Pu-erh Tea Brewing Guide and Tea Ceremony

Brewing pu-erh tea is both a practical skill and a mindful ritual. After mastering brewing, enhance your experience by learning how to taste tea correctly. This guide covers techniques from simple daily brewing to traditional tea ceremony.

Essential Equipment

Basic Setup

• Gaiwan or teapot (100-150ml)
• Fair cup (cha hai)
• Tea cups
• Kettle
• Tea tray or towel
• Clean water

Traditional Ceremony

• Complete tea set (cha ju)
• Tea table (cha pan)
• Tea pets and tools
• Incense (optional)
• Flowers (optional)

Water Preparation

Water Quality

• Filtered or spring water best
• Avoid distilled (too pure)
• Low mineral content preferred
• Fresh, never reboiled

Temperature Guide

• Raw pu-erh: 195-205°F (90-96°C)
• Ripe pu-erh: 200-212°F (93-100°C)
• Aged tea: 205-212°F (96-100°C)
• Young raw: 185-195°F (85-90°C)

Standard Brewing Method

Step-by-Step Process

1. Warm Equipment Pour hot water over all vessels to heat them and rinse.

2. Add Tea

• Gaiwan: 5-8 grams
• Teapot: 1g per 15ml capacity
• Adjust to taste

3. Rinse (Very Important)

• Pour hot water over leaves
• Wait 5-10 seconds
• Discard water immediately
• Awakens tea, removes dust

4. First Infusion

• Pour hot water
• Steep 10-15 seconds for raw, 15-20 for ripe
• Pour into fair cup
• Divide into tea cups

5. Subsequent Infusions

• Increase time gradually
• Add 5-10 seconds each round
• Can brew 8-12+ times
• Stop when flavor weakens

Gaiwan Method (Traditional)

Advantages

• Temperature control
• See leaves develop
• Easy to clean
• Versatile

Technique

Holding:

• Thumb on button
• Middle finger under base
• Index finger supports lid

Pouring:

• Slight lid tilt for gap
• Smooth pour into fair cup
• Leaves stay inside

Practice:

• Start with cooler water
• Develop confidence
• Be patient with learning

Teapot Method

Choosing Pot

• Yixing clay (traditional)
• Dedicate to pu-erh only
• 100-200ml size ideal
• Porous clay absorbs tea

Benefits

• Enhances flavor
• Maintains temperature
• Beautiful ritual
• Builds patina

Care

• Never use soap
• Rinse with water only
• Air dry completely
• One tea type per pot

Simple Western Method

For Convenience

• Use larger mug (350ml)
• 3-5 grams tea
• 3-5 minute steep
• Can re-steep once or twice

When to Use

• Office or travel
• Quick morning tea
• New to pu-erh
• Ripe pu-erh works best

Adjusting for Taste

Too Bitter/Strong

• Use less tea
• Shorter steep time
• Cooler water
• More thorough rinse

Too Weak

• More tea leaves
• Longer steep time
• Hotter water
• Less water volume

Finding Balance

• Experiment systematically
• Take notes
• Adjust one variable at a time
• Develop personal preference

Timing Guide by Tea Type

Young Raw (0-5 Years)

• First: 10 seconds
• 2nd-4th: 10-15 seconds
• 5th+: 15-30+ seconds
• Total: 8-10 infusions

Aged Raw (10+ Years)

• First: 15 seconds
• 2nd-6th: 15-20 seconds
• 7th+: 30-60 seconds
• Total: 10-15 infusions

Ripe Pu-erh

• First: 15-20 seconds
• 2nd-5th: 20-30 seconds
• 6th+: 40-60 seconds
• Total: 8-12 infusions

Traditional Tea Ceremony

Preparation Phase

• Clean and arrange tea space
• Gather all equipment
• Prepare water
• Create peaceful environment
• Center yourself

Presentation

• Display dry tea in tea holder
• Allow guests to appreciate aroma
• Explain tea origin if appropriate
• Share brewing intentions

Brewing Ritual

• Mindful, deliberate movements
• No rushing
• Appreciate each step
• Pour with intention
• Serve with both hands

Sharing Tea

• Serve eldest or most honored first
• Receive cup with both hands
• Observe tea color together
• Smell before tasting
• Share impressions

Closing

• Thank tea and guests
• Clean equipment mindfully
• Reflect on experience

Mindful Daily Practice

Morning Ritual

• Wake slowly with tea
• Set daily intentions
• Appreciate quiet moment
• Prepare for day

Afternoon Break

• Pause from work
• Reset mind
• Refresh energy
• Continue afternoon

Evening Wind-down

• Release day stress
• Reflect on experiences
• Transition to rest
• Connect with self

Common Mistakes

Over-steeping

Results in excessive bitterness; start short and adjust.

Wrong Temperature

Too hot burns leaves, too cool under-extracts.

Too Much Tea

More is not better; proper ratio is key.

Skipping Rinse

First infusion washes leaves and improves subsequent taste.

Inconsistent Method

Variables make it hard to assess tea quality.

Enhancing Experience

Setting

• Clean, organized space
• Good lighting
• Comfortable seating
• Minimal distractions
• Pleasant temperature

Companions

• Like-minded tea friends
• Respectful atmosphere
• Shared appreciation
• Meaningful conversation

Timing

• Not rushed
• Adequate time
• Right mood
• Appropriate occasion

Seasonal Adjustments

Summer

• Slightly cooler water
• Shorter steeps
• More refreshing approach
• Lighter, cooling teas

Winter

• Hotter water
• Longer steeps
• Warming ritual
• Richer, warming teas

Conclusion

Brewing pu-erh tea combines practical technique with mindful practice. Start with basic methods, develop consistency, then explore ceremonial aspects. Whether simple daily brewing or elaborate tea ceremony, approach with presence and appreciation.

Remember: perfect brewing comes from practice, attention, and respect for the tea. Each session is an opportunity to refine your skills and deepen your connection with this ancient tradition.