How hot should the water be when preparing Pu-erh tea? There are several variations of this tea, from loose leaves to raw cakes. It is important to pay attention to the flavor of the tea so that you can increase the infusion time. Most Pu-erhs can be infused anywhere from 10 to twenty times. To maximize flavor, remove the leaves layer by layer. Avoid breaking the leaves, as this will make them bitter.
When brewing Pu-Erh tea, use purified or fresh spring water. The hotter the water is, the stronger the brew. Also, brewing the tea with hotter water will allow you to control the depth and flavor of the drink. After steeping the tea for at least 3 minutes, you can serve it hot or iced. However, it is best to brew it for around two minutes to get optimal flavor and a smoother drink.
When brewing pu-erh tea, you need to make sure that the water is between fifty and sixty degrees Fahrenheit. This will prevent the tea from scorching if the water is too hot. If you are unsure of the exact temperature of your water, you can start with a ten-second brew and increase it by 5 seconds for each subsequent brew. This way, you can gradually adjust the steeping time to maximize the flavor of your tea. Often, the color of the tea will be the best indicator of the proper steeping time. Keep in mind that some pu-erh release its flavors faster than others.
Adding oxygen to water reduces the flavor of your tea. Therefore, many people like to bring the water to the appropriate temperature before steeping the leaves. By bringing the water to the right temperature, you can avoid destroying the tannins and other beneficial compounds. However, when using high-grade pu-erh tea, it is crucial to remember that this type of tea is made of tender leaves and can easily be scalded. As such, boiling water should not be used for brewing high-grade pu-erh tea. However, boiling water is perfect for a compressed pu-erh tea made with slightly elder tea.