A Guide to Chinese Tea Types and Their Brewing Methods

China is renowned for its diverse range of teas, each with unique characteristics and brewing methods. Here are some of the main types of Chinese tea and instructions on how to brew them properly.

Green Tea

Green tea is unoxidized, preserving its green color and fresh flavor. Some famous varieties include Longjing (Dragon Well) and Biluochun.

• Water Temperature: 75-80°C (167-176°F)
• Brewing Time: 1-3 minutes
• Brewing Method: Use about 2 grams of tea leaves per 100 ml of water. Pour hot water over the leaves, let it steep for 1-3 minutes, and then serve. For subsequent brews, slightly increase the steeping time.

White Tea

White tea is minimally processed and known for its delicate flavor. Popular types include Baihao Yinzhen (Silver Needle) and Bai Mudan (White Peony).

• Water Temperature: 80-85°C (176-185°F)
• Brewing Time: 4-5 minutes
• Brewing Method: Use about 2-3 grams of tea leaves per 100 ml of water. Pour hot water over the leaves, let it steep for 4-5 minutes, and then serve. White tea can be steeped multiple times, with longer brewing times for each subsequent infusion.

Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is partially oxidized, falling between green and black tea. Notable varieties include Tieguanyin and Da Hong Pao.

• Water Temperature: 85-95°C (185-203°F)
• Brewing Time: 3-5 minutes
• Brewing Method: Use about 2 grams of tea leaves per 100 ml of water. Rinse the leaves briefly with hot water, then steep for 3-5 minutes. For multiple infusions, gradually increase the brewing time.

Black Tea

Black tea is fully oxidized, producing a dark color and robust flavor. Famous examples are Keemun and Dianhong.

• Water Temperature: 90-100°C (194-212°F)
• Brewing Time: 3-5 minutes
• Brewing Method: Use about 2-3 grams of tea leaves per 100 ml of water. Pour hot water over the leaves, let it steep for 3-5 minutes, and then serve. Black tea can typically withstand longer brewing times without becoming too bitter.

Pu-erh Tea

Pu-erh tea is aged and fermented, known for its earthy flavor. It can be raw (sheng) or ripe (shou).

• Water Temperature: 95-100°C (203-212°F)
• Brewing Time: 2-4 minutes
• Brewing Method: Use about 3-4 grams of tea leaves per 100 ml of water. Rinse the leaves with hot water to awaken them, then steep for 2-4 minutes. Pu-erh can be steeped multiple times, with increasing brewing times for each infusion.

Yellow Tea

Yellow tea is slightly fermented and has a unique mellow flavor. A well-known variety is Junshan Yinzhen.

• Water Temperature: 75-80°C (167-176°F)
• Brewing Time: 2-3 minutes
• Brewing Method: Use about 2 grams of tea leaves per 100 ml of water. Pour hot water over the leaves, let it steep for 2-3 minutes, and then serve. Yellow tea can be brewed multiple times with slightly longer steeping times for each subsequent infusion.