I was planning on getting a gaiwan since it's supposed to be better for brewing green tea. I saw on a site that you can just drink directly from it, and once you're down to 1/3, you just refill it. Wouldn't the tea get bitter unless you drink it really fast?
I was planning on getting a 6 oz gaiwan, but I'm not sure because that would take longer to drink, and could overbrew easier.
Andy --
How bitter your tea becomes over time in a Gaiwan depends on the quality and type of tea and the amount of leaves used as well as the amount, temperature, and quality of water used.
If you drink straight from the Gaiwan, I advise to stir gently before you sip as to uniformly distribute the strength of infusion evenly.
Refill with water of the proper temperature when you are anywhere from 1/3 to 1/2 full. I keep hot water handy in a thermos and pour as needed.
If the tea tastes too bitter at any time, pour some or all off and simply add more water. The more you brew, the longer you can go between infusions before experiencing bitterness and the lower the water temperature will need to be for brewing.
Generally, you will want to drink more quickly at first and then can slow down the pace. After a few infusions, you can go quite a long time between sips on a top-quality green tea.
Just because a Gaiwan is 6 ounces in capacity doesn't mean you need to fill it full every time. It is ok to fill it only 1/2-3/4 full and refill when down to 1/3 if you want to sip at a more leisurely pace. That way, you can also re-fill to full if needed to dilute the strength of brew. Just use less leaves.
Gaiwans are inexpensive, simple, sensual, and fun. You can be very fussy and particular with them if you want to, such as a strict cupping or formal presentation; nonetheless, you can remain loose and happy without losing out on one bit of the sensory delights and simple satisfaction.
Will Gladly,
Jing Cha
ps -- to avoid bitterness, leave the top off while brewing
How bitter your tea becomes over time in a Gaiwan depends on the quality and type of tea and the amount of leaves used as well as the amount, temperature, and quality of water used.
If you drink straight from the Gaiwan, I advise to stir gently before you sip as to uniformly distribute the strength of infusion evenly.
Refill with water of the proper temperature when you are anywhere from 1/3 to 1/2 full. I keep hot water handy in a thermos and pour as needed.
If the tea tastes too bitter at any time, pour some or all off and simply add more water. The more you brew, the longer you can go between infusions before experiencing bitterness and the lower the water temperature will need to be for brewing.
Generally, you will want to drink more quickly at first and then can slow down the pace. After a few infusions, you can go quite a long time between sips on a top-quality green tea.
Just because a Gaiwan is 6 ounces in capacity doesn't mean you need to fill it full every time. It is ok to fill it only 1/2-3/4 full and refill when down to 1/3 if you want to sip at a more leisurely pace. That way, you can also re-fill to full if needed to dilute the strength of brew. Just use less leaves.
Gaiwans are inexpensive, simple, sensual, and fun. You can be very fussy and particular with them if you want to, such as a strict cupping or formal presentation; nonetheless, you can remain loose and happy without losing out on one bit of the sensory delights and simple satisfaction.
Will Gladly,
Jing Cha
ps -- to avoid bitterness, leave the top off while brewing
Thank you. Now, I think I'll just have to experiment around with it to find the way I like to brew it.
Last edited by Warden Andy on Jun 26th, '06, 23:00, edited 1 time in total.
gaiwan infusions
To the guy wondering about gaiwan use: In addition to what the previous response said, you can also use lower temp water than you normally would if you want to drink straight out of the gaiwan.
In China, a lot of people carry glass jars, or space jars, with the leaves right in there, and refill it all day, often starting with cooler water then getting progressively hotter.
-shuixian
In China, a lot of people carry glass jars, or space jars, with the leaves right in there, and refill it all day, often starting with cooler water then getting progressively hotter.
-shuixian
How warm of water should I start with?
Edit: I just got a gaiwan yesterday, and am very surprised with how well it brews tea. I thought it would have taken longer to get a good cup with it, but the first time I brewed a cup of tea, it turned out better than the best I've brewed with my old method.
By the way, I ended up getting a 4 oz gaiwan instead of 6 oz. I'm glad I went with the smaller size.
Edit: I just got a gaiwan yesterday, and am very surprised with how well it brews tea. I thought it would have taken longer to get a good cup with it, but the first time I brewed a cup of tea, it turned out better than the best I've brewed with my old method.
By the way, I ended up getting a 4 oz gaiwan instead of 6 oz. I'm glad I went with the smaller size.