Brewing Chinese tea[edit]
Main articles: Tea preparation and Tea culture
The different ways of brewing Chinese tea depend on variables like the formality of the occasion; the means of the people preparing it and the kind of tea being brewed. For example, green teas are more delicate than oolong teas or black teas, tea should be brewed with cooler water. The most informal method of brewing tea is the simple adding of leaves to a pot with hot water. This method is commonly found in households and restaurants, for example in the context of dim sum or yum cha in Cantonese restaurants. Another method is to use a small lidded bowl called a gaiwan. The Hongwu Emperor of the Ming dynasty contributed to the development of loose tea brewing by banning the production of compressed tea.
Gaiwan brewing[edit]
Main article: Gaiwan
Green tea leaves steeping in an uncovered gaiwan
The gaiwan is a three piece teaware consisting of a lid, a cup/bowl, and a saucer. are generally made of porcelain or are glazed on the inside in order to prevent a buildup of tannins, which is a yellowish or brownish substance in tea leaves. A gaiwan can be used on its own or with tasting cups on the side. Gaiwan brewing is usually employed in tea tasting situations, such as when buying tea, where neutrality in taste and ease of access to brewing leaves for viewing and sniffing is important. This method of serving is often used in informal situations, but it can also be used on more formal occasions. Gaiwan brewing can be used for all forms of tea, though lightly oxidized teas benefit most from this brewing method.
Gongfu cha[edit]
A Yixing clay teapot
Main article: Gongfu tea ceremony
Gongfu cha, meaning "making tea with effort", is a popular method of preparing tea in China. It makes use of small Yixing teapots of about 100 – 150 ml (4 or 5 fl.oz.) to enhance the aesthetics, and to "round out" the taste of the tea being brewed. Yixing teapot brewing can be used for private enjoyment of tea, as well as for welcoming guests. Depending on the region of China the steps of brewing may differ, as well as the tools used in the process (e.g. Taiwanese-style gongfu cha, which makes use of several additional instruments including tweezers and a tea strainer). This procedure is mostly applicable to oolong teas, but some use it to make pu'er and other fermented teas.