Oolong tea is celebrated for its mysterious and ever-evolving flavors, It is subdivided into Minnan Oolong and Minbei Oolong. Proper brewing is key to unlocking its vibrant color, rich aroma, and exquisite taste. This guide makes it easy for anyone—beginner or seasoned tea lover—to brew a perfect cup of oolong tea. Let’s taste different kinds of oolong tea together!
What You’ll Need
- Teaware: A porcelain gaiwan or a purple clay teapot (Yixing pot). The gaiwan highlights the tea’s color and aroma, while the teapot suits aged varieties.
- Water: Neutral soft water (pH=7) with no off-odors. Use freshly boiled water for every brew.
- Tea Leaves: 5-7 grams of premium Oolong Tea per 100-150 ml of water.
- Optional: A tea tray to catch spills and keep your setup neat.
This guide takes Wuyi rock tea as an example.
Brewing Steps
Warm the Teaware
Rinse your gaiwan or teapot with boiling water. For a gaiwan, rinse twice: once to clean and once to heat it fully. This step boosts the tea’s aroma and flavor.
Related articles: How to Choose the Gaiwan for Your Tea Brewing Needs
Add the Tea Leaves
While the teaware is still warm, add your Wuyi Rock Tea leaves. The residual heat awakens the leaves, setting the stage for a fragrant brew.
Brew the Tea
Pour boiling water into the gaiwan or teapot. For the first infusion, gently scrape off any foam. Use these steeping times:
- First infusion: 5-8 seconds
- Second infusion: 3-6 seconds
- Third infusion: 3-6 seconds
- Fourth infusion and beyond: Gradually increase steeping time to taste.
Boiling water is essential to bring out the tea’s roasted and mineral notes.
Pour and Serve
Pour the tea into tasting cups, about 15-20 ml per cup, for a consistent flavor experience.
Savor the Tea
Take three small sips per cup, letting the tea linger in your mouth. Enjoy its purity, richness, aftertaste, and lasting depth.
Tips for an Exceptional Brew
- Maintain Temperature: In cooler weather, keep a cup of boiling water handy to warm your tasting cups before serving. This preserves the tea’s aroma and flavor.
- Experience the Lingering Aroma: After pouring or drinking, hold the cup 3-5 cm from your nose and inhale gently (don’t exhale) to savor the tea’s lasting fragrance—a sign of its quality.
- Stay Tidy: Use a tea tray or small towel to catch spills, keeping your brewing area pleasant.
Brewing Wuyi Rock Tea is more than a process—it’s a way to connect with its rich heritage and craftsmanship. With these simple steps, you’ll enjoy a better cup and deepen your appreciation for this unique oolong. Adjust the steeping times to suit your preferences and make each brew your own. Happy brewing!
FAQs
Not necessarily, most Wuyi rock teas do not need to be rinsed. Just make sure you are buying from a quality source.
What’s the best water temperature for brewing Wuyi Rock Tea?
You can brew it 6-10 times or more, depending on the quality. Extend steeping time slightly with each infusion to explore its evolving flavors.
Start with the guide’s times (e.g., 5-8 seconds for the first infusion). Adjust based on taste—if it’s too light, steep longer; if too strong, shorten the time.
