The Ritual
Gongfu is repetition with attention: a small vessel, short steeps, many rounds. It asks for ten spare minutes, not a tea room.
What you need
Gaiwan or small teapot
the classical route.
Thermos
the honest shortcut: one piece, hot water, a lid, patience.
The method
- 01
One whole piece per pot.
- 02
Rinse once and pour the rinse away.
- 03
First steeps short — 10 to 15 seconds. Add time each round.
- 04
Re-steep past ten. One piece makes up to 2 L.
Water
Tangerine Pu-erh
100 °C / 212 °F
Tangerine White
90 °C / 194 °F
What to notice
Early steeps run bright and citrus-forward; the leaf’s own character builds from the third round. When flavor thins, lengthen the steep. When it stops answering, you’re done — usually well past ten.
Holding a box? Go to your tea’s first-steep page: