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Use of proper pots, cups a key ingredient
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CHINESE people credit water as the mother of tea, while tea tools are considered the father, since both play important roles in bringing out the best beverage out of qualified tea.
Tea appreciation in China also has been lifted by the development of tea tools for both practical and aesthetic needs.
Uncovered black glaze tea cups were highly appreciated in the Song Dynasty as they helped set off the white foam; white porcelain cups were preferred in the Ming Dynasty for their ability to present the natural beverage color.
Red pottery teapots became a mainstream tool since the Ming Dynasty as they help present the best aroma for loose tea leaves. And “gai wan” (covered cup set) which can work well with most tea types, was invented in the Qing Dynasty when the six major tea categories all came into being.
Yet still, there are certain tools that work best with certain tea types.
Green tea
To keep the leaves green, it is advised to use an uncovered tea cup or pot, while water of 75-85 degrees Celsius is recommended for the same reason. A transparent glass pot or cup can best present the green tea leaves extending and dancing in the water, while white porcelain ones are also preferred as they pose little influence on the green yellow beverage color. These also work for yellow and white teas, especially the ones made of buds.
Black tea
Black tea is appreciated by many for its aggressive aroma and dark red color. A container with a relatively small opening is recommended, as it helps gather the aroma coming out of the leaves.
As a fermented tea, it can work well with tea tools of different materials, including red pottery, porcelain and glass.
Red pottery with good air permeability can help keep the black tea beverage unspoiled. Ru porcelain featuring a pale green color can set off the dark red beverage color. And a transparent glass container helps present the clarity of the beverage.
Oolong tea
A red pottery tea pot is the best tool for Oolong tea, which features a pleasant aroma, as the container with good air permeability can help enhance the smell while largely collecting and presenting it in a mild way.
Since most Oolong tea leaves are made into ball shapes, small and round teapots are preferred.
Dark tea
Unsophisticated containers are more suitable for dark tea, which is featured by aggressive and strong flavors. Ceramic pots are recommended to help keep the tea that is used for TCM decoction cooking.
Boiling water is needed to help produce a qualified beverage, while it is not advised to keep the leaves in hot water for long in case of making the beverage too bitter.
Dark-colored containers may be a better choice compared with light-colored ones easily dyed by the dark beverage.
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