Tea tasting is a refined process that involves evaluating the quality, flavor, aroma, and appearance of different teas. Whether you are tasting CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) tea or green tea, the process remains meticulous and enjoyable. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to properly conduct a tea tasting for both CTC and green tea.
Preparing for the Tasting
1. Gather Your Supplies:
- Tea Samples: Select a variety of CTC and green tea samples for tasting.
- Tasting Cups: Small white porcelain cups are ideal for observing the tea’s color and clarity.
- Teapots or Infusers: Use clean, neutral-flavored teapots or infusers to brew the teas.
- Kettle: Ensure you have access to fresh, clean water for brewing.
- Tasting Spoons: Silver or stainless steel spoons for sampling the tea.
- Note-taking Materials: A notebook or tasting sheets to record your observations.
2. Set Up the Tasting Area:
- Clean Environment: Ensure your tasting area is clean and free from strong odors that might affect your perception of the tea.
- Good Lighting: Proper lighting helps you observe the tea leaves and liquor accurately.
Tasting CTC Tea
CTC tea is known for its bold flavor and strong aroma. Here’s how to taste it:
1. Observe the Dry Leaves:
- Appearance: Look at the dry CTC granules. They should be uniform in size and color, typically a dark brown to black.
2. Brew the Tea:
- Water Temperature: Boil water to 100°C (212°F).
- Quantity: Use about 2 grams of CTC tea per 200 ml of water.
- Brewing Time: Steep the tea for 3-5 minutes, depending on your strength preference.
3. Observe the Liquor:
- Color: The brewed tea should have a rich, dark amber to red color.
- Clarity: Check for clarity and brightness in the tea liquor.
4. Smell the Aroma:
- Aromatics: Inhale deeply to capture the tea’s aroma. CTC tea typically has a strong, malty scent.
5. Taste the Tea:
- First Sip: Take a small sip to get an initial impression.
- Swirl and Slurp: Swirl the tea around in your mouth and slurp it to aerate the tea, which helps release more flavor.
- Evaluate: Note the tea’s strength, briskness, and any astringency. CTC tea is usually robust with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
6. Note the Aftertaste:
- Finish: Pay attention to the aftertaste. Good CTC tea should leave a pleasant, lingering flavor.
Tasting Green Tea
Green tea is appreciated for its delicate flavors and health benefits. Here’s how to taste it:
1. Observe the Dry Leaves:
- Appearance: Examine the color, shape, and size of the dry leaves. High-quality green tea leaves are often vibrant green and well-shaped.
2. Brew the Tea:
- Water Temperature: Heat water to about 70-80°C (158-176°F). Boiling water can scorch green tea leaves and result in a bitter taste.
- Quantity: Use about 2 grams of green tea per 200 ml of water.
- Brewing Time: Steep the tea for 2-3 minutes. Green tea requires a shorter brewing time to prevent bitterness.
3. Observe the Liquor:
- Color: The brewed tea should have a light green to yellow color.
- Clarity: The tea liquor should be clear and bright.
4. Smell the Aroma:
- Aromatics: Take a deep breath to capture the green tea’s aroma, which can range from grassy and vegetal to floral and sweet.
5. Taste the Tea:
- First Sip: Take a small sip to get an initial impression.
- Swirl and Slurp: Swirl the tea around in your mouth and slurp it to enhance the flavor experience.
- Evaluate: Note the tea’s sweetness, umami, and any bitterness. Green tea should have a fresh, clean taste with a balance of sweetness and a slight astringency.
6. Note the Aftertaste:
- Finish: Pay attention to the aftertaste. Good green tea should leave a refreshing, lingering flavor.
Recording Your Observations
1. Use a Tasting Sheet:
- Attributes: Record observations for appearance, aroma, flavor, mouthfeel, and aftertaste.
- Scoring: You can use a numerical scale to rate each attribute for a more structured evaluation.
2. Compare Notes:
- Consistency: Compare your notes with other tasters if possible to ensure consistency and objectivity.
- Preferences: Identify which teas you prefer and why, noting specific characteristics that stood out.
Conclusion
Tea tasting is an art that requires practice and a keen sense of observation. By following these steps, you can develop a deeper appreciation for both CTC and green teas, understanding their unique qualities and flavors. Whether you are a tea enthusiast or a professional taster, this guide will help you enhance your tea tasting skills and enjoy the rich world of tea even more.
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