Da Hong Pao Tea

1. Preheat your cup by pouring boiling water inside. Rotate the water around so that it has touched all sides to ensure equal distribution.
2. Normally two teaspoons are used for one teapot. This equates to around two reasonable sized pinches.
3. 90 to 95C water is traditionally used.
4. A steeping time of 1 minute is commonplace but feel free to experiment.
5. You should be able to get 4 to 6 infusions from this tea, and with each infusion please increase steeping time by 1 minute.

Antioxidant support: Provide polyphenols (catechins, theaflavins, thearubigins) which defend cells against oxidative damage.

Heart and metabolic support: A healthy lifestyle with regular tea intake is associated with modest improvements in cholesterol balance and fat metabolism.

Calm focus: L-theanine may provide steady alertness without the jitters of coffee.

Digestive comfort: Mildly browned medium-heavy roast oolongs are often light after meals and quite smooth.

Oral health: Tea polyphenols may inhibit odour-producing bacteria and promote fresh breath.

Caffeine: moderate per cup; Limit if you're sensitive, pregnant or breastfeeding (generally speaking, keep total caffeine under 200 mg/day during pregnancy).

Reflux or sensitive stomach: Strong/very roasted infusion on an empty stomach may cause heartburn - brew lighter and drink with food.

Iron absorption: Tannins may decrease non-HAEm iron uptake; Avoid iron-rich meals and supplements and leave 1-2 hours between meals & supplements.

Kidney stones: tea contains oxalates; If you have a family history of calcioxalate stones, moderate intake and drink plenty of water.

Medication timing: Some medicines absorbed through tea may be impeded by it (levothyroxine, iron or mineral supplements, for example). Take medicines with water and separate by at least 2 hours.

Allergies/sensitivities: Occasionally, but stop if you experience any adverse symptoms.