Ripened tea is an important type of tea in Chinese tea culture, traditionally possessing high artistic value and preciousness. Therefore, the storage of ripened tea is very important. Below are some methods for storing ripened tea. Ripened Tea Storage Methods 1. Aerated Storage Ripened tea contains fermented aromas and other substances. If stored too airtight, it can become damp and moldy. Therefore, when storing ripened tea, it is important to maintain air circulation and prevent moisture intrusion. It is best to store ripened tea in a dry and well-ventilated place, such as a low-humidity attic, cabinet, or room. 2. Lightproof Storage Light is the enemy of ripened tea, as it can destroy the effective components in the tea, causing it to deteriorate. Therefore, when storing ripened tea, avoid exposing it to sunlight and keep it in a cool, dry place. 3. Clean Storage Container The container used for storing ripened tea should be dry, odorless, and free from any peculiar smells, preferably ceramic or glass. Before storing the ripened tea, clean the storage container to avoid any unwanted odors during storage. If the container is old, make sure to dry and clean it thoroughly before use. 4. Periodic Ventilation Regular…

Tea, a time capsule preserving the essence of spring. A cup of spring tea soothes the mind and moistens the dry throat. For tea lovers, spring is inseparable from such a cup of spring tea. Even if you stay indoors, you can savor the fresh fragrance of myriad landscapes in a cup of tea. Spring is a delightful season for tea enthusiasts, watching the tea leaves gradually unfurl in water, as if drinking the entire spring. Even as summer approaches, tea-related activities continue unabated. For those who love tea, they integrate it into their daily life, enjoying it between three meals, under bright sunlight, and after sunset, all within the gentle flow of time. As April's beauty fades, savor a cup of richly fragrant tea, allowing the serene beauty of time to slowly unfold. As the saying goes, "Sipping tea is not merely drinking; it embodies the refined aspirations of the benevolent." For tea lovers, when holding a cup in hand, sipping slowly and gently, a warm current spreads from the tip of the tongue to the heart. Then, the lingering sweetness arises after the initial hint of bitterness, and the whole body feels rejuvenated. Liking tea is a sentiment…

 There’s a saying: good water brews good tea. To brew a pot of good tea, one cannot do without good water, illustrating how crucial the quality of water is for tea brewing. Many people are unaware that boiled water used for brewing tea actually has an expiration date. Using water beyond its expiration date to brew tea can not only affect the taste of the tea but also impact health. The Lifespan of a Glass of Water is Up to 16 Hours The shelf life of boiled water in the air is only 16 hours; expired water may contain significantly high levels of E. coli! For healthy individuals, drinking water with bacterial overgrowth over long periods can have a subtle effect on the body, and the longer this continues, the more apparent the impact on health becomes. According to Water Quality Experts, Drinking Stale Water Continuously Is Like Continuously Consuming Food with Additives. If you don't pay attention to the details of drinking water daily, your body's healthy environment can be gradually damaged, potentially leading to poorer health. So when you experience fatigue or a weakened immune system, while paying attention to food hygiene, also check if your drinking habits…

"Washing the tea" is more accurately referred to as "awakening the tea." This process is meant to awaken the tea leaves and stimulate their aroma, ensuring they are at their best for brewing so that the taster can experience the best possible fragrance and taste. Some aged Pu'er teas require two rounds of "awakening." Green tea, being a non-fermented tea, retains rich vitamins and amino acids, with the first infusion containing the highest nutritional value. Why Don't We Wash Green Tea? In fact, green tea does not need to be washed due to its distinct production process compared to other types of tea. During the making of green tea, the freshly picked young leaves undergo processes such as fixation, rolling, and drying, which intensify the flavor and aroma of the tea. Other teas, however, require fermentation and thus benefit from an initial rinse with hot water to remove any off-flavors. As for green tea, since it is not fermented, it has not been exposed to air or moisture during production, making a rinse unnecessary. If you enjoy drinking green tea, you can simply pour boiling water over it in your brewing vessel. However, if you want to better appreciate the…

The world of a teapot is vast, and the life of tea is long! Whether you're new to the world of purple clay teapots or an experienced aficionado, there are always questions that need answers! Here we have collected some frequently asked questions from enthusiasts and provided detailed answers. 1. Why does my new purple clay teapot have an unusual smell? Answer: The reason why tea brewed in a purple clay teapot tastes particularly good is due to its unique double-pore structure, which can absorb the aroma of tea. Naturally, it can also absorb other odors. A newly made purple clay teapot may have some earthy smell or a slight burnt odor, which are normal kiln-related scents. 2. Is purple clay exclusive to Yixing? Answer: Purple clay is a unique mineral found in Yixing. In May 2006, Yixing purple clay was included in the first batch of China's Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection List. To date, no one has discovered anywhere else in the world with the same type of ore as Yixing's purple clay. Clay from other mountains often contains a lot of sand and impurities. Purple clay from other regions can be considered purple clay pottery, but the finished…

The shelf life of Pre-Ming Longjing tea is 12 months. Pre-Ming Longjing tea is harvested early, and it is rich in quality with a high degree of freshness and briskness, suitable for brewing and drinking as soon as possible. It is not recommended for long-term storage. Under normal circumstances, Pre-Ming Longjing tea can be stored for 12 months. When storing, it should be placed in a cool place and attention should be paid to keeping it dry, preventing dampness, avoiding sunlight, avoiding exposure to light, and preventing odors. How to store Pre-Ming Longjing tea 1. Lime storage method To store Longjing tea using lime, first lay out block lime at the bottom of a lime jar, then wrap it in paper. Store the tea in 0.5 kg packages in the jar, cover it, and seal it for storage. The aroma of the Longjing tea will become increasingly fresh and fragrant. 2. Metal canister storage method When storing Longjing tea in a metal canister, place some tea wood in the canister and shake it while covering it or roast it with fire to remove any odors. Then put the Longjing tea leaves into the metal canister and seal the lid with…

In most people's minds, antiques are valuable and have the potential to appreciate in value. Thus, many believe that this is also the case when it comes to collecting purple clay teapots. Graphics and Text | Sandhai Mo Yun To date, the earliest known and dated purple clay teapot discovered was the "Wu Jing Tiliang" unearthed in Nanjing in 1965. Purple clay teapots from the Ming and Qing dynasties are certainly "antiques" compared to modern ones. Ming Dynasty Wu Jing Tiliang But does that mean that all Ming and Qing dynasty teapots are valuable? The answer is clearly no. Only those Ming and Qing dynasty teapots that meet certain necessary conditions can be considered valuable "antiques." Below, Xiao Yun will analyze what makes a Ming and Qing dynasty teapot valuable (necessary conditions). 01 A Genuine Ming or Qing Dynasty Teapot When considering whether a Ming or Qing dynasty teapot is valuable, the first step is to determine if it is truly an old teapot rather than a modern imitation of an old one. Faux-Aged Imitation Teapot There are now people who specifically collect old teapots, leading to a significant number of fake old teapots on the market. Some individuals even…

Recently, there has been frequent rainfall in South China, posing a challenge for storing Pu'er tea. Proper handling can lead to better transformation of the tea, while improper handling can cause issues such as mold. Storage has become a challenge, as different regions have varying climates, so is there a difference in storage methods? Don't worry, after reading this article, you will find answers to these questions. The Four Factors Affecting Pu'er Tea Storage When the same Pu'er tea is stored in different environments, the final aged quality will vary. The four factors that significantly influence the quality of Pu'er tea storage are "temperature," "humidity," "light protection," and "air." These play the most significant role in the transformation process of Pu'er tea during storage. 1. Temperature: Temperature plays a crucial role in the transformation of Pu'er tea. Excessively high temperatures can cause the tea to develop off-flavors; in excessively low temperatures, the transformation process slows down or even stops. Therefore, a relatively suitable temperature is essential for storing Pu'er tea. The temperature for storing Pu'er tea should not be too high or too low, and it is recommended to maintain it around 25°C ± 3°C. 2. Humidity: Humidity is also…

“This year, Longhua has had ample rain, and the town government has organized multiple skill training sessions. Through scientific management, tea production has increased again, and our income this year has risen compared to last!” said Cheng Qiangui, a tea farmer from Renmin Village in Pingshan County's Longhua Town, Yibin City, with great delight. Recently, reporters learned from Longhua Town in Pingshan County that the town’s soil is rich in selenium, and the tea industry is a traditional one here. In recent years, the town’s Party Committee has focused on the entire chain of the tea industry, strictly grasping the “production end,” “processing end,” and “sales end.” They have been committed to filling and strengthening the chain, driving the tea industry towards development in the direction of “standardization,” “intensification,” and “branding.” This has resulted in continuous growth in the average per-acre value of tea in the town for three consecutive years and an ongoing increase in local tea farmers' incomes. “In 2024, the estimated fresh tea leaf output of the entire town is expected to reach 31 million pounds, an increase of about 15% year-over-year. The total annual production value is expected to exceed 167 million RMB, with an increase…

Firstly, everyone understands the severe harm smoking does to the body—it's all bad and no good. Let’s look at the benefits of drinking tea: First, the polyphenols in tea can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system and invigorate the spirit. Polyphenols can lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, prevent clot formation, and maintain cardiovascular health. Second, moderate consumption can promote gastric acid secretion, increase appetite, and improve symptoms of indigestion. Third, tea has antioxidant properties that delay aging, help prevent tumor formation, and boost the immune system. It’s worth noting that people with chronic insomnia or digestive issues should avoid tea as it may exacerbate their conditions. So what happens to those who smoke long-term but persist in drinking tea? Doctors have an answer: For long-term smokers, there are some benefits from drinking tea, primarily due to its diuretic and detoxifying effects, which promote the excretion of toxins from smoking. This reduces the time toxic substances remain in the body, thus alleviating the damage caused by these toxins. Some compounds in tobacco can lead to thickening of the arterial intima and reduced gastric acid secretion, while catechins in tea can prevent cholesterol deposition on vessel walls, lessening the harms of smoking.…

On November 29, 2022, the project "Traditional Chinese Tea Processing Skills and Related Customs" submitted by our country was reviewed and approved by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO and has been included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of UNESCO. To enhance public awareness of traditional tea processing skills and related customs, increase understanding of the importance of protecting intangible cultural heritage related to tea, boost national pride, and strengthen cultural confidence, we will be sharing 44 items of intangible cultural heritage (including 39 traditional tea processing skills and 5 items of folk-related intangible cultural heritage) with you in due course. The Green Tea chapter of traditional Chinese tea processing skills has already concluded. Today, the editor will begin explaining the production techniques of black tea, starting with Qimen Black Tea. Qimen Black Tea, also known as "Qi Hong," is one of the top ten traditional Chinese teas and one of the world's three most fragrant black teas. It is named after its place of origin, Qimen County in Anhui Province. In the first year of the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty (1875), Qimen Black Tea…

As the national drink of China, tea carries a long history and profound cultural heritage. Tea culture not only embodies the Chinese people's love and appreciation for life but also contains rich philosophical thought and wisdom about life. This article will explore the inheritance and development of tea culture, as well as its status and role in modern life. I. Inheritance of Tea Culture 1. Spirit of Tea Ceremony The spirit of tea ceremony is an essential component of tea culture, rooted in Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. The tea ceremony emphasizes “harmony, tranquility, joy, and truth,” pursuing inner peace and serenity. The spirit of tea ceremony is fully demonstrated in tea art performances and tea gatherings, becoming an important carrier for the inheritance of tea culture. 2. Tea Art Skills Tea art skills include selecting tea, brewing tea, and tasting tea, with strict standards and techniques for each step. Tea artists showcase the charm of tea culture through their exquisite skills, making tea art an important means of inheriting tea culture. 3. Local Tea Customs Unique tea customs are found across China, such as morning tea in Guangdong, gaiwan tea in Sichuan, and Pu'er tea in Yunnan. These local tea…

As the moon rises above the willows, the Qixi Festival arrives once more, with the Milky Way gently pouring down and starlight shimmering, illuminating a millennia-old love story.On this romantic night, tea is not just a beverage; it becomes a bridge connecting hearts, much like the magpie bridge in the ancient legend of the Cowherd and the Weaving Maid, allowing love to flow endlessly. White tea, elegant and refined, grows on mist-enveloped mountain peaks, drawing the essence of heaven and earth, carrying the spirit of the ages. It is not as fresh as green tea or as rich as black tea, but it has its own serenity and composure, much like the purest form of love—no need for grand words, only quiet companionship through the ordinary days, growing stronger with time. On the Qixi night, brew a pot of aged white tea, and in its amber-colored infusion lies the tenderness of time and the aroma of years gone by. Taking a sip, one can almost hear the gentle footsteps of time, leaving a subtle aftertaste in the mouth, much like the unspoken understanding and harmony between lovers. White tea tells its own story of how "companionship is the longest confession…

There are six main types of tea, and the storage time after opening varies depending on the type. Green and yellow teas can typically be stored for about 2 to 3 months after opening. These types of tea are particularly susceptible to oxidation and should be consumed as soon as possible. Black and Oolong teas can be stored for 6 to 12 months after opening. Dark teas and Pu'er teas can be stored long-term if properly preserved after opening. How Long Can Opened Tea Be Stored? If tea is left unsealed after opening, it can be stored for around 3 months. The key to preserving tea is keeping it dry, sealed, away from light, and free from odors. Leaving opened tea unsealed makes it susceptible to external influences, accelerating the oxidation of its internal components and shortening its shelf life (to around 3 months). If you seal the tea in an aluminum bag and place it in a metal tin, then cover the tin with a plastic bag and tie it securely, you can store it in the refrigerator. How to Store Opened Tea: After opening, store the tea in containers or bags with high airtightness at room temperature. To…

The differences between raw and ripe Pu'er tea: 1. Raw tea is mainly green or dark green in color; ripe tea is black or reddish-brown. 2. After picking, raw tea goes through processes such as withering, fixation, etc.; ripe tea also goes through fixation, kneading, etc. after picking. 3. After brewing, the infusion of raw tea is light green or golden yellow; the infusion of ripe tea is chestnut red or dark red. 4. The water temperature for brewing raw tea is slightly lower; ripe tea can be brewed with boiling water. The differences between raw and ripe Pu'er tea: 1. Process differences Raw Pu'er tea is made from fresh leaves that undergo withering, fixation, kneading, sun-drying, steaming, and pressing. Ripe Pu'er tea is made from fresh leaves that undergo withering, fixation, kneading, sun-drying, and pile fermentation. In other words, ripe Pu'er tea is made through pile fermentation based on sun-dried green tea. However, there are no loose teas for raw Pu'er; only compressed teas exist. Teas before steaming and pressing are just sun-dried green teas, which belong to a type of green tea. Only ripe Pu'er tea has both loose and compressed forms. Tea cakes, brick teas, and tuo…

Drinking tea has been a tradition in China since ancient times, yet not everyone knows the correct way to do so. Even fewer can present the entire tea ceremony with finesse. The tea ritual is a spiritual legacy left by our ancestors, and it would be a beautiful thing if we could carry it forward. Here are the thirteen steps of the tea ceremony: First Step: Clean Hands and Appreciate Utensils This involves washing hands, which is very important for hygiene. First, introduce the tea into a lotus leaf and invite guests to admire the tea. Then, appreciate the utensils: Jingdezhen porcelain or Yixing purple clay teapots are preferred for their suitability in enhancing the tea's flavor. This step helps set a relaxed mood before drinking the tea. Second Step: Warm Cups and Teapot Rinse all the tea utensils with boiling water. This ensures cleanliness and also preheats the utensils, which enhances the aroma of the tea. Pour boiling water into the purple clay teapot, fairness cup, aroma cup, and tasting cup. Some people refer to this as warming the utensils. Third Step: Dragon into the Palace Place the tea leaves into the teapot. This step, though simple, can be…

Pu'er tea is made from large-leaf varieties in Yunnan and is known for becoming more fragrant with age. It is rich in theaflavins and thearubigins, which can help enhance immunity, boost metabolism, and improve gut motility when consumed regularly. Additionally, Pu'er tea contains higher levels of polyphenols and caffeine, which can help refresh the mind and alleviate fatigue. However, it's not advisable to drink strong or overnight infusions. What Are the Benefits of Drinking Pu'er Tea Regularly? 1. Quenching Thirst The most genuine benefit of drinking tea is quenching thirst, as it is pleasant to drink and enhances one’s comfort, allowing timely hydration and a boost in energy. 2. Warming and Heat Dispelling Among China's six major tea categories, Pu'er (specifically ripe Pu'er) is similar to black tea in its warming properties. It can warm the stomach and dispel cold, making it particularly suitable for those with a constitution that tends to be cold. Many people in the north often brew Pu'er tea, which is especially comforting during cold winters. 3. Boosting Immunity Regular consumption of Pu'er tea has anti-aging and immune-boosting effects. Ripe Pu'er tea contains higher levels of catechins, which effectively mitigate the side effects of caffeine in…

To solve the "four haves and four lacks" problem faced by some tea farmers, merchants, enterprises, and village officials who have the drive but no means, ideas but no funds, needs but no collateral, and products but no sales channels, since April this year, the Gengma Dai and Wa Autonomous County Committee of Lincang City and Gengma Rural Credit Cooperative have jointly introduced the "Tea Industry Easy Loan" policy. This policy provides loans of up to 5 million RMB, for a five-year term, at low interest rates, without collateral, and with revolving use, for tea farmers, merchants, and enterprises within their jurisdiction, as well as village officials. So far, a total of 23.37 million RMB has been loaned to 96 households under the "Tea Industry Easy Loan" scheme. Lincang City's Gengma County has a long history of tea cultivation, with a current area of 126,000 mu (approximately 84 square kilometers) planted with tea, supporting 75,000 tea farmers. This year, Gengma County actively integrated itself into the construction of the "Party Building Leading Bingdao Xigui Mangfei Tea Industry Demonstration Area," exploring a model of "Party building + finance + tea industry." In collaboration with the Gengma Rural Credit Cooperative, they introduced…

Anhua black tea possesses a variety of biological activities, including regulating metabolism, tonifying the stomach and intestines, modulating gut flora, and enhancing immunity. It can also strengthen capillary resilience and prevent metabolic syndrome. The development of products derived from Anhua black tea in sectors such as beverages, functional foods, and daily chemical goods has become a critical breakthrough for industrial upgrading and development. Through deep processing steps like extraction, filtration, concentration, separation, purification, and drying, using Anhua black tea as the raw material, we obtain products such as concentrated black tea essence, instant black tea, and extracts of black tea functional components. I. Development of Anhua Black Tea Beverages 1. Liquid Anhua Black Tea Beverage In 2019, Hangzhou Wahaha Group launched its summer novelty product "Anhua Black Tea," which uses premium golden flower Fu brick tea as the raw material. This is a natural, additive-free, zero-calorie, sugar-free healthy tea drink that is easy to carry. Bingweis is a functional black tea beverage developed from Anhua black tea, preserving the taste and flavor of black tea while focusing on radiation resistance. It comes in original and flavored varieties to cater to different consumer preferences. Hangzhou Wahaha Group's "Anhua Black Tea" 2.…

Black tea, a fully fermented tea, is made from new shoots and leaves of suitable tea trees. It undergoes processes such as withering, rolling (cutting), fermentation, and drying. Withering is an important process in the initial production of black tea, which is called "wu tea" at this stage. The name "black tea" comes from the red color of the brewed tea and the infused leaves. Black tea can help digestion, stimulate appetite, promote diuresis, reduce edema, and strengthen heart function. It contains flavonoids that eliminate free radicals and have antioxidant properties, reducing the risk of myocardial infarction. According to traditional Chinese medicine, teas vary in their thermal nature; for example, green tea is cold and bitter, suitable for summer consumption (depending on individual constitution) to relieve heat. Black tea and Pu'er tea are warmer and more suitable for winter drinking. What Are the Benefits of Drinking Black Tea Long-Term? 1. Warming the Stomach and Dispelling Cold: Because black tea tends to be warm in nature, it can benefit those experiencing cold pain, poor appetite, indigestion, abdominal pain, or bloating due to a cold stomach by warming the stomach and dispelling cold; 2. Refreshing and Energizing: The polyphenols in black tea…