Without doubt, the one part of the Chinese culture that most people know about it the consumption of tea.  For hundreds of years, Chinese herbal tea has been a part of daily life for the Chinese people.  Sometimes, tea is enjoyed for a special festival, ceremony, or just to relax but it always involves some type of Chinese tea, such as green tea, Chinese black tea, Chinese white tea, flowering tea, and so on, along with a beautiful Chinese tea set.

The process of making and serving tea with a Chinese tea set involves several steps, each important.  Once you learn these steps, you could use your own tea set with the preferred tea so you make a perfect beverage every time.  Therefore, it starts with buying the right tea set first, so the brewing process is done with accuracy.

What is a Chinese Tea Set

The Chinese tea set consists of a tea pot, small tea saucers, tea bowls, and tea trays, which are made in many different styles, colors, and designs.  Every tea set made has specific characteristics that celebrate the Chinese life.  Therefore, more than just a tea set, these accessories for making and serving healthy tea, these sets are considered by the Chinese people as a form of art.

Chinese tea sets are a valued item for the Chinese people, with meaning having designs dedicated to the culture of tea drinking.  In fact, you will find that these sets are broken down into two primary categories.  The first group includes tea sets that have high artistic value and the second group includes Chinese tea sets used for everyday use.

Obviously, the tea sets valued for its artistry are commonly used in authentic Chinese and Japanese tea ceremonies or perhaps a wedding ceremony.  To protect the set, they are carefully in cabinets with closing doors where they can also be put on display.  Then for Chinese tea sets that are used for quiet alone time or time spent with friends are not as fancy and typically stored in the regular kitchen cabinet.  These tea sets are used for daily meals in China just as people in the United States use glasses.

Selecting Tea Sets

When it comes time to select a Chinese tea set for the exotic tea you enjoy most, you will be surprised at how many stores sell them and for a good price.  However, the type of tea set you find would be unique to the type of tea brewed, as well as geographical location.

A prime example would be in the northern and eastern regions of China, floral sets were the most common, which were used daily to serve a variety of herbal teas.  Typically, the tea pots would be large to accommodate enough water for the entire family.  In addition, most of these tea sets were made from ceramic and beautiful.

Now, if you were to shop for Chinese tea sets in the Kangnam area of China, a location where green tea is the tea of choice, the pot would also be made from ceramic but fitted with a lid.  Then in Guangdong, Taiwan, and Fujian, oolong tea varieties are the preferred tea, which means a kettle would be used for brewing.

Keep in mind that if Hong or Gongfu tea were going to be brewed, it would be important to choose only Chinese tea sets made of ceramic, which would enhance flavor.  However, the pristine types of Chinese tea, such as Tontingbileichun, Junshanyinzhen, and Xihulongjing, the Chinese people prefer clear cups and saucers.

If you have ever dined at a Chinese restaurant where green tea is served, it was probably brought to the table in a very tiny cup.  The same is true for green tea enjoyed in China.  The leaves are very fine so smaller cups are standard.  If the tea were placed in a larger cup, followed by the tea ball filled with green tea leaves, the water to tea ratio would be way off.  What happens is that leaves brew too quickly, causing poor flavor and even discolored leaves.

If you enjoy green tea and want a larger quantity, you might consider purchasing a high quality thermos that would keep the tea at the appropriate temperature.  That way, you could use the appropriate ratio of tea leaves to water for the best flavor possible.  Interestingly, when you shop for Chinese tea sets today, opposed to ancient sets, you will find that many include a thermos along with everything else.

In addition to all of this information pertaining to Chinese tea sets, you could also add other accessories to your collection such as tea set covers, cleaning clothes, serving spoons, serving trays, plates, and even specialized containers for brewing.

Where can you find tea sets?

To shop for tea sets, you have many options. For example, if you buy tea online from tea companies, then you might also find a nice selection of tea sets. If you enjoy going to garage sales, auctions, estate sales, or antique stores, you might find an amazing antique tea set to add to your collection. Antique sets are unique, telling a story of the past and the people that once used them for entertaining with tea.

Antique Tea Sets

Finding an antique tea set is a real find, but using one that was passed down within your own family is even more special. As a family heirloom, the set would be gorgeous but it would also have a special place in your heart. Every time the tea set was used or just being displayed would be a pleasant reminder of your family. Then, if you chose to use the set for serving your family tea, you can only imagine what a special occasion that would be.

If the antique tea set is not something you prefer then you will also find a wide selection of modern styles that have unique lines and sleek finishes. If you were more of a contemporary person, then this type of tea set would match your personality best. In other words, while some people might look at a tea set merely as something used for serving tea, these sets can also tell a story and be a reflection of the person you are.

Accessories for your tea set

Regardless of the type of tea set you decide to buy, make sure the accessories coordinate. Along with tea sets, you will also find beautiful options for sugar bowls, tea spoons, creamers, tea balls for loose green tea, loose black tea, or some other flavor, strainers, and much more. With this, you could match perfectly or be eccentric by mixing things up.

Relax

Unfortunately, we live in a very busy society, which means moving too fast and not taking time to enjoy life. Take a little time to relax. With so many wonderful flavors of tea such as green tea, jasmine tea, Irish breakfast tea, chai green tea, and so much more, you have an opportunity to bring a little bit of happiness into another person’s life.