Tea Class: Gong Fu Tea Ceremony
This tea tasting & class will be an introduction to the Gong Fu brewing method. A method which involves steeping way more loose leaf in way less water! This style brings out much more complexity and flavor in the cup.
We will taste and discuss different tea types, how to brew, and basics on how to be mindful when tasting.
This small group will sample 4-5 teas: Green, White (aged), Oolong, Black, and Puerh. Time permitting!
Class is limited to 5 people and will be 1.5 hours long.
$10 per person.
Why Tea?
Starting a parkour gym was born out of a desire to bring my passion (parkour, health, and fitness) to others. A few years ago, I unknowingly discovered a new passion in health and wellness: gong fu style tea. This passion grew slowly and has become an every day practice. It pairs well with other fitness, health, and wellness lifestyle activities (such as parkour!).
Both parkour and tea bring improved mental focus and acuity. Both are an art of practicing skill (gong fu translates to skill). Plus, starting the day with tea assists with a better mood for a day of training, additional energy, and more clarity so I can focus on the obstacles in front of me.
Additionally, tea on its own is delicious! And it is a journey of discovery on what the tea has to offer. Like my passion with parkour, I want to help share this journey with you. And tea is much lower impact activity for those looking for an easier way to improve their health and wellness.
-Jevin Dulak (owner of RVPK Tualatin)
Tea Basics
What is Tea?
Traditional tea comes from the plant Camellia sinensis (or a varietal thereof). Tea is made by steeping their leaves (and sometimes buds and stems) in water. By nature, tea is a caffeinated beverage. Plus, it is well studied and offers many health benefits!
Gong Fu Brewing
Gong Fu style is a brewing method that focuses on increasing the amount of whole leaf, reducing the amount of water and steep time. Generally, leaves are steeped in a small amount of water (100ml) for 5 to 20 seconds. This brings out more richness and complexity in the flavor of tea and allows you to re-steep many times!
Tea Types
White, Green, Yellow, Oolong, Black, and Puerh (post-fermented)
The tea type is typically based on how the leaves are processed after picking. Starting with minimal oxidation (>10%) for Whites, Yellows, and Greens, moving to higher oxidation (90%+) for Black teas. Oxidation is not the only way to get different types of tea. Within each type there are different styles and processing methods to make unique brew.
Health Benefits
Lets talk about some basic benefits tea has on your mind and body.
“There doesn’t seem to be a downside to tea,” says American Dietetic Association spokeswoman Katherine Tallmadge, MA, RD, LD. “I think it’s a great alternative to coffee drinking. First, tea has less caffeine. It’s pretty well established that the compounds in tea – their flavonoids [antioxidants] – are good for the heart and may reduce cancer.”
L-theanine
Tea includes a natural compound L-theanine. This compound, combined with the natural caffeine content, passes the blood brain barrier to help improve mood, focus, and alertness while mitigating the negative impacts generally associated with caffeine. Less jitters, and more calm and focus can be attributed to tea.
General Health
There are a plethora of studies around tea since it is the most consumed beverage in the world (after water). Most studies include the word “may” in their conclusions. As in tea may be helpful.
“Studies have found that some teas may help with cancer, heart disease, and diabetes; encourage weight loss; lower cholesterol; and bring about mental alertness. Tea also appears to have antimicrobial qualities.”
Of course, while there may be benefits, when you’re drinking tea you are avoiding drinking other beverages which may have their own drawbacks (example: high sugar drinks such as juice or soda).
What we’re Selling
Reselling tea from two of our favorite tea suppliers. Each supplier brings a uniqueness to the tea experience. Both suppliers are excellent and we wanted to bring you a taste of our favorites.
New to Gong Fu brewing? We have tea ware to get you started. Teas and tea ware available in person.
Qi Fine Teas
From our favorite local tea suppliers, they have established a relationship with a Chinese tea farm and provide small batch, high quality, delicate tea. These teas tend to be brewed quickly (5-10 seconds) to extract excellent flavor.
Mei Leaf
London based tea supplier curates a tea experience trying to find the best tasting tea for a solid price. Their teas are brewed brewed between 10-40 seconds and have a lot of character.
Menu
Tea tastings coming soon.
Gong Fu Brewing
Simple instructions.
This brewing method aims to enjoy a richer and more complex tea experience, both in flavor and practice. Use these instructions to start your Gong Fu journey.
You will need a few items before starting:
Tea! And a gram scale to help measure appropriately.
Water. And a way to heat it (ideally temperature controlled).
Brewing vessel (ideally with a lid) and cups.
Step 1: Heat gaiwan
Optional: Take this time to smell the dry leaves of your tea. Enjoy the aroma.
Step 2: Add leaves & rinse
Optional: Cover the leaves and let them steam. After a few moments, see how the smell has changed.
Rinse your leaves of any tea dust or debris. Pour water into the vessel and quickly discard the water.
Optional: Smell the wet leaves. How have they changed?
Step 3: Steep & repeat
You can resteep the leaves many times. Pay attention to how the brew changes over time.
Got Questions?
I’m here to assist with your tea journey. Feel free to reach out with any thoughts, comments, or questions.