I signed up for another one of the classes at Ohio Tea Company. If you have not heard me say it before, I love Ohio Tea Company in Canton. There is no place around her like them, they have great tea and are so helpful! They had a Gong Fu Tea Class for $20.00 and then we all got to keep our Gaiwan tea cup.
There were 6 of us and our teacher, it was a lot of fun to learn about the Gong Fu Tea Ceremony.
What is Gong Fu you ask??
"The gongfu tea ceremony or kung fu tea ceremony (Chinese: 工夫茶 or 功夫茶), is a kind of Chinese tea ceremony, involving the ritual preparation and presentation of tea. It is probably based on the tea preparation approaches originated in Fujian and the Chaoshan area of eastern Guangdong. The term literally means "making tea with skill". Today, the approach is used popularly by teashops carrying tea of Chinese origins, and by tea connoisseurs as a way to maximize the taste of a tea selection, especially a finer one." Wikipedia.
We started out by putting some Tie Guan Yin tea in our Gaiwan Cup. Instead of 1 tsp of tea, you add 2-3 tsp. We then added hot (but not boiling) water. The first time we rinse the leaves, you pour the water on the leaves for a few seconds and then pour it out- this wakes your tea up. You do no drink that tea. (If you have a tea pet- you can pour that tea on your tea pet) We then got more water, do not fill up the cup, but do cover the tea leaves, we let it steep for 20-25 seconds or so (with the lid on) and then we pour it into our cup.
From the website, "Tie Guan Yin is sweet and thick with a hint of orchid aftertaste. The look of this brew is a subtle yellowish-green, and the first steeping unfurls the rolled tea leaf to reveal large, juicy green leaves. It tastes much like its aroma: Bright and incredibly fresh, with sweet, mellow grassy undertones. This oolong holds up to a surprising number of re-steepings, rewarding the palette with various incarnations of sweet, smooth, tangy, and lively flavors.
The name Tie Guan Yin (Iron Goddess of Mercy) came from a farmer named Mr. Wei. At the temple dedicated to Guan Yin he was asked what is the name of his special tea. It must be called Ti Kuan Yin in honor of the iron statue to Guan Yin he replied. As the name was a good one, it has never been changed.
Ingredients:
Spring 2016 Tie Guan Yin oolong tea,
Origin:
Imported Directly: Anxi, Fujian, China"
We tried to pour it with one hand. We did this over and over again...like 7 times. After the first steep, you steep it again for less time, like 8-10 seconds.
Each time we added water the leaves opened up more and more. The taste wasn't too bad. It was different, but not bad.
This was one of the last times, you can see how full the cup is with the leaves.
We had fun tasting the tea and talking about it. The tea is all natural and you can even eat it you want. I tasted it, I would not have it as a snack, but it wasn't bad.
After tasting the first tea about 8 times, we tried another kind of Gong Fu Tea.
This was a Pu-erh tea.
This was the second tea I tried. And I have to say it was terrible. It smelled like a barn and tasted like hay. I tried every round, thinking that the taste would lighten up and I would be able to handle it. But, I couldn't do it!
You start the same way. You rinse the leaves and then steep for seconds and then pour into your cup and drink.
I would try the tea and then pour it into the jar. I wasn't the only one who could not handle to taste of the tea. There were a few of us who poured our tea out. But, there were also a few who enjoyed the tea. It just proves that everyone was different taste buds- what someone may love you may not like and what you may love others may find nasty. So, try all kinds of teas, don't be afraid to try something new.
This tea was dark and very strong.
We did about 7 rounds of this tea too. Oh my, this tea is unique. But, glad I tried it.
Don't let this smile fool you, this tea was awful!! lol!!
We got the Gaiwan cup set and towel free, then I purchased the cup to drink from. It has a hole in the bottom and the cup has double wall- it keeps the tea warmer.
For my birthday my aunt got me this Gong Fu Ceremonial tea set! So excited to use it!
