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During the hot and humid summer, many tea enthusiasts find that their Pu-erh tea suddenly loses its appeal—its aroma diminishes, bitterness becomes more pronounced, and the tea's texture feels thin. What's happening?
The high humidity and low pressure of summer weather can indeed affect the brewing of tea. Here are three effective methods to bring out the best in your Pu-erh tea during this season.
- Storing Tea: Dehumidify as Needed
We advocate natural tea storage methods. However, during the high humidity of summer, tea leaves can easily retain moisture. To counter this, store the Pu-erh tea you plan to drink soon in a cardboard box, and use a hygrometer to monitor the storage environment daily. Especially on rainy days, using a dehumidifier to maintain humidity levels between 40% and 75% can help control the moisture in the tea leaves.
- Use a Yixing Zisha Teapot or Iron Kettle for Brewing
A Yixing Zisha teapot is the ideal companion for Pu-erh tea, helping to maintain water temperature and enhance the aroma of the tea leaves. Choose a teapot with a large belly and thick walls for better heat retention. For aged Pu-erh tea, it's recommended to use an iron kettle for boiling water. Place the dry tea leaves in the Yixing teapot and let them steam over the iron kettle's mouth for a minute to remove moisture and impurities, thus improving the tea's flavor.
- Maintain High Water Temperature While Brewing
On rainy days, the ambient temperature is lower, and water cools faster than on sunny days. Therefore, it's crucial to warm the cup, rinse the tea, and pour out the brewed tea more quickly. Continuously using boiling water for brewing, without letting too much time pass between each infusion, ensures the tea leaves remain at a high temperature, maximizing the tea's aroma.
By following these three simple tips, you can enhance the aroma of your Pu-erh tea during the summer. Brewing tea is a process that grants Pu-erh tea a second life. Mastering these techniques and paying attention to every detail will allow you to fully enjoy the pleasures of Pu-erh tea.
