The season for drinking black tea has arrived

YuanJia131

Many people steep tea by pouring boiling water directly onto the leaves. This method works for green tea but causes issues with black tea. For black teas, especially delicate varieties like Jin Junmei or Zhengshan Xiaozhong, excessively high water temperatures can "scorch" the leaves, leading to excessive extraction of tea polyphenols and caffeine. The result is a bitter, astringent taste with diminished aroma.
The method for seasoned tea enthusiasts is to let the boiling water cool down to 90-95 degrees Celsius before brewing. For large-leaf teas like Dian Hong, the temperature can be slightly higher, but should not exceed 98 degrees. A simple way to gauge the water temperature is to remove the lid and let it sit for about 30 seconds after boiling—this should approximate 95 degrees.
Many people rinse tea leaves by pouring water and then covering them to steep for over a dozen seconds, or even scraping the foam with the lid and vigorously shaking the pot. This method completely removes the aroma and fresh taste of the first steeping when brewing black tea.

Unlike Pu-erh tea, black tea is not tightly compressed but comes in loose leaves with a high fermentation level, making it relatively clean in itself. The purpose of rinsing the tea is not to "wash it clean" but to wake it up—allowing the dry leaves to absorb some moisture and unfold, which enhances its flavor extraction later.
Correct method: Pour the tea immediately after adding water, ensuring the process does not exceed 3 seconds. Do not steep, shake, or scrape. This pre-infusion tea can be used to warm the teacup—don’t waste it.
After all, brewing tea is not some profound art, but it does require a touch of care. The temperature of the water, the steeping time, and the ratio—all these variables influence the flavor of the tea. The difference between seasoned tea enthusiasts and beginners lies not in how many premium teas they've consumed, but in how meticulously they attend to these details.
Autumn is just right—boil a pot of water, warm a cup, and brew a pot of black tea with care. Tea never fails those who cherish it; the more you devote to it, the more delightful flavors it bestows upon you.