Not too long ago, I drove down Fairview Street here in Boise, Idaho and noticed a coffee shop called Brew Awakening. What a perfect name for a coffee shop! Recently, I found this space empty.It looks like someone’s dream not being realized.Even with high traffic street, cars speeding by don’t always stop. Morning commuters going faster than 35 mph usually don’t stop for products or services. It’s possible that the owner moved to a new location.
Here I am trying to offer you some simple guidelines on a perfect brew cup of tea. The way to a perfect cup of tea can be as deep as the history of tea. The whole process of brewing tea reminds us to be mindful of what we are doing.The three elements that keeps our attention and being present in the moment are temperature, brewing time and serving traditions. The steps are just as important as the drink itself.The Japanese Tea Ceremony is formal service where all the moves has an intention.Pay attention to all the steps in brewing tea allows you to be present to the moment. In the stillness of the moment, you might hear the inner wisdom.
Kung Fu tea is a Chinese tradition that encompasses the reflective spirit, the etiquette, and the skills of making and pouring the tea. Kung Fu tea tradition is not for crushing thirst, but to experience the tea through the fragrance and the taste.Usually a small clay teapot is used. The tea taste better with each brew.The clay teapots absorbs all the characters of the tea.Over time, the teapot absorb the tea and with each brew, the tea gets better.
In modern days, the general guidelines are 2 to 5 minutes for steeping black tea.Oolong tea takes 5 to 8 minutes to brew. The best water temperature is 180-190. Green tea takes about 2-4 minutes at 160 to 170 degree water. White tea steeps for 4-6 minutes at 180 degree temperature. Second infusion will take twice as long for the flavor to infuse. Steep time for Rooibos and other herbal tea varies, but most of them needs to steep 5 minutes or more.Change the recipe to your own taste.
Whatever method or tools you use, be with the process and enjoy the experience. Make it your time to have a brew awakening.
