All About Gong Fu: Introduction to the Chinese Tea Brewing Method
One cup of tea can transform an entire day. Nothing is more comforting than the gentle aroma and rich flavor of a beautifully brewed cup of tea.
Today, I will share my knowledge of authentic Gong Fu brewing, as a first generation Chinese immigrant. In China, life revolves around a cup of tea. A traditional tea table is a fixture in every household, used by family and friends every day. All of my business meetings in China were discussed over tea.
Everyone in China brews tea Gong Fu style, and for good reason. Gong Fu brewing completely transformed my tea experience, giving me a newfound appreciation for fine teas and a method for bringing life to otherwise unenjoyable cheap teas.
Why Gong Fu?
I am confident that one brew of Gong Fu style tea will transform your tea ritual to the point of no return. You will never want to brew tea any other way again.
What makes this style of brewing remarkable is that any type of tea, regardless of Western or Asian origin, will taste better when brewed Gong Fu style.
What is Gong Fu, Exactly?
Gong Fu translates to: Skill.
Gong Fu brewing is much more than pouring a water in a pot and forgetting about it for minutes at a time. There is attention present at every step, from preparing, to steeping, to pouring, to serving. In polite society, many people take pride in their tea serving skills. The attention given to serving the tea stands to represent honor and respect, given by the host to his/her guests.
The Magic Factors - The Key Differences Between Western and Gong Fu Brewing
Gong Fu brewing will use more leaves
The first distinction between Western and Gong Fu brewing is the notable difference in the water to tea ratio used to brew. Gong Fu brewing requires several times the amount of leaves to brew, compared to Western brewing using the same amount of water.
Gong Fu brewing will steep for much less time, per brew
This is evident upon the first glance at Chinese teaware. Tea vessels for every step of the system are small, especially when compared to Western style teapots and cups.
Gong Fu brewing is highly interactive, even performative
Brewing tea Gong Fu style will require frequent filling and emptying of the vessel, to the point where it is customary to keep a bowl aside to collect discarded water. Gong Fu brewing is refined to an art form by many in China. There is an intricate and complex standard of tea etiquette, practiced by skilled connoisseurs, scholars, and members of high society. The performative nature of Gong Fu brewing stems from the cultural norm of enjoying tea as a social activity.
How Gong Fu Transforms Tea
It all begins with the aroma. Every tea has a signature aroma that first greets the senses, then melts into the flavor. The key to good flavor is aroma. For this reason, aroma vessels are served to guests to indulge in the fragrance of the brewed tea.
The finest teas will boast fresh, layered flavor with each sip. By brewing a generous amount of leaves briefly with each steep, flavors are able to emerge in layers, as opposed to one prominent flavor overpowering the entire brew.
When tea is steeped for too long, the flavor will become flat and bitter. Gong Fu brewing will allow for many subtle tasting notes to emerge, and will allow intensely flavored teas to shine without bitterness.
How to Start Brewing Gong Fu Tea
Equipment
A traditional tea set will come with a tray, vessel (teapot or Gaiwan), a set of cups, and a table. Optional accessories are water bowls, sharing vessels, aroma vessels, and much more.
Teaware selection and accessories
Porcelain and earthenware are the most popular materials for Chinese tea vessels. It is also common to brew tea in glass vessels.
The method to brew tea Gong Fu style is as follows:
Warm all teaware with hot water.
Prepare water at correct temperature for the tea type.
Wake up tea leaves, immediately discard water.
Steep leaves - duration depends on tea type.
Serve guests using tea vessel, or fairness vessel (optional).
Re-steep leaves. Some tea types can be steeped many times without losing flavor.
Discover fine Chinese teas to brew at home:
Golden Life Tea
Ruby Black Tea
Specialized processing involving the use of hopper insects create an unmistakably sweet flavor for Ruby Black Tea. This tea is as sweet as ripened fruit, without the use of any sweetener. Brewing this tea Gong Fu style will ensure the richness of the fruity flavor without any hint of bitterness.
Jasmine Green Tea
Beautiful jasmine flowers are blended with fresh green tea for delicious, bright flavor. Jasmine green tea from Golden Life Tea contains 30% more jasmine flowers than other brands.
Rose Black Tea
Fresh rose is blended with tea during processing, ensuring incredibly aromatic flavor with a deep infusion of rose oil.
Sky Red Oolong Tea
Delicate and creamy layered flavor. Sky Red Oolong is famously complex in flavor, and is best brewed Gong Fu style.
Shop fine Chinese teas at goldenlifetea.com
