Cloudy Valley, Formosa tea

Some basic factors before brewing a tea:

• Tea-to-Water Ratio
• Temperature
• Utensils
• Time

Photo by: NIKOLAY OSMACHKO

Tea-to-Water Ratio:

The ratio of tea leaves to water significantly impacts the flavor of the tea liquor. For tasting purposes, a standard ratio of 1:50 is used. When brewing tea for personal enjoyment, you can adjust the ratio according to your preferred strength (1:30 to 1:60).

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Temperature:

Temperature is a crucial factor. Different teas require different brewing temperatures:

• High temperature (95–100°C): Suitable for teas like oolong and black tea.
• Medium-high temperature (80–90°C): Ideal for teas like Oriental Beauty.
• Medium-low temperature (60–75°C): Best for green teas.

If the temperature is too high, the tea may turn bitter. If it’s too low, the aroma and flavor may not develop fully. However, the optimal brewing temperature can vary slightly depending on the tea producer and roasting method.

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Utensils:

Choosing the right brewing utensil often feels complicated. Traditional tools like teapots and gaiwans may seem cumbersome, especially in office settings, while mugs can be imprecise for controlling tea flavor. However, the primary consideration for utensils is their cooling rate:

• Clay teapot: Retains heat the longest, suitable for teas like oolong that can withstand high temperatures.
• Gaiwan (lidded bowl): Cools quickly, ideal for delicate teas like green or pouchong teas that require precise temperature control.
• Mug: Starts cooling quickly but slows down later. Though not ideal for brewing fine tea, it is the most convenient option for office use. To achieve better results, consider using a method similar to the tea tasting cup style (e.g., a small 150ml mug).

Photo credit: Mr_Stein via Visual hunt / CC BY-NC-SA

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Time:

Brewing time is often a source of confusion. With the variety of tea processing methods in Taiwan, brewing preferences can vary widely. A simplified approach is as follows:

• Apart from green teas prone to bitterness and black teas like Ruby Red that can become astringent, high-quality teas generally withstand longer brewing times.
• Start with a tasting cup method, steeping for 3–5 minutes, and gradually reduce the time to find your preferred flavor profile.

If you still feel uncertain or anxious about the brewing steps or timing, consider trying our Effortless Tea Brewing Method or the Half-Cup Mug Brewing Method.

Photo credit: 页 景 via VisualHunt / CC BY-NC-ND