Would somebody please explain "rinsing" tea?

[Beanbean]

I've never heard of rinsing tea before it is brewed and I've never done it. Could someone either point me to the resource on this forum or explain what this is all about? I'm assuming it has something to do with washing away particulates but I'm not sure.

[olivierco]

Rinsing tea can help to get rid of dust or other impurities. It also opens the tealeaves and/or loosen the compressed leaves of a puer cake.

[scruffmcgruff]

It's also not really necessary, so don't worry about it too much. I generally only rinse cooked puerh and aged teas.

[olivierco]

Same for me.

[Beanbean]

Thanks!

[Victoria]

I rarely rinse either except as stated above. However if you are using a gaiwan and a tightly rolled TQY, it is advisable.