September 17, 2021
What is a tea wash?
When it comes to tea, there’s a lot more to it than simply steeping a bag in hot water. In fact, the world of tea is rich with tradition and ritual, dating back thousands of years in some cultures. One such tradition is the practice of tea washing.
A tea wash is the process of rinsing loose leaf tea with hot water before the actual brewing begins. This rinse is done very quickly, often with the water discarded after just a few seconds of contact with the leaves. The purpose of washing tea is threefold: to clean the leaves of any dust or impurities that may be present, to “wake up” the leaves and prepare them for brewing, and to preheat the teaware.
Some argue that the tea wash is an essential step in the brewing process, as it helps to ensure a clean and flavorful cup of tea. Others claim that it is unnecessary and can even strip away some of the delicate flavors of the leaves. Ultimately, whether or not to wash your tea is a matter of personal preference and the particular brewing method you are using.
If you decide to give tea washing a try, simply place your loose leaf tea in your teapot or gaiwan (a small, lidded bowl used for brewing tea), pour over enough hot water to cover the leaves, swirl the leaves in the water for a few seconds, and then discard the rinse water. From there, you can continue with your normal brewing process.
Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to brew tea – it’s all about finding what works best for you and your taste buds. So don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own perfect cup of tea!
A tea wash is the process of rinsing loose leaf tea with hot water before the actual brewing begins. This rinse is done very quickly, often with the water discarded after just a few seconds of contact with the leaves. The purpose of washing tea is threefold: to clean the leaves of any dust or impurities that may be present, to “wake up” the leaves and prepare them for brewing, and to preheat the teaware.
Some argue that the tea wash is an essential step in the brewing process, as it helps to ensure a clean and flavorful cup of tea. Others claim that it is unnecessary and can even strip away some of the delicate flavors of the leaves. Ultimately, whether or not to wash your tea is a matter of personal preference and the particular brewing method you are using.
If you decide to give tea washing a try, simply place your loose leaf tea in your teapot or gaiwan (a small, lidded bowl used for brewing tea), pour over enough hot water to cover the leaves, swirl the leaves in the water for a few seconds, and then discard the rinse water. From there, you can continue with your normal brewing process.
Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to brew tea – it’s all about finding what works best for you and your taste buds. So don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own perfect cup of tea!