Do you know that the way you brew your green tea can significantly impact its flavour? Different brewing methods brings out unique characteristics of green tea. Join me on a journey to explore three main methods of brewing green tea and discover which method is best suited for the specific type of green tea you are brewing.
1. Shang Tou Fa (pouring from above)
If you don’t drink green tea often, I recommend using the first method, called “shang tou fa” (pouring from above). This brewing method is ideal for brewing green tea with delicate and small tea leaves, such as Menu Ding Gan Lu, Bi Luo Chun and Xin Yang Mao Jian, which have fine tips and buds. This method allows you to enjoy a non-bitter and sweet taste. Here’s how you do it:
1. Pour 100°C water into the cup first , filling it up to 70%.
2. Let it sit for about one minute until the water temperature drops (around 80-85°C).
3. Add the tea leaves into the cup /gaiwan/ teapot. Steep for a few moment and enjoy.
By this way, you can enjoy a non-bitter and pleasantly sweet flavour, but its aroma may not be very strong.
2. Zhong Tou Fa (pouring from the middle)
The second method is called “zhong tou fa” (pouring from the middle). This brewing method is ideal for brewing green tea with tightly rolled or flat-shaped tea leaves, such as Longing , Que She, or other fine tea leaves with one bud one leaf/ two leaves. It provides a balanced taste and aroma. If you want a highly concentrated and sweet flavor, you can try this method:
1. Pour one-third of the water into the cup/gaiwan/ teapot..
2. Wait until the water temperature cools down to around 80°C-85°C.
3. Add the tea leaves into the cup/gaiwan/ teapot.
4. Let the tea steep for about two minutes.
5. Increase the water temperature and continue pouring water. Try to pour the water along the inner side of the cup/gaiwan/ teapot
The advantages of the “zhong tou fa” method are that it lowers the water temperature, enhances the tea’s aroma, and reduces its bitterness.ouring
3. Xia Tou Fa (pouring from below)
The third method is called “xia tou fa” (pouring from below). This is ideal for green tea with larger and more loosely shaped tea leaves, such as Tai Ping Hou Kui and Lu An Gua Pian. This method is easy for producing a rich aroma and flavor.
Here’s how you do it:
1. Put the tea leaves into the cup first.
2. Let the water boil, then let it cool for 3 minutes before pouring it into the cup.
3. Pour the water into the cup, avoiding pouring directly onto the tea leaves.
The advantages of the “xia tou fa” method are its convenience and the rich flavor it produces. However, if the water temperature is too high, it can decrease the freshness of the tea and increase its bitterness.
When brewing specific green teas, it’s not limited to just one method. You can explore and compare different brewing techniques to discover the variations. Each method brings unique flavors and characteristics. Through experimentation, you’ll uncover the richness and uniqueness of each approach, enhancing your tea experience.