Gong fu cha, which translates to “making tea with skill,” is a Chinese tea brewing method that involves steeping tea leaves in small clay teapots for short periods of time. A gong fu cha set typically includes a teapot, a pitcher, a serving tray, several small teacups, a strainer, and a tea pet.
The teapot is usually small and made of Yixing clay, which is porous and absorbs the flavor of the tea over time. The teapot is warmed up by rinsing it with hot water before adding the tea leaves. The tea leaves are then rinsed with hot water in the teapot to awaken their flavor and remove any impurities.
After rinsing the tea leaves, hot water is poured over them, and the tea is steeped for a short period of time, typically around 15-30 seconds. The tea is then poured into the pitcher to even out the flavor, and finally, it is poured into small teacups for serving. The tea pet, usually placed on the serving tray, is a small figurine that is said to bring good luck and fortune to the tea-drinking experience.
The gong fu cha method allows for multiple short, intense infusions of the tea leaves, resulting in a more flavorful and aromatic cup of tea compared to traditional Western brewing methods. This method also allows the tea drinker to appreciate the changing flavors of the tea as they develop over multiple infusions.
Overall, the gong fu cha set is used to enhance the brewing experience and bring out the best qualities of the tea leaves. It requires skill and practice to master, but it offers a unique and rewarding way to enjoy tea.