Gongfu Tea 101 [Teaism]

[@snoopieboy]

A Chinese girl living in Houston, seeing a white guy making tea is such an experience, you made me start to grow interest in our own tea ritual which I grew up with. I have to say, even the way you talk and make tea is such a Chinese dad thing. I am from Guangdong province, since I was a baby, I saw my parents and my families sat in front of tea sets while watching TV, they could make and drink tea all day long. All our social gatherings happen around the tea table. My dad is so obsessed with tea that we renovated a whole room as a tea studio which became his man cave. He smokes cigarettes and drink tea and be on his phone every day in the tea studio. I never really cared about it growing up, I am more of a coffee drinker now, I buy fresh beans and grind my coffee beans. Now I would like to learn more about tea because I think my dad will be really happy about it, snd I can make more connection with him as he can teach me what tea to buy and how to brew it.

[@highwind6325]

Did you get to connect with your dad?

[@Angelwrites]

I love this so much, very inspiring :))

[@BM_100]

Houston represent! I think this young man is Jewish?

[@BeetleDaily]

“You are a guest at your own tea session” is the self-care advice I didn’t realize I needed today ❤️

[@cameronvanatti]

Just checking in 😊

[@ZweihanderSteve]

"tea pets are like enjoying life, its optional" I JUST ABOUT CHOCKED

[@tylerjackson787]

Choked*

[@allenmicky]

Thank you for promoting gongfu tea to people outside China. Watching your video reminded me of my late grandfather’s daily tea practice; his tea table was a literal coffee table-size contraption with built-in heating element and a miniature mountain as a water feature/drainage. It was very spectacular when operated. His tea equipment was simpler though, usually just a kettle, a lidded cup and a set of four tiny serving cups, which were about half the size as yours. Tea was pour directly into the tiny serving cups after brewing. This is a common gongfu tea setup for the Min-speaking people in the region on the southeast coast, where many modern gongfu tea-making etiquette was originated. I have only seen pitcher being used when the tea was to be cooled to serve to children. Yes, everybody, even young children drinks tea on a daily basis there. When you visit ANY shop on the main street, not just the tea merchants, the shopkeepers always have a tea set spread out, ready to entertain. They would readily invite customers for a quick tea shot and some casual bonding. It’s a very fond childhood nostalgia of mine. Thank you again!

[@jessesteahouse]

Fantastic memories!! I love Fujian and the min people and how tea is just a part of life. Sometimes people on the western internet are like, this tea guy is so pretentious, and I’m like no no It’s just part of life for so many people And this is how they do it

[@jiahaotan696]

People are quick to judge, but yea tea is a way of life, especially for the many, many people influenced by Chinese tea culture. Which includes most of Southeast Asia, India, China, Japan, and Korea…. Lol

[@donnakawana]

Thanks for sharing your life with us grateful for the time✌🏼💗🙇🏼‍♀️

[@lukaszzieniewicz6934]

Thanks to you I got into gongfu brewing, I'm really happy to see more longform content on your channel :D

[@deezn8tes]

I never really understood the appeal of tea (as an American, coffee is the dominant drink) until one day….i was looking through a tea box at my parents house, found a lapsang souchong bag that I brewed. MAN my eyes were opened…it hits all the same spots for me as a complex, smoky and aged scotch or whiskey. I’m only just getting started, but it’s such a nice thing to enjoy when I get home from work. That was just a basic teabag, but I can only imagine how a proper tea service of that would taste

[@donnakawana]

My sister literally called a tea narcissist.. I said "I think you mean snob!" She started laughing... She's not a tea person... I just enjoy this!!

[@carolinacarsolio5476]

Lapsang souchong is one of my favorites 😊

[@lauracommers5680]

Very informative and you seem very knowledgeable.

[@PepperPawbs]

It’s funny I just turned 41 and I never much cared for anything tea related outside of sugary iced tea drinks. I eventually started exploring tea more just because my office kept failing to stock creamer but always had a surplus of tea bags. Now I’m exploring the whole scene and learning about what tea is, how it’s made, and trying the bazillion varieties out there.

[@BM_100]

Loose leaf tea is the way to go

[@SwimCoachJackson]

I got a set from your website this week, and my Fiancée and I are hooked. We both work two jobs at the moment and it has quickly become one of the only (and best) ways to spend quality time together and de-stress! Nothing quite like good company and good tea! Thanks for all you do!

[@jessesteahouse]

So glad to hear it!! Good tea with good people is the best way to spend free time 😊😊😊

[@h4ppyjack]

I'd be really interested to see a deep dive series on the different types of tea and how they are processed and how they vary in flavor profile from one another. I know you've done some shorts on the subject, but a long-form version would be really cool!

[@TheYashie]

LONGFORM JESSE CONTENT YES THIS IS LEGIT

[@boingus5730]

I have to say... I lived in china for about a year as part of my Mandarin studies, and one of the things I learned, and was so grateful to acquire, was the ability to create and present Gongfu tea. My host mother was a teacher of tea houses and had been for 13 years at the point that I had stayed with her. I am more than forever grateful for her showing me this process and being able to share it with my family.

[@APOCALIPTICLIZARD]

I actually have a question! How do you even...like, travel with schooling and if there are any good sites to look at? The reason I ask is because I haven't had much luck online getting those answers lol (sorry if this is weird, I'd just love to travel somewhere to learn the language and etc)

[@Jellyfish146]

Not a tea master, nor an apprentice. Simply a tea guy.

[@techorix]

I like the term tea head

[@antonioscendrategattico2302]

Hey Jesse, I want to thank you for introducing me to gongfu tea. You helped kinda demystify the idea I had in my head of Chinese tea preparation as an almost religious ceremony and understand that actually, it is something I can do in my home that is thousands of km away from China with some of the teas I can get my hands on here. It's not overly complicated, pointless and something that you need to learn for decades to do "right": there's degrees and it's possible to adapt to my own specific circumstances. And I know it might sound crazy, but when I prepare tea the Gongfu way, it truly tastes better to me, and because of the multiple steeps, I get all the flavor I can get from it before I throw it away, so it even saves me some money - helpful when you have a relatively expensive hobby like that. I mostly have tea for myself, but when I have people over it is fun and relaxing to be the host and prepare the tea, make sure it's steeping the right amount of time and then pouring it in the pitcher while all they have to do is sit around, chat and drink. It's the kind of structure that makes it much easier for me to actually stay in a social situation, because I don't have to constantly think of what to do and say to avoid awkward silences, but I get to enjoy the conversation while adding to it.

[@Serbobiv123]

this is exactly what I was looking for! educational but not overwhelming. edit: Woo! my sampler pack just arrived!

[@jessesteahouse]

Enjoy!! let me know how you like the teas ❤

[@Serbobiv123]

oh, wow, opened the green tea first. I knew it would be good and different, but I didn't think it would be this much better than what we get here in Canada@@jessesteahouse

[@EverywhereDrums]

Agreed

[@lowpriogod]

"as Confucius said no bueno" lmao love this guy hoping to see you do comedy in the future

[@almendroverde]

Really looking forward to this series. I'm new to tea and no doubt this will be extremely helpful.

[@strawberrycubes4774]

Thank you for being my tea friend :)

[@uniaddict]

Just wanted you to know that I subscribed because of the dolphin joke… not because it was necessarily funny, which it was, but I realized you are my people haha

[@jessesteahouse]

I mean those dolphins know how to live am I rite

[@jmahonatam]

"let me know if you want a video about-" yes. I want all the videos. As many as you want to make lol Also "you're a guest at your own tea too" is so wise and sage. 🤔

[@imbritt4645]

Agreed

[@BladeBros.]

Tea Time my guy!!

[@aristide4505]

This is what internet is for you know! Sharing your hobbies and desires in life. After watching your yt shorts a couple of times and then THIS video really made me interested in tea more than coffee

[@brianphillips1864]

That cha pan and the cleaning/warming with hot water ... 👍

[@Frost_on_YouTube]

Excited for this series!

[@michelhv]

Gong fu cha is literally fractional distillation, but for tea. You get to try all the aromas spread over time according to how long they take to extract from the leaves. When I do it for myself I skip the pitcher, but it’s much more fun to do with others anyway.

[@robertlarson7224]

We seek different leaves, Jesse, but we do have a similar fondness for trays and fun shaped glass and ceramics

[@GrandFew]

My favourite thing from watching this video is I now understand the principle well enough to try some teas with equipment I already have before leaping in after a whole tea set. Looking forward to giving it a try

[@faym2350]

This Content & Series on Preparation is much needed fir Tea Novice! Your knowledge and explanation is much appreciated!! Please continue on educating tea beginners !!

[@andyburchett7263]

I want you to know how much we “Americans” appreciate these videos. No one else has really gotten into the cultural values of tea and tea brewing . It’s mind blowing to see how far and wide tea leaves can come from, thank you

[@Haircomb107]

What a great video. I put this on so I could take a nap with some background noise on and ended up enthralled by the process lol. I’ll be stopping by your shop!

[@ComplacentOtter]

Super informative! Thank you!

[@charlesbwilliams]

Very excited to see some long form content from you. It’s nice to hear how you think about things when you actually time to explore the ideas you’re talking about.

[@gankfrombush]

Oh man this is what we've been waiting for. Hell yes man greatest tea monger out there cheers Jesse

[@Lozo39]

Incredible video, tea is very similar to wine as it needs the right mood, tools and settlement to be fully enjoyed. Thank you so much from France !

[@holographicpestosauce]

I am so glad your channel found me! So in love with your energy and information you bring. I am getting that starter set and enjoying life a little bit more 💜💜💜

[@michellejohnson8382]

Thank you! Was looking for a lesson on using the tea tray. Would love a longer video on how to buy tea and what to look for.

[@suzz1776]

My neighbor just came from visiting her family in China and she brought us back a tea set. So thxs for posting so now I can figure out how to use it properly

[@mil_enrama]

My mother gave me a gongfucha set for christmas and I did my first tea ceremony for my family on christmas day. I've since done another one at our family brunch. It's a good way to socialize. Now I need to get some really nice tea leaves...

[@Hitch_Hiker]

"Something about tea has reached you". Found this page 48 hours ago & I'm now obsessed with tea Looking forward to more Teaism episodes!

[@jessesteahouse]

Welcome new tea friend :)

[@seejay9]

YO! i found you on ticktock a few years ago. deleted ticktock because its cancer and your channel was one i missed the most. so excited to see you on youtube!

[@ravendancong]

I love the interweaving of comedy into these videos, the vibe of this channel keeps me coming back for more content

[@acloseuppictureofacat]

This was borderline perfect. Not leaving any little element up for misinterpretation is an absolute godsend from a KZbin creator. This channel is interesting and informative without being overdramatic, and I can't tell you how nice that is. Looking forward to more in this series!

[@abandoned__]

this is such an interesting dive into a culture and tradition that is entirely alien to me! thank you for the educational video !

[@davidseeparsaud8329]

I just got my starter kit and sampler pack plus bunny and deer tea pet today. I can't wait to share this with my wife. It's a Valentine's Dat gift for both of us! Thank you for making tea culture more accessible to beginners!

[@SUPERPUKE]

this guys vibe is absolutely immaculate

[@mynameisnotcory]

Back when teavana was a thing, i got addicted to silver needle white tea…15 yrs later im scrolling through youtube and see your shorts. Now i use a gaiwan daily!

[@Jrez]

I can tell I am going to love this series! I was hoping the podcast would be more like this, but now knowing there's more long form content for tea-specific stuff then the podcast being the way it is makes way more sense to me. So keep it up!

[@Helios_114]

i’ve been meaning to get into chinese tea culture, thanks for the the video!

[@kiezersosay49]

I was super into tea in my teens, but your content has inspired me to get back into it! I plan on get a full little setup with a table, a porcelain set, and tea pets. It sounds like such a pleasant and relaxing way to enjoy tea.

[@norabellerose8560]

Just enjoyed a tea session with my parents. I used the 7 year aged Fuding white tea chocolate bar.

[@SegaGenesisEvangelion]

Really glad I found your channel, originally was just interested in tea as a way to cut back on caffeine as a coffee drinker, but you've given me appreciation for the whole ritual. I think this can really help someone slow down and live more mindfully.

[@BestluckYan]

Drinking tea and having conversations are fun & relaxing.

[@fmfm9846]

YES I'd love to see a video on dried tea leaves and what to look for. Thank you so much for this video!

[@supperpuppy8]

Thank you! My mom got me a tea set for Christmas last year and I just came across your content a few months back and it’s made me want to try my hand at some brewing

[@travelvibesinna]

Thank you for the introduction to the ceremony ☺️

[@measlyfurball37]

This is the perfect guide! I'm new to this channel and as an American from a tiny rural town, I'm so used to being alone in my enjoyment of Chinese tea. I'm so delighted to find such an amazing online community!!! I can't wait to dive right in. This is the first video I've seen that properly explains the gaiwan and the quicker method of steeping. Thank you! You teased that one video about telling the quality of leaves, and I want to let you know that I'd kill to see it! I *think* I know how to tell a good leaf, but I'm largely self-taught, so you may prove me wrong. . .

[@prettygoodgamer]

This video is just perfect timing. A couple weeks ago I decide to get back to drinking tea and visited my tea spots website and found an oolong I was interested in. I see it had 2 recommended steeping times and one is for gongfu method and I got curious about what its is. A couple days ago I decide to add a set to my jobs secret santa wish list and I'm hoping whoever gets me for secret santa gets me that set. And now you upload a guide on how to do gongfu everything just lined up pretty well!

[@tobiasmonte3921]

My brother got me a starter set from you and it has been AMAZING! I have used it almost every day and I even bring it to work and have session with my coworkers! Can’t wait to learn more and experience the wonders of tea!

[@grizelda4526]

Very cool. Thank you for sharing all of this!

[@Bigoojigucci]

Iv watched this video 5 times now and loved it each time great way for me to try to remember the name of everything involved!

[@MischeifMakerz]

Always love watching your channel Jesse. Especially when I’m stressed and need to relax. I have an exam tomorrow, and finished studying for the day. Cheers mate. 🎉❤

[@alexkoutras6053]

The ritualistic part of the tea drinking is what really intrigues me. I have never been a super big fan of tea but as someone that is trying to knock smoking herb every day I feel like this would be a great replacement!

[@aralaya]

definitely would like a video of you explaining what you look for in tea leaves.

[@nebvlae]

Thank you for thorough explanation!

[@JohnKay79]

Been seeing your shorts and ordered a bunch off your site. Thanks for all this! Former coffee drinker, turned tea addict

[@Patrick17-]

Brilliant video Jessie really enjoyed - teaism episode 2 coming soon?

[@dr-_-squirtz4255]

Thank you for explaining steaping tea and the importance of washing the tea leaves. I watched a bunch of other videos and was like, why are you wating so much tea.

[@markmatthews2391]

I'm quite happy you did a video like this. I myself just got some tea stuff this week and have been enjoying it with my family

[@petershalashaska7886]

Absolutely LOVED this video! Very informative! You've really made me a tea fan in less than a day or so watching your Shorts! I also loved your jokes and insertion of comedy into the video. I'll be treating myself to a starter set for the holidays! Thanks Jesse! Can't wait for the next episode

[@jessesteahouse]

So glad to hear it!! Thanks for following and let me know if you need any recommendations on which set you want

[@coltonclement]

I would love more videos in this series. Absolutely loving your videos.

[@blakefranklin6542]

I would like to see more about your travel sets please!

[@falbiumasmodeus7630]

You're awesome Jesse, glad to see long-form content. Found you through Shorts, got me interested in tea culture. Don't normally comment on vids but I hope your channel really blows up 👍

[@jessesteahouse]

thanks so much!!!

[@ravemazter3923]

Yes!!! This is the type of tea video I always wanted. Informative and to the point about the basics. More of this, please!

[@MoriendumEst.]

Thank you so much for the tutorial video! I'm looking forward to next episodes.

[@deltapi6880]

Oh my god this is great! An amazing series to pair with So-Han’s Gongfu TeaCha.

[@kilo3989]

I have this tea set, and I enjoy it quite a lot. Though I will say, I was practicing serving to three people (because I will have guests over soon to share this with!), and I was constantly burning my fingers on the gaiwan since, in order to make enough for more than 2 people, you have to fill the gaiwan up very full.

[@andreacarollo98]

Thank you kindly ! Can't wait to see the next episodes

[@BestFriendOfJesus]

This is awesome Jesse!

[@VengefulJay]

This was perfect timing! I just ordered your starter set in preparation for a trip with a bunch of my friends!

[@logandw5971]

Great video! Watched your shorts but this one was needed ! Thank you 🎉❤

[@koolaiddude7685894]

Man, Im reallllly excited to get my subscription box and tea tray now. I've been a big fan of basic oolongs I can find in random tea shops for a while, but this channel has really helped me take the next big step to upgrading my tea drinking experience. Thanks for the extremely affordable and quality stuff.

[@HoneyBadgerLikesYou]

Fantastic video. I wanted to have a more dedicated and easy to use tea making set for a while now (I’ve always just used tea bags, or loose leaf in a steeper, and would do a big mug at a time so lower quality steeps) and this gave me all the info I needed to feel comfortable heading to your site and buying a set

[@polohlzhenja]

I've been drinking tea in this manner exclusively for the past four years or so. It's great to see your making longer form content like this and spreading awareness about this wonderful tea culture!

[@Ghosts_in_the_Attic]

Yay! I can't wait for the next episodes! ❤️ 🍵

[@lulumoon3636]

This is so interesting. Also really helpful! I love the idea of tea ceremonies and also love the idea of tes pets. Hopefully some time I'll be able to try and even try some of your tea you source!

[@PastorErickDMarquez]

Great Video 📹 Excellent quality 🎉

[@MWeebposting]

That no bueno from Confucius got me good. Cheers

[@bushlemon3971]

Ahhh thank you, I really love drinking tea so it seems fun 🥰

[@jakewilliams1344]

I've been on KZbin for a long time, since the platform launched. You are my new favorite KZbinr

[@jessesteahouse]

Duuuuude that’s a hell of a compliment thanks so much

[@TeethToothman]

Heck yes!! Im super excited for this series!

[@gillsmoke]

I was on that call. Thank you for your timely response.

[@gregorio7694]

Yes we want a video on maintaining/assessing quality of tea leaves please. Great channel, thank you. We saw you consider the dolphin fantasy fyi, it's important to be open....like finely steeped tea leaves.......

[@IzzySealey]

Wow this is great!! Feeling inspired to get into gongfu tea 😊

[@the_knight2020]

Yo I've have been wanting to get into gongfu tea for a little bit now but have been nervous as to buying a set and getting started but this has definitely helped me decide on buying one!

[@bakedallday840]

Thanks for this. I've recently started buying your teas and products and this will be a big help. Always learning.

[@jessesteahouse]

Thanks so much for the support! If you want to know anything leave comments so I can have future video topics 🎉

[@ergraham]

Exactly what I needed! I got drawn in by the tea pets and now I'm hooked 😁 I'm excited to dive deep into the world of gong fu cha with y'all! 😋

[@seamusrohe9226]

Awesome video, thank you! Please make more videos like these! I'd love to see one on aged tea like roasted Oolong or the tea bricks.

[@VelcroStrip]

This is just the vid I needed! After seeing tons of your tiktoks/shorts, I was so curious about many aspects of gongfu, great video Jesse!

[@ptrickthepat]

You are correct, something about tea has reached me. Thank you for sharing something you care about

[@Pan-23]

Brilliant, thank you 🫶

[@kowozy]

Great video! I can't wait to watch the next one.

[@thecalmcharismatic]

FANTASTIC video friend! I love all kinds of tea and will be looking into gongfu soon! I got my first matcha set up last year for Christmas and use it frequently. Thank you!