Tea and the Chinese culture

Regarded as one of the seven daily necessities by the Chinese (the others being firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, and vinegar), tea plays an indispensable role in the Chinese culture since ancient times. Even today, tea is consumed regularly in both casual and formal occasions.

Chinese tea ceremony (teaism)
Apart from daily tea consumption, the appreciation of tea in the Chinese culture has evolved into an elegant ritual known as the Chinese tea ceremony, or teaism. Although the ritual was originated as part of court entertainment at social gatherings far back in Chinese history, it is now considered an art that demonstrates the beauty of the Chinese traditions and the exquisite tea connoisseurship.

With an emphasis on experiencing tea with all senses, the ritual employs set procedures to appreciate the color, aroma, taste, and the shape of a tealeaf. Aside from the tea itself, the preparation equipments of tea are immensely important in the Chinese tea ceremony as well. In accordance to the many different ways of tea brewing, which may depend on variables like the formality of the occasion, the means of the people preparing it and the kind of tea being brewed, different equipments may be used.

Following are some examples.

Gaiwan brewing
Gaiwan (literally, "lidded bowl"), also known as Gaibei; (literally, "lidded cup“), is a three piece teaware consisting of a lid, a cup or bowl, and a saucer. It can be used on its own or with tasting cups on the side. Gaiwan brewing is usually employed in tea tasting situations where neutrality in taste and ease of access to brewing leaves for viewing and sniffing is important. This method can be used for all forms of teas though lightly oxidized teas would benefit most from it.

Teapot brewing

Teapot brewing uses small "Yixing clay" Yixing teaware sets to compliment the taste of the tea being brewed. This method is usually employed for private enjoyment as well as for welcoming guests. It is more formal than the way tea is brewed for "Dim sum" Dim sum in Chinese restaurants and is mostly applicable to "Pu-erh tea" pu-erh teas, black teas, or oolong teas.

Tea and relaxation
The Chinese tea culture is attractive to many people, including non-Chinese, as a form of art as well as of relaxation. Tea makers often find themselves forgetting all the trouble in their lives during the process of brewing, serving and drinking tea. Some people enjoy serving others with a cup of tea not just to share the excellent taste of their tea but also their peace of mind.

Fang Gourmet Tea welcomes you to join our exploration in the world of Chinese Teaism

To share his intimate knowledge and utmost passion to the art of Chinese Teaism, the owner of Fang Gourmet Tea, based on his extensive experience of over forty years delving into Chinese teaism, is now offering classes on various methods of Chinese tea brewing, gaining those who are interested in such a delicate form of art an access of in-depth glimpse into the beautiful, inspiring and tranquil world of Chinese Tea Ceremony.

For more information, please contact New York Chinese Language Center.