A Master Tea Brewer’s Three-step Formula

Step 1: Pre-brewing Preparation
There are three things that we should take note of before beginning the brewing process.
First, prepare the tea leaves. Take out an appropriate amount of tea leaves as per the number of guests. Next boil water-different tea requires water of different temperature. Avoid re-boiling water. Also, one must make sure that the amount of water poured into the kettle is enough. Lastly, prepare the needed tools or condiments in accordance to the type of tea brewed. For example, when brewing black tea, one should keep sugar cubes and cream.

Step 2: Brewing
A tea-brewing expert pays close attention to three aspects: water temperature, quantity of tea leaves and brewing time. The water temperature for different tea types vary. For example, Oolong tea should be brewed in boiling water. Green tea requires about 80°C. The amount of tea leaves varies in accordance to the taste of the guests. When brewing tea in a cup, the ratio of tea to water is usually 1:50; in a pot, the ratio changes depending on the type of tea leaves and the preferences of the tea drinker. Finally, as tea leaves are produced in different places and harvested at different times, the time for brewing varies. Usually, tea brewed in a cup is ready after steeping for 2 to 3 minutes. However, some teas may take longer. For example, White Peony Tea requires steeping for 5 minutes. Also, tea brewed in a pot is steeped for different time lengths. For example, the first infusion of Oolong tea is very short, needing only approximately 40 seconds. Subsequent infusions take a little longer.

Step 3: Cleaning and storing the tea set after use
Clean and store the tea sets immediately after use. Tea dregs left in the teapot over an extended period of time begin to rot. This will cause the flavor of the tea being lost in
subsequent brewing. Also, tea dust accumulates easily on the tea set. Do not use dishwashing detergents to clean Yixing teapots because the teapot will absorb the chemicals present, thus affecting the quality of the tea. Drain the tea dregs and wash the Zisha teapot with plain water. Porcelain or glass items can be cleaned
with dishwashing detergents. Ensure that the handles, base and inner walls are cleaned. Use soft materials such as cotton cloths in cleaning. Metal mesh or other hard materials will scratch the glazed surface of these items. Dry with the tea towel. The tea towel should also be washed and dried. Lastly, ensure safety by turning off all electrical appliances. Take extra care in caring for the tea set. For example, bamboo or wooden tea trays tend to crack and leak if it is not used frequently during dry seasons. Cover it with a moist towel.
Tea Tips
The selection of the tea set is very important. The taste and fragrance of different tea leaves vary when brewed in different tea sets.