The Proper Way for brewing Black Tea That Suits Your Own Taste

(Image: Jin Jun Mei Black Tea with its golden liquor)

As the second-largest category of tea in our country, black tea is mild in nature, with a weak astringency and easy blending, making it a common part of daily life. Tea enthusiasts who enjoy the rich and uplifting flavor and aroma of black tea wonder how to brew the perfect cup. For those of us who love black tea, mastering the brewing techniques is the key to savoring its full-bodied sweetness and aroma. Let me guide you through it!

The main tea utensils for brewing black tea include porcelain teapots, teacups (preferably blue and white porcelain or white porcelain), a tea tray or tea boat, a tea towel, a tea spoon, a tea presentation tray, a hot water kettle, and a stove (electric or alcohol stove both work).

1. In daily life, most people use tap water for brewing, but if you can use spring water or mineral water, the results will be even better. Overnight water, water that has been boiled twice, or hot water stored in a thermos is not suitable for brewing black tea.

2. Pour in vigorously boiling water and gradually warm the teapot and teacup in a gentle manner to avoid significant temperature fluctuations. The purpose is to clean the tea utensils and make them warm, which helps in bringing out the flavor and aroma of the tea.

3. Add tea leaves. The amount can be adjusted based on the number of drinkers and the desired strength of the tea. Generally, the tea-to-water ratio for brewing black tea is around 1:25. For a standard gaiwan, you can use around 6 grams of tea leaves to fully extract the original flavor of the black tea and enjoy multiple infusions.

4. When the bubbles in the water form round shapes about the size of a one-yuan coin, it's the ideal time to brew black tea. Start by pouring in the boiling water, then pour out the tea soup. This is called rinsing the tea. For the first infusion, use 90 degrees Celsius water and steep for 10 seconds to savor the tea soup. Adjust the steeping time for the second infusion based on the taste of the first one.

5. Wait patiently for the right brewing time. Quick brewing won't fully release the tea's aroma. Professional tea canisters often indicate the tea's strength, which corresponds to the brewing time (e.g., 1-4 levels, with 1 being the weakest and 4 the strongest, ranging from 2 minutes to 3.5 minutes).

6. Sip and savor. When drinking black tea, focus on experiencing its sweet, smooth, and velvety taste. A true good black tea has a clear, refreshing, and silky flavor.

The above brewing method is for reference, and there are many varieties of black tea, each with its own nuances in brewing. For seasoned tea enthusiasts, each tea session may involve their own unique methods and techniques. The brewing method is not the end goal; the aim is to brew tea that suits your taste and that of others."