How do you make black gongfu tea?

Making black gongfu tea is an art that requires precision and care. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you master the technique and enjoy a perfectly brewed cup of this rich and flavorful tea.

1. **Prepare Your Teaware**


* Select a small to medium-sized gaiwan or teapot made of porcelain or Yixing clay.
* Place three to five grams of black gongfu tea leaves per 100 milliliters of water in your teaware.
2. **Rinse the Tea**


* Pour just-boiled water over the leaves to rinse them. Discard this first infusion immediately; it’s mainly to wake up the tea leaves and remove any dust or impurities.
3. **The First Infusion**


* Fill your teaware with boiling water and steep for about 15 seconds. This initial steeping brings out the tea’s surface flavors.
* Pour the tea slowly into your tasting cup, being careful to maintain an even flow. Appreciate the aroma as you pour.
4. **Subsequent Infusions**


* For the second and third infusions, increase the steeping time slightly, to about 20-30 seconds each. Black gongfu tea can withstand multiple infusions, with each one revealing different layers of flavor.
* Gradually increase the steeping time for each subsequent infusion, allowing the deeper notes of the tea to unfold.
5. **Tasting**


* As you drink, pay attention to the tea’s aroma, taste, and mouthfeel. Black gongfu tea is known for its rich, malty flavors and lingering sweet aftertaste.
6. **Enjoying Your Tea**


* Sip slowly and savor the tea’s complex flavors and aromas. Black gongfu tea is often described as smooth, mellow, and deeply satisfying.

Remember, the key to making great black gongfu tea is experimentation and personal preference. Adjust the amount of tea, steeping times, and water temperature to suit your taste buds, and enjoy the journey of discovering this tea’s unique characteristics.

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