These tea utensils can better preserve the aroma and flavor of the tea. If you don't have these tea sets, you can also use a regular ceramic teapot.
Prepare the required tools
You will need to prepare a tea needle or a tea knife to disassemble the tea cakes. Some tea knives are specially designed for pu-erh tea and can easily separate the leaves without damaging them. You will also need a tea tray and strainer to filter the tea residue.
Steps to make Puerh cake tea
Unwrap the Tea Cake
Use a tea needle or knife to gently pry along the edge of the tea cake. Be careful not to use too much force so as not to break the tea leaves. The process of unwrapping the tea requires a bit of patience and skill to keep the tea leaves as intact as possible.
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wash tea
Washing tea is an important step in brewing Puerh tea. Put the unwrapped tea leaves into a teapot or gaiwan, pour boiling water over them and pour it off quickly. This step is to remove the dust and impurities from the surface of the tea leaves, and also to awaken the aroma of the tea.
quantity of tea thrown
The amount of tea to be thrown depends on personal taste and the size of the tea set. Generally speaking, it is more appropriate to use 8-10 grams of tea leaves for every 150 milliliters of water. You can adjust the amount of tea according to your taste.
temperature of the body of water
The brewing water temperature for Puerh tea is usually between 95-100 degrees Celsius. You can use freshly boiled water to brew the tea, which will better release the aroma and flavor of the tea.
First brew
The first brew should not be too long, usually around 10-20 seconds. Pour out the tea quickly, this will allow the tea leaves to gradually stretch and release more aroma and flavor.
Follow-up brewing
As the number of brews increases, the time for each brew can be gradually extended. The second brewing can be between 20-30 seconds and the third brewing can be extended to 30-40 seconds. Generally speaking, Puerh tea can be brewed several times, each time bringing a different taste experience.
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The Joy of Tea Tasting
Steps of Tea Tasting
Tea tasting is more than just drinking tea, it is a process of enjoyment. You can smell the aroma of the tea and observe the color of the tea broth, and then take a small sip to feel the change of the tea's taste in your mouth.
Different flavors
The flavor of Puerh tea changes over time. Raw tea tastes fresher and has a distinct astringent flavor when it is fresh, while ripe tea is fermented and has a more mellow flavor with an aged aroma.
The color of the tea broth
The color of the tea broth of Puerh tea also changes with the number of times it is brewed. The color of the tea broth of raw tea is lighter, while the color of the tea broth of ripe tea is darker and redder.
Storage of Pu'er Tea
Storage environment
Puerh tea needs to be stored in a dry, ventilated and odorless environment. It can be placed in a specialized tea canister, avoiding direct sunlight and humid environments.
Storage time
Pu'er tea is unique in that it has the potential to age. As time goes by, the flavor of the tea will become more and more mellow. Therefore, there is no need to rush to drink it and it can be aged slowly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Puerh tea taste bitter?
Brewing too long or throwing too much tea may result in a bitter tea. Try reducing the amount of tea or shortening the brewing time.
How many times can I brew Puerh tea?
Pu-erh tea can usually be brewed 7-10 times. The exact number of times depends on the quality of the tea and personal taste.
What are the effects of Pu-erh tea?
Pu-erh tea helps digestion, lowers blood fat and regulates body functions. Long-term consumption is beneficial to the body, but it should be in moderation and should not be overdone.
concluding remarks
Brewing Puerh cake tea may seem complicated, but once you master the basic skills, you can easily make a good cup of tea. Remember, making tea is not only a skill, but also a way to enjoy life. We hope this guide will help you better understand and enjoy the charm of Puerh cake tea. Whether you are sipping tea quietly by yourself or sharing tea with friends, Puerh cake tea will bring you endless fun and surprises.
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