Phoenix oolong tea is characterized by its warm and spicy nature, sweet and mellow taste, and extraordinary aroma. It is renowned for its unique qualities such as "solitary and high fragrance," "drinkable perfume," "aromatic, sweet, and lively," and "distinctive mountain character." For tea enthusiasts, the primary concern is often how to select, which aspects to focus on, and how to identify quality before delving into the nuances of aroma and flavor. Evaluating Dry Tea for Quality The appearance of dry Phoenix oolong tea can be assessed in terms of shape, color, uniformity, and cleanliness across four aspects. The tightness of the leaves can indicate whether they come from high-altitude or low-altitude areas, were picked young or mature, or harvested during different seasons. The shape can also reveal any flaws in processing that led to loose and flat leaves. The luster and freshness or dullness of the color can help determine the aroma quality. Teas with a glossy and vivid color generally have purer and higher aromas, while those with a dull color have lower, mixed aromas. Dull colors are usually due to old leaves, excessive bruising, delayed killing of the green, or too low or high temperatures during drying. The…

Possibly the only Oolong tea that is still processed the old fashioned way, Chinese tea Fenghuang Dancong bushes are growing between 500 to 1400 meters above sea level on the SE mountains slopes of Fenghuang (Phoenix) Mountain in Chaozhou City, Guangdong Province, China. Fenghuang Dancong’s production is very limited due to the tea trees’ unique geographical preferences. Local people discovered Dancong tea trees in the Song Dynasty (960 – 1279) and started to farm it. As the tip of the leaves resembles the shape of bird beak, it is also called "bird beak tea". The special feature of Dancong tea of China lies in the flavors of tea. According to Wikipedia, "The doppelganger of teas, Dancong teas are noted for their ability to naturally imitate the flavors and fragrances of various flowers and fruits, such as orange blossom, orchid, grapefruit, almond, ginger flower, etc."China Dancong tea’s special functions includes (in addition to the functions of general tea): Reducing the free radicals in the body thus reducing chances of cancer; Lowering cholesterol and fatty tissue levels; Slowing the aging process; A Dancong tea dealer once told us that Dancong from old tea trees could dissolve the meat and rice overnight. We did try…

Basic Introduction to Longzhou Oolong Tea The Longzhou Oolong Tea has a bright yellow-green liquor, a rich and long-lasting aroma, a distinct "tea character," a mellow taste with a sweet aftertaste, which is why it's favored by tea enthusiasts both domestically and in Southeast Asia. Oolong tea is made through processes including fixation, withering, shaking, semi-fermentation, and baking, among others. It evolved from the Song Dynasty tribute teas of Dragon Spheres and Phoenix Cakes and was created around 1725 (during the Yongzheng period of the Qing Dynasty). After tasting, one is left with a lingering fragrance in the mouth and a fresh, sweet aftertaste. Since 2000, the Guangxi Subtropical Crop Research Institute station located in Longzhou County has introduced high-quality tea varieties such as Tieguanyin, Huangzhixiu, Jinxuan, and Cuiyu from Fujian, Guangdong, Taiwan, and other regions. Using tea tree grafting technology, they successfully replaced large-leaf Yunnan tea varieties with oolong tea varieties, achieving production of oolong tea in the same year as the grafting. This has turned Longzhou into a major oolong tea production base in Guangxi. Geographical Location Longzhou is located in the South Asian tropical monsoon climate zone, with a temperate climate, abundant sunshine, ample rainfall, a long…

Tieguanyin—does the name sound a bit classical and mysterious to you? It is not just any tea, but also a legacy of history and culture. Tieguanyin belongs to the oolong category and is one of China’s top ten famous teas. It sits between green tea and black tea, being a partially fermented tea that combines the fresh fragrance of green tea with the rich flavor of black tea, making it a distinctive type of tea. The Origin of Tieguanyin The origins of Tieguanyin can be traced back to the Yongzheng period of the Qing Dynasty, around 1725 to 1735. Its birthplace is Xiping Town, Anxi County, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province. According to legend, local tea farmers discovered a tea tree with a unique aroma in Anxi. The leaves of this tea tree, after undergoing special tea-making processes, could emit an unforgettable fragrance. This fragrance was like the willow branch water held by the Bodhisattva Guanyin, fresh and sacred, hence the name “Tieguanyin” was given. Characteristics of Tieguanyin Tieguanyin belongs to the oolong category and is a partially fermented tea. It sits between green tea and black tea, combining the fresh fragrance of green tea with the mellow richness of black…

Oolong tea, also known as Qing tea, gets its name from the red edges and green centers of its leaves after brewing. As a unique category of tea in China, Oolong tea enjoys a high reputation domestically and is popular worldwide. So, what type of tea is Oolong tea exactly? What are its unique benefits and varieties? Let's uncover the mysteries of Oolong tea together. Oolong Tea: Definition and Classification Oolong tea, also known as Qing tea, is a partially fermented tea. Its uniqueness lies in its fermentation level, which falls between that of green tea (unfermented) and black tea (fully fermented). The process of making Oolong tea includes picking, withering, shaking, stir-frying, rolling, and baking. Due to different levels of fermentation, Oolong teas have distinct flavors, some being light and delicate, others rich and full-bodied. Oolong tea can be categorized into several main types: Tieguanyin from Anxi, Wuyi rock tea (such as Dahongpao), Dancong from Guangdong, and Taiwanese high mountain Oolong. Each has its unique flavor profile and production techniques. For example, Tieguanyin is renowned for its orchid-like fragrance and sweet taste, while Dahongpao is known for its strong mineral notes and robust flavor. Oolong Tea: Origins The origins…

Although tea is the second-most popular beverage in the world after water, only 2% of the tea produced and consumed is oolong tea – despite its abundance of health benefits! Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea made from Camellia sinensis leaves, the same plant used to make green tea and black tea. The characteristics of oolong tea fall between green and black tea because of its unique processing method. But what exactly is oolong tea? Why is it “between” green and black tea? Find your answers here: the history, flavor, differences with other types of tea, caffeine content, health benefits, brewing methods, and where to find the best ones. The history of oolong tea There are several stories about how oolong tea was discovered. First, the “tribute tea” theory. This theory tells us that the name “oolong tea” is a tribute to its predecessor, Dragon-Phoenix tea cakes, a tea famous during the Song Dynasty era (960-1279 CE). The name “oolong” was used to replace the old term, as loose-leaf tea became more common. Since the tea is dark, long, and curly, it is called wūlóng (literally means dark dragon) tea – now known as oolong tea. The second theory…

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…

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…

Slowly brew the years and gently cook the tea, enjoying half a day of casual family chat. In winter, sitting around a kettle, pouring your heart out in conversation, listening to the boiling water, and savoring the joy of cooking tea is an extremely poetic affair. Tea drinking methods are generally divided into two: cooking tea and brewing tea. Brewing offers rich flavors, pleasant broth colors, and allows one to experience the changing taste with each infusion, while cooking provides a stable flavor. Differences Between Cooking and Brewing Tea 01 Difference in Amount of Tea Used For brewing, about 3-6 grams of tea is usually sufficient; for aged dark teas or oolongs [aged Tieguanyin or aged Yancha], more can be used, approximately 7-10 grams. When cooking tea, the amount of tea should be reduced to about one-third of the usual brewing quantity. It's best not to use too much tea to achieve the optimal flavor. The specific ratio can be adjusted gradually based on the type of tea and the amount of water. The principle is to use less rather than more tea, as using too much can affect the taste. 02 Difference in Suitable Types of Tea Gaiwans are…

The eighth day of the twelfth lunar month is known as Laba Festival in China. As the saying goes, "Little children, don’t be greedy; once Laba has passed, Chinese New Year will soon follow." By this time, all agricultural work has been completed, and with the approach of the Spring Festival, the customs of Laba take on many festive colors. Soaking garlic in vinegar, eating Laba porridge, and enjoying a fragrant cup of tea are all part of these traditions. They not only help warm the body but also imbue the air with a strong sense of the upcoming New Year. What teas are suitable for drinking during this cold month? Black Tea (Red Tea) In the depths of winter, black tea is an excellent choice. There are many varieties of black tea in China, the most famous being Qimen black tea. The number of black tea enthusiasts in China is growing, and the range of products available is becoming increasingly diverse. Black tea is mild in nature and particularly suitable for consumption during the winter months. Aged White Tea Aged white tea is very suitable for brewing during the winter. In accordance with the natural laws of dormancy, it…

Over several hundred years, the family of white tea tree species has seen the addition of many new members. Do you know which species your white tea comes from?Theoretically, fresh leaves from any tea tree can be processed into different types of tea using various techniques. However, due to differences in species, some are better suited for specific types of tea. Traditional white tea requires a tea tree with abundant downy hairs, prominent white hairs, and high amino acid content. White tea made from such trees is covered in white hairs, with a pronounced hairy aroma and a fresh, refreshing taste.In the beginning, white tea was made from the fresh leaves of vegetable tea. Later, the range of tea tree species expanded, and varieties like Fuding Dahao, Fuding Dahao, Zhenghe Dahao, and Narcissus gradually entered the scene.Superior National Cultivars The most well-known are Hua Cha No. 1 (Fuding Dahao) and Hua Cha No. 2 (Fuding Dahao). These two species can be considered the two leading members of the white tea family, strong and at the peak of their popularity.Fuding Dahao is also known locally as "white-haired tea." It originated in Baiqiu Village, Nodding Town, Fuding. It is clonal, a small…

Tea lovers often keep a large amount of tea at home. Many people store their tea in the refrigerator, and some even purchase a small fridge specifically for this purpose. However, this is a misconception – whether or not to place tea in the refrigerator should be considered on a case-by-case basis. 1. Teas Suitable for Refrigeration Green tea, lightly fragrant Oolong tea, and dehumidified tea. Among the six major types of tea, green tea is the most prone to spoilage and requires extra attention during storage. You can place the tea in a sealed tea canister, then put it inside a sealed bag before refrigerating it. Lightly fragrant Tieguanyin and dehumidified Oolong, which have gained popularity, can also be stored in the refrigerator. Green tea, lightly fragrant Oolong tea, and dehumidified tea are suitable for refrigeration. 2. Teas Unsuitable for Refrigeration Dark tea, aged Tieguanyin, Pu'er tea, and white tea are not suitable for refrigeration due to their need for post-production transformation, especially Pu'er tea, where aging significantly affects its drinking value. Storing these teas in the refrigerator can lead to moisture issues. Additionally, in the low-temperature environment of the fridge, the activity of biological enzymes within the tea…

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…

Aged tea refers to tea that has been processed from leaves harvested in the previous year or even earlier. Even if stored properly and well-preserved, it is collectively known as aged tea. New tea, by convention, refers to tea made from fresh leaves picked around the Qingming Festival in the same year. What is the difference between new tea and aged tea? 1. Different moisture content New tea generally has a lower moisture content, so the tea leaves are tightly rolled, feel dry to the touch, hard and brittle, and can be easily ground into powder with your fingers. Aged tea, due to long-term storage, has higher moisture content, making the tea wet and heavy. It cannot be crushed into powder with your fingers, and the tea stems are not easy to break. 2. Different colors New tea has a lustrous and vibrant color, clearly green, appearing in shades of light green or dark green. When brewed, the tea has a bright green color that gradually turns slightly yellow, with clear broth and glossy leaves. Aged tea loses its freshness in color and appears dull and less lustrous due to the oxidation of unsaturated components and the slow automatic decomposition…

Brewing tea is not only a pleasure but also an art. To brew the perfect cup of leaf tea, you need good quality tea leaves and the right brewing techniques. Today, we will discuss how to brew the best leaf tea at home so that every sip is filled with warmth and comfort. (Image source: Internet, delete if infringing) Selecting the Right Tea Leaves Before brewing, selecting the right tea leaves is crucial. There are many types of teas available on the market, including green tea, black tea, oolong tea, white tea, and Pu'er tea. Different types of tea have different characteristics and brewing methods. Green tea has a fresh fragrance, black tea is rich and full-bodied, oolong tea lies between these two in terms of flavor, white tea is more delicate, while Pu'er tea requires long-term aging. Preparing Necessary Utensils (Image source: Internet, delete if infringing) Brewing tea requires some basic utensils: teapot, teacup, tea strainer, thermometer, and timer. Different types of tea have different requirements for water temperature and brewing time, so these utensils help you better control the brewing process and ensure each cup of tea achieves its optimal taste. Mastering the Correct Water Temperature Water temperature…

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…

In recent years, Sinan County has firmly embarked on a path of eco-priority and green development, leveraging its unique natural ecological treasures to cultivate and promote its eco-friendly tea brand. By strengthening close cooperation and synergistic development mechanisms among tea companies, it has successfully attracted many high-quality clients. Tea loading. At Guizhou BaiFuyuan Eco-Agricultural Development Co., Ltd. in Xujia Dam Town, Sinan County, the workshop is bustling with activity as workers are diligently packing boxes of red oolong tea. This batch of tea was purchased by Guizhou Dingjia Tea Co., Ltd., a supplier of tea drink ingredients for Wahaha Group, and is about to embark on its journey to Wahaha’s tea-based beverage production line. Ready-to-ship tea. Speaking about the 800-ton order of red oolong tea, Liu Housi, head of the Sinan County Tea Industry Association, said with joy, “The first delivery of this order is 60 tons, divided into three batches, and the first truckload has already been dispatched, loaded with 20 tons of high-quality tea.” Transporting tea. To further promote the tea industry, Sinan County established a tea industry association in July this year, pooling the wisdom and strength of various tea cultivation, processing, and related enterprises in the…

Sha Qing is a process in tea production, which involves using high temperatures to denature and deactivate the oxidase enzymes in fresh tea leaves. This inhibits the enzymatic oxidation of polyphenols in the fresh leaves, allowing them to release moisture and become softer. It is also a critical step in shaping the quality of the tea. Methods of sha qing include drum sha qing, pan sha qing, trough sha qing, steam sha qing, hot air sha qing, and microwave sha qing. Different methods produce different effects, thus resulting in unique characteristics in the finished tea. Sha qing follows the principle of "high temperature first, then gradually lower." Sha qing is one of the initial processes in making green tea, yellow tea, dark tea, oolong tea, Pu'er tea, and some black teas. The primary purpose is to use high temperatures to denature the enzymes in the fresh leaves, inhibiting the enzymatic oxidation of polyphenols and slowing down the fermentation process. 1. The Purpose of Sha Qing The term "sha qing" refers to fresh leaves. In Pu'er tea production, sha qing uses a specific temperature to denature the activity of enzymes in the tea leaves, inhibiting the enzymatic oxidation of polyphenols and…

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…

Let's start with a chart of the Longjing family relationships. The head of the family is Hang Jiahe, who has a daughter named Hang Pan with his former wife Fang Xiling. In the previous article, we mentioned the love at first sight between Hang Pan and Nationalist pilot Cao Jiayuan. Hang Pan is in charge of overseeing hundreds of acres of tea garden, including the famous Lion Peak Hu Gong Temple area. By "overseeing," it mainly means managing the garden rather than preventing others from stealing tea leaves. During the month or so when Longjing tea is picked and processed, there are many people bustling about on the mountain, making it difficult to steal tea. If it's not the picking and processing season, stealing tea would be pointless because the resulting tea would taste terrible and couldn't even be sold as vegetables. Hang Pan's oversight is essentially garden management. The People's Liberation Army took over ten days to capture Hangzhou, officially announcing its liberation on May 3, 1949. The first third of "Looking South of the River" describes the winter and spring before the liberation of Hangzhou. In her diary, Hang Pan wrote: "The fighting has started again, and everywhere…