The Art of Chinese Tea Brewing

The Essence of Water in Chinese Tea

The Hierarchy of Water Sources

In the realm of Chinese tea, water is not just a mere ingredient; it is the lifeblood that determines the tea's quality. Ancient Chinese wisdom proclaims water as the "mother of tea," and it is categorized into three tiers based on its source:

• Hill Water: The pinnacle of water sources, with the most prized being from hilltops.
• River Water: Considered average, with the best quality found at the river's center.
• Well Water: Ranked lowest, with preference given to frequently used wells.

Tap Water Transformation

While hill water is ideal, it is often impractical to obtain. Thus, tap water is the most common substitute. To optimize tap water for tea brewing, two methods are recommended:

• Aeration: Let tap water sit in a container for 24 hours to allow chlorine to dissipate.
• Boiling: After boiling, leave the lid off for 5 minutes to release chlorine.

Distilled water, despite its purity, is not favored for tea brewing due to its lack of minerals that contribute to the tea's flavor profile.

Optimal Water Temperatures for Tea Types

The temperature of the water plays a crucial role in extracting the essence of the tea leaves. Here's a guide to the ideal temperatures for various teas:

• Low Temperature (70 - 80°C): Perfect for delicate teas like young shoot green tea (e.g., Long Jing) and yellow tea (e.g., Silver Needle).
• Medium Temperature (80 - 90°C): Suitable for white tea (e.g., Silver Needle White Fur), red tea, and Oolong.
• High Temperature (90 - 100°C): Best for robust teas like Tie Guan Yin, Pu'er, and Shui Xian.

Young tea leaves thrive in lower temperatures, while mature leaves benefit from higher heat.

Classification and Varieties of Chinese Tea

The Evolution of Tea Categorization

Historically, Chinese tea was classified by its region of origin. However, modern categorization focuses on the method of production. There are six main types of Chinese tea:

• Green
• Yellow
• Black
• White
• Light green
• Red

A Glimpse into Tea Varieties

• Green Tea: With over 3000 years of history, green tea involves sun-drying young shoots without fermentation. Examples include Long Jing, Fur Tip, and Green Spring Snail.
• Yellow Tea: This tea is partially fermented (10-20%) before drying. Examples are Silver Needle and Yellow Soup.
• Black Tea: Fully fermented (100%), black tea is popular in Mongolia, with varieties like Pu'er and brick tea.
• White Tea: Lightly fermented (20-30%), white tea often features young leaves with a white fuzz. Examples are Longevity Eyebrow and White Peony.
• Light Green Tea: Partially fermented (30-60%), this tea has a green center and red edges, offering fruity or floral notes. Examples include Water Fairy and Iron Guan Yin.
• Red Tea: Heavily fermented (80-90%), known as black tea in the West, it often has a rose-like flavor.

The Quintessential Chinese Tea Set

Components of a Traditional Tea Set

• Zisha Tea Pot: Renowned for its fine pores and chemical stability, Zisha pots come in shades from dark purple to light yellow.
• Tea Spoon: Bamboo spoons are preferred for their natural material and functionality in clearing blockages.
• Tea Boat: A platform for the tea pot and cups, it collects the first rinse of water, which is also used for warming the cups.
• Tea Cloth: Essential for drying the exterior of the tea pot.
• Tea Cups: Their size should complement the tea pot for a harmonious tea experience.

Health Benefits of Chinese Tea

Chinese tea is lauded for its healing properties, contributing to wellness and longevity. For instance, Oolong tea is known to reduce blood fat, a property recognized for centuries. Pu'er and white tea are also associated with weight management and cancer risk reduction. However, it is advisable to consume freshly brewed tea and avoid tea that has cooled for extended periods or been left overnight.

For a deeper understanding of the health benefits of tea, the Harvard School of Public Health provides insights into the research on tea's impact on health. Additionally, the Tea Association of the USA offers a wealth of information on tea varieties and brewing techniques.