All You Need to Know About Orange Pu-erh Tea Brewing

Welcome to the vibrant world of Orange Pu-erh Tea, a rising star in the realm of Chinese tea. Combining the invigorating essence of unripe fruit peel with the rich heritage of Pu-erh, this tea offers a delightful harmony of flavors and aromas. In this article, we will delve into the art of brewing Orange Pu-erh Tea, uncovering the simple yet rewarding steps to elevate your tea-drinking experience.

Methods and Steps for Brewing Orange Pu-erh Tea

1. Uncover and Infuse Method

• Open the package and take out the intact Orange Pu-erh tea.
• Remove the small lid on the Orange Pu-erh and place it in a teacup or a portable brewing vessel.
• Start by rinsing the tea with boiling water for the first infusion, followed by a quick rinse for the second infusion. From the third infusion onwards, let the tea steep for about 5 seconds before pouring it out. Gradually increase the steeping time to ensure a balanced and flavorful tea.

Pros: Orange Pu-erh has good endurance and blends well with the fruit peel flavor. This brewing method is easy to follow and requires minimal effort.

Cons: The boiling water can only enter through the small opening, resulting in uneven extraction of Pu-erh tea.

2. Crushed Peel Infusion Method

• Open the package and take out the intact Orange Pu-erh tea.
• Gently break the Orange Pu-erh into small pieces and place both the peel and the tea leaves into a cup or teapot.
• Pour hot water over the tea and quickly rinse it for the first two infusions. For the first five infusions, it is recommended to pour the tea out swiftly to avoid excessive bitterness or astringency.
• After the fifth infusion, gradually increase the steeping time to enhance the taste. Generally, Orange Pu-erh can be brewed for about 13 infusions.

Pros: You can adjust the amount of tea leaves and fruit peel according to your taste preferences.

Cons: The fruit peel is hard and difficult to break, so a tea needle is required to puncture it before brewing. Additionally, Pu-erh tea extracts quickly, resulting in lower endurance, and the fruit peel releases its flavor more slowly, leading to a less balanced taste.

3. Drilling Method

• Open the package and take out the intact Orange Pu-erh tea. Prepare a Pu-erh tea knife.
• Use the tea knife to drill holes around the Orange Pu-erh, making sure the holes are large enough for the tea leaves to seep out without spilling.
• Place the drilled Orange Pu-erh into a teapot and pour hot water over it. The tea will slowly infuse, blending with the fragrance of the fruit peel and creating a refreshing and moderately sweet taste.
• After the fifth infusion, you can switch to using a clay pot, silver pot, stainless steel pot, or glass pot to brew the tea directly, enhancing the richness of flavors and fruit aroma.

Pros: This method yields a good taste with moderate aroma and endurance.

Cons: The process requires using a Pu-erh tea knife to drill the holes, which can be a bit complex and time-consuming. Additionally, the brewing speed may be slower compared to other methods.

Note: It is recommended to use a cone-shaped tea knife and apply moderate force to avoid any hand injuries. Be cautious while using a flat tea knife to prevent the fruit peel from cracking.

How Many Infusions Can You Get From Orange Pu-erh Tea?

The number of infusions for Orange Pu-erh depends on the tea’s quality and brewing method. In general, you can brew Orange Pu-erh for about 15 infusions. Orange Pu-erh is made from the unripe fruit peel of tea branches, combined with a certain proportion of Pu-erh tea. The tea balls are well-shaped, offering a rich and mellow taste of tea leaves with a fruity aroma. With its high endurance, Orange Pu-erh can be steeped continuously for 15 to 20 times using boiling water.

Water Temperature for Brewing

It is recommended to use boiling water at 100°C for brewing Orange Pu-erh. This tea can withstand high temperatures, and using boiling water will bring out the aromatic flavors of the tea leaves. Orange Pu-erh has excellent endurance, allowing for consecutive brewing up to 10 times. When brewing Orange Pu-erh, open the small lid on top, place it in a teacup, and pour in hot water. For the first infusion, discard the water without drinking. For the second infusion, pour the water quickly and let it steep for 5-10 seconds.

Brewing Time

Here are the suggested brewing times:

• First infusion: 10 seconds
• Second infusion: 5 seconds
• Third infusion: 10 seconds
• Fourth infusion: 15 seconds
• Fifth infusion: 20 seconds

Of course, these are just basic guidelines. If you prefer a stronger taste, you can prolong the steeping time. If you prefer a milder taste, you can shorten the steeping time. The key is to adjust the brewing time according to your personal preference and the quality of the tea leaves.

Final

Orange Pu-erh Tea, also known as “Xiaoqinggan,” is made from the unripe fruit peel of tea branches, combined with Pu-erh tea. The tea balls exhibit a harmonious blend of rich fruity flavors, the aged aroma of Pu-erh tea, and a refreshing, smooth, and sweet taste that leaves a delightful lingering sensation in your mouth.

Embrace the enchanting allure of Orange Pu-erh Tea as you embark on a journey of flavor and aroma. From the delicate balance of unripe fruit peel to the richness of Pu-erh tea, every sip of this extraordinary brew unveils a tapestry of sensory delights. Whether you choose the unveiling infusion method, the crushed peel infusion technique, or the drilling method, Orange Pu-erh Tea offers a world of possibilities to explore. If you also like it, you can contact us for a trial.