Understand washing tea, awakening tea, and moistening tea

Have you ever wondered about the different steps involved in making a perfect cup of tea? Tea brewing is not just about steeping tea leaves in hot water, there are several important steps that need to be followed to extract the best flavor and aroma from the tea. In this blog, we will explore three important steps in tea brewing: washing tea, awakening tea, and moistening tea. By understanding these steps, you can elevate your tea brewing experience and enjoy a perfectly brewed cup of tea every time.

Washing Tea

Washing tea, also known as rinsing tea, is the first step in preparing tea. The purpose of washing tea is to clean the tea leaves and remove any impurities or dust. To wash tea, follow these steps:

• Place the tea leaves in a teapot or gaiwan (a traditional Chinese lidded bowl).
• Pour hot water over the tea leaves and immediately pour out the water.
• This process is called “washing” the tea.

Do all types of tea need to be washed?

Many people believe that tea must be washed before drinking, even delicate black, yellow, green, and white teas. However, under normal circumstances, tea does not need to be washed for the following reasons:

1. In ancient times, tea production techniques and equipment were outdated, and impurities were inevitable. Therefore, washing tea became a common practice. Nowadays, tea production is quite hygienic, clean, and dust-free, so it is not necessary.
2. The tea itself is rich in substances, and the first infusion also contains a rich amount of substances and unique flavors that should not be missed.
3. For normal high-quality tea, washing tea is a waste. For three non-tea or lower-quality teas, washing tea is also useless.
4. For some old tea, aged tea cakes, or compressed tea, can help to rejuvenate the vitality of the tea.
5. In some hospitality situations, it is necessary because guests care about it.

Therefore, washing tea is not necessary. In general, it can be skipped, but if you must wash tea, it is not wrong to quickly rinse it.

Awakening Tea

After washing the tea, the next step is to awaken the tea. This step involves pouring hot water over the tea leaves to “wake them up” and prepare them for brewing. To awaken the tea, follow these steps:

• Pour hot water over the tea leaves and immediately pour out the water.
• This process is called “awakening” the tea.
• After awakening the tea, discard the water used to awaken the tea.

Moistening Tea

The final step in preparing tea is moistening the tea. This step involves steeping the tea leaves in hot water to bring out their flavor and aroma. To moisten tea, follow these steps:

• Pour hot water over the tea leaves.
• Allow the tea to steep for the recommended amount of time (usually 30 seconds to a few minutes).
• Pour the tea into a cup or pitcher.
• Enjoy!

 By following these three steps, you can prepare a delicious cup of tea while also appreciating the cultural traditions of Chinese tea culture.

Final

In conclusion, washing tea, awakening tea, and moistening tea are all important steps in the tea-making process. While it may not have as significant an impact as it once did, it still serves a purpose in ensuring a clean and pure flavor. Awakening or moistening tea, on the other hand, helps to bring out the full flavor and aroma of the tea leaves, enhancing the overall tea-drinking experience. Understanding these processes and incorporating them into your tea-making routine can help you achieve a perfect cup of tea every time.