How to Use a Covered Bowl
Introduction to the Covered Bowl
The covered bowl, also known as the "San Cai Bowl," is a traditional Chinese tea set that consists of a bowl, lid, and saucer. It symbolizes the harmony of heaven, earth, and humanity. The covered bowl is not only beautiful in design but also highly practical, allowing for precise control of tea steeping time and suitable for various types of tea.
Steps to Use a Covered Bowl
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Prepare the Tea Set: Gather your covered bowl, tea leaves, hot water, and teacups. Ensure the covered bowl and teacups are clean and odor-free.
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Warm the Bowls: Pour hot water into the covered bowl and teacups to warm them. This helps clean the tea set and improves the release of tea aroma.
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Add Tea Leaves: Place the appropriate amount of tea leaves into the covered bowl. Generally, the amount should be about 1/3 to 1/2 of the bowl’s capacity.
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Pour Hot Water: Slowly pour hot water along the edge of the bowl, avoiding direct contact with the tea leaves. The water level should typically fill about 70-80% of the bowl.
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Cover the Lid: Place the lid on the bowl, leaving a small gap to allow the tea leaves to steep properly and prevent the tea from becoming too strong.
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Pour the Tea: Hold the bowl with your fingers and gently tilt it to pour the tea into the teacup, using the lid to hold back the tea leaves.
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Enjoy the Tea: Once the tea is poured into the teacup, savor the aroma and taste.
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Refill Water: After enjoying the tea, you can add more hot water to the covered bowl and repeat the above steps. Typically, green tea can be steeped 3-4 times, black tea 2-3 times, and oolong tea 5-7 times.
Tips for Using a Covered Bowl
- Control Water Temperature: Different teas require different water temperatures. Green tea usually needs 80-85°C water, while black tea and oolong tea need 95-100°C water.
- Control Steeping Time: The first steeping generally lasts 10-30 seconds, with subsequent steepings increasing by 10-15 seconds each time. Avoid over-steeping to prevent bitterness.
- Proper Grip: Use your thumb and middle finger to hold the edge of the bowl, with your index finger gently pressing the top of the lid. This makes it easy to control the angle and speed of pouring.
Benefits of Using a Covered Bowl
- Versatile: The covered bowl can be used both as a brewing vessel and a drinking cup.
- Easy to Clean: Its simple structure makes it easy to clean.
- Preserves Aroma: The design helps retain the tea’s aroma, allowing each steeping to fully release its unique flavor.
Conclusion
The covered bowl is an incredibly practical and traditional tool for tea brewing that maximizes the aroma and taste of tea leaves. By using a covered bowl correctly, you can enjoy a richer and more delicate tea-drinking experience.