BREWING GUIDES
JAPANESE TEA BREWING
Brewing Japanese green tea is an art that highlights the delicate flavors and aromas of the tea leaves. Using a traditional teapot, like the kyusu, enhances the experience. Follow these simple steps to brew perfect Japanese green tea:
Suggested Teas: Sencha, Gyokuro, Genmaicha and Matcha
Measure the tea: Use 1 teaspoon (about 2 grams) of tea leaves per 4 oz of water. Adjust to your taste preference.
Step 01
Heat the water: Water temperature is key to preserving the tea’s delicate flavors:
Sencha: 160°F–175°F (70°C–80°C)
Gyokuro: 150°F–160°F (55°C–60°C)
Genmaicha: 175°F (80°C)
Matcha: 175°F (80°C)
Step 02
Rinse the teapot: Warm the teapot with a small amount of hot water to maintain a consistent brewing temperature.
Step 03 (OPTIONAL)
Add the tea leaves: Place the tea leaves in the kyusu, leaving space for them to unfurl during steeping.
Step 04
Pour the water: Pour the hot water over the leaves gently:
For Gyokuro, pour slowly in small amounts for even extraction.
For Sencha and others, pour steadily to immerse the leaves evenly.
Step 05
Brewing time:
Sencha: 1–2 minutes (longer for a stronger brew)
Gyokuro: 2–3 minutes at a lower temperature
Genmaicha: About 1 minute
Step 06
Pour and serve: Pour the tea into small cups evenly to balance flavor and color. Traditionally, alternate pouring between cups to ensure consistency.
Step 07
Re-steeping: Re-steep the leaves up to several times, increasing the water temperature by 5–10°F for each steep. Adjust the brewing time for a new flavor profile with every infusion.
By following these steps, you’ll enjoy a flavorful, authentic cup of Japanese green tea, reflecting the tradition and craftsmanship of this cherished beverage.
Step 08
GONGFU BREWING METHOD
The Gongfu brewing method is a traditional Chinese technique that emphasizes bringing out the nuanced flavors of high-quality tea leaves. It uses a small teapot, like a gaiwan or Yixing clay pot, to brew multiple short infusions, allowing the tea’s flavor to evolve with each steep.
Equipment Needed:
Gaiwan or Yixing Teapot: Small brewing vessels ideal for Gongfu-style. A Yixing pot is typically dedicated to one type of tea (e.g., Oolong or Pu-erh) to "season" it and enhance the tea’s flavor over time.
Tea Strainer (optional): Useful for catching stray leaves when using a gaiwan.
Measure the tea: Use 5–8 grams of tea for every 4 oz of water. Adjust based on your preference—more leaves create stronger, more complex infusions.
Step 01
Rinse the teapot: Warm the teapot with a splash of hot water and discard it to maintain consistent brewing temperature.
Step 02
Rinse the tea leaves: Briefly rinse the tea leaves with hot water to "awaken" them. Swirl the water for a few seconds, then discard.
Step 03 (OPTIONAL)
Heat the water: Use the appropriate water temperature based on the tea type:
White Tea: 190°F–200°F (88°C–93°C)
Green Tea: 190°F–200°F (88°C–93°C)
Oolong Tea: 200°F–212°F (93°C–100°C)
Black Tea: 212°F (100°C)
Pu-erh Tea: 212°F (100°C)
Step 04
Add the tea leaves: Place the tea leaves in the gaiwan or teapot. Leave enough space for them to fully expand as they steep.
Step 05
Pour the water: Pour hot water over the tea leaves in a steady, controlled stream to ensure even saturation.
Step 06
Steeping times:
First Infusion: 10–15 seconds. Extracts the initial, delicate flavors.
Second Infusion: 10–15 seconds, gradually increasing steep time by a few seconds.
Subsequent Infusions: Increase by 5–10 seconds with each steep. The flavor will deepen and evolve with each infusion.
Step 07
Pour and serve: Pour the tea into cups evenly to balance flavor. Tilt the gaiwan carefully or pour directly from the Yixing pot.
Step 08
Re-steeping:
High-quality tea leaves can be steeped 6–10 times.
Increase the water temperature slightly (by 5–10°F) for each steep.
Adjust the steeping time to continue drawing out flavor.
Step 09
Water Temperature: Match the tea type to avoid bitterness or weak flavor.
Appreciate Evolution: Savor how the tea’s flavor changes with each infusion.
Yixing Teapot Care: Dedicate it to one type of tea to enhance future brews.
Quality Tea Leaves: Premium teas yield more infusions with rich, complex flavors.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
OPEN VESSEL STYLE
Open vessel brewing is a simple yet elegant method that invites you to connect deeply with the tea leaves as they unfurl in water. Unlike traditional methods that use a covered teapot, this technique employs an open bowl, glass, or wide vessel, allowing the beauty of the tea to be fully visible. It's ideal for appreciating the shape, color, and movement of the leaves, offering a meditative and sensory tea experience.
Equipment Needed:
Tea: Loose-leaf tea of your choice (works especially well with larger leaf varieties like white tea, green tea, or oolong).
Open Vessel: A wide, shallow bowl, glass, or any vessel that allows you to view the tea leaves clearly.
Hot Water: Pure, filtered water heated to the appropriate temperature for your tea type.
Optional Tools: A small spoon for stirring or tasting.
Prepare Your Tea and Vessel: Choose a tea with whole, beautiful leaves that will unfurl gracefully in the water. Place about 1-2 teaspoons of tea leaves directly into the open vessel. The amount may vary depending on the size of the leaves and your taste preference.
Step 01
Heat Your Water: Heat the water to the appropriate temperature for your tea type:
Green Tea: 160°F-175°F (70°C-80°C)
White Tea: 175°F-185°F (80°C-85°C)
Oolong Tea: 185°F-200°F (85°C-95°C)
Black Tea or Pu-erh: 200°F-212°F (95°C-100°C)
Step 02
Add Water to the Vessel: Gently pour the hot water over the leaves, filling the vessel about halfway. Let the leaves float freely in the water.
Step 03 (OPTIONAL)
Watch and Wait: Allow the tea leaves to steep openly, observing how they slowly unfurl and release their color into the water. This process typically takes 1-3 minutes for the first infusion, depending on the tea type and desired strength.
Step 04
Enjoy Your Tea: Once the tea has steeped to your liking, sip directly from the open vessel or use a spoon to taste. The absence of a lid makes it easy to enjoy the tea gradually while continuing to observe the leaves.
Step 05
Re-Steep the Leaves: Add more hot water to the vessel as needed. Many teas can be re-steeped multiple times, with each infusion revealing new layers of flavor and aroma. Adjust the steeping time slightly for subsequent brews, starting with shorter durations for delicate teas and longer ones for stronger varieties.
Step 06
Select High-Quality Teas: This method highlights the beauty and flavor of the leaves, so choose teas with whole leaves and minimal breakage.
Mind the Water Temperature: Overheating the water can scorch delicate teas, so use the right temperature to preserve their nuanced flavors.
Savor the Experience: Open vessel brewing encourages mindfulness. Take time to appreciate the aromas, textures, and visual beauty of the tea.
Embrace the Imperfection: Leaves may settle or swirl differently each time—this is part of the charm of open vessel brewing.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
GRANDPA STYLE
"Grandpa style" tea brewing is a relaxed, straightforward method where tea leaves are placed directly into a mug or cup without the need for a strainer or teapot.This approach emphasizes a more casual, free-flowing way of enjoying tea, letting the flavors develop naturally with each refill.
Add tea leaves: Place a generous amount of loose tea leaves into your mug or cup (about 1-2 teaspoons for a standard cup).
Step 01
Pour hot water: Heat water to the appropriate temperature for the type of tea you're using (e.g., boiling for black tea, slightly cooler for green tea).
Step 02
Brew and sip: Pour the hot water over the leaves and let it steep for a few minutes. As you drink, the tea leaves remain in the cup, and you can top up with more hot water as needed.
Step 03
Enjoy: The leaves continue to unfurl with each refill, allowing you to enjoy multiple steeps from the same batch.
Step 04
POWDER TEA METHOD (MATCHA & HOJICHA)
Powder teas like matcha and hojicha powder offer a rich, concentrated tea experience that’s as versatile as it is delicious. These finely ground teas are whisked into hot water or milk, creating a smooth, frothy cup full of vibrant flavor. Here’s how to prepare them properly for the best results.
Equipment Needed:
Tea Powder: High-quality matcha or hojicha powder.
Bowl (Chawan) or Mug: A wide, shallow bowl for traditional preparation or a mug for convenience.
Whisk (Chasen): A bamboo whisk is ideal for achieving a smooth and frothy texture, but a milk frother or small metal whisk can also work.
Sifter: Optional but recommended to remove clumps from the powder.
Hot Water: Pure, filtered water heated to the appropriate temperature.
Optional Additions: Milk, sweetener, or additional flavorings (e.g., vanilla or cinnamon).
Heat the Water
Prepare water at the following temperatures for the best flavor:
Matcha: 160°F–175°F (70°C–80°C). Avoid boiling water, as it can scorch the tea and create bitterness.
Hojicha Powder: 175°F–185°F (80°C–85°C).
Step 01
Sift the Tea Powder: Using a fine mesh sifter, sift 1-2 teaspoons of tea powder (approximately 2 grams) into your bowl or mug. This prevents clumping and ensures a smooth, lump-free consistency.
Step 02
Add a Splash of Water: Pour a small amount of hot water (about 2 oz or 60 ml) into the bowl. This creates a thick paste, making it easier to whisk the tea evenly.
Step 03
Whisk the Tea: Using your bamboo whisk, whisk the tea in a rapid zig-zag motion (forming an "M" or "W" shape) until the powder is fully dissolved and a layer of fine foam forms on the surface. This process aerates the tea and creates a creamy, smooth texture.
If using a frother or metal whisk, whisk until the tea is evenly mixed and slightly frothy.
Step 04
Adjust to Taste: For a traditional preparation: Add an additional 4-6 oz (120-180 ml) of hot water and whisk again until fully incorporated. For a latte: Add warm milk (dairy or plant-based) in place of water, and sweeten to taste if desired.
Step 05
Enjoy Immediately: Powder teas are best enjoyed fresh. Savor the bold, concentrated flavors of matcha’s vegetal sweetness or hojicha’s roasted nuttiness.
Step 06
Use High-Quality Tea Powder: Fresh, vibrant green matcha and richly aromatic hojicha powders yield the best results.
Mind the Water Temperature: Overheating the water can result in bitterness, especially for matcha.
Experiment with Ratios: Adjust the amount of tea powder and liquid to suit your taste preferences—more powder for a bolder flavor, less for a milder experience.
Latte Variations: Both matcha and hojicha powders make excellent lattes. Combine the tea with steamed milk and sweeten with honey, maple syrup, or sugar for a comforting treat.