Tea brewing is an art, and the key to mastering this art is to understand the three elements of brewing: temperature, time and tea-water ratio. The delicate balance of these three can maximize the aroma, flavor and efficacy of the tea. Let's delve deeper into these brewing elements and learn how to make the perfect cup of tea.
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The Importance of Temperature
Water temperature is crucial when brewing tea. Different types of tea require different water temperatures:
- Green Tea:Green tea usually requires a lower water temperature, around 70-80°C. Too high a temperature can destroy the nutrients in the tea leaves and make the tea broth bitter.
- White Tea:White tea should be brewed at a temperature of between 80-85°C. Lower temperatures can maintain its unique fresh aroma and delicate flavor.
- Oolong Tea:The ideal temperature for oolong tea is 85-90°C. A moderate temperature will release the full aroma and flavor of the tea.
- Red Tea:Black tea requires a higher temperature, around 90-100°C. Higher temperatures stimulate the rich aroma and thicker flavor of black tea.
- Pu-erh Tea:Pu-erh tea is also brewed at temperatures between 90-100°C. The high temperature can effectively dissolve the rich inclusions in the tea.
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Control of brewing time
Brewing time directly affects the strength and flavor of the tea. Below are the recommended brewing times for different types of tea:
- Green Tea:The general brewing time is 1-2 minutes. Too much time will make the tea soup bitter.
- White Tea:Brewing time is about 2-3 minutes to maintain its fresh and light flavor.
- Oolong Tea:Oolong tea requires a brewing time of 2-4 minutes to better reveal its rich aroma and flavor layers.
- Red Tea:Recommended brewing time is 3-5 minutes to release its rich flavor.
- Pu-erh Tea:Brewing time is 3-5 minutes. High temperature and long brewing time can stimulate the unique aging aroma of Puerh tea.
Tea and water ratios
The ratio of tea to water is an important factor in determining the consistency of tea broth. Generally speaking, the standard tea-water ratio is 1:50 to 1:100, i.e. 50 to 100 milliliters of water for every gram of tea. Below are the recommended ratios for various types of tea:
- Green Tea:Use 80-100 ml of water per gram of tea to keep it fresh and light.
- White Tea:Using 75-85 ml of water per gram of tea is able to emphasize its delicate taste.
- Oolong Tea:Use 20-30 ml of water per gram of tea leaves. The higher density of tea leaves releases its aroma and flavor better.
- Red Tea:With 50-60 ml of water per gram of tea, the strong ratio is able to fully express the deep flavor of black tea.
- Pu-erh Tea:Using 15-20 ml of water per gram of tea concentrates its unique aging aroma and heaviness.
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Tips on brewing techniques
In addition to mastering the above three elements, you can also pay attention to the following points when brewing tea:
- Apparatus Selection:Choose the right tea utensils, such as purple clay pots, glass cups or porcelain cups. Different tea utensils will have a subtle effect on the taste of the tea.
- Water Quality Requirements:It is best to use soft water, such as mineral water or filtered water, and avoid chlorinated tap water.
- Tea washing process:Certain types of tea such as Pu'er and Oolong can be given a quick wash before formal brewing to remove impurities from the surface of the tea leaves and to wake up the tea.
Tea brewing may seem simple, but it actually contains a deep culture and skills. By mastering the three elements of temperature, time and tea water ratio, you too can brew a cup of aromatic, full-bodied tea.
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