"How to Brew Puer Tea Correctly?"
Introduction to Brewing Pu'er Tea
China boasts six major categories of tea, among which Pu'er tea stands out as a highly renowned and commonly consumed variety. Renowned for its durability in brewing and improving with age, Pu'er tea contains the highest levels of tea polyphenols compared to all other teas. It not only warms the stomach, aids in weight loss, lowers cholesterol, and fights cancer but also clears heat, detoxifies, and promotes longevity. Brewing tea, particularly Pu'er, requires attention to detail, as improper methods can result in bitter or impure-tasting infusions. So, how should Pu'er tea be brewed to achieve optimal flavor? Let's delve into the steps below.
Preparation for Brewing Pu'er Tea
- Water and Temperature: Use mineral or purified water, with a temperature range of 90°C to 100°C for optimal results.
- Tea Quantity: Use a tea knife to gently pry layers of the Pu'er tea cake (tuo cha, zhuan cha) according to the number of drinkers. For a small group, 8-10 grams suffice; for larger gatherings, 15-20 grams are recommended.
- Waking the Tea: Place the Pu'er leaves in the teapot, pour in hot water (this step awakens the tea and enhances its clarity), and discard the initial infusion.
- Brewing Utensils:
- Clay Ceramic Pot: Ideal for Pu'er tea due to its large size, which better showcases the tea's color, aroma, and flavor. Its rustic charm complements the tea's aged flavor.
- Zisha Teapot: Also suitable for Pu'er tea because of its breathability and heat retention properties.
- Gaiwan Cup: Elegant and versatile, it's a suitable alternative for brewing Pu'er tea.
- Glass Cups: Larger, clear glass cups are preferable for appreciating Pu'er's distinctive brew color. Mature Pu'er resembles amber or agate, retaining its vibrant hue and flavor over multiple infusions. Raw Pu'er, on the other hand, boasts a clear, glossy appearance akin to honey-coated oil, maintaining its color and taste throughout.
- Beginners' Choice: Glass cups or gaiwan cups are recommended for beginners, as they objectively display Pu'er's characteristics and allow for easy observation of the tea infusion.
With this knowledge, you should now be equipped to brew Pu'er tea correctly. Regular consumption of Pu'er tea aids in weight loss, fat reduction, and anti-aging. So, why not indulge in a cup of fragrant and mellow Pu'er tea during your leisure time? However, please be mindful that excessive tea consumption may lead to insomnia.
