Brewing & Storage
Tea Essentials
Please keep in mind, our teas are procured each season, travel long distances and most likely are exposed to some degree of change, before they reach us and end up in your hands. Yes, we do our best to bring you the finest and freshest leaf, however if teas are not stored properly they will suffer. There’s no reason to prolong the suffering, so we have provided you with some essential tips and techniques to keep your teas lively and fresh while providing the drinker with a pleasurable experience in every cup. Follow these simple tips and you’ll find your teas rewarding you for month’s even years after the season has ended.
The Seven Variables
1. Light
2. Temperature
3. Moisture content of the tea
4. Humidity
5. Oxygen
6. Microorganisms
7. Odors
A) Store your teas in a non-transparent container away from direct sun light in a relatively cool, dry environment.
B) Tea will absorb extra moisture when it is stored in humid air. Increased moisture promotes microorganisms which can affect the quality of the teas taste and aroma.
C) Tea can easily absorb odors. Limit exposure to oxygen, story away from spices and other
strong smelling food. Do not store in a container which imparts a smell.
Pu’erh, Wu long and Black teas store very well, and can even develop over the years.
Clay jars provide the optimal storage and natural aging environment for your vintage teas.
Brew Guide
Temperature Reference: Boiling Water 212°
| Tea Variety |
Water Temp. |
Infusion Time | Tealeaf 8oz. Water |
| White | 175°F | 1-3 minutes | 1 tsp - 1 tbsp |
| Green | 180°F | 1-3 minutes | 1 tsp - 1 tbsp |
| Oolong | 208°F | 1-3 minutes | 1 tsp - 1 tbsp |
| Black | 208°F | 3-5 minutes | 1 tsp - 1 tbsp |
| Pu-erh | 208°F | 3-5 minutes | 1 tsp - 1 tbsp |
| Herbal | 208°F | 3-5 minutes | 1 tsp - 1 tbsp |
Brewing Suggestions
*Spring water or filtered water is always best.
*One serving of loose tea may vary depending on your personal preference.
*Whole leaf teas may be steeped more than once.
*For a stronger infusion use more tea, not more time.
*Please use this chart as a general guideline, Let your palate be your guide!
*1oz. of loose leaf tea typically yields 10-15 servings or cups.
Pu’erh Storage
Environmental conditions for aging Pu-erh are important for development in character. Clay jars or bamboo steamer racks for cakes are ideal. Porous clay and bamboo steamers provide protection while allowing for air circulation. Moderate, fresh air circulation is necessary. Fresh air circulation prevents stale moisture and odors from holding in the tea. A relative humidity and cool temperate climate is ideal. Rapid, extreme temperature changes and excess moisture or humidity are not good. Just like slow growth is essential for tea leaves, slow aging is essential for Pu-erh. Moderation is key.
“Gong Fu Tea”
A traditional artisan way of brewing tea, specifically choice Oolong Teas. “Gong Fu” style brewing may be used for many loose teas, especially Pu’erh!
Everyday Gong Fu
*For every day gong fu tea, a tea sink, tea boat, or tea table is used for preparation. A porcelain Gaiwan (Guy-wan) or small clay pot is preferred. A good tablespoon of tea is used for a 4 to 6oz. vessel.
*The water temperature is near boiling, the tea-ware is warmed first and the tea is always “primed” very briefly steeped, before brewing.
“Priming” cleanses the leaves, activates the essential oils and awakens the aroma
*Multiple brief infusions will follow each around 5 seconds. The tea is fully decanted after each infusion into a cup, multiple cups or a small pitcher.
*Steeping time may increase with subsequent infusions, thus extracting the maximum flavor and savoring the high quality of the ea.