Loose Leaf Tea
A brewing method that holds the tea-to-water ratio at 1.5%, keeping the steeped liquor at a steady strength and allowing the leaves to unfurl visibly in the cup.
Ingredients
Tea leaves (use less if tenderly picked or more bitter/astringent; use more if older leaves)
1.5% of water volume (1.5 g tea leaves per 100 ml water)
Hot boiled water (pre-infusion method: pour 1/2 or 1/3 first; single-pour method: pour the full amount)
as needed
Instructions
1
Pre-Infusion Method
First place the tea leaves in the teacup and pour in 1/2 or 1/3 of the hot water to steep. When the guests arrive, top up with the needed amount of hot water and serve. Suitable for situations when tea needs to be served quickly.
2
Single-Pour Brewing Method
Pour the full amount of needed water at once, steep for 10 minutes, then serve directly to the guests. The tea will be at a higher temperature, suitable for longer occasions.
3
Tea-to-Water Ratio Adjustment
The 1.5% ratio is not fixed and needs to be adjusted based on whether the leaves are tender or mature, coarse or fine, bitter or astringent, and the drinker's taste preferences. Use less for tenderly picked or more bitter/astringent leaves, and more for older leaves.
