How to Brew Authentic Chinese Green Tea: A Complete Guide

1. Choose High-Quality Green Tea from China

• Select authentic Chinese green tea—for example, Longjing (Dragon Well) from Hangzhou, renowned for its flat, pan-fired leaves and gentle chestnut aroma.

• Opt for high-grade, early-season leaves (like Mingqian Pre-Qingming Longjing) for superior freshness and complexity.

2. Prepare the Teaware

• Preheat your teaware (gaiwan, porcelain cup) by rinsing with hot water to maintain proper brewing temperature. This also “awakens” the aroma of your tea.

• Using a gaiwan is ideal—it preserves delicate flavors and allows you to observe the tea leaves as they unfurl.

3. Master the Water Temperature & Ratio

• Heat water to 80 °C (176 °F)—not boiling—for optimal flavor and to avoid bitterness.

• Use approximately 1 gram of tea per 50 ml of water (about 3 g per 150 ml cup).

4. Steeping Techniques

• Bottom-drop method: Add leaves into teaware, fill ⅓ with water, swirl, then fill up to 70% and steep for 1–3 minutes.

• Multiple infusions: Drink until one-third of the tea remains, refill, and repeat—gradually increasing steep time each round.

• For lighter, early-harvest teas like premium Longjing, steep the first infusion about 2 minutes, then shorten subsequent steeps for optimal taste.

5. Observe the Tea Ceremony Traditions

• Enjoy the subtle visual beauty: tea leaves rising and sinking, a practice especially appreciated with spiral-shaped teas like Bi Luo Chun.

• In traditional Chinese tea serving, small cups and mindful pouring enhance sensory experience via controlled steeping and aroma release.

6. Why Steeping Matters—A Touch of Science

Steeping isn't just immersion—it's transformation. Water interacts with polyphenols, amino acids, and essential oils to provide flavor, aroma, and body. Cooling or overly boiling water can hinder this, while the proper technique allows a harmonious extraction of delicate notes.

7. Quick Steeping Table (for Reference)

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Want to try brewing authentic Chinese green tea at home? Explore our collection of freshly sourced Longjing, Bi Luo Chun, and other fine green teas—each with detailed brewing guides for perfect results.