When using high-quality mineral water, the resulting green tea will have a clear and bright appearance, providing a refreshing and clean taste. Attention to these details in the tea-drinking process leads to a more satisfying experience.
Water temperature is another important factor in brewing. It’s a misconception that boiling water at 100°C is always the best temperature for brewing. Many tea sets on the market now indicate optimal water temperatures.
For the first infusion, a temperature of 80°C to 90°C is ideal. Temperatures above 90°C can damage the tea polyphenols, causing the tea to turn yellow and negatively affecting the flavor.
Now that we have prepared the tea leaves, teaware, and water, it’s time for the final step—brewing, which is also quite nuanced. In films, you often see people adjusting the height of the water when brewing.
This technique, known as point injection, helps maintain a consistent direction of the water flow. It’s crucial to avoid pouring water directly onto the tea leaves, which would cause splashing and mess on the cup’s sides.
Another method is wall brewing, which enhances the aesthetic of the brewing process and minimizes direct contact between hot water and the tea leaves—this attention to detail showcases the artistry involved.
These are some considerations for brewing green tea. Next, let’s talk about the second most common type of tea—black tea. The brewing method for this type differs from that of green tea.
In terms of teaware, white porcelain covered bowls are generally preferred. Black tea is a fully fermented tea, and careful control of the infusion time is essential; white porcelain bowls make it easy to observe the tea.
The choice of water for brewing black tea differs from that for green tea. Clear, sweet spring water is the best choice, followed by mineral water. It’s best to avoid tap water, as its alkaline components can distort the flavor of the black tea, making it difficult to taste its true essence.
Water temperature for brewing black tea has been a point of contention among tea lovers. Some believe boiling water maximizes the aroma, while others feel that boiling water can alter the delicate flavor of the tender leaves.
