Tea isn’t only considered important here in China, its considered essential! Virtually no social, family or business interaction happens without first having a cup of tea. This box has everything you need to learn the basics of Chinese tea culture and even to make your own tea blends.
Did you know? The most expensive tea in the world costs $1.2million US per kilogram! Ancient Da Hong Pao tea has a history stretching back to the Ming dynasty and the harvesting process is a fiercely guarded secret.
Tea in China comes in COUNTLESS flavours and there’s several different methods for brewing as well. This guide will introduce you to some of the brewing methods you can try with the contents of your box!
Your box features a set of tea utensils that are commonly used in the mainland. These are one way to brew your Chinese tea.
To use the tea pot*, use the measuring spoon to add the desired amount of tea leaves. Then add hot water, swirl to help the leaves brew. If you are rinsing the leaves, place the tea strainer slightly askew on the top of the tea pot and pour the unwanted water away through the small gap left.
*The tea pot can also be used to store the utensils.
Tea cups are usually warmed before adding the tea. Pour hot water into the cups and use the tongs to pour this water away without burning your fingers.
The tea needle and tea scoop are usually only used if you’re brewing tea leaves from a tradition tea ‘cake’ – which many families buy when in China for the adoption. Use the needle to loosen a small amount of tea from the cake, then use the scoop to ease the desired amount from the cake. Remember, these leaves are closely packed together so you usually only need a pinch to achieve the desired flavor.
The temperature of the water and the ideal brewing time changes depending on the type of tea you’re using. For a general overview, see our guide:
Teapot and 4 cup set
This beautiful set features 4 cups, each of which feature a goldfish at the bottom. The goldfish is a symbol for blessing and prosperity.
Using the measuring spoon, add tea leaves and water and [after warming cups as above] pour tea into cups when brewed.
Stainless Steel Tea Infuser
Your Tea Culture box also includes a stainless steel tea infuser which is another great way to brew Chinese tea and has the added bonus of being easier to clear away the tea leaves afterwards!
Tea Blending Activity
As well as a large Lapsang tea – a smoky black tea which pairs well with sweeter flavors – your Tea Culture box also includes small amounts [10g of each] of:
- Rose – red airtight tin
- Lavender – light blue airtight tin
- Liquorice – black airtight tin.
- Rock sugar.
Finally, in your box you’ll also find a guide to creating your own blends – your family can play around with the flavors to find which tea blend they like the most!
We hope your family loves exploring Chinese tea together!