Serving Chinese Green Tea: Tips and Techniques

Green tea is a staple drink in Chinese culture and is usually served in a porcelain cup with a lid or a heat-resistant glass. While there are many different shapes and types of green tea in China, there is a proper way to serve each type. Here are some tips and techniques for serving Chinese green tea.

Water Temperature

To serve Chinese green tea, it is essential to pay attention to the water temperature. The water temperature should not be too high, especially as the quality of tea increases, where the temperature of the water should be lower. This is the same rule as Japanese green tea. However, Chinese green tea has a much milder taste and is not as strong as Japanese green tea.

Brewing Techniques for Different Tea Types

There are different techniques for serving various types of Chinese green tea. Here are the descriptions for serving each type of Chinese green tea.

Flat Shape (Long-jing cha)

To serve and drink flat shape type of green tea, use a heat-resistant glass. First, put some tea leaves into a glass. Then add 80 to 90 degrees Celsius water and fill the quarter of the glass. Then, using your hand, slowly rotate the glass in a circular motion and enjoy the aroma of tea. After 30 seconds, add more hot water and fill the glass. First, enjoy the scene of the tea leaves slowly falling off to the bottom of the cup, and then sip the tea to enjoy the taste.

Spiral Shape (Bi-luo-chun cha)

Pour 80 to 90 degrees Celsius hot water into a heat-resistant glass for a third of a quarter. Next, using a teaspoon, slowly add some tea leaves into the glass. Then using your hand, slowly rotate the glass in a circular motion. Enjoy the scene of flowing tea leaves absorbing the moist and then slowly sinking to the bottom of the cup. When the leaves sink to the bottom, sip the tea and enjoy the taste.

Round Shape (Gunpowder Tea)

To brew and serve round shape type of green tea, use a porcelain or pottery cup with a lid. Add tea leaves into the cup and pour a quarter of four 80 to 90 degrees Celsius water into the cup and soak the leaves. Then slowly pour the water and fill the cup. Cover the cup with a lid, and wait for 2-3 minutes.

Needle Shape (Xinyang Maojian Tea)

To brew and serve needle-shaped tea leaves, use a heat-resistant glass. First, put some tea leaves into the glass, and then pour 80-95 degrees Celsius water into the cup from a higher position. The tea leaves move up and down, and they become like a bamboo tree standing in the rain. Enjoy the beautiful look inside the glass before drinking it.

Flower Shape (Gaoshan Yunwu cha)

To brew and serve flower-shaped tea leaves, use a heat-resistant glass. First, pour a 1/2 cup 90-95 degrees Celsius water into the cup. Then put tea leaves into the water and add some more water to fill 3/4 of the cup.

Chrysanthemum Flower Tea

If you use only 3g dried flowers, use a cup with a lid. If you use more than 5g dried flowers, use a pot for brewing. First, put some dried flowers, and pour 95 to 100 degrees Celsius water and fill one quarter of the cup or pot. Completely soak the dried flowers for 30 seconds. Then add some more water to fill 3/4. Then wait for 2-3 minutes before drinking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chinese green tea is not only a refreshing beverage but also a way of life. To enjoy the full potential of this wonderful drink, it is important to know the proper way to serve and drink each type of green tea. By following the guidelines for each type, you can fully appreciate the unique taste, aroma, and appearance of Chinese green tea. So next time you prepare a cup of Chinese green tea, take the time to savor the experience and enjoy all that it has to offer.