How to Brew Oolong Tea: Gongfu Style

How to Brew Oolong Tea: Gongfu Style

Oolong tea is one of the most complex and rewarding teas to brew. Its semi-oxidized nature means it can be enjoyed through multiple infusions, each revealing different layers of flavor and aroma. The traditional gongfu tea ceremony is the best way to experience oolong tea’s full potential.

Gongfu Tea Ware You’ll Need

• Gaiwan or Yixing teapot - 100-150ml capacity is ideal for gongfu brewing
• Tea pitcher (fairness cup) - To hold the brewed tea and ensure even strength
• Tea strainer - To catch any loose leaves
• Tea cups - Small tasting cups, 20-50ml each
• Tea tray - To catch spilled water
• Tea scoop - To measure tea leaves
• Oolong tea leaves - 5-7 grams (about 2 teaspoons)

Gongfu Brewing Steps

1. Warm all teaware - Pour hot water into the gaiwan, pitcher, and cups to warm them. Discard the water.
2. Add tea leaves - Place 5-7 grams of oolong tea into the gaiwan. The leaves should fill about ¹⁄₄ to ¹⁄₃ of the gaiwan.
3. Heat water to the right temperature:

   <ul>
   <li>Light oolongs (e.g., Tieguanyin): 85-90°C (185-194°F)</li>
   <li>Medium oolongs (e.g., Da Hong Pao): 90-95°C (194-203°F)</li>
   <li>Dark/roasted oolongs: 95-100°C (203-212°F)</li>
   </ul>
   

4. Rinse the leaves - Pour hot water into the gaiwan to just cover the leaves, then immediately pour it out (into the pitcher and cups to continue warming them). This “wakes up” the leaves.
5. First infusion - Fill the gaiwan with hot water. Steep for 15-30 seconds. Pour into the tea pitcher through a strainer, then serve into cups.
6. Subsequent infusions - Add 5-10 seconds to each subsequent infusion. Good oolong tea can be brewed 5-10 times or more!

Infusion Times for Oolong Tea

The Art of Savoring Oolong

Gongfu tea is as much about the experience as it is about the tea itself. Take time to:

• Smell the aroma - After pouring, smell the empty gaiwan lid to appreciate the tea’s fragrance
• Observe the color - Notice how the liquor color changes with each infusion
• Taste mindfully - Sip slowly and notice the different flavors - sweetness, bitterness, astringency, and aftertaste
• Feel the texture - Pay attention to the mouthfeel - is it smooth, thick, silky?

Tips for Better Oolong

• Always use high-quality loose leaf oolong - tea bags won’t give you the same experience
• Rolled oolongs (like Tieguanyin) unfurl as they steep - you’ll be amazed how much they expand
• If using a Yixing teapot, dedicate it to one type of oolong - the clay absorbs flavors over time
• Experiment with steeping times - everyone’s taste is different, find what works for you
• The later infusions are often the sweetest and most fragrant - don’t stop too early!