In China “gong fu” means a skillful, labor intensive practice, and that’s exactly what preparing and serving tea “gong fu style” is all about. In gong fu the tea master prepares and serves tea in a practiced and precise way, awakening the sense of sight, smell, and taste by viewing and smelling both dry and wet tea, and finally by tasting the prepared tea. |
The origins of the gong fu ceremony began in China’s Guangdong Province, near the border of Fujian Province, originally designed for big leafy oolong teas such as Fenhuang Don Cong, and in Yunnan Province for sampling costly aged pu-erh teas made from the broad dayeh leaf.Small earthenwareYixing teapots are used to brew the tea, which is traditionally drunk from tiny clay cups. Using smaller cups allows tea drinkers to enjoy the changing flavors of the tea through multiple infusions of the same leaf.Adding to the sensory experience of gong fu are tall aroma or smelling cups used to cap- |
ture the fragrance of the leaf while brewing, and likewise create anticipation of the delicious flavor of the brewed tea to come.Traditional gong fu sets come with a clay or ceramic washing bowl (called a cha chuan), and a round clay or ceramic platform with a removable drain plate which rests on top. Modern or new gong fu sets come with wooden or bamboo trays with a built-in plastic slide out tray to catch the wash water.In addition to the water catch basins needed for a gong fu tea service, you will also need the following: a pair of wooden tools-one for handling dry leaf, the other for wet, a tea measuring scoop, a tea It’s also important for your guests to Before beginning be sure to have the tools you’ll need at hand, because as the host you will be Complete Gong fu Brewing Guide” page).1. Begin by pouring hot water into the small earthenware Yixing 2. If brewing black, oolong or pu-erh teas (but not green tea), 4. Add more water to the teapot, replace the lid, and pour oolong tea 6. Place the small drinking cup or bowl upside down over the 7. Add more hot water to the leaves in the teapot for multiple infusions. |
The most important step is that both you and your guests enjoy the gong fu tea
service presentation and sharing a cup of tea together. This is both a relaxing and
entertaining way to enjoy a new tea or an old favorite, taking the time to fully
appreciate the nuances in flavor and aroma, along with a centuries old tea ceremony.
Remember to visit our Complete Gong Fu Brewing Guide page for step-by-step
instructions on serving tea gong fu style, and possibly even surprise friends and
family with your own gong fu tea ceremony. And as always, Enjoy.