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Gaiwan

Gaiwan - Restorative Brewing

Similar to using a small teapot, brewing with a Gaiwan (traditional Chinese tea bowl) allows you to experience the different layers of the tea aroma, while being able to observe the changes of the tea leaves as they slowly start to bloom. It is truly a pleasant adventure for all five senses.

Method: Multiple Steeps (40%-30%-20%-10% Flavor Extractions)

Characteristics: 

  • Restorative and relaxing ritual
  • Unveils different layers of the tea aroma each steep
  • Brings out a much more complex taste profile
  • Uses a smaller amount of tea

 

Equipment: 

  • Gaiwan (Approx. 150mL)
  • Kettle
  • Server
  • Tea cups
  • Scale**

** Optional, but highly recommended for a perfect tea experience

 

Instructions:

Step 1: Weigh 5g of oolong tea or simply cover the bottom of the Gaiwan with a thin layer of tea
    
 
Step 2: Bring water to boiling temperature (212ºF)
  
 
Step 3: Infuse hot water
   
  
Step 4: Put on the lid and steep for 1 minute for the tea leaf to fully bloom (open up)
 
 
Step 5: Make a small opening between the lid and the bowl
 
 
  
Step 6: Secure the Gaiwan with thumb and middle finger holding the side and index finger gently pressing down the lid
* Please be careful. This step is tricky and the Gaiwan can be very hot. We recommend practice pouring a few times with room temperature water prior to brewing.
  
 
Step 7: Pour tea into server
  
 
Step 8: Serve to tea cup and enjoy
 
 
Step 9: Infuse hot water again and re-steep for 30 secs and pour out
  
 
Step 9: Repeat the above re-steeping steps until the tea has little to no flavor
 
 
 
*Please lower the amount of tea, water temperature and steep time when brewing green tea.