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Today we are going to brew Tieguanyin. We will do it with taste, with feeling, with sense and without hurry. If you already have Tieguanyin, put the kettle on; if not, head over to our section of oolongs from Anxi.
How to brew Tie Guan Yin so it tastes great
Tie Guan Yin is a unique Chinese oolong, valued for its rich taste and aroma. To enjoy all its nuances, it is important to brew it properly. Here are a few steps that will help you make this tea as delicious as possible:
Choosing the water
For brewing Tie Guan Yin, soft, clean water is best. Hard water can spoil the taste of the tea, so if your tap water is hard, it is better to use filtered or bottled water.
Water temperature
Water temperature plays a key role in brewing Tie Guan Yin. The optimal temperature for this tea is 85-90°C (185–194°F). If the water is too hot, the tea can turn bitter.
Tie Guan Yin is often compared to an opera singer: she has a powerful voice, but if you shout in her ear, there will only be pain. It is the same with this tea: boiling water destroys the essential oils, turning a floral bouquet into bitter grass. The right temperature of 85–90°C, on the other hand, lets the leaf “sing” its whole part — from the first notes of lilac to the honeyed aftertaste. Do not rush the Goddess, and she will thank you.
Hanna Vasileuskaya, editor of the Tea24 online shop blog
If you do not have a thermometer, simply bring the water to a boil and let it cool for a little while before brewing.
Tea-to-water proportions
For one cup of tea (about 200 ml), we recommend using 5-7 grams of dry Tie Guan Yin. That is roughly one heaped teaspoon. However, you can vary the amount of tea according to your preferences.
Teaware for brewing
For brewing Tie Guan Yin, a gaiwan or a small Yixing clay teapot works best. These vessels help bring out the full aroma and taste of the tea.
The brewing process
- Rinse the tea: Before the first infusion, rinse the tea with hot water for a few seconds to remove dust and start opening the leaves. You can pour this water out.
- Brewing: Pour water at the right temperature over the tea and let it steep for 30-45 seconds. This time can vary depending on your preferences and the quality of the tea.
- Pouring: After brewing, pour the tea into cups. Tie Guan Yin can be brewed several times, increasing the steeping time by 10-15 seconds each time.
Tie Guan Yin has a rich, floral aroma and a sweetish taste with light orchid notes. Enjoy every sip, savoring all the nuances of this wonderful tea.
Brewing Tie Guan Yin is an art that takes a little practice and attention to detail. By following these simple steps, you can prepare this tea so that it reveals its full potential. Enjoy your tea!
Frequently asked questions about tea
Why do people enjoy oolong tea?
Oolong tea, also known as wulong tea, contains antioxidants, and many people enjoy it as a pleasant everyday drink. Oolong is also known for its calming character, which makes it a nice choice for a relaxing break.
