Not too long ago, I drove down Fairview Street here in Boise, Idaho and noticed a coffee shop called Brew Awakening. It’s a very creative name for a coffee shop!  Recently, I found this space empty.This looks like one of the many coffee shops that are closed last year.With the benefit of high traffic count, cars speeding by don’t always stop. Fast morning commuters going over 35 mph don’t always stop for your business. Perhaps the owner moved to a better location. 

Here I am trying to offer you some simple guidelines on a perfect brew cup of tea.The way to a perfect cup of tea is as deep as the history of tea.The process of brewing tea reminds us to be mindful of what we are doing at the moment.The three elements that keeps our attention and being present in the moment are temperature, brewing time and serving traditions.The steps are just as important as the drink.The Japanese created a tea ceremony that sets intention for all its moves and meaning for each gesture.Taking the time to brew tea and doing it with intention will bring peacefulness in the moment.

Kung Fu tea, a Chinese tradition, encompasses the reflective spirit, the etiquette, and the skills of making and pouring the tea. Drinking Kung Fu tea is not to crush thirst, but to experience the tea through the fragrance and the taste.Usually a small clay teapot is used. The tea taste better with each brew.Clay tea pots absorbs the fragrance of the tea.Over time, the teapot absorb the tea and with each brew, the tea gets better.

In modern days, the general guidelines are 2 to 5 minutes for steeping black tea.Oolong tea takes longer to brew, about 5-8 minutes. The best water temperature is 180-190. Green tea takes about 2-4 minutes at 160 to 170 degree water.  White tea steeps for 4-6 minutes at 180 degree temperature.The second pot of tea will takes twice as long to infuse.  Steep time for Rooibos and other herbal tea varies, but most of them needs to steep 5 minutes or more.Change these steps to your own taste. 

Whatever method or tools you use, be with the process and enjoy the experience.Savor your tea time and have a brew awakening.