Tea is a cornerstone of Chinese culture. I have fond memories of my grandparents taking an easy-portable travel tea set with them whenever they went on a hike or a trip. Tea was always a part of our lives, whether we were taking a break in nature or a mundane place like an automobile repair shop. At home, we prefer to make tea in a traditional Chinese tea set. This method enhances the flavor and aroma of the tea and makes the experience more enjoyable.
(The picture is a Teatsy Chinese portable travel tea set: “Nomad” Handmade Portable Tea Set With Protective Case.
Material: Natural Clay, High-borosilicate Glass, Walnut Wood/Bamboo, PU leather/EVA/PPE (Protective Case))
Understanding a Traditional Chinese Tea Set
Many people see the traditional Chinese tea set as ceremonial and intimidating. While some in China undergo rigorous training to become tea artists, you can enjoy tea prepared this way casually at home. Here’s a guide to the different parts of a traditional tea set and how to use them.
Tea Tray or Setting
The tea tray can vary in size and design but all serve the same function: to hold water. Some larger, permanent setups include a spout and bucket for continuous use. If you lack space for a large setup, a portable tray works just as well. It collects water beneath the plate where the tea is prepared.
The Mugs
You’ll find two essential pots in a tea set: a tea-holding pot and an infuser pot (or fair pot). The infuser pot is where the tea leaves go and where the infusion happens. In some sets, the infuser might look different, like an actual pot.
Tea Pet
An unusual but charming item in traditional Chinese tea culture is the tea pet. These small figurines, often crafted from unglazed Yixing clay, are designed to sit on the tea tray during a tea ceremony. Tea pets come in various shapes and forms, with animals like lions, dragons, frogs, and mythical creatures being the most common.
Tea pets are not just decorative; they hold a special place in the heart of tea enthusiasts. When preparing and enjoying tea, practitioners pour the leftover tea or rinse water over the tea pet. This ritual symbolizes good fortune and is believed to bring luck, prosperity, and happiness. Over time, as the tea pet absorbs the tea, it develops a unique patina, enhancing its appearance and making it more cherished by its owner.
Strainer and Stand
A strainer tops the tea-holding pot to filter out any loose tea. It often comes with a stand to rest the strainer.
Teacups
Teacups are small to focus on tasting rather than drinking tea. The sets can be made from clay or ceramic, and each has its own appeal. Ceramic cups usually have a thinner lip, while clay cups give a more rustic feel.
Additional Tools
- Tea Leaf Holder: Holds loose tea leaves.
- Brush: Used for cleaning the pot after a tea session.
- Hot Water Pot: For disinfecting cups with boiling water.
- Tongs: For handling hot teacups, especially after disinfecting.
The Three Fundamental Steps of Enjoying Chinese Tea
- Examine and Sniff the Tea Leaves: Before brewing, sniff and examine the tea leaves. This step is crucial for high-quality tea, allowing you to appreciate its craftsmanship.
- Smell the Aroma of the First Brew: The initial brew isn’t for drinking. Pour water over the leaves for a few seconds, then sniff the aroma. Discard this brew after smelling it.
- Enjoy the First Sip: This is where you finally taste the tea. Sip it slowly to let the flavors and aromas meld in your mouth.
Brewing Tea
The water temperature depends on the type of tea:
- White and Green teas: 172-185°F
- Black teas: ~210°F
- Oolong teas: 185-212°F
- Pu-erh teas: ~212°F (boiling)
The Brewing Process
- Prepare the Water and Disinfect the Cups: Pour hot water over the cups to clean and warm them.
- Transfer the Tea Leaves to the Infuser: Place the leaves in the infuser and pour in hot water. The first brew is for sniffing, not drinking.
- The Second Brew: Pour more hot water over the leaves and let it steep for the appropriate time based on the type of tea. After stepping, pour the tea through a strainer into the tea-holding pot.
- Serve and Taste: Pour the tea into the cups and sip slowly. Each subsequent brew may require different steeping times, but the flavors evolve with each brew.
Repeat and Enjoy
Each tea leaf can usually withstand three to four brews. The first cup will be lighter, preparing your palate for the subsequent, bolder brews.
Conclusion
Enjoying tea with a traditional Chinese tea set is a beautiful ritual. Whether you’re having snacks, watching TV, or entertaining guests, this practice serves as a wonderful icebreaker and centerpiece for conversation. With knowledge of how to use these tea sets, you can bring a touch of Chinese culture into your home. Share a cup, savor the flavors, and let the conversations flow.