A Guide on How to Brew Tea

Wondering how to brew tea? Becoming an expert at making tea requires attention to detail and practice. To make a truly exceptional cup of tea, follow these key considerations based on two decades of tea-drinking experience.

Quality of the Water

Water serves as the foundation of tea. The source and quality of water significantly impact the flavor of your tea. Ideal water for brewing tea should come from a spring, have a sweet taste, be flowing, clear, and light in quality. Modern experiments show that spring water, well water, and distilled water are among the best choices, while tap water is generally not recommended.

Temperature of the Water

Water temperature plays a crucial role in tea brewing and varies depending on the type of tea. Different temperatures bring out specific flavors and aromas in the tea. For example, green teas like Longjing and Xinyang Maojian brew best at around 80 degrees Celsius (176 degrees Fahrenheit). Oolong teas benefit from teaware preheated with boiling water. Black teas often require boiling water, while certain pressed teas like brick tea brew best with water above 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit).

Timing

Timing and brewing duration depend on the type of tea, water temperature, and the amount of tea used. In daily life, black and green teas are common. Use about 3 grams of dried tea per cup with approximately 200 ml of boiled water. Cover the cup for 20-45 seconds before drinking. Usually, tea is best brewed three times.

Tea Brewing Amounts

The amount of tea used for brewing varies depending on the type of tea, tea wares, and the drinker’s preference. Tea lovers and heavy labor workers may prefer more tea, while beginners or those unaccustomed to tea might use less. Generally, each gram of tea should brew with 50-60 ml of water, preferably boiled. Different teas require different amounts of water. For Oolong, use about twice the amount of tea as you would for black or green tea, but reduce the water by half.

Mood Affects Tea Brewing

The mood of the person brewing the tea is key to making good tea. Brewing tea is not just about enjoying the natural spirit of tea but also engaging in a dialogue with nature. A saying goes, “One person drinks the tea to get the spirit, two people get the fun, three people get the taste.” Only in a good mood can you get the best out of tea drinking. A tea master once told me that mind influences the quality of the tea taste. Imagine the outcome of your tea brew if you’re in a good mood versus a bad one. The mind and mood is crucial.

How to Brew Tea by Type

• Oolong Tea: Use 3-5 grams of Oolong tea. Prepare water at roughly 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Discard the first water pour to remove any impurities.
• Green Tea: Brew green tea at 185 degrees Fahrenheit. Use 3-5 grams depending on the brewing tool size. For Gai Wan, 3 grams suffices, while 5 grams may be necessary for larger pots. Avoid overheating and over-steeping, as this leads to bitterness. Green tea is the most sensitive to temperature and brewing times, so pay close attention.
• Puerh Tea: For ripe Puerh varieties, boil the water between 208-212 degrees Fahrenheit. For raw varieties, use a similar temperature, but younger Puerh tastes better between 202-208 degrees.
• Black Tea: Always bring black tea to a full boil. This helps bring out the flavor and aroma created during the oxidation process. Use 3-5 grams and steep for shorter periods. Steeping too long leads to bitterness and a higher release of caffeine.