A Cup of Black Tea to Warm Your Body and Mind: A Complete Guide to Brewing Steps and Benefits
Black tea, as one of the world's top three beverages, is beloved for its rich flavor, strong aroma, and numerous health benefits. Whether it's a cup to refresh your mind in the morning or a soothing drink to relax in the afternoon, black tea can bring warmth and comfort to your day.
I. Steps to Brew Black Tea:
To enjoy a perfect cup of black tea, the brewing process is crucial. Follow these steps to easily brew a fragrant and flavorful cup:
1.Choose Your Teaware: It is recommended to use a white porcelain lidded bowl or a purple clay teapot, which allows you to observe the color of the tea and appreciate its aroma.
2.Warm the Teaware: Rinse the teaware with boiling water to clean it and raise its temperature, which helps release the tea's fragrance.
3.Amount of Tea Leaves: Generally, 3-5 grams of tea leaves are sufficient, depending on personal taste and the size of the teaware.
4.Water Temperature Control: Black tea is best brewed with hot water at 90-95°C. Water that is too hot can destroy the nutrients in the tea, while water that is too cool won't fully bring out the tea's aroma.
5.Brewing Time: The first infusion should take about 10 seconds. Subsequent infusions can be extended by 5-10 seconds each time, adjusted according to personal preference.
6.Savor the Tea: Pour the tea into a tasting cup, first inhale its aroma, then observe its color, and finally savor it slowly.
Tips:
When brewing black tea, it is recommended to use purified or mineral water to better highlight the tea's fragrance.
You can add milk, honey, lemon, or other flavorings according to personal preference to experience different tastes.
II.Commonly scented types of black tea are as follows:
·Sweet potato aroma: such as Tanyang Gongfu Black Tea and Yunnan Black Tea.
·Honey aroma: for example, Jin Junmei.
·Fruity aroma: like Sichuan Black Tea.
·Floral aroma: Keemun Black Tea.
·Pine - smoke aroma: Present in Lapsang Souchong made with traditional techniques.
·Caramel aroma: Fenghuang Dancong Black Tea.
III. Health Benefits of Black Tea:
Black tea is not only delicious but also offers various health benefits:
1.Refreshes the Mind: The caffeine in black tea stimulates the cerebral cortex, helping to refresh the mind and relieve fatigue.
2.Aids Digestion: The polyphenols in black tea promote gastric juice secretion, aiding digestion and relieving greasiness.
3.Prevents Cardiovascular Diseases: Theaflavins in black tea can lower blood lipids, prevent atherosclerosis, and protect cardiovascular health.
4.Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory: The polyphenols in black tea have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to prevent oral diseases and boost immunity.
5.Antioxidant Effects: The polyphenols and vitamin C in black tea have antioxidant properties, which can delay aging and enhance beauty.
IV. Friendly Reminders:
Although black tea is beneficial, it should not be consumed on an empty stomach to avoid irritating the stomach.
Avoid drinking black tea before bedtime to prevent affecting sleep.
Special groups such as pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children should consume black tea in moderation.