Experience Tasty Tea From Chinese Tea Leaves

By Rei Tuviera

Drinking tea had a long history in China. Chinese tea differs into four main categories, black, green, oolong and white varieties. There were more varieties that have been added such as red, compressed and scented teas. Somehow, researchers said that there could be more than 700 varieties of tea. Nonetheless, all these varieties came from the same tea plant - the Camilla plant.

The way of making Chinese tea is simple yet, is a delicate art. Tea leaves are placed into tea pots or cups and warm water or boiled water is poured over it. The leaves are soaked for several minutes in a tightly covered teapot. Hot water is also poured over the covered teapot thus retaining its heat. The leaves are then strained leaving the tea liquid behind to be served for drink.

For Chinese tea drinkers brewing is made usually by preparing utensils such as cups and teapots. Many people preferred to prepare tea in cups using instant tea or tea bag which is a lot easier. On the other hand, some preferred to brew tea using loose leaf which produce more desirable flavor than tea bags. Chinese tea like black, green, oolong and white are prepared or served differently from each other.

For Black tea, it could be brewed in either of the two ways using a Chinese tea cup or a teapot. In a cup or teapot pour the boiling water slowly over the leaves. Cover and steeped for about 3 to five minutes. This is the recommended time to steep for a perfect flavor. Anything more than that makes the tea bitter.

Conversely, brewing green tea among Chinese prefers the use of porcelain cups. In Chinese tea tradition using porcelain cups will help improve the tone of tea. During brewing, boiling water is not poured directly over the tea leaves unlike the black tea. The water is boiled first and then cooled for at most 3 minutes. Pour the water over the leaves and then infuse for about 2 to 3 minutes.

For oolong Chinese tea, it is prepared using the utensil set known as the "four treasures" that consist of kettles, teapots and cups. Tea is brewed by placing first tea leaves in teapots. Hot boiled water is then decanted over the leaves. Having the teapots tightly covered, hot water is then tipped over it to preserve the heat.

Now for white tea, pouring boiling water directly on the leaves could ruin the delicate flavor of tea. The water is boiled first and then let it sit for up to one minute. When the time is up, the water is then poured over the leaves. The recommended steeping time for most types of white tea is within 5 to 8 minutes.

Finally, brewing tea is all about the experience. Experiment and find the taste that you like best! - 30294

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