Brewing Agents
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Yixing Clay Tea Pot A true tea lover's most prized possession is the *zisha yixing* teapot. Made of a porous, unglazed clay, this teapot absorbs the tea's aromas and minerals with each brewing. To avoid confusing its flavors, a *zisha* pot should only be used with the type of leaf first steeped in it. Perfect for aged *pu'er*, a "seasoned" *zisha* teapot makes for an unparalleled tea experience. |
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Porcelain Gai Wan (ceramic tea cup with lid and tray for brewing) A porcelain teapot is the classic way to drink Chinese tea. For aromatic teas, this should be your weapon of choice. Because porcelain doesn't absorb the flavors and scents of the tea, it can be used to brew any variety of tea. Greens, whites, flower teas and some *oolongs* work well in porcelain. |
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Glass Tea newbies would be wise to invest in a glass set. The transparent exterior allows the drinker to watch the leaves as they transform during the steeping process. For flower teas, especially "blossom teas" that unfurl to reveal whole flowers, glass is ideal. It's ideal to brew green tea as graceful tea dancing can be viewed and verdant tea shoots appear agreeable to eyes. |
Sipping Cups
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Chinese teacups are low, shallow and wide and very small by Western standards, like a tiny bowl that is just large enough for one or two sips. This emphasizes the “quality over quantity” aspect of Gong Fu Cha, where one’s concentration is on savouring every drop of tea in small amount. Different shapes are used for different types of tea and their particular shape also enables you to pick up a hot cup without burning your fingers. |
Other Tea Wares for Gong Fu Cha
Tea Tray
A tea tray collects or re-directs the water that gets splashed about when making Gong Fu Cha. Chinese tea trays have built in water reservoirs or hoses to an external reservoir and come in beautiful traditional and modern designs. You can also use a fine wire mesh frame over a wide, shallow bowl. A large flat platter or a number of shallow bowls on towels can work or even a baking/cookie sheet with a nice cloth lining the bottom works fine.
A tea tray collects or re-directs the water that gets splashed about when making Gong Fu Cha. Chinese tea trays have built in water reservoirs or hoses to an external reservoir and come in beautiful traditional and modern designs. You can also use a fine wire mesh frame over a wide, shallow bowl. A large flat platter or a number of shallow bowls on towels can work or even a baking/cookie sheet with a nice cloth lining the bottom works fine.
Kettle & Induction Cooker
Using the correct temperature of water for each different type of tea is essential for ensuring the best taste. The easiest way to do this is with a variable temperature controlled kettle. If you are using a regular kettle or a pot to heat the water and you don't have a thermometer handy, the size of the bubbles will tell you the correct temperature for the tea you are making.
Dispenser Pitcher
By using a pitcher, you can pour the tea from the teapot into the pitcher to stop the brewing and serve the tea directly into the teacups. Also known as a fair cup because it ensures the tea is the same strength for each cup. We recommend these for beginners which makes tea-making simpler and more enjoyable when starting out. You can also use a gai wan or any glass or porcelain vessel. A lid helps keep the tea warm
By using a pitcher, you can pour the tea from the teapot into the pitcher to stop the brewing and serve the tea directly into the teacups. Also known as a fair cup because it ensures the tea is the same strength for each cup. We recommend these for beginners which makes tea-making simpler and more enjoyable when starting out. You can also use a gai wan or any glass or porcelain vessel. A lid helps keep the tea warm
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Strainer A Chinese tea strainer uses a very fine mesh and is creatively shaped to fit your interest. |
Tongs
Tongs are inexpensive and an indispensible tool for handling teacups and picking up and cleaning off stray leaves from your preparation area.
Tongs are inexpensive and an indispensible tool for handling teacups and picking up and cleaning off stray leaves from your preparation area.
Tea Scoop
This is the traditional tool used for measuring out tea leaves and for conveniently placing them in a teapot or Gai Wan (1 scoop = 1 Western tablespoon). Scoops are made from wood, bamboo and bone and some can be valuable antiques. We recommend these for beginners because it establishes a standard measure and makes it easier to handle tea leaves.
This is the traditional tool used for measuring out tea leaves and for conveniently placing them in a teapot or Gai Wan (1 scoop = 1 Western tablespoon). Scoops are made from wood, bamboo and bone and some can be valuable antiques. We recommend these for beginners because it establishes a standard measure and makes it easier to handle tea leaves.