How to make Xiao Qing Gan tea?
Steeping Xiao Qing Gan for the first time can be quite daunting. In this guide, we'll explore various ways to brew these delightful little pu erh tea-stuffed oranges and provide details on the steeping time and temperature for each method.
Ideal Steeping Temperature for Xiao Qing Gan
To fully unlock the rich flavors of Xiao Qing Gan, it's crucial to use sufficient heat. We recommend a steeping temperature of 95-100ºC, regardless of the preparation method you choose. Now, unwrap a little orange and choose one of the methods detailed below.
Western Method
To prepare Xiao Qing Gan using the Western method, it is recommended to use a standard teapot with a capacity of 500-800ml. This method allows for a better distribution of the citrus aroma compared to the traditional gongfu method. Especially with lower-grade ones, the citrus scent will primarily be present in the first few steeps if the gongfu method is used.
Given that this pu erh tea requires sufficient heat retention, a porcelain or ceramic teapot is ideal. However, if you're a tea enthusiast who wants to observe how these little oranges release their flavor, a glass teapot can be used. In this case, pre-heat the glass teapot by rinsing it with hot water before use.
Preparation Steps, Western Method
Place a small orange in the teapot and pour in 500ml of hot water. Let it steep for 4 minutes to achieve an optimal balance between the flavors of ripe pu erh and orange peel. After steeping, pour the tea into cups and serve. It's important to fully pour out the teapot. If you can't, we recommend pouring the tea into a pitcher first and then serving it into the cups.
For the second steep, reduce the steeping time to 2 minutes. For the third and fourth steeps, steep for 3 and 5 minutes, respectively.
Please note that the above steeping times are optimized based on our own Xiao Qing Gan, but they still serve as a good reference. For more information you can visit the following pages:
Traditional gongfu method
While most Chinese teas are best prepared using classic methods, Xiao Qing Gan is an exception.
However, if you're using a high-quality tea like our premium Xiao Qing Gan, the traditional approach can be a rewarding experience. Our premium Xiao Qing Gan is filled with first-grade ripe pu erh tea and offers a sweet citrus aroma that endures until the final steep.
Steeping Time, Gongfu Method
The steeping time for Xiao Qing Gan may initially seem counterintuitive. Typically, with the gongfu method, you start with very short steeping times for the first few brews, and gradually increasing them. In contrast, for Xiao Qing Gan, you should begin with a longer steeping time for the first brew and then gradually shorten it first before increasing it. This approach allows the hot water to fully penetrate the small oranges in the first few steeps.
Here are the optimal steeping times for the traditional method:
Steeps 1-10: 80s, 70s, 60s, 50s, 50s, 55s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 1.5 min
After the first 12 steeps, you may break up the little orange pu erh tea and use the following steeping times:
Steeps 11-18: 10s, 10s, 15s, 20s, 25s, 1min, 2min, 5min
Please note that these steeping times are calibrated based on our premium Xiao Qing Gan, but they still serve as a good reference for other little oranges. Please visit one of the pages below for more information:
Premium Xiao Qing Gan tea (EU store)
Premium Xiao Qing Gan Tea (Global Store)
To prepare Xiao Qing Gan tea traditionally, follow these steps:
- Place one small orange inside a gaiwan.
- Pour 100ml of hot water into the gaiwan, while applying the above steeping times.
- Once brewed, transfer the tea into a pitcher and serve in small tea cups.
Filter Method
In addition to the traditional and Western methods, there's an new 'filter' method. Please bookmark this page; we'll update this blog post soon with detailed instructions on this new steeping technique.
