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Shop Gaiwans: How to Brew Tea with Gaiwan



How to Brew Tea with Gaiwan

Gaiwan Wonderland: Exploring the Art of Tea Ceremony and the Elegant Journey of Tea Brewing


For centuries, people have been enjoying tea, and as the world of tea has evolved, so the ways of tea brewing method has changed too. The Gaiwan is a traditional Chinese brewing vessel that has been used for brewing tea for centuries, especially Chinese tea.


The Gaiwan is composed of three parts: a lid, a bowl, and a saucer. The lid helps to retain the heat and aroma of the tea, while the saucer and bowl make it easier to pour and drink the tea.


If you are unfamiliar with using a Gaiwan to brew tea, here is a comprehensive guide to help you get started.


1. Select a Gaiwan


When selecting a Gaiwan, it is important to consider size and material. Gaiwans come in various sizes, and the ideal size depends on the type of tea you are brewing and the number of people you are serving. As for materials, the material of the Gaiwan does indeed have an impact on the brewed tea. Different materials of Gaiwans have different performances in terms of heat retention, aroma release, and mouthfeel. Here are some common Gaiwan materials and their impact on brewing tea:



In summary, the material of the Gaiwan does indeed have an impact on brewing tea. When selecting a Gaiwan, consider your preferences and the type of tea you want to brew for the best tea-tasting experience.

2. Prepare the Gaiwan



Before brewing, rinse the Gaiwan and other teaware with hot water or the water used to rinse the tea leaves to remove any dust or debris, to prevent impurities from affecting the taste of the tea. After rinsing, pour the Gaiwan into hot water and let it sit for a few minutes to preheat the container.


3. Choose the Tea Leaves



The amount of tea you use depends on the size of the Gaiwan and the type of tea you are brewing. Generally, use one teaspoon of tea per six ounces of water. However, if you are brewing tightly rolled teas such as oolong or black tea, you may need to use a little more.


4. Brew the Tea



When brewing tea, add the measured tea leaves to a bowl and pour in hot water. Cover the bowl with the lid and slowly pour the hot water along the edge of the bowl, allowing the water to better penetrate the tea leaves and extract their flavor. At the same time, you can control the steeping time based on the type of tea and your personal taste. The first infusion can be shorter (15-30 seconds), and the subsequent infusions can have a slightly longer steeping time.


5. Pouring the Tea



Cover the lidded bowl with the lid, and hold the sides of the bowl's opening with your thumb and middle finger, while pressing the lid with your index finger to maintain a tilted angle and leave a gap. This allows the tea to flow through the gap into the fair cup, while preventing the tea leaves from pouring out. The fair cup ensures a consistent concentration of your tea, better showcasing its aroma and color while also allowing you to distribute the tea more easily to the tea tasters.


6. Cleaning and Maintenance after Tea Tasting


After brewing tea, promptly clean the lidded bowl to avoid tea stain residue. After use, turn the teacup upside down to dry faster, and finally store it in a well-ventilated, dry place.


These are some techniques for brewing tea with a lidded bowl. Mastering these methods will allow you to better appreciate the wonderful taste of tea. In summary, brewing tea with a gaiwan is a simple and elegant way of tea tasting. With a little practice, you will be able to brew your favorite tea to perfection and appreciate its flavor and aroma in a whole new way.