Tea Rituals and Tips

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1. How to Brew Tea Properly?

Black Tea

  • Water temperature: 90-95°C

  • Brewing time: 3-5 minutes

  • Recommendation: Use a teapot with a wide lid to allow the tea to unfold. For better flavor, it is recommended to pre-warm the teapot.

Green Tea

  • Water temperature: 70-80°C

  • Brewing time: 2-3 minutes

  • Recommendation: Green tea should be brewed with not-too-hot water to preserve its delicate flavor and aroma.

Oolong Tea

  • Water temperature: 80-90°C

  • Brewing time: 2-4 minutes

  • Recommendation: Oolong tea is best brewed in small teapots (e.g., gongfu teapot) to allow all the flavors to unfold.

Pu-erh Tea

  • Water temperature: 95-100°C

  • Brewing time: 3-5 minutes

  • Recommendation: Pu-erh can be brewed multiple times, each time adjusting the steeping time to extract different flavor notes.

2. How to Choose the Perfect Tea Set?

  • For Black Tea: Choose sets with clay teapots or porcelain cups to help the tea develop better flavors and a rich taste.

  • For Green Tea: Use glass teapots or ceramic teapots with thin walls to watch the brewing process and preserve the freshness of the flavor.

  • For Oolong and Pu-erh: Ideal for Yixing teapots made from zisha clay, which allows the tea to "breathe" and release a full spectrum of aromas.

3. How to Care for Your Tea Sets?

Clay Teapots

  • Care: After each use, rinse the teapot thoroughly with hot water, avoiding detergents, to preserve the "memory" of the tea.

  • Tip: For best results, dedicate the teapot to one type of tea. For example, a teapot for pu-erh should not be used for other teas.

Porcelain Teapots and Cups

  • Care: They are easy to clean, but be sure to rinse them thoroughly after each use to maintain clarity and cleanliness.

  • Tip: Avoid storing tea in the teapot for long periods to prevent any lingering odors.

Glass Teapots

  • Care: Glass is easy to clean, but avoid sudden temperature changes. It is better not to use glass teapots for boiling water immediately after cold water.

4. How to Make Tea Rituals Even More Special?

  • Pre-warm the teapot: Before brewing, pour hot water into the teapot and let it warm up. This helps the tea unfold better.

  • Use a tea filter: Especially helpful for brewing loose leaf tea to avoid residue in your cup.

  • Set the mood for the ritual: Prepare your space, light candles, and get into a state of calm and harmony. Tea is not just a drink but a cultural ritual.

5. How to Store Tea Properly?

  • For Black and Green Teas: Store tea in airtight jars or tea boxes in a dry, cool place. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight.

  • For Pu-erh Tea: Pu-erh requires special storage conditions — it should "breathe", so it’s best stored in wooden boxes or special bags.

  • Don’t store tea in the fridge: Cold air can affect the taste of tea and cause it to lose its aroma.

6. How to Brew Tea Gongfu-Style?

  • What you need: A gongfu teapot, tea tray, small cups, and a brewing vessel.

  • The process:

    1. Pre-warm the teaware.

    2. Use a clay teapot (for oolong, pu-erh).

    3. Place the tea in the teapot (about 1/3 of the teapot’s volume).

    4. Pour hot water and let it steep for about 30 seconds.

    5. Drink the tea in small sips, savoring each moment.