Gong Fu Cha

If you've been reading this blog for a while you may have heard me say that I practice gong fu cha. What exactly is it? Gong fu is also known as kung fu, they are the same term, the first being Cantonese and the second Mandarin. No, I am not practicing martial arts with my tea, the term means to do something with great skill and patience. It is an art form. Cha is Chinese for tea. Therefore when I saw I practice gung fu cha I mean that I am making tea with mindfulness and skill.

With that definition in mind, you realize I'm not simply sticking a bag of tea in a mug and pouring boiling water over it. At least not when I'm practicing gong fu cha. And I do mean practice. There is a definite skill involved.

So what are some of these skills?

Patience.You can't rush anything. Quiet your mind and preparing the tea actually becomes a meditation.

Timing. Along with patience you need to time your boil (to get the proper temperature) as well as your steep.

Manual Dexterity...at least if you're using a gaiwan! Know that you will burn yourself and you will get leaves in your cup as you attempt to master this tea brewing vessel.

Gong fu cha is an art and a mediation that culminates in a tasty beverage. I hope you'll consider trying gong fu cha and apprise me of your efforts!