Best way to brew Pu-erh Tea, What do you think?
What do you think is the best way to brew loose-leaf Pu-erh tea?
I want to get the full value of the sometimes decade old Pu-erh’s. Gaiwans and clay teapots have been suggested to me before and I think “seasoning” the teapot would be a lot of fun and worthwhile.
I’d say gaiwan. I have yixing pots but I keep going back to the gaiwan. It takes lots of work to get a yixing to give back, whereas a gaiwan is a consistent blank canvas.
It is probably best to start off with a gaiwan anyways. Purchase a cheap yixing pot, play with it for a few years and see how you like it before getting more invested.
If I wanted to get a gaiwan is there a material that would be better? I really like porcelain but I’m worried that they stain easily? I think black, wulong, and pu-erh teas might stain them if the tea stays too long.
I have porcelain, none of mine are stained (not counting intentional). I’ve left teas in them accidentally for like 3 days. Just clean it after use with baking soda or Manadala Tea’s tea soak.
I do not recommend glass gaiwans – they burn your fingers and do not retain heat well. The glass gaiwans are alright with low temp teas like greens.
Though, it’s worth noting some gaiwan materials encouraging staining – ru kiln / ruyao. Those gaiwans look very nice.
A gaiwan would let you experience the essence of the tea.It is usually how I brew a new tea to start with.
Yes, I’m thinking for now to start with a gaiwan and learn more about preparing the tea before I go with the yixing teapots. Thank you for the advice!
I vote for both. While gaiwan is cheaper it cools off very quickly. Sometimes i start in gaiwan and transfer leaves later on. But buying Yixing is not easy task. You have to consider clay, how fast its pouring (especially for sheng) and size. if you are the only drinker you should get it no bigger than 100-120ml.
Thank you for all the information! I want to purchase a less expensive yixing teapot in the future, but I wasn’t aware there was so much to consider. What do you recommend for the loose-leaf pu-erh teas?
Take your time. Get a porcelain gaiwan for now, up to 130ml but 100ml is better size. Just not easy to find. glass is too hot to handle. Do not get cheap yixing on eBay or Aliexpress. It is better to save some money and get a decent one from reputable sellers.
Gaiwan is always a safe bet, especially early on. Though a good yixing can’t be beat in my opinion. A good yixing, paired with the right tea, shouldn’t steal anything from the tea even when brand new, or at least after a few uses. But yixing is a world in and of itself. Gaiwans work perfectly well and are free from tuition fees
Yeah, thank you so much! Do you think there’s a specific material of gaiwan I should purchase? I noticed a lot of people use glass, but is that just because it might be cheaper?
Stay away from glass unless you’re using it for green tea. Poor heat retention. Porcelain is ideal
I actually like glass gaiwan because I can really see the tea… true, for ripe puerh it’s too hot to handle.. most raws take a little cooler than boiling water and it takes a while to get the hang of it (and some calluoses :) but it gives a really good view of the leaves … haven’t tried yixing yet. I have other easier to handle apparatus… all glass but to really focus the teas flavor – I like the taiwan
I vote for both. I’d use a gaiwan for sampling and to “get to know” the pu-erh that you picked. Then, if you find some that you like get a yixing and play with it. My Sheng Yixing is just now starting to give back, and its rewards are amazing. It makes every sip a delicious and enriching experience, whereas, a gaiwan can’t top that. My best advise it to explore your own preferences. I’ve noticed that everyone uses different methods and has little personal rituals that they follow. It took me some time to figure out what I liked and what I didn’t.
Thank you for all the advice everyone. I’ve recently found a store that sells Chinese pottery, decorations, and tea sets but I’m wary as to whether or not they can be considered a reputable seller? The store owner doesn’t speak English and pointed out prices to me with his calculator. Am I better off trying to purchase teapots and gaiwans online?
Porcelain gaiwan is no problem. But compare the price with eBay and Aliexpress. Simple gaiwan may cost $5-$15 .
Yixing pot. I wouldn’t get it locally. Someone got a pot locally recently but it wasnt even yixing. Just clay pot. Unless you go with someone who is knowledgeable abt yixing. Still.
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