Steps for a chinese tea ceremony

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As the most consumed beverage in the world, tea comes in many different types including white, yellow, green, oolong, black and pu-erh. Depending on the variety, teas have varying properties serving purposes ranging from relaxing to medicinal usage. They are served around the world according to different traditions. Chinese brides and grooms serve tea to their elders at wedding celebrations. Outside of the wedding day, the focus of the Chinese tea ceremony is appreciation of the tea itself.

Things You'll Need

• Large clay pot
• Small clay pot
• Tea kettle
• Tea cups

Instructions

1. • 1

     Rinse out a clay teapot to ensure it is free from any debris. Put the tea into the pot. In the tradition of the Chinese tea ceremony, only bamboo or wood is used to place the tea in the pot- never metal. Fill the large clay pot one-fourth to one-third with tea leaves.

   • 2

     Heat the water in a kettle- the temperature will depend on the type of tea you use. For instance, if you serve green tea, heat it to about 85 degrees without letting it boil. Pour the water into the large clay pot.

   • 3

     For the first pouring, pour the water from the large teapot into a smaller clay pot. Once the leaves are covered with water, pour the water into the teacups just to warm the cups. Do not drink this tea. Refill the teapot with water and pour the tea from the first pouring over the clay teapot to keep it warm.

   • 4

     Let the tea brew for 10 to 30 seconds, then pour the tea into the tea cups. Each time the tea is poured, add 30 more seconds to the brewing time. The better the tea, the more infusions it will withstand- a good brand of tea can be infused at least three times.

   • 5

     Serve the tea by placing the teacup in a holder made from lacquer, wood or bamboo. Bring the tea cup holder and tea cup up to your mouth, at once, to drink the tea.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Chinese ceremony, clay teapot, first pouring, Steps chinese, Steps chinese ceremony, water into, water pour