When considering the process of tea making it is important to recognize that there are important steps involved in tea making. The first of these is the selection of the proper Chinese tea set. It is said that choosing the proper tea set is crucial in the preparation of tea. It plays a particularly vital role in brewing tea.



What then, are the proper components of a Chinese tea set? A good set includes tea saucers, tea bowls, a teapot, and a tea tray. There are various design characteristics that are traditional, and the sets themselves often become a significant part of the artistry of drinking tea and making tea.

Some Chinese tea sets are so highly crafted that they are extremely valuable, and reflect the storied tea culture in China. There are two main kinds of tea sets. The first is the sets used in everyday life, day in and day out for making tea. The second is the sets with great artistic value, which are generally used only in very special tea ceremonies, such as wedding ceremony. Often, these sets are kept on display in beautiful cabinets, and are only rarely brought out for actual use in a tea ceremony. Both sets, however, are considered part of the family, and even though a set may be used every day, it is still a vital part of the meal.

It is not very difficult to select the right tea sets and identify their use. The selection of a Chinese tea set for every day use depends primarily on the types of the tea that the owners will be drinking. To some degree it even depends on in what region the people live.

For example, herbal teas and floral teas are consumed more frequently in the northern and eastern regions of China. Because floral teas generally use larger teapots to boil the water, people in these regions usually choose large teapots for daily use. Most commonly, these are ceramic pots, and they can be custom chosen to accommodate the number of people served at each meal.

Green tea is more popular in the Kangnam region, so ceramic teapots with lids are more likely to be seen here. In other areas, such as Guangdong and Fujian, the favorite tea is oolong, and a regular kettle is often used for brewing.

Gongfu or Hong teas are suited to either regular kettles or ceramic pots. But some of the more special teas such as Jun-shan-yin-zhen, Ton-ting-bilei-chun, or Xihu-long-jing, call for clear glass cups instead of the regular tea cups.

Fine-leaf teas are best drunk with small teacups, and some Chinese tea sets have these rather than the larger cups. A large cup would have too much water in relationship to the fine tea leaves, resulting in them brewing too quickly, which will discolour the tea leaves and have a negative effect on the taste and fragrance of the tea. Today, many people prefer to keep green tea warm by using a thermos, and they believe that the color and flavor is enhanced. Many of today's Chinese tea sets include a thermos to accommodate modern tastes.

Several other items may or may not be included in a Chinese tea set, including tea set cover cloths, tea plats, and trays. Some sets are rather large, but don't forget that often the more traditional, historical sets were quite simple, and don't assume that more is better. The storied tradition of drinking tea is time honored, so get yourself on the right path to proper tea drinking by buying a Chinese tea set for yourself soon.