Tea Selection
Yellow tea is categorized into three types: yellow bud tea, yellow small tea, and yellow large tea. Each type has its unique characteristics and brewing requirements.
Brewing Equipment
Glass teapot or transparent glass cup (for observing the tea’s color and infusion process).
Gaiwan or purple clay teapot (for enhancing the tea’s aroma and flavor).
Preparation
Preheat the Teapot or Cup: Pour hot water into the brewing vessel to maintain the temperature.
Measure the Tea Leaves: Use about 3.5-5 grams of tea leaves for every 250 milliliters of water. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
Water Temperature and Brewing Time
Yellow Bud Tea: Use water at a temperature of around 176°F to 185°F (80°C to 85°C). Brew for about 6 seconds for the first infusion, gradually increasing the steeping time by 5 seconds for each subsequent infusion.
Yellow Small Tea: Use water at a temperature of around 194°F to 203°F (90°C to 95°C). Brew for a slightly longer time than yellow bud tea, adjusting the steeping time according to your taste.
Yellow Large Tea: Use boiling water (212°F or 100°C). Brew for about 5-8 seconds for the first infusion, and adjust the steeping time for subsequent infusions as needed.
Brewing Steps
Add Tea Leaves: Place the measured tea leaves into the preheated teapot or cup.
Pour Water: Pour the hot water over the tea leaves gently, ensuring they are fully submerged. Avoid stirring the leaves to prevent bitterness.
Steep the Tea: Allow the tea to steep for the recommended time.
Pour and Enjoy: Carefully pour the tea into your cup, avoiding disturbing the leaves. Observe the color and clarity of the tea before taking your first sip. Enjoy the unique flavors and aromas of the yellow tea.
Tips for Brewing Yellow Tea
Yellow tea is a lightly fermented tea, so it’s important to control the brewing temperature and time to avoid making it bitter.
It’s not necessary to rinse the tea leaves before brewing, as this can waste some of the tea’s flavor.
Yellow tea can be resteeped multiple times, with each subsequent steep yielding a slightly different flavor.
By following these steps, you can enjoy a perfectly brewed cup of yellow tea that brings out its unique flavors and aromas.
