Traditional Brewing Methods Of Oolong Tea
In our modernized Western society, tea is often looked upon as a speedy hot beverage, which is able to be made upon the boiling of a jug. All too often, we forget that in actual fact, the tea bag is simply a commercial evolution of the purpose which natural tea is supposed to fulfill. This purpose is the act of calming, refreshing, and bringing together. Therefore, as we seem to have "missed the point" with tea entirely, this article will act as a reminder that tea (especially Oolong tea) actually hold significant historical and cultural meaning.
Because the tea bag brewing method is actually so far departed from these traditional roots and customs, this article will not even cover the practice. Instead, we will focus on two brewing techniques used throughout the better part of 10 centuries in China - Chaou Brewing, and Teapot Brewing.
Using The Teapot.
Utilizing the teapot is actually the traditional method used by the Minnan people. Oolong tea leaves are perfect for the teapot, and have the added bonus that they can be reused up to 4 times, without losing their flavor.
Despite the "commercially" sized teapots available on the market today, the Minnan people actually utilized a teapot with a capacity of just 5 ounces. This was enough for 2 people maximum - unlike the quantities which can be brewed all at once in today's teapots.
They also had a very specific brewing method once the water was boiled and the tea was in the pot:
- Tea Leaves were initially soaked in the teapot for 10 seconds.
- This water was then drained, leaving only wet tea leaves.
- Teapot filled and water poured over the teapot.
- Infusion for a maximum of 3 minutes
- Pour the tea in circular motions into the cup.
Clearly, anyone attempting this in a Westernized society would need a fair few minutes to spare - hence the reason most people opt for the quick tea bag.
The Gaiwan Alternative.
If you thought that the teapot method described above was long winded - just wait until you hear about the Chaou brewing method. Instead of using a teapot, small tea cups are used, and each cup of tea is made with individually dedicated Oolong tea leaves.
This is a fairly rare practice - only seen in tea competitions and with the original Chaoshan people who developed this method.
