❓Numerous questions arise about whether Vietnamese people possess a tea appreciation culture akin to the Japanese or the Chinese. With specific rituals in tea preparation, the Japanese have successfully elevated tea enjoyment to a spiritual practice, incorporating Zen-like meditation into their tea ceremonies. Meanwhile, the Chinese showcase the beauty and grace of each tea-making step through their Kungfu tea performance. From the East to the West, the British, for instance, have introduced their own twist by pairing afternoon tea with simple biscuits and a touch of milk.
So, what distinguishes Vietnamese tea culture? In truth, Vietnam has been influenced by a blend of cultures from the East and the West. Today, depending on the climate and geographical regions, tea consumption methods vary slightly. However, to brew a delightful cup of tea, Ky Tra Cac, with its extensive experience in the tea industry, has amalgamated various tea-brewing techniques to create a unique yet shared style. Allow me to share with you the four fundamental steps: warming the teapot, rinsing the tea, steeping the tea, and pouring the tea.
Warming the teapot is a particularly crucial stage. Pouring boiling water into the teapot not only cleanses impurities but also transfers its intense heat to warm the teapot.
Rinsing the tea equates to awakening the tea leaves or buds (depending on the type of tea you're using). This stage is pivotal for opening up and releasing the flavors of the carefully processed tea leaves, allowing you to experience the tea's aroma.
Curing the tea involves using water at temperatures ranging from 85 to 95 degrees Celsius. Depending on the tea type and teapot size, the amount of tea and steeping time will vary. Typically, the steeping time falls within 10 to 15 seconds. Steeping for too long risks scorching the tea and losing its flavor. Conversely, if too quick, the tea leaves won't fully open, and the initial tea infusion won't be aromatic and flavorful. For the ancient tea trees of Northwestern Vietnam from Ky Tra Cac, each type of tea can be steeped 5 to 10 times.
Tea Pouring is where the artistry and mastery truly shine. Holding the teapot high and pouring into the teacup resembles a flowing stream from a height to a lower point. The sound of the flowing water is smooth, reflecting the artistry of the tea master. The flowing tea carries the tea's fragrance, creating an ambiance that enchants tea drinkers even before they taste the tea.
A question often arises: why do we pour the tea from the teapot to the Gongfu tea cup before serving? This practice is called "equal tea drinking," ensuring that every person enjoys the same quality. If we were to pour directly from the teapot, the first cup would be lighter in flavor, and the last cup would be stronger. After these four steps, all that remains is to savor the tea, perhaps light some incense, and listen to the soothing sounds of traditional instruments, creating a truly enjoyable experience. Beyond following the Ky Tra Cac style of tea brewing, crafting a delightful tea cup requires these four elements: water quality (foremost), typically having a pH around 8.5 (ionized water is an option), the type of tea you're using (second), following our four-step tea brewing process (third), and finally, the teapot used (fourth). Wishing you a warm and joyful tea experience with friends and loved ones this weekend!
