As spring returns to the earth, early spring green tea is being harvested in many places, and tea lovers can't wait to buy and taste the new batches. So why is early spring green tea considered good? 1. As temperatures gradually rise in spring, rainfall is relatively abundant. Additionally, after a period of rest during winter, tea plants produce lush shoots with vibrant green color, soft leaves, and a rich content of natural compounds. 2. With relatively low spring temperatures, there's an increased synthesis and accumulation of nitrogen-containing compounds. At the beginning of spring, amino acids gather in large quantities at the tips of young shoots, which results in a strong aroma and fresh, pleasant taste that also offers health benefits. 3. The low temperatures in spring slow down metabolism and reduce the presence of tea polyphenols, anthocyanins, and alcohols, aldehydes, and acids, thus making the tea less bitter. 4. Due to the low temperatures and fewer pests and diseases, farmers generally do not use pesticides on early spring teas, ensuring they are minimally contaminated with chemicals. While early spring tea is excellent, please be aware of the following precautions: 1. Although early spring tea is delicious, don't rush to…

Ming-Qian tea refers to the tea harvested before the Qingming Festival. It is less affected by pests, with tender buds and leaves that are bright green in color, delicate in fragrance, mellow in taste, and beautiful in form, making it a premium quality tea. At the same time, since the temperature is generally lower before Qingming, the number of sprouts is limited, and their growth rate is slow, very little of it reaches the standards for picking, hence the saying "Ming-Qian tea is as precious as gold." Ming-Qian tea refers to the tea harvested before the Qingming Festival. It is less affected by pests, with tender buds and leaves that are bright green in color, delicate in fragrance, mellow in taste, and beautiful in form, making it a premium quality tea. At the same time, since the temperature is generally lower before Qingming, the number of sprouts is limited, and their growth rate is slow, very little of it reaches the standards for picking, hence the saying "Ming-Qian tea is as precious as gold." Characteristics of Ming-Qian Spring Tea Ming-Qian tea (spring tea) is better than summer or autumn tea. Due to the moderate spring temperatures and ample rainfall, along…

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.…

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…

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…

Aside from being a familiar beverage, tea also has a unique background in Traditional Chinese Medicine. What differences emerge when we view tea through the lens of TCM? 1. Tea as Chinese Medicine In ancient times, tea was used as medicine and recorded in medical texts. The Shennong Ben Cao Jing records that “Shennong tasted a hundred herbs and encountered seventy-two poisons in a single day, finding relief in tea.” This suggests that the origin of tea was medicinal. During the Wei, Jin, and Southern and Northern Dynasties when the custom of drinking tea began to form, the techniques for processing tea were not rudimentary or primitive, reflecting the development of tea processing before it became a beverage of choice. This development occurred within the realm of medicine. From the time tea became a beverage of choice, while preserving its biological characteristics, the goal of tea processing shifted towards making it more delicious and palatable. Although conceptually distinct from medicine, there was no fundamental change in the technical aspects of processing tea. From the perspective of Chinese pharmaceutical processing, the objectives of tea processing and medicine preparation are entirely consistent: both aim to extract active ingredients effectively, improve their efficacy,…

"Kids, come and look at these few plants on the ground, a common weed we often see, called Foxtail Weed. It belongs to the grass family, just like the rice we eat. Let's observe its stem, stalk, and leaf characteristics..." On August 13, at Xie Yuda Tea Museum in Huangshan City's Huizhou District, a teacher from Anhui University was introducing Foxtail Weed to students participating in study tours. August 15 of this year marks the second National Ecological Day, with the theme "Accelerating the Comprehensive Green Transformation of Economic and Social Development." To foster a favorable social atmosphere that values ecological civilization, on August 13, the Huangshan City Environmental Protection Bureau, together with the Huizhou District Environmental Protection Branch, organized an environmental education activity for National Ecological Day at Xie Yuda Tea Museum. They also invited teachers from Anhui University to provide guidance. During the event, teachers from Anhui University and environmental protection staff took advantage of the ecological environment of Xie Yuda's tea garden to provide outdoor lessons on biodiversity for students from Jinan City, Shandong Province who were participating in study tours. They led the students in exploring and learning about biodiversity within the ecological tea garden. By…

Why do many people like to brew tea with a gaiwan? A gaiwan, as the name suggests, is a teacup with a lid. Most of the gaiwans we see today typically consist of three parts: the lid, the teacup, and the saucer. These three parts are metaphorically referred to as heaven, earth, and human, hence the gaiwan is also known as the Three Talents Cup representing harmony among heaven, earth, and humanity. Benefits of Brewing Tea with a Gaiwan One, a gaiwan is suitable for brewing any type of tea. There is no tea that cannot be brewed with a gaiwan, unlike a glass cup which is only suitable for green tea and not other teas. Purple clay teapots are not ideal for brewing green tea or oolong tea. Additionally, due to the double-pore structure of purple clay teapots, they tend to absorb the flavor of the tea, so if you enjoy drinking a variety of teas, you would need a different teapot for each one. On the other hand, if you use a gaiwan, the porcelain does not absorb flavors. With just one gaiwan at home, you can adjust the brewing process slightly according to the nature of the…

The techniques for making Puer tea and tribute tea, as shining gems in the list of China's traditional tea-making intangible cultural heritage, not only carry profound historical tea culture but are also a vital force driving local economic and cultural development.The Yunnan province's Ning'er county, known for its intangible cultural heritage, has been dedicated to the inheritance, protection, and innovation of these techniques. Through systematic work and meticulous efforts, it actively promotes the diversity and exchange of tea culture, infusing new vitality into the sustainable development of the tea industry. It is currently the season of tea harvest, and in Ning'er's vast tea gardens, tea farmers move through the emerald green tea bushes, skillfully gathering the tender leaves filled with the essence of spring into their baskets. In the organic tea garden of Wulushan in Puyi Township, Ning'er County, the spring breeze blows gently, bringing vibrant life. Zhou Ming, the production workshop director of the tea factory, leads the tea farmers in their busy work. They strictly adhere to standards while picking spring tea, with each leaf carrying their respect for and commitment to traditional techniques. Under the harmonious cooperation between Zhou Ming and his technical partners, the tea-making processes…

White tea, often referred to as "one-year tea, three-year medicine, seven-year treasure." It embodies the principle of moderation in taste, featuring the floral fragrance of oolong tea, the sweet richness of black tea, the fresh aroma of green tea, and the medicinal scent and jujube fragrance of aged white tea. How should you brew it? Here are four methods for brewing white tea. To brew white tea well, first master these three key factors: the grade, age, and form of the tea. For new loose leaf white tea and Silver Needle, start at 85°C; adjust the water temperature by 3-5 degrees based on the coarseness of the leaves. When brewing new tea or tea buds, avoid pouring the water directly onto the leaves; instead, pour along the sides of the cup. For aged teas, compressed cakes, and bricks, boiling water can be used for brewing or cooking the tea. The Brewing Methods for White Tea: 1. Gaiwan Brewing Method for White Tea Suitable for: Silver Needle, White Peony, and new white tea. Tea-to-Water Ratio: 1:30. Water Temperature: 85-90°C. Steps: Warm the cups and utensils, add the tea, pour hot water along the edges of the gaiwan, after 10 seconds, quickly…

Mount Mengding in Ya'an, located in the southwest of the Sichuan Basin, is one of the birthplaces of world tea culture and a historic tea-producing region in China. The tea produced on Mount Mengding in Ya'an, Sichuan, is a traditionally renowned historical tea and also a high-quality green tea. It is tightly curled with many fine hairs, has a fragrant aroma, and is known as "fairy tea." Drinking it regularly has excellent health benefits. So, what kinds of tea does Mount Mengding in Ya'an have? Varieties of Mount Mengding Tea: 1. Mengding Sweet Dew Mengding Sweet Dew, also known as Sweet Dew tea, is one of the most famous teas from Mount Mengding. It was listed as a tribute during the Tang Dynasty and is a precious green tea. The Mengding Sweet Dew tea is tightly curled, tender, and lustrous green, with a clear and bright infusion, fresh and refreshing taste, rich fragrance, and long-lasting aftertaste. Due to its unique production process and excellent ecological environment, Mengding Sweet Dew has extremely high nutritional value and health benefits. 2. Mengding Yellow Bud Mengding Yellow Bud, also known as Yellow Bud tea, is one of the famous teas from Mount Mengding in…

Autumn is here. What adjustments should we make to our tea-drinking habits? How can we drink tea for health in autumn? Tea drinking has been a part of Chinese tradition, and there are specific considerations for what types of tea to drink throughout the year: 01 Puer Tea Scientific evidence shows that Puer tea has multiple effects, including dissolving fats, regulating metabolism, and protecting against radiation. Long-term consumption of Puer tea can reduce cholesterol and triglycerides, making it useful for treating obesity. Drinking Puer tea also causes physiological effects such as vasodilation, reduced blood pressure, slowed heart rate, and increased cerebral blood flow, making it beneficial for hypertension and cerebral arteriosclerosis patients. 02 Chrysanthemum Tea Chrysanthemum has a slightly bitter and sweet taste and is slightly cold in nature. It can disperse wind and clear heat, improve liver function and eyesight, and detoxify and reduce inflammation. For dry mouth, heat in the body, eye strain, or conditions like limb pain and numbness caused by wind, cold, or dampness, Chrysanthemum tea can provide therapeutic benefits. It can be used to treat common colds, headaches, and other conditions. Due to the characteristics of the season, autumn can be dry, causing many office…

The ancient tree spring tea originates from old tea trees that have withstood the test of time, harvested in the spring season. It boasts several unique qualities: its aroma is rich and lingers in one's heart; its taste is mellow and intoxicating. This tea is not only nutritionally rich but also contains antioxidants that bring numerous benefits to both body and mind. Savoring a cup of ancient tree spring tea feels like an intimate conversation with nature, experiencing the sedimentation of time and the vitality of spring. Ancient tree spring tea refers to the new spring tea picked from old tea trees. It has the following characteristics and benefits: Characteristics: 1. The leaves are fresh green, and the tea brews into a clear infusion with floral and fruity fragrances. 2. The mouthfeel is delicate and smooth, with a sweet and full-bodied taste. 3. The liquor color is bright, the base is mild, and it is not overly bitter or astringent. 4. The long growth period of the tea trees results in high-quality leaves that are rich in nutrients. Benefits: 1. Ancient tree spring tea is rich in tea polyphenols, which have excellent beautifying and nourishing effects on the skin. 2.…

Pu'er tea, as one of the gems in Chinese teas, boasts a rich and unique set of qualities that exude an enchanting allure. From its appearance, high-quality Pu'er tea has robust and tightly bound leaves with a dark lustrous or brownish-red color, giving it a sense of stability and solidity. Round and well-formed cake teas, intricately crafted tuocha, and solid brick teas each exhibit their own unique beauty in craftsmanship. In terms of aroma, Pu'er tea stands out with its distinct character. It may contain a variety of rich and complex aromas, such as aged fragrance, camphor scent, woody aroma, jujube fragrance, ginseng-like scent, and more. The aroma of young teas is fresh and natural, becoming deeper, more restrained, and longer-lasting over time as the tea ages. The aged fragrance, a hallmark aroma of Pu'er tea after years of aging, seems to tell the story of time itself. In terms of taste, Pu'er tea is full-bodied with a thick and viscous liquor. Initially, there might be a slight bitterness, but this quickly transforms into a sweet aftertaste, creating a delightful experience of bitterness turning into sweetness that lingers on the palate. Its liquor has a rich texture that can be…

Biluochun tea, one of China's top ten famous teas, is beloved by tea enthusiasts for its unique fragrance and sweet aftertaste. However, to truly bring out the deliciousness of Biluochun, it's crucial to master the correct brewing method. Today, we'll discuss how to brew a cup of fragrant and rich Biluochun tea using the simplest methods. (Image source: network, delete upon request) What is Biluochun Tea? Biluochun tea is produced in Dongting Mountain, Wuzhong District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China. This tea is named for its early picking time, tender leaves, and slender curled shape. Biluochun tea is known as "Terrifyingly Fragrant" because of the intense aroma it emits during the stir-frying process, which is intoxicating. Selecting High-Quality Biluochun Tea To brew good tea, you must first choose good tea leaves. High-quality Biluochun tea has tightly twisted, fine strands with visible white down and a bright green color. It should have a noticeable floral and fruity fragrance, and the tea liquor should be clear and bright. Purchasing from reputable brands and channels ensures the freshness and quality of the tea. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Preparing Tools and Water The tools for brewing tea can include glass cups, white…

In recent years, Wugang has actively embraced the concept that green waters and green mountains are as valuable as gold and silver. It has focused on improving quality and strengthening brands while innovatively developing its tea industry, paving a path for sustainable, green, and healthy development.The ancient city of Wugang, a blessed land, is located on the eastern slope of the Xuefeng Mountains and upstream of the Zi River, often referred to as the "Tea Village of Wugang." As early as the beginning of the Kangxi era in the Qing Dynasty, the famous Wugang tea "Yunshan Bud Tea" was designated as tribute tea. Currently, Wugang City has a tea plantation area of 20,680 mu, with an annual production of about 936 tons of raw tea, successfully creating more than twenty series under three types of tea brands: green and black tea. These eco-friendly tea gardens have become the "green banks" for the income growth and prosperity of local residents. In Chitang Village, Dengyuantai Town, the Hanling Tea Garden features rows of tea bushes winding through lush greenery, undulating continuously. Tea farmers move busily among them, presenting a bustling scene of tea picking. The Hanling Tea Garden has a long history,…

Abstract: The origin and development of ancient tea culture is an integral part of Chinese tea culture, carrying rich historical connotations and cultural significance, adding a vibrant stroke to the spiritual homeland of the Chinese nation. At the same time, ancient tea culture provides valuable insights for the development of modern tea culture, allowing us to appreciate the profoundness of traditional Chinese culture while savoring the aroma of tea. This article analyzes the historical origins, characteristics of varieties, cultivation techniques, cultural aesthetics, application development, and communication of Chinese tea, illustrating its millennium heritage and contemporary appeal. (Note: Written from a personal perspective; April 2024.) Keywords: Chinese tea; heritage; charm I. Historical Origins of Chinese Tea 1.1 Origin and Development of Ancient Tea Culture The origins of Chinese tea culture can be traced back thousands of years, with its deep historical roots and unique cultural essence forming an important component of the Chinese national spirit. Historical records show that tea was used as a beverage as early as the era of Shen Nong, reaching its peak during the Tang Dynasty. Lu Yu's "Classic of Tea," written during the Tang Dynasty, is the earliest, most complete, and most comprehensive treatise on tea,…

The simple character for tea contains profound truths about the cycle of nature. The character for tea, when broken down, means "human among grass and wood," implying that human nature is hidden within plants and that humans transform through their interaction with them. Adapting to the natural flow of time is the foundation of health preservation. Today, Cup Xiaocha selects 14 solar terms from the 24 solar terms and introduces 14 corresponding teas along with their benefits. There are specific considerations for drinking tea during different seasons. Adjust your tea-drinking habits according to natural changes. Tees picked at different times of the year have distinct characteristics, which can either nourish or drain, stimulate or calm, depending on the state of the person and the season. These seasonal teas adjust the body's imbalances to achieve harmony between yin and yang. As winter turns into spring and summer gives way to autumn, each tea has its own unique properties. 14 Seasonal Teas, Corresponding to 14 Benefits 1. Pre-Ming Tea Leaves picked before the Qingming (Pure Brightness) solar term are known as Pre-Ming Tea. Pre-Ming Tea is the first harvest of spring. After a dormant winter, the buds break through the bark, much…

Pu'er tea, a precious variety that has been refined over thousands of years, is renowned for its unique aroma, rich flavor, and abundant health benefits. Harvested from the green mountains and clear waters of Yunnan Province, it undergoes meticulous processing and aging, transforming into cakes and blocks that solidify time, waiting to meet tea enthusiasts and together create a delightful symphony on the palate. Pu'er Tea: Origins Pu'er tea, named after its place of origin, Pu'er City in Yunnan Province, has a history dating back to the Tang Dynasty, with over a thousand years of cultivation. Its production process is distinctive, mainly divided into sun-dried green and pile-fermented varieties. Sun-dried Pu'er, also known as raw tea, retains the fresh and brisk taste of the leaves; pile-fermented Pu'er, also known as ripe tea, undergoes artificial pile fermentation, resulting in a smooth and mellow flavor. Pu'er Tea: The Art of Brewing Brewing Pu'er tea is an art form, requiring attention to every detail to fully release the aroma and taste of the tea. Preparing the Teaware: For brewing Pu'er tea, you can choose teaware such as purple clay pots, covered bowls, or glass cups. Purple clay pots have good breathability and can…