The Perfect Brew
Wednesday, May 20th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed
Not too long ago, I drove down Fairview Street here in Boise, Idaho and noticed a coffee shop called Brew Awakening. What a great name for a coffee shop!The space is now empty.Many coffee shops were closing in the past year and this looks like one of them. Even if you have the benefit of high traffic street, cars don’t always stop. Morning commuters going faster than 35 mph usually don’t stop for products or services. Perhaps the owner found a better location.
Here I am trying to offer you some simple guidelines on a perfect brew cup of tea. The way to a perfect cup of tea can be as deep as the history of tea. The whole process of brewing tea reminds us to be mindful of what we are doing. It keeps us being in the present moment and pay attention to the detail of the three elements: the temperature, brewing time and serving traditions. The steps are just as important as the drink itself. The Japanese has gone as far as to creating a tea ceremony where every move has an intention.The process of brewing tea slows down the mind like mediation.
With Chinese tradition, the Kung Fu tea encompasses the reflective spirit, the etiquette, and the skills of making and pouring the tea. Drinking Kung Fu tea is not to crush thirst, but to experience the tea through the fragrance and the taste.The tea taste better with each brew when clay teapot is used. This clay absorbs the fragrance of the tea.Over time, the aroma of the tea becomes part of the teapot.
In modern days, the general guidelines are 2 to 5 minutes for steeping black tea.Oolong tea takes longer to brew, about 5 to 8 minutes. The recommended water temperature is around 180 to 190. Green tea takes about 2-4 minutes at 160 to 170 degree water. white tea steeps for 4-6 minutes at 180 degree temperature.Brewing the second pot will take twice as long. Steep time for Rooibos and other herbal tea varies, but most of them needs to steep 5 minutes or more.Change the recipe to your own taste.
Whatever method or tools you use, be with the process and enjoy the experience.Savor your tea time and have a brew awakening today.
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