Winter weather is cold and cool, making it the perfect time to boil a pot of tea. Enjoy the smooth warmth of the tea soup while also bringing a touch of warmth to the cold winter. What teas are suitable for boiling in winter? Let's take a look…
Dark Tea (Hei Cha)
Dark tea is a post-fermented tea, using relatively coarse and mature leaves that undergo a long fermentation process, resulting in a rich aroma and robust flavor, with a dark brown tea soup.
Dark tea can be steeped or boiled. The excellent adsorption properties of clay tea wares help eliminate impurities that may form during fermentation and storage, further enhancing the aged aroma of the dark tea. Additionally, the rugged and atmospheric nature of clay ware complements the dark tea's simple and profound character, aligning well with its deep-aged charm.
The coarser leaves of dark tea require boiling to release their functional components for better absorption by the body. The sweet, smooth taste after boiling is unforgettable.
Citrus Pu'er Tea (Gan Pu Cha)
Last year, Citrus Pu'er Tea, particularly the Little Green Tangerine variety, became incredibly popular. Combining the fresh zest of little green tangerines with the mellow richness of ripe Pu'er, it offers a unique flavor and health benefits. Can Citrus Pu'er Tea be boiled?
The answer is yes. Both ripe Pu'er and aged citrus peel have enhanced flavors when boiled. After a period of boiling, the Citrus Pu'er Tea not only improves the taste and aroma of both the aged citrus and ripe tea individually but also promotes a better blend between the citrus and tea, creating an even smoother and richer flavor.
Boiling Citrus Pu'er Tea is simple. For little green tangerines, boil them whole. For larger red tangerines, adjust according to your preference at a ratio of 1 part citrus to 3 parts tea. Bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer for five to ten minutes on low heat.
Black Tea
The most internationally popular tea category, black tea is a fully fermented tea made from tea buds and leaves through processes such as withering, rolling (or cutting), fermentation, and drying. Named for its reddish color both in dry leaves and brewed tea, it is known as black tea.
Black tea is suitable for both steeping and boiling. There are two ways to enjoy black tea: plain drinking and mixed drinking. Plain drinking means enjoying the tea without any added ingredients, allowing the tea's natural aroma and flavor to shine. This method is ideal for appreciating the fragrance and mellow taste of Gongfu black tea.
Aged White Tea
White tea is a minimally processed tea, made from young tender leaves with a lot of white down on the back. It is dried under the sun or gently baked, giving it a silver-white appearance and a characteristic of “green dressed in white.” White tea is often referred to as “one-year-old tea, three-year-old medicine, seven-year-old treasure,” indicating its medicinal properties after a certain period of aging. Since white tea does not undergo rolling during production, its internal substances are difficult to release, making it very suitable for boiling.
In the cold winter, warm up with a pot of boiled tea.