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There is a growing trend of young people showing interest in Gongfu tea brewing using more straightforward and modern tea sets on Chinese social media. They prefer dry brewing the tea on desks, dining tables, or office desks rather than traditional tea tables and heavy sets.
What is the dry brewing method? How does it differ from traditional Gongfu tea brewing? What basic tea sets are required? And how do you operate it? I can provide a detailed introduction if you want to try this simple and pleasant way of making tea.
1. What is the dry brewing method?
The dry brewing method is a simple, convenient, beautiful, and elegant tea-making method. One main difference from the wet brewing method is that the dry brewing method usually does not use a tea tray. The waste tea water is directly poured into the tea wash instead of the tea tray. This helps keep the tabletop clean and easy to tidy up. You can also change the styles of bamboo mats and tea towels.
Moreover, the tea set arrangement for the dry brewing method is more straightforward and can be quickly done on various tabletops. Placing a set of tea sets in a corner of a tabletop allows you to enjoy delicious and healthy tea drinks while working.
2. Why is the dry brewing method becoming popular?
- The dry brewing method is flexible and doesn't require complex tea sets.
- Younger people prefer the dry brewing method for its simplicity and convenience.
- The dry brewing method creates a modern and simple atmosphere.
- It can integrate with various modern home styles to add elegance to the home.
- It is relatively easy to clean and tidy up after using the dry brewing method.
3. What tea sets are needed for the dry brewing method?
Some tea sets are essential, such as a Gaiwan or a purple clay teapot and a fair cup. Some tea sets are optional, such as a tea needle, a tea clip, or a tea scoop. If you simply enjoy the process of making tea, the essential tea sets can meet your basic needs. But if you pursue a more exquisite experience, the optional tea sets can add more ritual sense and convenience to making tea.
Essential tea sets
Different materials create unique flavors. Purple clay enhances the tea, while porcelain brings out the true aroma of tea leaves. It determines the blending effect of the tea leaves and water.
Gaiwan: This bowl consists of a bowl cover, bowl body, and bowl holder. It controls the speed of pouring out the tea soup and is suitable for various kinds of tea leaves.
3.2 Fairness cup
It holds the brewed tea soup and evenly distributes it to each teacup to ensure that each tea drinker gets the same concentration and taste.
3.3 Tea cup
There are various styles, such as douli cups, straight-mouth cups. The materials include porcelain, pottery, glass, etc., which affect the taste and touch when drinking tea.
Optional tea sets
3.4 Teapot Stand
It is excellent for placing the teapot or Gaiwan, catching any dripping tea water during brewing, and avoiding dirtying the tabletop.
It is specially used to hold the waste tea water and tea dregs and keep the tea brewing area clean and tidy.
3.6 Tea scoop
It is used to measure an appropriate amount of tea leaves to help control the amount of tea and make the tea soup taste just right. If you can control the amount of tea accurately, it can also be not used.
3.7 Tea clip
It is used to clamp the teacup to prevent fingers from directly touching the mouth of the cup and ensure hygiene. If you operate carefully, it can also be replaced by other tools.
3.8 Tea towel
It is mainly used to wipe the water stains on the tea sets and the tabletop to keep it dry. If there is no tea towel, a clean rag can also be used.
3.9 Tea coaster
Placed on the tabletop, it protects the tabletop and decoration, increasing the overall aesthetic feeling.
3.10 Tea filter
It filters the tea dregs in the tea soup to make it more transparent. But it cannot be used for tea leaves that are complete and have less tea dregs.
4. Steps of the dry brewing method
The steps of the dry brewing method may vary depending on the type of tea. Here is a general guide for brewing green tea:
- Prepare the necessary tea sets, including a brewing vessel, a cha hai (tea wash), and cups.
- Boil water. The temperature of the water depends on the type of tea. Hot water around 80°C is suitable for green tea.
- Put the appropriate amount of tea leaves into the brewing vessel.
- Pour the hot water into the brewing vessel. The steeping time varies depending on the type of tea. For green tea, it is usually around 2-3 minutes.
- Pour the brewed tea into the cha hai (wash the tea) and then into the cups for serving.
For a more complete brewing guide, check out our blog: A Complete Overview of Brewing Looseleaf Chinese Tea.
5. Usage scenarios of the dry brewing method
The dry brewing method has a wide range of usage scenarios. Here are some everyday situations for you:
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5.1 Daily life at home
Enjoy tea with family in the living room to strengthen bonds.Have a soothing cup of tea during study breaks for improved focus.
5.2 Office places
Brew a cup of tea in your office to relieve stress.Serve tea in meetings to create a harmonious atmosphere.
5.3 Social gatherings
Show tea-making skills at gatherings to promote friendship.Host a tea party for like-minded friends to share experiences.
5.4 Outdoor activities
Bring a tea set for a tranquil picnic experience.Enjoy hot tea while camping for a different kind of ambiance.
5.5 Cultural activities
Drink tea while participating in artistic activities for inspiration.Incorporate the dry brewing method into cultural lectures or seminars.
In conclusion, due to its flexible and convenient characteristics, the dry brewing method is suitable for almost any scene where you want to calm down, savor the aroma of tea, and enjoy a moment of tranquility.
