Posts Tagged ‘steep time’
Six months ago, I drove down Fairview Street in Boise, Idaho. I noticed a coffee shop called Brew Awakening. It’s a very creative name for a coffee shop!Recently, I found this retail space empty.This looks like one of the many coffee shops that are closed last year. Even if you have the benefit of high traffic street, cars don’t always stop. Fast morning commuters going over 35 mph don’t always stop for your business. Maybe the owner found a better location for his business.
Here I am trying to offer you some simple guidelines on a perfect brew cup of tea.The way to a perfect cup of tea is as deep as the history of tea.The process of brewing tea keeps us present in the moment.The three elements that keeps our attention and being present in the moment are temperature, brewing time and serving traditions.The steps are just as important as the drink.The Japanese Tea Ceremony is formal service where all the moves has an intention.Taking the time to brew tea and doing it with intention will bring peacefulness in the moment.
Kung Fu tea, a Chinese tradition, encompasses the reflective spirit, the etiquette, and the skills of making and pouring the tea. Kung Fu tea tradition is not for crushing thirst, but to experience the tea through the fragrance and the taste.The flavor of the tea is absorbed into the clay teapot. Its best to be use for Gongfu tea.Repeated used of the same teapot allows the characters of the tea absorbs into the clay. Over time, one can smell the tea without having to brew the tea in the tea pot.
In modern days, the general guidelines are 2 to 5 minutes for steeping black tea.For the best taste, steep Oolong tea for 5 to 8 minutes. The recommended water temperature is around 180 to 190. Green tea takes about 2-4 minutes at 160 to 170 degree water.White Tea steeps for 4 to 6 minutes at 180 degree temperature.Second pot will take twice as long for the flavor to release. Steep time for Rooibos and other herbal tea varies, but most of them needs to steep 5 minutes or more.Change the recipe to your own taste.
Whatever method or tools you use, be with the process and enjoy the experience.Savor your tea time and have a brew awakening today.