/tea/
Information and resources for tea enthusiasts, from beginners to connoisseurs.
Table of Contents
Info for Beginners
Where to Buy Tea
Avoid: Teavana, Starbucks, most flavored tea places.
Check your local tea shop first.
USA
- Yunnan Sourcing US
- Nannuoshan US
- Seven Cups
- Purple Cloud Teahouse
- Old Ways Tea
- Bana Tea Company
- Tea Habitat
- Red Blossom Tea
- Ippodo Tea
- Life in Teacup
- Puerh Junky
- My Mate World (Yerba mate)
UK
EU
- Tezen
- Nannuoshan EU
- CajChai (Spain)
- Hot Soup (Netherlands)
- Mariage Frères (France) - only approved flavored tea
China
Taobao
Use buying agents. Check communities like /r/tea or other tea forums for current agent recommendations.
Official Storefronts
- Dayi: dayi.world.tmall.com
- Xiaguan: xiaguanchaye.world.tmall.com
- Haiwan: laotongzhi.world.tmall.com
Clay Teapots
Chinese
Japanese
Subscription Services
Brewing Guides
Gongfu
| Tea Type | Temp | Amount | 1st Infusion | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White | 85°C | 3.5-4g/100ml | 20s | Add 5-10s per steep |
| Green | 80°C | 3-3.5g/100ml | 15s | Add 5-10s per steep |
| Oolong | 99°C | 4.5-6.5g/100ml | 20-25s | Add 10-15s per steep |
| Black | 95°C | 4-4.5g/100ml | 10-15s | Add 5-10s per steep |
| Puer Raw | 95°C | 5g/100ml | 10s | Add 5-10s per steep |
| Puer Ripe | 99°C | 5g/100ml | 10s | Add 5-10s per steep |
Western
| Tea Type | Temp | Amount | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 85°C | 1-2g/100ml | 3min |
| Green | 75°C | 1-2g/100ml | 3min |
| Oolong | 100°C | 1-2g/100ml | 3-4min |
| Black | 100°C | 1-1.5g/100ml | 3min |
Water matters: Use filtered or spring water if your tap water is heavily chlorinated or hard. Good water makes good tea.
Basic Steps
- Heat water to correct temperature
- Preheat vessel
- Add tea leaves
- Pour water, start timer
- Remove leaves when done
Essential Gear
You don't need much to start, but a few basics will transform your experience.
The Fundamentals
- Kettle: A gooseneck with temperature control is ideal, but any kettle works. Learn to gauge temperature by sight: steaming (70-80°C), small bubbles (80-90°C), rolling boil (100°C).
- Scale: A small digital scale (0.1g precision) is non-negotiable for Gongfu brewing. It's the best $10 you'll spend.
- Vessel:
- Gongfu: A simple 100ml gaiwan (lid-bowl-saucer) is the most versatile and affordable starter pot.
- Western: A mug with a large basket infuser or a small teapot.
- Fairness Pitcher (Gongfu Cha Hai): A small pitcher to decant your tea, ensuring even strength for everyone.
- Strainer & Cups: A fine mesh strainer and a few small cups.
Storage
- Keep all tea in airtight containers away from light, moisture, and strong smells (not above the stove!).
- For daily drinking, tins or double-lidded tea caddies work well.
- Puerh is the exception; it needs some humidity to age. Keep it in its original paper or in a clay jar, not plastic.
FAQ
New to tea, what should I try?
Get samples of different types: green, oolong, black, white, puer. See what you like.
Tea bags vs loose leaf?
Most bags contain dust. Loose leaf is higher quality and can be resteeped. Pyramid sachets with whole leaves are a decent compromise for convenience.
All tea from same plant?
Yes, all Camellia sinensis, different cultivars.
Raw vs ripe puer?
Raw: lightly fermented, ages over time. Ripe: wet-pile fermented, ready to drink.
How to store tea?
Airtight container, away from light/smells. Puer needs some humidity.
My tea is bitter/weak. What did I do wrong?
Bitter/Astringent: Likely too hot, too long, or too many leaves. Try cooler water or shorter steeps.
Weak/Flat: Likely too cool, too short, or not enough leaf. Try hotter water, longer steeps, or more leaf.
Resources
Blogs/YouTube
Communities
Credits
Old owner - Unknown
Current owner - Clara
(With <3)
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