Brew Tea

Time falls like rain, pouring down. It's the hottest time of the year, when we welcome the last solar term of summer, Great Heat. As the saying goes, “The coldest time is the nine cold days, the hottest is the dog days.” Great Heat coincides with the middle of the dog days, the hottest period of the year. The Three Phases of Great Heat 01 First Phase: Withered grass turns into fireflies. In the height of summer, fireflies lay their eggs on withered grass, and when they hatch, they emerge from it. Ancient people mistakenly believed that fireflies were transformed from decaying grass. 02 Second Phase: The earth is moist and the heat is sultry. Sultriness refers to the humid atmosphere. The moisture in the earth's air makes it steamy and damp. During Great Heat, the world feels like a giant steamer. 03 Third Phase: Heavy rains occur frequently. Since the start of the dog days, thunderstorms have erupted periodically, and during Great Heat, they become more intense. However, as Great Heat progresses, after each thunderstorm, the oppressive heat seems to subtly diminish, transitioning towards the onset of autumn. Drinking Tea During Great Heat Hot tea is better than cold…

Nowadays, the tea culture is thriving, and all sorts of peculiar tea-related activities emerge endlessly, which is quite interesting to ponder. If we categorize different types of tea-related activities, there are at least four beauties in tea. ① The Beauty of Vulgarity Don't underestimate the expertise among ordinary people. Sitting in a taxi stuck on a smoggy highway, one's irritability seems to echo with the incessant honking outside. At this moment, the driver twists open his thermos cup, and an intense jasmine fragrance instantly fills the small cabin. "Wow, that smells great! Is it around 400 RMB per kilo?" "Nope, more like over 500. I'm always rushing around outside, so I need to drink something good..." For a while, the driver savors his tea happily, and the passenger enjoys the scent contentedly. In fact, tea-related activities can be both vulgar and elegant. This scene, which happens every day in various corners of the city, perfectly illustrates the beauty of vulgarity in tea. ② The Beauty of Rationality Some tea enthusiasts are very particular about the quality of tea. They focus on factors such as tree species, processing techniques, authenticity, grade, primary brewing tools, the three essentials of tea brewing, water…

After a busy day of work, it's finally time to rest. Many people have the habit of drinking tea in the evening, while others do not. Sometimes, one might suddenly feel like having tea at night. It is commonly believed that drinking tea before bed can cause insomnia, as tea contains caffeine which can keep you in an excited state and has a stimulating effect. Therefore, many fans of dark tea avoid drinking it in the evening for fear of sleepless nights. However, not all teas lead to insomnia. If you're wondering whether drinking dark tea affects sleep, well, it generally doesn't (results may vary from person to person). Dark tea is a low-caffeine health beverage (due to its high maturity of raw materials and roasting processes) and, compared to cola and other types of tea, it does not affect sleep. The raw materials for dark tea are relatively mature, and after initial processing, the caffeine content in dark tea is significantly lower than in other teas. Dark tea undergoes post-fermentation. Its production process focuses on refining rather than shaping. Dark tea is first roasted over a seven-star stove to enhance its aroma, then stomped by a team of seven…

Tea is a beverage with a long history and rich culture. In modern life, brewing tea on a tea tray is not only a continuation of tradition but also an art of living. If you are interested in brewing tea, this article will guide you through each step of brewing tea on a tea tray so that you can also enjoy the pleasure of brewing tea. (Image source: Internet, delete if infringing) Selecting Suitable Tea Utensils The first step in brewing tea is selecting suitable tea utensils. Generally, a complete set of tea utensils includes a teapot, teacups, a pitcher, a tea strainer, a tea cloth, and a tea tray, among others. When choosing tea utensils, you can select based on your preferences and the type of tea. For example, for brewing green tea, a glass teapot can be chosen as it allows you to appreciate the beautiful unfolding of the tea leaves in water; while for brewing black tea, a purple clay pot can be selected, which better highlights the aroma of black tea. Preparing the Tea Leaves and Water After selecting the tea utensils, the next step is preparing the tea leaves and water. The choice of tea…

Why has Fuding white tea become so popular in recent years? Some say that the ultimate charm of white tea is its "liveliness"; it awakens your entire being, not just passing through your mouth but permeating your whole body, stirring your soul.Therefore, when drinking white tea, you should not only savor its taste but also appreciate its aroma. The correct method is essential! 01 Understanding the Aroma In general, white tea has a rich and fragrant aroma. However, if processed properly or stored well, it can also have a pure and intense scent. The high-grade white teas like Silver Needle and premium White Peony have a downy fragrance, which is an important criterion for judging their aroma, with a requirement that it be prominent. Due to their early picking and tender leaves, they also exhibit a distinct fresh aroma. 1. The "Aroma" of Silver Needle A well-aged, cleanly stored, and high-quality Silver Needle has a refined style and lingering flavor. Its aroma is elegant, varied, and enduring. The taste is clean and sweet, with continuous sweetness in the mouth and a long-lasting salivation effect, accompanied by a throaty aftertaste. 2. The "Aroma" of White Peony The aroma stands out, blending…

Summer has arrived in the blink of an eye, and the hot weather can easily bring about symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, poor appetite, and even heatstroke. So how do you deal with them? You can do so by drinking tea, but it's important to drink the right kind of tea to avoid overdoing it and harming your health.Drink White Tea to Prevent Heatstroke Hot weather makes one prone to heatstroke, especially for those who often work or play outdoors. What you need to have on hand is white tea. White tea is a lightly fermented tea that goes through processes such as blanching and drying. It has a cool nature and contains abundant amino acids that have the effects of cooling and relieving summer heat, thus preventing heatstroke. Consumption Taboos: New white tea has a slightly cold nature, so people with a cold stomach should drink it in moderation and not on an empty stomach. They should choose aged tea at least five years old. Vine tea has a sweet and bland taste and a cool nature. It has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, reducing summer heat and stimulating saliva production, removing rheumatism, strengthening muscles and bones,…

Brewing tea is an art, and brewing green tea with tea ware is one of its finest aspects. Green tea is beloved by tea enthusiasts for its fresh and delicate flavor and its rich nutritional value. Today, we will discuss how to brew a great cup of green tea using tea ware, making every tea-tasting experience enjoyable. (Image source from the web, delete upon infringement) Selecting Suitable Tea Ware The choice of tea ware for brewing green tea is very important. We usually select glass tea ware, white porcelain tea ware, or purple clay pots. Glass tea ware is translucent, allowing you to clearly observe the dance of the tea leaves in water. White porcelain tea ware preserves the original color and aroma of the tea leaves. Purple clay pots, due to their unique breathability and heat retention properties, are also suitable for brewing green tea. (Image source from the web, delete upon infringement) Selecting and Preparing the Tea Leaves There are many varieties of green tea, such as Longjing, Biluochun, and Maojian, each with its unique flavor. When selecting tea leaves, it is recommended to choose fresh leaves, as new tea has better aroma and taste. Take an appropriate…

The amount of tea used when brewing Pu'er tea depends on the capacity of your teapot and personal taste. Generally, for 3-5 people, use 6-9 grams of tea; for 6-10 people, use 10-13 grams of tea, adjusting according to the number of participants; if you prefer a stronger tea, you can add more. Appropriate Brewing Ratio for Pu'er Ripened Tea For a 5-gram packet of Pu'er tea, typically add it to a small 180-milliliter teapot. For brewing 4-5 grams of Pu'er tea (at a water temperature above 95 degrees Celsius), under normal circumstances, the tea-to-water ratio is generally 1:50, meaning 1 gram of tea per 50 milliliters of water. A common practice is to use 3 grams of tea with 150 milliliters of water, allowing it to steep for 5 minutes for evaluation. When boiling Pu'er tea, the tea-to-water ratio is usually 1:80, or 1 gram of tea per 80 milliliters of water. Typically, 5 grams of tea are used with 400 milliliters of water. The tea-to-water ratio for aged raw Pu'er tea using a gaiwan is around 1:20. For an 180-milliliter gaiwan, a recommended amount of tea would be about 8 grams. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you…

Many people believe that during the processing, transportation, and storage of tea leaves, they come into contact with a lot of dust, tea fuzz, and impurities. Rinsing the tea can clean these off, making the tea healthier and more hygienic to drink. Is this true? Scientific tests show that most bacteria and microorganisms are killed at water temperatures above 80 degrees Celsius. Typically, the water temperature used for brewing tea is not lower than 80 degrees. Generally speaking, green teas do not need to be rinsed, especially tender shoots picked before the Ming Festival, which can be directly brewed using mid-dunk or top-dunk methods. For black teas and oolong teas, you may rinse them once with hot water, but it's also fine to skip this step. Personally, I usually choose not to rinse the tea. Teas that are generally recommended for rinsing are compressed teas, particularly aged compressed teas. The rinsing process not only gives the impression of washing away impurities (which doesn't really happen) but also serves as a way to awaken the tea (the key effect of rinsing compressed teas). If you do rinse the tea, how should you do it? Green teas typically do not require rinsing.…

Dian Hong is a type of black tea produced in Yunnan Province, commonly abbreviated as “Dian Hong” and classified within the black tea category. It is cultivated in areas such as Lincang, Baoshan, Fengqing, Xishuangbanna, and Dehong in southern and southwestern Yunnan. Dian Hong is blended from large-leaf red broken tea. The standardized products include leaf tea, broken tea, fannings, and dust in four categories with eleven different grades. Each has its own specific shape and appearance, characterized by a solid texture and harmonious color. When brewed, the tea yields a bright red infusion with a prominent golden ring, a fresh and fragrant aroma, and a strong, stimulating taste. The leaves at the bottom of the cup are uniformly red and bright. Even when milk is added, the tea retains a robust flavor, presenting a brown, pink, or ginger-yellow hue that is bright and vivid. Its defining characteristics are its strength, intensity, and freshness. The production of Dian Hong involves using fresh leaves from high-quality large-leaf tea trees in Yunnan, processed through withering, rolling or cutting, fermentation, and baking to create the finished tea product. Brewing Methods for Dian Hong Tea Warm the teaware: Add an appropriate amount of cold…

If you're looking for a drink that's both delicious and healthy, flower water infusion tea is definitely a great choice. This natural beverage not only helps to relax the body and mind but also has many benefits. This article will introduce you to the various advantages of flower water infusion tea and teach you how to make it easily. (Image source: network, delete if infringement) What is Flower Water Infusion Tea? Flower water infusion tea is a type of tea made by infusing various flowers, such as chrysanthemum, rose, jasmine, and others, which have been dried. These flowers are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, greatly benefiting health. Flower water infusion tea not only has vibrant colors and a pleasant aroma but also provides a natural sweetness without the need for added sugar. The Benefits and Effects of Flower Water Infusion Tea The benefits and effects of flower water infusion tea are varied and include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Boosting Immunity Many flower teas, such as chrysanthemum tea and rose tea, are rich in vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that helps to strengthen the immune system and resist colds and other infections. 2. Improving Digestion Certain…

Summer is a good season to expel cold dampness from the body. As temperatures rise, the humidity in the air also increases. This can be more harmful for people with high levels of dampness. Do you know how to eliminate dampness? Here are some recommended teas for removing dampness during summer.Tea isn't medicine, but it's a great health drink. Although tea isn't medicine, different body types should choose different types of tea. For those with high levels of dampness, the choice of tea should also vary... What Are the Dangers of High Levels of Dampness? 1. When dampness in the body meets cold, it becomes cold-dampness; when it meets heat, it becomes damp-heat; and when it meets wind, it becomes wind-dampness. Under the skin, it leads to obesity. 2. If dampness remains in the body, one may experience loose stools and unformed feces regularly. The tongue will appear yellow with a greasy coating. 3. People with high levels of dampness feel lethargic all day, which affects their digestive function. They feel heavy in their head, limbs, and waist, as if something is wrapping around their body, making them lazy to move. 4. Those with high levels of dampness tend to…

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…

When drinking Fuding white tea, have you ever paid attention to the temperature of the tea? Have you ever hesitated and wondered if you should drink it right after brewing? You might think: If I drink it now, will it scald my mouth? Should I let it sit for a while? But then, how long should I wait? Sometimes, you forget about it and by the time you remember, it's cold... Do you have similar experiences? Perhaps because of your fondness for it and desire for a better taste, you are hesitant to drink it; at the same time, you wonder whether drinking it immediately provides the highest nutrition or if letting it sit improves its flavor. When the tea is freshly brewed, steam rises from it. You take the first blow to disperse the steam on the surface of the tea to avoid burning your lips; the second blow disperses any floating particles; and finally, when the temperature is just right, you can enjoy the warm liquid flowing down your throat. The flavor is at its best right after brewing. Although the temperature is high at this point, it can retain the taste of the tea, allowing its aroma…

Black tea is the most consumed type of tea worldwide, known for its gentle, mellow flavor that warms from throat to stomach. However, brewing a high-quality cup of black tea can be challenging for many beginners. Many tea enthusiasts often encounter a bitter and astringent taste when brewing black tea. How can we avoid these pitfalls? Today, Chaye Dan (Tea Egg) will share some tips on how to brew a delicious cup of black tea. 1. **Choice of Teaware** A white porcelain gaiwan brings out the fresh and elegant flavors of black tea without overpowering its aroma. The translucent white porcelain complements the reddish hue of the tea, making it easy to observe the color of the liquor, which is truly a beautiful sight. 2. **Ratio of Tea to Water** When brewing tea, it's important to get the right ratio of tea to water. Many tea enthusiasts rely on experience, but using too much tea is the primary cause of overly bitter and astringent tea. When using a gaiwan to brew black tea, the recommended amount of tea is about 4 grams. If you use too little tea, even with less water, you won't fully bring out the rich flavor…

Black tea is a fully fermented tea and is the most consumed type of tea worldwide. Its mild nature makes it suitable for general consumption and is a popular recommendation among merchants. To fully appreciate the unique flavor of high-quality teas like ancient tree black tea, it must be brewed correctly. So how should one brew ancient tree black tea? Awakening the Tea: Use water at approximately 85°C for 10 seconds to awaken the tea. The resulting infusion will have a light apricot color that appears somewhat dull. When cooled, the tea has a rich, burnt aroma and a thin yet sweet taste with noticeable aftertaste. First Sipping (Third Infusion): Brew for about 5 seconds using water at around 85°C. The infusion turns a deep brownish red and emits a reddish glow in the cup. It tastes sweet right away, is rich and smooth, and leaves a lasting fragrance in the mouth. The sweetness remains in the mouth, encouraging continuous sipping. The lid of the cup has a faint burnt and sweet aroma mixed with a hint of milkiness. The bottom of the cup has a more pronounced milky aroma mixed with honey notes that linger. Fourth Infusion: The texture…

Drinking tea is an ancient and artistic culinary culture, and in the process of tasting its aroma, strong and mild tea have always been points of discussion. Some people prefer the rich and full-bodied strong tea, while others favor the light and refreshing mild tea. So, is it better to drink strong or mild tea? This article will explore this question from different angles to help you choose a tea that best suits your taste. Advantages of Strong Tea: Rich Texture: Strong tea usually has a rich aroma and texture, giving a sense of depth and substance. Persistent Flavor: The rich texture and aftertaste of strong tea can linger in the mouth, leaving a lasting impression. Higher Nutrient Content: Strong tea contains higher levels of components like catechins and caffeine, which can help invigorate the mind and increase energy. Advantages of Mild Tea: Fresh Texture: Mild tea typically has a light and fragrant texture, providing a refreshing and crisp sensation. Better Experience of Tea Aroma: The texture of mild tea does not overpower the original aroma of the tea leaves, allowing for a better appreciation of their unique fragrance. Simpler Preparation: Brewing mild tea is relatively simple, requiring no extensive…

The 22nd World Cup Football Championship will be held in Qatar from November 21 to December 18, welcoming the quadrennial football feast for fans, who will stay up late watching matches, posing a challenge to both their physical and mental stamina. In many fans' eyes, this World Cup is truly "the twilight of the gods": Messi is 35 years old, Ronaldo is 37, Pepe is 39... even Neymar, the youngest among them, says that this might be his last World Cup. During every World Cup, many fans prepare beer and late-night snacks to stay up and watch the games. However, it's well known that staying up late is detrimental to liver detoxification and overall health. Consuming alcohol and meat while staying up late can exacerbate these effects! If you want to indulge fully during the World Cup, drinking tea may be the best companion. Passionate World Cup, Healthy with a Teacup While tea drinking cannot completely offset the toll of staying up late, its invigorating and detoxifying effects are certainly beneficial while watching the games. Here are our tea recommendations for different phases: 9:00 PM Match - Raw Tea to Energize and Get into the Zone The 9 PM match…

When we savor Puer tea, we often hear the term “Aged Charm.” What is “Aged Charm”? It is a complex sensation that is more pronounced in aged Puer teas. The Aged Charm comprises the woody aroma sensed through the nostrils and the rich taste experienced by the palate, among other sensory perceptions. This charm requires a tranquil mind to appreciate fully, from its fragrance to its flavor. Over time, one can gain a deeper understanding of the Aged Charm. Puer teas that exhibit Aged Charm are typically the result of good raw materials, craftsmanship, and storage conditions working together. Well-made ripe teas generally undergo aging at a rate of about two to three years per cycle. In the first transformation phase, ripe teas may have a slight "watery" feel and "heap scent," but the tea flavor is clear, the heap scent is clean, and the tea soup appears slightly turbid, with a brownish-red or dark red color. There is noticeable aftertaste and a sense of charm. In the second transformation phase, the "heap scent" fades, and the tea and water become more integrated. The ripe aroma and gradually fuller aged aroma become apparent. The tea soup turns deep red, the…

Transparent glass cups, leisure cups, and white porcelain bowls with lids are ideal for brewing green tea. For green tea, you can choose a transparent, patternless glass cup or white, light blue, or blue-and-white porcelain cups without lids. A patternless glass cup is best as it allows for better appreciation of the green tea's shape and color. What Kind of Tea Ware Is Best for Green Tea? 1. Porcelain Cups Porcelain cups are suitable for brewing mid-to-high-grade green teas, such as stir-fried green teas (grades one and two), pearl green teas, baked green teas, sun-dried green teas, etc., where the focus is on taste, flavor, or quenching thirst. Typically, observe the tea’s color, aroma, and shape before brewing. The "middle infusion method" can be used, pouring near-boiling water at 95–100°C over the tea, and covering the cup to retain the aroma and maintain the water temperature, which helps the tea leaves to unfurl and sink to the bottom of the cup. After 3–5 minutes, remove the lid, smell the aroma, taste the tea, and judge the strength of the tea soup. Drink up to three infusions. This brewing method is convenient for serving guests or drinking tea during office hours.…

Tea brewing is both an ancient and modern art form, rich in culture and technique. Whether you are a tea novice or an experienced aficionado, mastering the correct brewing method will enhance your enjoyment of every cup. This article will guide you step-by-step on how to brew the perfect cup of tea. (Image source: internet, delete if infringement) Selecting the Right Tea and Equipment Firstly, choosing high-quality tea leaves is the foundation of brewing good tea. Whether it's green tea, black tea, oolong tea, or white tea, each type has its unique flavor profile and brewing requirements. Choose tea that suits your taste and ensure its freshness. The selection of tea equipment is equally important. If using loose leaf tea, it is recommended to use a tea strainer or tea ball; for tea bags, a teapot with a built-in filter is more convenient. Different tea tools not only affect the taste of the tea but also add to the pleasure of the entire brewing process. (Image source: internet, delete if infringement) The Importance of Water Quality and Temperature Water is the soul of tea, and the quality of water directly affects the taste. Using fresh filtered water is the best…

Aged Pu'er ripe tea is characterized by its sweetness, smoothness, richness, softness, and thickness. 1. The color of aged ripe tea is reddish-brown, and the aroma is more elevated, without any foul odors; 2. After brewing with boiling water, the tea liquor appears as amber-red, bright and clear, with a pure aroma, fine texture, sweet and mellow taste, good returning sweetness, and very evident salivation-inducing properties. The entrance is rich and sweet, with a very noticeable woody aroma. How to Brew Aged Pu'er Tea for Best Taste 1. Place the Pu'er tea leaves into a filter cup, about 10 grams, and pour freshly boiled water over them in the filter cup, covering the leaves. After a moment, remove the filter cup and discard the first infusion of tea water. Pour boiling water again, covering the leaves, put on the cup lid, and let it sit for around 20 seconds. Open the cup lid and invert it, take out the filter cup, and let a few drops of tea juice drip off, then place it inside the cup lid. 2. Pu'er tea is very durable in brewing. When you are about to finish the first infusion, you can place the filter…

There is a consensus in the Pu'er tea industry that drinking tea should prioritize spring tea! The benefits of spring tea need no elaboration. If you want to savor the enticingly fresh and brisk flavor of Pu'er tea to the fullest, you may try the following brewing methods. The tea-to-water ratio should be 100:7, meaning about 7 grams of tea for every 100 milliliters of water in a gaiwan. Adjust according to personal taste and the capacity of the gaiwan. A relatively standard tea-to-water ratio not only helps you better appreciate the authentic flavor of spring tea, showcasing its fresh taste, aroma, and flavor, but also reduces any potential irritation to the stomach. Loose tea does not require deliberate pre-infusion; at least one rinse is sufficient. Pre-infusion aims to activate the tea leaves and release their aroma, primarily for compressed teas. Loose tea maintains good activity in its loose state, so it only needs to be rinsed once or twice when brewing. Boiling water at 100°C is not an all-purpose choice for brewing Pu'er tea; 95°C is more suitable. For Pu'er tea, especially freshly made spring tea (especially loose tea), 100°C is not the ideal temperature. Spring tea with tender…

Green Tea Green tea is unfermented and consists of tender leaves, which require a lower water temperature for brewing. Generally, the optimal brewing temperature for green tea should be between 80°C and 85°C. If the water is too hot, it can destroy vitamin C and polyphenols in the tea, making the brew bitter. Therefore, it's recommended to boil the water first and then let it cool for a while until it reaches the appropriate temperature before steeping the green tea. (Image source: Internet, delete if infringement occurs) White Tea White tea is also unfermented and consists of delicate leaves, suitable for brewing at even lower temperatures. Typically, the best brewing temperature for white tea is between 70°C and 75°C. Higher temperatures can destroy the nutritional components of the white tea, causing the brew to lose its unique fragrance and sweetness. Oolong Tea Oolong tea lies between green and black teas as a partially fermented tea. Oolong tea requires slightly higher water temperatures, generally ranging from 80°C to 95°C. Higher temperatures can fully release the rich aroma and unique flavor of oolong tea, but they shouldn't be too high, as this could affect the freshness of the brew. (Image source: Internet,…