Written by Info Expert on July 27, 2010 | Posted in Food and Drink

There are many trays being sold these days that market as Chinese tea trays, but which are not really true Gong Fu tea trays. Just because a tray has Chinese characters blazoned across the center does not make it an authentic Chinese tea tray. Nor does the appearance of a fiery dragon, or any other Chinese mythical creatures.

The sole purpose of the Chinese tea tray is to aid in the preparation of Chinese tea. Making Chinese tea properly can be a bit messy, although Tea Masters inevitably are able to prepare tea and serve it without spilling a drop. Most people, however, tend to either accidentally or deliberately spill some tea or water when preparing Chinese tea.

The tea pot often has hot water poured over it prior to preparing the tea. A dedicated tea master would most likely take care of this over a bowl that is kept beside the tray, but a lot of other people lacking the fine training that a Tea Master receives, will simply pour the water over the tea pot while it is sitting on the tray. Likewise, cups need to be warmed before tea is poured in them, either by pouring the first batch of tea into the cup and then tipping it out, or by using hot water straight from the kettle. The channels or holes in the top of the tray make it very easy for any excess water to drain off.

Cups, teapots and oftentimes the tea itself is often set on the Chinese tea tray. It is great for keeping everything in one place and for storing your tea set, nicely set aside from other items. In fact, if it fits with your room décor, you could even turn one corner of the room into a tea corner, complete with a small low table, a Chinese tea tray and your pot, cups, tea utensils and tea. You will probably find that it does cause quite a reaction in visitors to see it nicely set up. Chinese teas themselves are frequently sold in highly decorative tea containers, again adding a great touch to your overall décor.

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