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Gong Fu Cha 功夫茶 Brewing Technique | Lesson 3.2
Gong Fu Cha 功夫茶 Traditional Ceremony Brewing of Oolong
Gong Fu Cha 功夫茶 translates as, making tea with skill, or making tea the correct way.
Gong Fu Cha 功夫茶 is a traditional Chinese tea brewing method that involves brewing small amounts of concentrated tea for short intervals, which are repeated several times. This method allows the tea leaves to be brewed in succession, capturing the subtle essences of flavor and aroma as they are released from the tea leaves.
Gong Fu Cha requires knowledge and a skillset, typically performed using a Gong Fu tea set, which includes a small Gong Fu teapot 茶壶, pitcher 茶海, and cups 茶杯. The process also involves using a bowl or vessel 茶池 that is big enough to hold the brewed tea leaves as well as the discarded rinse water before and after brewing. Tea-Ware for Chinese Tea Brewing is covered in Lesson 2.3.
Prepare the Tea Space
Prepare Your Gong Fu Cha 功夫茶Space
Prepare Your Gong Fu Cha 功夫茶Space
Prepare Your Gong Fu Cha 功夫茶Space
Many tea enthusiasts choose to dedicate a special tea space in their homes.
Nevertheless, you can simply devote a space to it per occasion. It can be your dining table, your coffee table, or an area in your garden. Anywhere you feel relaxed and comfortable. Once you have chosen the space, make sure to clear it of unnecessary items and
Many tea enthusiasts choose to dedicate a special tea space in their homes.
Nevertheless, you can simply devote a space to it per occasion. It can be your dining table, your coffee table, or an area in your garden. Anywhere you feel relaxed and comfortable. Once you have chosen the space, make sure to clear it of unnecessary items and distractions. Wipe the dust and make sure it's ready for your mindful tea ceremony.
Take the time to prepare everything you will need for the ceremony, your gongfu tea set with the tea table, all the tools, and utensils. Prepare the tea itself. And don't forget your tea pet!
Wash your hands
Prepare Your Gong Fu Cha 功夫茶Space
Prepare Your Gong Fu Cha 功夫茶Space
Washing your hands before handling teas and teaware is always a good practice. Not just for hygiene purposes but also for taking care of and honoring our teas.
Burn Some Incense
Prepare Your Gong Fu Cha 功夫茶Space
Burn Some Incense
Burning incense is completely optional. Many tea masters prefer to burn incense before tea ceremonies to set the mood for the room, clear it of unwanted energies, and set aside some extra time for a small mindfulness practice or meditation. At this moment, you can let go of any pestering thoughts or worries and dedicate yourself to the wo
Burning incense is completely optional. Many tea masters prefer to burn incense before tea ceremonies to set the mood for the room, clear it of unwanted energies, and set aside some extra time for a small mindfulness practice or meditation. At this moment, you can let go of any pestering thoughts or worries and dedicate yourself to the world of tea. It's important to note here that the incense we find in China are light and mellow, usually made solely from different types of wood without the addition of any strong aromas or spices. They are quite different from the Indian incense many of us are used to and set an overall different tone for the room. If you can, try getting your hands on some of the incense from mainland China.
Gong Fu Cha 功夫茶 Brewing Technique
Prepare Your Gong Fu Cha Space
Prepare Your Gong Fu Cha Space
Prepare Your Gong Fu Cha Space
Many tea enthusiasts choose to dedicate a special tea space in their homes.
Nevertheless, you can simply devote a space to it per occasion. It can be your dining table, your coffee table, or an area in your garden. Anywhere you feel relaxed and comfortable. Once you have chosen the space, make sure to clear it of unnecessary items and
Many tea enthusiasts choose to dedicate a special tea space in their homes.
Nevertheless, you can simply devote a space to it per occasion. It can be your dining table, your coffee table, or an area in your garden. Anywhere you feel relaxed and comfortable. Once you have chosen the space, make sure to clear it of unnecessary items and distractions. Wipe the dust and make sure it's ready for your mindful tea ceremony.
Take the time to prepare everything you will need for the ceremony — your gongfu tea set with the tea table, all the tools, and utensils. Prepare the tea itself. And don't forget your Tea Pet! Tea Pet!
Burn Some Incense
Prepare Your Gong Fu Cha Space
Prepare Your Gong Fu Cha Space
Brunning incense is purely optional. Many tea masters prefer to burn incense before tea ceremonies to set the mood for the room, clear it of unwanted energies, and set aside some extra time for a small mindfulness practice or meditation. At this moment, you can let go of any pestering thoughts or worries and dedicate yourself to the w
Brunning incense is purely optional. Many tea masters prefer to burn incense before tea ceremonies to set the mood for the room, clear it of unwanted energies, and set aside some extra time for a small mindfulness practice or meditation. At this moment, you can let go of any pestering thoughts or worries and dedicate yourself to the world of tea. It's important to note here that the incense we find in China are pretty light and mellow. They are usually made solely from different types of wood without the addition of any strong aromas or spices. They are quite different from the Indian incense many of us are used to and set an overall different tone for the room.
Present the Tea Leaves
Prepare Your Gong Fu Cha Space
Rinse and warm the tea ware
Although not crucial, many tea masters store the tea of choice in a designated tea jar before the ceremony to suit the overall tea aesthetic. During the start of the ceremony, use a tea scoop (cha shao) to scoop the tea leaves out of the jar and into the Cha He (a small, irregularly shaped contianer for displaying the tea leaves). From h
Although not crucial, many tea masters store the tea of choice in a designated tea jar before the ceremony to suit the overall tea aesthetic. During the start of the ceremony, use a tea scoop (cha shao) to scoop the tea leaves out of the jar and into the Cha He (a small, irregularly shaped contianer for displaying the tea leaves). From here, take the Cha He and inhale the aroma of the leaves, taking time to admire their shape and color. Tea masters also believe that the tea leaves will begin to wake up with our breath from this point. Then, if you are enjoying your tea ritual with other people, pass down the Cha He to the next person. At this point, you can also take the time to explain this tea to your guests. You can share the name of the tea, the type of tea, and some facts about it. Furthermore, you can share some personal stories and associations
Rinse and warm the tea ware
Add the tea leaves into the brewing vessel
Rinse and warm the tea ware
Pour hot water over the tea ware, starting from the teapot or gaiwan and going to the cha hai and teacups.
Warming up the tea ware is a crucial step to prepare it for the reception of the tea leaves. Also, it improves heat isolation and is also a way to show guests that the tea ware is clean
Add the tea leaves into the brewing vessel
Add the tea leaves into the brewing vessel
Add the tea leaves into the brewing vessel
Before the tea ceremony, you can check how much tea leaves you will need. It will always depend on the tea you are brewing. However, for most teas, you will generally need about 4-5 grams of tea per 120ml. When you measure the tea leaves, it may seem like a lot. However, keep in mind that a tea session can last well over ten infusions, and people can enjoy many tea infusions with you!
Rinse the tea
Add the tea leaves into the brewing vessel
Add the tea leaves into the brewing vessel
Make sure you got your water to the right temperature for the tea that you will be brewing, and fill the brewing vessel to the brim. You can even let it overflow a little. Then, pour it out into your tea table after a few seconds. Rinsing tea is a somewhat optional step that not all practice. However, many will rinse their tea before dri
Make sure you got your water to the right temperature for the tea that you will be brewing, and fill the brewing vessel to the brim. You can even let it overflow a little. Then, pour it out into your tea table after a few seconds. Rinsing tea is a somewhat optional step that not all practice. However, many will rinse their tea before drinking it. The rinse will rid the tea leaves of dust and moisten and awaken them for further infusions. In any case, we always recommend rinsing your pu-erh tea and tightly rolled oolongs. You can also use this rinse to "bathe" your tea pet.
Preparing The Tea and Tea Ware
Present the tea leaves
Rinse | Heat the tea ware
Rinse | Heat the tea ware
Although not necessary, many tea masters store the tea of choice in a designated tea jar before the ceremony to suit the overall tea aesthetic. During the start of the ceremony, use a tea scoop to scoop the tea leaves out of the jar and into the Cha He, a small, irregularly shaped container for displaying the tea leaves. From here, take t
Although not necessary, many tea masters store the tea of choice in a designated tea jar before the ceremony to suit the overall tea aesthetic. During the start of the ceremony, use a tea scoop to scoop the tea leaves out of the jar and into the Cha He, a small, irregularly shaped container for displaying the tea leaves. From here, take the Cha He and inhale the aroma of the leaves, taking time to admire their shape and color. Tea masters also believe that the tea leaves will begin to wake up with our breath from this point. If you are enjoying your tea ritual with other people, pass down the Cha He to the next person. At this point, you can also take the time to explain this tea to your guests, share the name of the tea, the type of tea, and some facts about it. Moreover, you can share some personal stories.
Rinse | Heat the tea ware
Rinse | Heat the tea ware
Rinse | Heat the tea ware
Pour hot water over the tea ware, starting from the teapot or gaiwan and going to the cha hai and teacups.
Warming up the tea ware is a crucial step to prepare it for receiving of the tea leaves. Also, it improves heat retention as well as a way to show guests that the tea ware is clean.
Add the tea leaves into the brewing vessel
Add the tea leaves into the brewing vessel
Add the tea leaves into the brewing vessel
Before the tea ceremony, you can check how much tea leaves you will need. It will always depend on the tea you are brewing. However, for most teas, you will generally need about 4-5 grams of tea per 120ml (see chart above). When you measure the tea leaves, it may seem like a lot, keep in mind that a tea session can last well over ten infusions, and people can enjoy many tea infusions with you!
Rinse the tea
Add the tea leaves into the brewing vessel
Add the tea leaves into the brewing vessel
Make sure your water is at the right temperature for the tea that you will be brewing (see chart above) and fill the brewing vessel to the brim. You can even let it overflow a little. Then, pour it out onto your tea table after a few seconds. Rinsing tea is a somewhat optional step that not all practice. However, many will rinse thei
Make sure your water is at the right temperature for the tea that you will be brewing (see chart above) and fill the brewing vessel to the brim. You can even let it overflow a little. Then, pour it out onto your tea table after a few seconds. Rinsing tea is a somewhat optional step that not all practice. However, many will rinse their tea before drinking it. The rinse will rid the tea leaves of dust and moisten and awaken them for further infusions. In any case, we always recommend rinsing your pu-erh and tightly rolled oolongs. You can also use this rinse to "bathe" your tea pet.
Beginning to Brew
Brew the tea
Decant the tea
Decant the tea
Brew the tea according to the tea variety, see chart above. Infusion timing will vary from variety and processing type, add around 10 additional seconds for each additional brewing. As before, fill the brewing vessel to the brim with water, even letting it overflow a little. If using a teapot, pour water over the teapot once you close the lid. It will improve heat retention for a nice brew.
Decant the tea
Decant the tea
Decant the tea
Pour the brewed tea into the bowl of impartiality (cha hai or gong dao bei). Having a cha hai is a special step in Chinese tea ceremonies so that everyone gets the same brew. Imagine you are pouring tea directly from the teapot and into the small teacups, naturally, someone will get a weak brew from the top, while the last person to rec
Pour the brewed tea into the bowl of impartiality (cha hai or gong dao bei). Having a cha hai is a special step in Chinese tea ceremonies so that everyone gets the same brew. Imagine you are pouring tea directly from the teapot and into the small teacups, naturally, someone will get a weak brew from the top, while the last person to receive tea will get the most potent last bit of the brew. Furthermore, when pouring tea from the brewing vessel and into the cha hai, make sure to pour every last drop, even if it seems like a slow process. We do this to honor the tea and prevent the tea leaves from over-steeping in leftover water.
Pour the tea into the small tea cups
Pour the tea into the small tea cups
Pour the tea into the small tea cups
The next step will be pouring the brewed tea from the cha hai into everyone's teacup. Make sure to do this quickly and evenly. It is very important that each guest receives equal amount of tea, pour any excess over your tea pet.
Serve the tea
Pour the tea into the small tea cups
Pour the tea into the small tea cups
Pass around the teacups to each guest. To do so, some use their hands, while others might use specially designated tea tongs or a particularly shaped teacup holder
Enjoying The Tea
Admire the brewed tea
Admire the brewed tea
Admire the brewed tea
Sometimes we might choose to take some extra moments to admire the color of the brewed liquor and its unique aroma. Indeed, the smell of tea gradually transforms throughout the tea ceremony. Dry tea leaves, wet tea leaves, and every single tea brew — they all have a different scent.
Taste the tea
Admire the brewed tea
Admire the brewed tea
Finally, now you can sip the tea and admire its unique taste. When tasting the tea, take small sips. Try not to drink it all at once. Let the tea sit in your mouth and notice its mouthfeel. Perhaps you will notice that it will never be quite like the previous time you brewed it, even when brewing the same batch of tea leaves. So many fac
Finally, now you can sip the tea and admire its unique taste. When tasting the tea, take small sips. Try not to drink it all at once. Let the tea sit in your mouth and notice its mouthfeel. Perhaps you will notice that it will never be quite like the previous time you brewed it, even when brewing the same batch of tea leaves. So many factors will impact the final taste of the tea, and it's always an interesting phenomenon to witness
Enjoy the aftertaste
Admire the brewed tea
Enjoy the aftertaste
Now, after you have drunk the tea, enjoy its subtle aftertaste
Enjoy the aroma
Continue the ceremony
Enjoy the aftertaste
It's a common practice to smell the aroma of your teacup after sipping the tea, albeit usually after the end of the ceremony. Sometimes guests will even exchange and smell each other's teacups. You will be amazed to find out how different and unique each teacup can smell!
Continue the ceremony
Continue the ceremony
Continue the ceremony
Now, continue enjoying multiple infusions of the tea and noting how the taste and aroma transform with each brew. Some teas might last for about five brews or so, while others can stretch as far as 15+ infusions