How to Brew Gaiwan Tea

Gaiwan tea is an ancient Chinese tea tradition dating back to the mid-1300s. Loosely translated, gaiwan means "covered cup," and each gaiwan contains a saucer, bowl and lid. Use gaiwan tea preparation for delicately flavored looseleaf teas, such as green or oolong. After brewing in the gaiwan, you can drink the tea from the cup or pour it into separate cups.

Things You'll Need

• Gaiwan
• Looseleaf tea
• Hot water
• Separate cup (optional)

Instructions

1. Warm the gaiwan with hot water. If you choose to use a separate cup instead of drinking from the gaiwan, you should also warm the cup with hot water. Pour the water out once the container is warm.

2. Measure the tea leaves according to which tea you are brewing. Typically, this measurement is one to two tablespoons. Place the tea leaves in the gaiwan.

3. Wash the tea leaves with a quick rinse of hot water. Pour this water out and keep the tea leaves in by using the lid to contain the leaves while allowing the water to flow out of the gaiwan.

4. Fill the gaiwan with hot water again, cover with the lid and let the tea steep for the time consistent with the type of tea you're brewing. Green tea has a 2-to-3-minute brew time, while darker teas typically brew for a few minutes longer. As you grow more comfortable with brewing tea you can adjust the brew time to better suit your individual taste.

5. Hold the cup and saucer in your right hand while your left steadies the lid. Drink from the gaiwan while the lid holds the tea leaves back. You may also use this method to decant the brewed tea into a separate container.

6. Drink the tea and enjoy. You have just brewed tea as it was done during the Ming Dynasty.

7. Resteep the tea leaves if you wish. Resteeped tea leaves requires a slightly longer brew time, but you should be able to steep quality looseleaf tea several times before its flavor dies.