Gongfu tea is usually bitter because the leaves are being extracted too aggressively—most commonly from a combination of too much tea, too long an infusion, excessively hot water for that particular tea, or unsuitable water.
The best temperature for Gongfu tea depends on the tea: many robust Chinese oolongs, black teas, and Pu-erh teas perform well with water near boiling, while delicate green teas usually benefit from cooler water.
Gongfu tea brewing is a Chinese tea preparation method that uses a relatively high amount of tea, a small brewing vessel, short infusions, and repeated steeping to reveal how a tea's aroma, flavor, texture, and finish develop over time.
You can buy a teapot stand from specialist Chinese teaware retailers, Gongfu tea shops, and established online tea stores, but the most important considerations are the stand's size, stability, material, weight, and compatibility with your particular teapot.
You can buy a traditional Chinese tea scoop from specialist Chinese tea retailers, Gongfu teaware shops, and established online tea stores, with bamboo and wood being particularly practical choices for everyday brewing.
A tea tray is usually better for a small home tea setup because it provides a compact brewing platform that can sit on an existing table, while a Chinese tea table requires more dedicated space and is more suitable for frequent or elaborate tea sessions.
