It's All About Tea — brewing techniques

When we were in Shenzhen, we were introduced to Zhan Laoshi, the Inheritor of Gong Fu Tea Art Intangible Cultural Heritage. This title signifies that for generations, Zhan's family has been deeply immersed in the Gong Fu Cha culture and that Zhan Laoshi himself has made a significant contribution to the art of Gong Fu Cha.  

Chaozhou is the cradle of Gong Fu Cha. This is where it all started during the Ming Dynasty. Over the centuries, this fascinating culture became deeply ingrained in the lives of the people of Guangdong. It then made its way to Taiwan, underwent further development in the 1970s, returned to mainland China, and spread worldwide.

We simply couldn't miss this chance to learn about Chaozhou Gongfu Cha from a person such as Zhan Laoshi. (Read More)

We recently returned from a trip to China, where we had the opportunity to meet some truly remarkable people. Among them were Tea Masters (when I say "Tea Masters", I refer to those who produce teas); teachers of Tea Art, who impart the nuanced practices of tea preparation and appreciation; pottery artists, whose craftsmanship is integral to the Gong Fu Cha experience; and many others deeply connected to the world of tea. This journey took us to some of China's most significant tea regions, places where the essence of Gong Fu Cha is alive and thriving.

I feel compelled to share my thoughts and impressions from this trip while they are still fresh in my mind and heart. In this blog post, I want to touch on one of the lessons that left a lasting impact on me. I want to share my observation on the contrasts between the Western and Eastern approaches to Gong Fu Cha by comparing Chinese tea practices' intuitive, flowing nature to the more structured and rule-bound methods often favored in the West. (Read More)

Understanding the intricate process of tea infusion and extraction is a powerful tool for any tea enthusiast. It's the key to mastering the craft of brewing tea and controlling the taste and aroma of your cup. Crafting a good cup of tea involves understanding the subtle interplay of various factors contributing to its flavor and aroma. In this blog post, we'll go through the techniques and variables that shape tea's flavor, helping to create the perfect cup every time. (Read More)

Brewing the perfect cup of tea – the hailed summit that every tea lover strives for during the years of practice and dedication! Indeed, to brew tea in the best way is an art that includes several key components: the quality of the tea leaves, the temperature and nature of the water, and the steeping time, considered the Holy Trinity of them all. When it comes to fine tuning, though, some low-key factors strongly impact the outcome. The technique used for pouring water is one of them. While most of us pay close attention to the type of tea and the water temperature, the way we pour water over our tea leaves often goes overlooked. Yet, it's a crucial step that can significantly influence our tea's flavor, aroma, and overall enjoyment.

In this blog post, we dive into water-pouring techniques for brewing tea. It might surprise you, but how you pour water can transform your tea experience. Every detail matters, from the height of the pour to the speed and the angle. Whether you're a seasoned tea enthusiast or just starting to explore the vast universe of tea, understanding these techniques can elevate your brew to new heights. So, grab your favorite teapot (or gaiwan) and let's explore how a simple change in your pouring method can unleash the full potential of your tea leaves (Read More)

Tea lovers have long known that the quality of the water used to brew tea can have a profound impact on the taste of the final beverage. In ancient China, tea masters traveled great distances to find the best water for tea. Some of the most famous water sources in the country became known for their unique mineral content and flavor.

A famous Chinese proverb says, "Water is the mother of tea." It shows how important water is to the quality of tea. If you want to make the best cup of tea, it is important to use the proper water.

In this blogpost, we will discuss how water affects tea's aroma, taste, and mouthfeel. We will also provide tips on choosing the best water for your next cup of tea. (Read more)