Brew Tea

1. It's the perfect season for selecting and enjoying fresh green tea. There are many varieties of green tea, and the optimal sales period for high-quality teas is short. You may buy some to try the new season's flavors, stock up on your favorites, or exchange them as gifts with relatives and friends... Before you know it, you've accumulated a good amount of tea. And the typical shelf life indicated for green tea is "one year." Many tea enthusiasts have found themselves with leftovers beyond this timeframe, handling them in various ways. Some continue drinking it as usual, while others believe it can no longer be consumed and dispose of it or use it as fertilizer. Image: Yulü from Enshi, Hubei Can green tea still be consumed after its expiry date (usually one year)? Based on our experience at Tea Encyclopedia: Drink it within the shelf life and as soon as possible; after the expiry date, whether it can still be consumed depends more on the current quality of the tea. In other words, rather than fixating on an uncertain time point, consider the following questions. — How can we store green tea daily to preserve its freshness as much…

Why Choose Iced Mineral Water for Brewing Tea? Brewing tea is an art, and choosing the right water and temperature is key. In the world of tea, the quality of the water has a crucial impact on the final taste. Using iced mineral water to brew tea, this unique method not only preserves the natural flavor of the tea leaves but also imparts a distinctive coolness to the tea. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Benefits of Brewing Tea with Iced Mineral Water Maintaining the Pure Flavor of the Tea Mineral water is naturally rich in minerals, which can enhance the flavor of the tea. As the iced mineral water slowly melts, it gradually releases these minerals, ensuring that the flavor of the tea leaves becomes richer and more complex. Compared to using tap water or purified water, mineral water can make the aroma and taste of the tea fuller. Gradually Releasing the Aroma of the Tea As the iced mineral water melts, it gradually releases moisture, allowing the flavors of the tea leaves to be released progressively, avoiding the bitterness that can sometimes occur when brewing with hot water. This method is particularly effective for high-quality green teas and…

Is drinking tea "refined" or "common"? "Refined" means elegant and sophisticated, while "common" refers to everyday, popular customs. Tea was originally common, starting from medicinal use, then culinary use, and eventually evolving into the most beloved drink of the Chinese people. In its transmission, tea became refined through the praise of people. People discovered that even among chaotic rocks, tea can take root and sprout, embodying resilience; that tea needs to be steeped in hot water to release its sweetness, with the leaves rising and sinking like life itself; and that drinking tea nourishes one, keeping the habit can make one’s thoughts sharp and mind tranquil... All these are qualities we aspire to have or enjoy experiencing, many of our better thoughts find solace in tea. Thus, monks, scholars, officials, and imperial families of ancient times all sang praises of tea, promoted it, made good tea, and brewed it well. The ritualistic aspect of tea-drinking gradually increased, making it a refined affair, giving rise to "tea culture". In the past, when social hierarchy was strictly defined, only those of high status could drink tea in a refined manner, while others would do so in a simple, mundane way. Today, in…

Different teas serve different purposes for your body, so it's important to choose carefully. Here are some specific teas suitable for summer: 1 Flower Tea Flower tea is often regarded as a natural health drink and is very suitable for consumption in the summer. Drinking flower tea in summer can help cool you down and quench thirst. Additionally, it can aid digestion, improve complexion, treat colds, and relieve irritability. In summer, it's best to choose cooling and heat-relieving flower teas, but if you have a weak spleen and stomach, you should consume them in moderation or avoid them altogether. If you have a weak spleen and stomach and still want to drink tea, it's better to choose warmer or neutral flower teas. 2 Ginger Tea According to traditional Chinese medicine, even though we feel hot in summer, our bodies are actually in a state of being externally hot and internally cold. Many people like to stay in cool places and eat cold foods in summer, which can be quite damaging to the spleen and stomach, potentially causing stomach pain or diarrhea. Therefore, when deciding what to drink in summer, it's best to choose warming foods or teas to regulate the…

As is known to all, boiling tea, steaming tea, and infusing tea are three different ways of enjoying tea. Boiling tea is a form of tea art. During the prosperous Tang and Song dynasties, Chinese people used to drink boiled tea. Infusing tea is also an art. As the saying goes: "Use boiling water for aged tea and hot water for tender tea." Boiling refers to using freshly boiled water, while infusing means using water from a thermos. Steaming tea, however, is quite rare. In Liubao Town, Cangwu County, Guangxi, there is another popular way of enjoying tea: braising. Braising is a commonly used cooking method in southern cuisine. In southeastern Guangxi, there is a unique custom where serving tea is a way of hospitality for locals. Guests are welcomed with tea as if it were wine, and the tea remains warm even after guests leave. This is a tradition among the people of Liubao. "No tea to taste" implies that the host is either indifferent or lazy by nature. If you visit someone and "do not even taste the tea," it suggests disrespect towards the host. The reason why locals choose to braise their tea might be due to…

Why has Fuding white tea become so popular in recent years? Some say that the ultimate appeal of white tea is its "vitality"; it awakens your entire being when you drink it. It doesn't just pass through your mouth but permeates your whole body, awakening your soul. So, when drinking white tea, it's not just about tasting its flavor but also savoring its aroma. And how do you properly appreciate the aroma of white tea? The correct method is crucial! I. Understanding the Aroma In general, white tea has a rich and fragrant aroma. However, if processed properly or stored well, it can also exhibit a pure and intense scent. High-grade white teas like Silver Needle and premium White Peony have a characteristic downy aroma, which is a critical factor in aroma evaluation, and should be prominent. Due to their early picking and tenderness, they also have a noticeable fresh fragrance. 1. The "Aroma" of Silver Needle A well-aged, cleanly stored, and high-quality Silver Needle has a refined style with a lingering aftertaste. Its aroma is delicate yet varied and enduring, with a clean and sweet taste that lingers in the mouth, creating a lasting salivation effect with a pleasant…

Black tea is a common type of tea in daily life, being a fully fermented tea. It has a dark brown and lustrous appearance with a rich, sweet fragrance, hence the name black tea. We recommend brewing black tea using a white porcelain gaiwan with water at 90 degrees Celsius, suitable for most types of black tea. Below, ChaYou Network introduces the brewing method. Steps for Brewing Black Tea 01 - Choice of Teaware White porcelain gaiwans can brew out the fresh and elegant flavor of black tea without overpowering its aroma. The white porcelain beautifully complements the red hue of the tea, making it easy to observe the color of the tea. It's simply beautiful. 02 - Tea-to-Water Ratio When brewing tea, it's important to get the right ratio of tea to water. Many tea enthusiasts rely on experience. Using too much tea is the main reason for overly bitter or astringent tea. When using a gaiwan to brew black tea, the amount of tea should be around 4 grams. If too little tea is used, even with less water, it will not fully bring out the fragrant and mellow flavor of the black tea. If you prefer a…

Hello! Want to know how much Huangshan Maofeng tea costs per pound? Let’s find out! Huangshan Maofeng, a top-tier tea, boasts an enticing aroma and refreshing taste that lingers on the palate. Its unique quality and origin have made it famous far and wide. So, what is the price of Huangshan Maofeng? Let’s explore! What Factors Influence the Price of Huangshan Maofeng? To understand the price of Huangshan Maofeng, we first need to look at the factors that influence its cost. 1. Origin: Huangshan Maofeng is produced in the Huangshan region of Anhui Province, China. The climate and soil conditions here directly impact the quality and price of the tea. 2. Picking Season: The picking season for tea leaves is another significant factor affecting the price. Generally, spring-picked tea has better quality and commands a higher price. (Image source: Internet, for removal upon request) 3. Manufacturing Process: The unique manufacturing process of Huangshan Maofeng not only retains the freshness and taste but also elevates the price of the tea. 4. Market Demand: Market demand is also a critical factor in determining the price of tea. If there is high demand for Huangshan Maofeng, prices will naturally rise. What is the…

Sheng Pu'er tea requires water at 100°C for brewing. Sheng Pu'er tea is a direct representation of Yunnan large-leaf sun-dried green tea. It is characterized by its rich inner quality, ample tea essence, and tightly rolled leaves. To fully release its aroma and inner qualities, it needs to be brewed with water at 100°C, making the tea soup fuller, crisper, and richer. The unique and full-bodied large-leaf sun-dried green tea has a strong character and ample tea essence, with tightly rolled leaves. Its excellent inherent qualities require water at 100°C to bring out its best. High-temperature water fully captures its rich flavor and aged aroma. High temperature complements the flavor and aroma perfectly. It is ideal for the quick extraction of tea flavors, and high temperature here means water above 95°C. Coarse and aged Pu'er brick teas, compressed teas, and aged Pu'ers are best brewed with boiling water. Brewing Techniques for Sheng Pu'er Tea 1. Tea Quantity The optimal tea-to-water ratio for Pu'er tea is 1: (20~30), but you can adjust according to your taste preferences. 2. Water Temperature Newly produced Sheng Pu'er tea has not been aged, so it contains abundant active substances. The water temperature for brewing should…

When it comes to tea, one often thinks of the complex flavors brought about by various manufacturing processes: green tea requires fixation, black tea needs fermentation, and Pu'er tea must undergo maturation before it can be consumed... But there is a type of tea that closely captures the natural taste of the leaves themselves: white tea. White tea is one of the six major types of tea and is renowned for its fresh, unroasted, and unrubbed character. If we liken tea production to cooking, some green teas would be stir-fried, black teas would be braised, while white tea would be blanched, preserving the most basic and original flavor of the tea. It's like human relationships – they don't need to be dramatic, just consistently warm and sincere. Some people say that white tea should not be brewed in a purple clay pot. They believe that white tea is delicate and easily spoiled by the heat retention of a purple clay pot; its fragrant aroma can also be partially absorbed by the dual-pore structure of the pot, affecting the overall flavor. Is this really the case? Can white tea be brewed using a purple clay pot? Absolutely. The distinctive feature of…

Tea, low in sugar content, contains beneficial components such as amino acids, vitamins, and tea polyphenols, which are beneficial to human health. However, every coin has two sides, and the principle of 'too much of anything is bad' applies here too. If tea is consumed improperly, it can have adverse effects on the body. Drinking tea can help reduce the occurrence of kidney stones, a fact that many tea enthusiasts are familiar with. However, drinking tea incorrectly not only fails to protect your kidneys but can also harm them. If you find yourself in any of the following situations, we advise you to avoid them to prevent damage to your health. Drinking tea while consuming alcohol can harm your kidneys. Some believe that drinking strong tea after alcohol consumption can help sober up, but this is a misconception. Drinking tea alone will not harm your kidneys, but if you drink tea while consuming alcohol or use strong tea to sober up, there is a risk of kidney damage. This is because when alcohol enters the liver, it is broken down into water and carbon dioxide through enzymatic action and then excreted by the kidneys. Theobromine in tea has a diuretic…

Tea enthusiasts are certainly familiar with Pu'er tea, but not all may know how to truly appreciate it. Today, let's discuss the seven steps to drinking Pu'er tea. Step 1: Observe the Tea Mature production techniques result in cakes that are evenly shaped, compact, and uniform in thickness. With the advent of electrostatic dust removal machines, modern Pu'er teas from reputable manufacturers are free of foreign objects. Prior to 2004, when such machines were not widely used, older teas might have some impurities due to manual sorting. The color distinguishes raw from ripe teas: ripe teas are dark brown, while raw teas range from dark green (young) to brownish-red (aged), transitioning from loose to compact, thin to robust, dry to lustrous. Step 2: Touch the Tea The compactness of the tea indicates its aging potential; loosely packed leaves age faster under equal storage conditions, while tightly packed leaves age more slowly. Surface blending involves sprinkling higher-grade leaves on the surface for a better appearance, while a single-grade cake consists of uniformly graded leaves throughout, without any external embellishment. Step 3: Smell the Dry Tea As the name suggests, use your nose to carefully smell the tea. Pu'er tea improves with…

What is Kudzu Flower Tea? Kudzu flower tea is a type of tea made from kudzu flowers. Kudzu itself is a Chinese medicinal herb commonly used to treat various health issues. Kudzu flower tea has gained popularity among health enthusiasts in recent years due to its unique aroma and refreshing taste. Not only does it have a fresh flavor, but it is also rich in numerous nutrients and has significant health benefits. (Image source: network, delete upon infringement) Main Components and Benefits of Kudzu Flower Tea Kudzu flower tea contains abundant flavonoids, isoflavones, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Flavonoids have strong antioxidant effects, which can help eliminate free radicals in the body and slow down the aging process. Isoflavones help regulate female hormones, alleviate symptoms of menopause, and promote bone density. In addition, kudzu flower tea has several notable benefits: 1. Improves Blood Circulation and Metabolism The active ingredients in kudzu flower tea can dilate blood vessels, improve blood circulation, and enhance the efficiency of oxygen and nutrient delivery in the blood. This is very helpful for boosting metabolism, enhancing physical strength, and resistance. 2. Relieves Fatigue and Increases Stamina Long-term consumption of kudzu flower tea can effectively relieve physical…

Brewing tea is an art that can bring a moment of tranquility and comfort amidst a busy life. Whether it's green tea, black tea, oolong tea, or other varieties, the correct brewing method can fully release the aroma and flavor of the tea leaves. Here, we will detail how to brew the perfect cup of tea. (Image source: network, delete upon infringement) Select Suitable Tea Leaves The first step to brewing good tea is choosing high-quality tea leaves. Different types of tea have distinct flavors and health benefits. Green tea is refreshing and rich in antioxidants; black tea is robust and invigorating; oolong tea lies between green and black tea, with unique floral and fruity aromas. When purchasing tea, try to choose fresh loose leaf tea over tea bags, as loose leaf tea is generally of higher quality. Prepare Brewing Tools Good tools can help you better control every detail of the brewing process. You'll need a clean teapot or teacup, a strainer (if using loose leaf tea), a teaspoon, a timer, and a saucer. For certain teas, such as green tea, you may also need a thermometer to ensure the water temperature is appropriate. Select Suitable Water and Water…

Tea is a traditional beverage in our country. It contains large amounts of tannic acid, tea alkaloids, caffeine, and small quantities of aromatic oils, chlorophyll, multiple vitamins, and other nutrients. Drinking tea in moderation can invigorate the mind and body, quench thirst, eliminate dampness and heat, and alleviate illnesses, all of which are greatly beneficial to human health. So how should one drink tea healthily? Follow the four principles of "early, less, mild, and warm"! 01 Early The best time to drink tea is in the morning. After a night's metabolism, the body has consumed a lot of water, and the concentration of the blood is high. Drinking a cup of mild tea not only replenishes fluids but also dilutes the blood and prevents damage to the gastric mucosa. Tea is rich in caffeine, which has an exciting effect, keeping the mind alert, and this effect lasts for some time. If tea is consumed in the afternoon or evening, it may cause insomnia at night, which could have a negative impact on health, especially with newly harvested green tea, which has a strong stimulating effect. 02 Less The best amount of tea to drink is in small quantities. A large…

Aged tea is relatively difficult to brew. It's easy to end up with a weak flavor, thin broth, and even an unpleasant aroma. Even more puzzling is when properly stored tea is brewed into a drink that leaves the throat dry, parched, and tight. This can be quite perplexing. To make aged tea taste good, the author conducted some experiments on issues such as the vessel, water, and brewing techniques. Here are some insights gained. The general approach is as follows: First, analyze the nature of the tea and identify its characteristics; second, determine the brewing goal based on these characteristics, aiming to go with the flow and highlight strengths while mitigating weaknesses; third, consider specific means to achieve this goal; finally, further analyze, validate, and adjust through practice. Brewing Methods and Tips for Aged Pu'er Tea Before brewing aged Pu'er tea, place the clay pot or gaiwan in a tea washer, remove the lid, and pour in 100°C boiling water. Cover the pot and pour boiling water over it. Use a tea tong to pick up the teacups and place them above the tea washer, then pour boiling water over the cups to sterilize them. Next, use a tea…

    Before brewing tea, you can pre-warm the cup. When brewing, avoid filling the cup with water, pour out the water quickly, and don't let the tea leaves steep in hot water for too long. These are all details in the process of brewing tea. Regardless of what type of tea you're brewing, there are three key elements to pay attention to: the amount of tea used, the water temperature, and the brewing time.     Three Practical Techniques for Brewing Tea     1. Amount of Tea: There is no uniform standard for how much tea to use each time. This mainly depends on the type of tea, the size of the teaware, and the consumer's drinking habits.     There are many types of tea, and the amount used varies depending on the type. For example, when brewing general black or green teas, about 3 grams of dry tea leaves are placed in a cup with 150-200 milliliters of boiling water. If drinking Pu'er tea, 5-10 grams are used per cup. The most tea used is for Oolong tea, where each serving is typically 1/2 to 2/3 of the teapot's capacity.     2. Brewing Water Temperature: For high-quality green teas, especially those with delicate buds and…

Yunnan Black, also known as Dian Hong, is a type of black tea from Yunnan. The recommended amount for brewing is 4 to 5 grams, which can be infused more than 10 times, depending on individual drinking habits. Use water at around 80 to 83 degrees Celsius (first boil the water to a full rolling boil, then let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly to about 80 degrees Celsius; do not add cold or unboiled water). The infusion should be quick, with the first to third infusions steeped for just one second. The first infusion is for rinsing the tea, and starting from the fourth infusion, gradually increase the steeping time to 3 seconds, 5 seconds, 8 seconds, etc., without covering the vessel. How Many Infusions Can Yunnan Black Tea Typically Stand? The number of infusions that Yunnan Black tea can stand depends on the age and processing method of the leaves. Generally speaking, when brewed in a gaiwan, Yunnan Black tea can withstand at least six infusions. High-quality Yunnan Black can withstand more than ten infusions. "Dian Hong," the black tea produced in Yunnan Province, features robust and tightly rolled dry leaves with prominent golden tips,…

When brewing tea, you may occasionally encounter a situation where the water taste is prominent. What causes this? It is mainly due to the impact of water on the tea brewing process. So what effects do water quality and water temperature have on tea brewing? Why does tea have a strong water taste when brewed? Here are some reasons: 1. Hard Water Quality The hardness of the water affects the solubility of compounds in the tea leaves. Soft water has a higher solubility, resulting in a stronger tea flavor. Hard water contains more calcium, magnesium ions, and minerals, leading to lower solubility and thus a weaker tea flavor. Therefore, we should try to choose soft water and avoid using high-hardness water like well water for tea brewing. 2. Low Water Temperature The solubility of tea is proportional to the water temperature. If the water temperature used for brewing is too low, the amount of compounds dissolved from the tea leaves will be small, leading to an insufficient tea flavor and a more pronounced water taste. There's no need to overly worry about high temperatures destroying vitamins in tea, as the stability of vitamins in tea is relatively high, and the…

Due to the frequent temperature changes in spring, various physiological functions of the human body tend to decline, and resistance weakens, making it easier for the body to be attacked by viruses. Here are some teas that can help maintain health. Black Tea 1. Keep Warm and Protect the Stomach The winter climate is in a low humidity state, and the human body is inevitably invaded by dampness and cold, causing discomfort in the stomach. Black tea has a sweet and gentle nature, nourishing the body's yang energy, enhancing its ability to resist the cold, and having the benefits of warming and protecting the stomach. 2. Prevent Cardiovascular Diseases and Protect Elderly Health Winter is a high-risk period for heart disease and stroke, with cardiovascular activity weakened due to factors such as temperature, which can trigger cardiovascular diseases. American medical research has found that heart disease patients who drink four cups of black tea daily see their blood vessel dilation increase from 6% to 10%. After brewing, 70% of potassium in black tea dissolves in the tea water, which helps enhance cardiac circulation. In the cold winter, the elderly can drink more black tea to combat the cold and prevent…

Unique Ways to Prepare Pu'er Tea In the world of Pu'er, there are these unique tea-making methods. Let's explore how many you've tried. Bamboo-Flavored Tea The Bamboo-Flavored Tea is a distinctive method used by the Dai and Lahu people. It gets its name from the bamboo fragrance infused into the tea leaves. ① Soak glutinous rice for two hours, then spread it at the bottom of a steamer. Place dried tea leaves on top and steam them. ② Once the tea leaves have softened and absorbed the aroma of the rice, pack them tightly into a bamboo tube. ❸ Seal the opening with sweet bamboo leaves and slowly roast the bamboo tube over charcoal until it turns yellow and the tea inside is completely dry. ❹ To consume, split open the bamboo tube, portion out some tea leaves into a bowl, and pour boiling water over them to drink. Roasted Tea Roasted tea is one of the drinking methods used by the Lahu people. The preparation process is relatively simple. ① Directly roast fresh tea (one bud and five leaves) over fire until it turns golden brown. ❷ Place the roasted tea into a preheated clay pot, add water, and…

Pu'er tea is a famous Chinese tea, divided into raw and ripened varieties. Ripened tea, having undergone fermentation, possesses a unique aged aroma and rich flavor. Many people enjoy its robust taste, but brewing a good pot of Pu'er ripened tea requires some skill. Today, we will share a detailed guide on how to perfectly brew Pu'er ripened tea. (Image source: internet, for deletion upon infringement) Preparation The first step in brewing Pu'er ripened tea is to prepare all the necessary tools and materials. This includes teaware, tea leaves, and water. Teaware: A teapot or gaiwan, a fairness cup, several tea cups, a tea strainer, and tea tongs. Tea Leaves: High-quality Pu'er ripened tea; it is recommended to choose leaves that have been stored for a long time, as their flavor will be richer and smoother. Water: Use mineral water or purified water, and ensure the water temperature reaches 95-100 degrees Celsius. Warming Cups and Washing the Tea Before officially brewing the tea, we need to warm the cups and wash the tea. This is to remove impurities and dust from the leaves and also to awaken their aroma. Warming Cups: Pour boiling water into the teapot, fairness cup, and…

Drinking some Pu'er raw tea, ancient tree white tea, or sun-dried red tea from ancient trees during the Start of Spring can help in digestion and detoxification, as well as warm the stomach and nourish the liver.During this season, it is good to drink Pu'er raw tea, ancient tree white tea, or sun-dried red tea from ancient trees that have a rich aroma. This helps dissipate the coldness accumulated in the body during winter and promotes the rise of yang qi. These teas also have the benefits of warming the stomach and nourishing the liver. Moreover, Pu'er tea is not only rich and fragrant but also refreshing and invigorating, helping to dispel drowsiness. Benefits of Drinking Tea at the Start of Spring In spring, the liver's energy tends to become too strong, which can negatively impact the spleen and stomach. Additionally, spring is a season when yang qi rises and various pathogens and microorganisms reproduce and revive, making it easy for diseases to spread. Therefore, health preservation during spring is very important. Since tea aids digestion, clears the intestines, and detoxifies, drinking an appropriate amount of tea in spring can help cleanse the intestines, warm the stomach, and nourish the…

Drinking tea is a common practice for adults. However, in daily life, we rarely see children drinking tea. Many parents allow their children to drink regular soft drinks and carbonated beverages but seldom permit them to drink tea. Zhu Haiyan, Director of the Horticultural Culture Research and Dissemination Center at the College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Hunan Agricultural University, explains that there are two main reasons why we seldom see children drinking tea in everyday life. Firstly, children do not like the bitter taste of tea. More importantly, people believe that tea has a certain stimulating effect which may be detrimental to children's growth and development, potentially harming their spleen and stomach. In fact, these views are one-sided. "Scientifically speaking, drinking safe and hygienic tea, without consuming it too strong, can bring many benefits to children," Zhu Haiyan says. Firstly, moderate tea consumption helps to reduce fat and promote weight loss. According to relevant surveys, more than one-fifth of school-aged children in major cities in China suffer from varying degrees of nutritional excess, leading to numerous cases of obese children and those with high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, severely affecting their physical and mental development. The…