Brewing tea well is both simple and endlessly nuanced. The right combination of water temperature, leaf quantity, and steeping time can transform the same tea leaves from unremarkable to extraordinary. This guide covers the methods you will encounter in Czech tearooms and can easily practice at home.
The Gongfu Method
Gongfu cha (literally "tea with great skill") is the brewing method most closely associated with Czech cajovny. Originating in the Fujian and Guangdong provinces of China, this technique uses a high ratio of tea leaves to water and multiple short infusions to extract the full range of flavors from quality tea.
A gaiwan is the versatile centerpiece of gongfu-style tea preparation
Gongfu Brewing Steps
- Warm your equipment: Pour hot water over your gaiwan or Yixing teapot and cups to pre-heat them. Discard this water.
- Measure your tea: Use approximately 5-7 grams of tea for a 100-150ml gaiwan. This is significantly more tea than Western brewing.
- Rinse the leaves: Pour hot water over the leaves and immediately drain. This "awakens" the tea and removes any dust. For pu-erh, you may rinse twice.
- First infusion: Pour water at the appropriate temperature and steep for 10-20 seconds. Pour all liquid into a fairness cup (chahai), then distribute into small tasting cups.
- Subsequent infusions: Add 5-10 seconds to each following steep. Quality tea can yield 8-15 or more infusions, with each one revealing different flavor notes.
- Observe the changes: Pay attention to how the flavor evolves across infusions. The middle steeps (3rd through 6th) often produce the most complex and enjoyable cups.
Western-Style Brewing
The Western method uses less tea and longer steeping times, producing 1-3 large cups from each serving of leaves. While gongfu purists may dismiss this approach, it remains a practical and enjoyable way to prepare tea, particularly for everyday drinking.
Use approximately 2-3 grams of tea per 200ml of water. Steep according to the times listed in the temperature chart below. Most teas can be re-steeped at least once using this method, though the second infusion will be lighter.
Temperature and Steeping Guide
| Tea Type | Water Temp | Western Steep | Gongfu Steep | Gongfu Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Tea | 70-80 C | 1-3 min | 10-20 sec | 4-5 g / 100ml |
| White Tea | 75-85 C | 3-5 min | 15-30 sec | 4-5 g / 100ml |
| Yellow Tea | 75-80 C | 2-3 min | 10-20 sec | 4-5 g / 100ml |
| Oolong (light) | 85-90 C | 2-4 min | 15-30 sec | 5-7 g / 100ml |
| Oolong (dark) | 90-100 C | 3-5 min | 15-30 sec | 5-7 g / 100ml |
| Black Tea | 90-100 C | 3-5 min | 10-20 sec | 5-6 g / 100ml |
| Pu-erh (Sheng) | 95-100 C | 3-5 min | 10-20 sec | 6-8 g / 100ml |
| Pu-erh (Shou) | 100 C | 3-5 min | 10-15 sec | 6-8 g / 100ml |
Essential Equipment
You do not need expensive equipment to brew excellent tea. Czech tearooms often use simple, functional tools, and the same approach works well at home.
Gaiwan
A lidded bowl, typically 100-150ml, used for gongfu brewing. The gaiwan is the single most versatile piece of tea equipment. It works for every tea type and allows precise control over steeping time and leaf observation. Porcelain gaiwans are the most common choice in Czech cajovny.
Yixing Teapot
Small unglazed clay teapots from Yixing, China. The porous clay absorbs tea oils over time, seasoning the pot and enhancing flavor. Traditionally, each Yixing pot is dedicated to a single tea type. These are prized collectible items in Czech tea circles.
Fairness Cup (Chahai)
A small pitcher used to evenly distribute tea from the gaiwan or teapot into individual cups. It ensures each cup receives tea of the same strength and temperature, which is why it is called the "fairness" cup.
Tea Tray (Chaban)
A tray with a drainage system that catches spilled water during the brewing process. Essential for gongfu brewing, where rinsing and warming involve significant amounts of water. Czech tearooms typically use bamboo or wood trays.
Variable Temperature Kettle
A kettle that allows you to set a specific water temperature. Since different teas require different temperatures, this is perhaps the most important investment for home brewers. Look for models with 1-degree precision.
Tea Scale
A small digital scale accurate to 0.1 grams. Measuring your tea by weight (rather than volume) ensures consistency between sessions. Most Czech tea professionals consider a scale essential.
Water: The Overlooked Variable
Water constitutes over 99% of your cup of tea, yet it is often the most neglected aspect of brewing. The mineral content, pH, and purity of your water can dramatically affect the taste of even the finest tea.
Water Guidelines
- Avoid distilled water: Completely pure water produces a flat, lifeless brew. Some mineral content is needed.
- Filter tap water: Chlorine and heavy chloramine in municipal water systems can ruin delicate teas. A simple carbon filter removes most of these issues.
- Consider spring water: Natural spring water with moderate mineral content (50-150 ppm TDS) often produces the best results. Many Czech tea enthusiasts use local spring sources.
- Fresh water only: Always start with cold, freshly drawn water. Re-boiled water has reduced oxygen content, which can make tea taste dull.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced tea drinkers sometimes fall into habits that diminish their tea experience. Here are the most common issues and how to address them:
- Using boiling water for green tea: This is the single most common mistake. Water at 100 degrees Celsius will scorch green tea leaves, producing bitter, astringent flavors. Let the water cool to 70-80 degrees before pouring.
- Over-steeping: Leaving tea in water too long extracts excessive tannins, making the brew bitter regardless of tea type. Set a timer until you develop an intuitive sense of timing.
- Storing tea improperly: Tea absorbs moisture and odors easily. Store it in airtight, opaque containers away from heat and strong-smelling foods. Avoid refrigerating most teas (exception: some greens in sealed packaging).
- Using too little tea: Under-dosing produces watery, flavorless cups. Follow the recommended amounts or adjust upward to your taste preference.