What we dread most about winter is the lack of sunshine, wrapping layer upon layer of clothing yet still feeling the chill.
Though we might not have a roaring fireplace, brewing a pot of aged tea on a small Stove is certainly doable. The flames dance within the stove as the steam, carrying the aroma of the tea, gradually fills the room.
Lifting the teapot to pour out the tea, the bright red liquor is enveloped in warm vapor. Sipping the tea, its soft and gentle texture feels like winter sunshine, warming both body and soul. On sunny days, one can take a small stool and sit under the sun, a bowl of aged tea at hand. Bathing in the warm sunlight while sipping hot tea, perhaps reading a book, pondering something, or simply daydreaming, relishing this moment of tranquility. This is likely the charm of aged tea—it brings warmth and induces calmness.
As the weather gets colder, appetites tend to grow. Those who eat half a bowl of rice in summer may find themselves consuming a full bowl in winter. However, it's not just about the quantity; even half a bowl needs side dishes! In the past, I assumed that gaining a pound or two in winter was inevitable, but upon closer observation, I realized that I should be grateful for such a modest gain given my increased food intake. Additionally, winter is a season of frequent feasts. Weddings, births, housewarmings—there are always reasons to gather with friends and family, often indulging in rich meals day after day. At such times, brewing a bowl of aged tea, taking a stool to the balcony, basking in the sun and sipping tea, can be a soothing experience. Cup after cup of tea enters the body, and the enzymes produced during the tea's Fermentation process start to work their magic.
The bloated sensation in the Stomach gradually subsides, and the sense of greasiness diminishes. By the end, one might feel ready to head to another banquet for another round of feasting. Although aged tea aids digestion and cuts through grease, one should still exercise restraint and avoid overindulgence. Despite the warmth of the tea, it's the aged tea's rich and smooth taste, its deep red color, and the misty vapor rising from the cup that evoke a sense of comfort, simply by looking at it. (Source: Boshan Tea House, Image Source: ChaYou Network; Original Title: Lifestyle | Winter Comfort with Aged Tea)