Proper Brewing Method

Tea Preparation
Every tea can be brewed many different ways and to a variety of steeping times. It largely depends on the tea and the drinker's preference. If you're using standard Western brewing styles, however, here are the basics (remember to experiment with steeping times to find the flavor that's most appealing to you):

* Fill a kettle with fresh, cold water. Tea is 99 percent water, so the better the water, the better the tea. Bottle spring water is ideal for premium loose-leaf tea. Most tea experts cringe at the idea of using hot water from an espresso machine or coffee-maker -temperature control is uneven and water may be tainted with coffee odor.
* Heat the water to a rolling boil (212 degrees F) for black tea. Water for oolong tea should be stopped just short of a boil (195-205 degrees F), depending on the degree of oxidation. Green tea should have cooler water still (185 degrees F). It's important to use the correct water temperature when brewing tea, as it will affect the final product. However, you may have to experiment with different temperatures to find the ideal infusion.
* Preheat the teapot or brewing receptacle by adding hot water and then pouring it out.
* One teaspoonful is the usual amount of dry loose-leaf tea per cup. Generally, use two grams of tea leaves per 5.5 ounces of water. Because tea leaves do not always fit neatly into a teaspoon, this measurement can be slightly inaccurate. For precise measurements, use a scale and an adjustable measuring spoon. Both Asian and American sources agree that a pound of tea makes about 200 cups.
* Pour the hot water over the leaves and infuse to taste. Generally, steep black tea for 5 minutes, oolong tea for 3 - 6 minutes, green tea for 2 - 4 minutes. For fragile teas (white tea and some green teas), infuse for 1 - 3 minutes. The art form is in the tea master's ability to produce consistent taste over multiple servings of the same tea.

Virtually every culture which consumes tea has developed some ritualistic or ceremonial approach to tea service. The Chinese and Japanese have highly ritualized and detailed ceremonies which go beyond the purpose of brewing tea, and attempt to gain some greater spiritual end. Many of these ceremonies are beautiful and interesting, and there are a wide range of resources available for exploring them at greater depth.

Proper Tea Accessories
To serve good tea, you must properly heat the water, gauge the temperature, measure, handle and steep the leaves, then serve the final product appropriately. But in addition to the number of items you actually need to brew tea, you can spend countless hours reviewing the sundry nonessential items that simply enhance a tea-drinking experience. So, once you've covered the necessary bases, you can start having fun with accessories and introducing yourself to a whole other world of tea accouterments.

Teapots
There are many different styles of teapot, made from a wide variety of materials. When selecting a teapot, consider the use for which it is intended. This will help determine the size, straining method, appearance, durability, etc. In any case, avoid materials which will corrupt the flavor of the tea, or hasten the loss of temperature. Ceramic materials seem to be best suited for tea brewing, although there are some effective glass tea pots available today. Avoid metallic teapots, as they often throw metallic flavor notes, and will hasten the loss of temperature. Finally, treat brewed tea well. Once brewed, tea will be at its best for about 15 - 20 minutes. Even in an airtight thermos, flavor loss is fairly rapid. Finally, do not forget to experiment. Try longer or shorter steeping times, different teas, different teapots, etc.

Cups
Cups are as immensely varied as teapots, so the key is to find something unique to your preference. For Gongfu tea ceremony, a matching teapot and cups are ideal. Teapots and cups will likely depend on your preferred style of tea service.

Tea Sets
Tea sets are a great way to experience tea to its fullest capacity. Gongfu sets are popular, containing a Yixing pot, a. small pitcher, several small handleless cups with saucers, a leaf holder, a bowl, and a tray. You can also offer Gaiwan sets with a Gaiwan (a traditional Chinese covered teacup), a pitcher, a few small cups and saucers, a bowl, and a tray. Matcha sets (for Japanese powdered green tea) are also fascinating because they require unique tools, such as a whisk and a Matcha bowl for mixing the tea.

Infusers
Infusers come in stainless steel mesh, ceramic and bamboo, with and without handles, and in a myriad of shapes from ducks to hearts. Some infusers even include drip bowls or trays.

Trays
Trays are a nice way to complete the overall presentation of a tea service. You can find everything from plastic manufactured trays to one-of-a-kind wooden varieties with hand-painted images.

French Presses
They are not traditional in the truest sense of serving tea, but French presses can brew a great cup of tea. What's more they allow customers to view the transformation of the tea leaves through the brewing process. Most French presses are heat-insulated and dishwasher-safe, and they are available in several sizes. (If you also serve coffee, make sure to use separate presses for each beverage to avoid flavor transfer.)

Timers
Each tea variety steeps for a specific amount of time, and it can be onerous to keep track of them all. So unless you have a sixth sense, a timer is a wise investment. Digital timers are the most accurate, and some even have stands or magnets so you can adhere them to your stove or some other convenient spot.

Scales
To produce consistently good tea, you need an accurate scale. You can buy scales in practically any size, depending on your needs, and while they may seem inconvenient at times, they will prove invaluable to the quality of your final product. Digital scales are said to be the most precise. Remember that the standard measurement for tea is two grams of tea per 5.5 liquid ounces.

Trivets
Trivets are nice alternatives to using pot holders beneath your teapots. If you've invested in a good looking teapot, display it on an equally attractive trivet. Like every other accessory, trivets are available in a multitude of styles, from cast-iron to cork, so choose the one that complements the rest of your setup.