Yunnan Shu Pu Erh – 12 Years

Preparation

Hot tea brewing method: This tea can be used repeatedly (à la chinoise) – about 1-2 times. The secret is to use water that is about 75-85°C. Place 1 tsp of leaves per cup in your teapot and steep for 3-6 minutes. Then begin enjoying a cup of enchantment – do not remove the leaves from the pot. Once the water level is low – add more water, and so on – until the tea flavor is exhausted. Alternatively for 1 time use, add boiling water and steep for 3-5 minutes according to taste. Milk or sugar will mask the delicate characters of this tea and are not recommended. Look at the pattern of the leaves – they foretell life.

Iced tea brewing method: Place 6 teaspoons of tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the leaves. Add ice and top up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. [A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to double the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.