Tea lovers often keep a good stock of tea at home. Some store their tea in the fridge, or even buy a small fridge specifically for this purpose. However, this is a common misconception – whether tea should be stored in the fridge depends on the type. Here are some basics about storing tea in the fridge. Green tea, yellow tea, and some oolong teas need to be refrigerated, while Pu'er, white tea, dark tea, black tea, and oolong teas with higher fermentation levels should be stored at room temperature and sealed. When storing these teas, it's important to prevent odors, dampness, ensure airtight conditions, and avoid light. If you plan to consume the tea within two months, simply store it in a cool place at room temperature. Green tea, yellow tea, and lightly fermented oolong teas need to be refrigerated. These teas have low fermentation levels or are unfermented, making them highly active and susceptible to environmental factors and oxidation, which can alter their quality. To maintain their flavor and aroma, they should be properly sealed and refrigerated. Which Teas Need Refrigeration? The main types of tea that benefit from fridge storage are green tea and lightly oxidized oolong…

Monastery on Nine-day Mountain The chrysanthemums by the eastern fence are also turning yellow. Worldly people often indulge in wine. Who understands and enhances the fragrance of tea? The fifth typhoon of the year, Doksuri, has made landfall in Fujian, prompting a red alert from the National Meteorological Center. Meanwhile, Typhoon Khanun, the sixth of the season, is poised and gradually intensifying. The typhoons bring heavy rainfall and a great deal of moisture, making it a critical time for tea enthusiasts. Slight carelessness can result in moldy tea leaves... So, what should you pay attention to when storing tea during typhoon weather? Typhoon Tea Storage Tips Watch Out for High Temperatures In the scorching summer, while typhoons may arrive, many might mistakenly think that temperatures have dropped. However, even if there's an occasional decrease, high temperatures remain the norm, so tea lovers need to be extra cautious. Various substances in tea decompose under high temperatures, reducing the aroma, taste, and quality of the tea. Storing tea at temperatures below 10°C effectively inhibits browning. White tea, in particular, is best stored at temperatures between 25°C and 30°C. In a cool and dry environment, the enzymes within the tea can maintain sufficient…

The Ming Dynasty was a period of innovation in tea processing and the creation of loose leaf teas, setting new trends for tea drinking. In the 24th year of Hongwu reign under Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang (1391), the production of compressed tea bricks was abolished, promoting the development of loose leaf teas. Many famous teas emerged as the method of brewing changed from whisking to steeping. The process of tea preparation became simpler, and fewer tea wares were needed. 1. Simplification and Reduction of Tea Wares The older tea cakes of the Tang Dynasty required the "boiled tea method." The finely processed dragon and phoenix compressed teas of the Song Dynasty necessitated the "whisked tea method." Both the "boiled tea method" and the "whisked tea method" involved complex procedures and a multitude of tea wares. The brewing of loose leaf teas in the Ming Dynasty was much simpler: a small amount of tea would be placed in a cup (or pot), and hot water poured over it, ready to drink. This method was also known as the "pinch tea method" during the Song Dynasty. At this point, only a kettle for boiling water and a cup (or pot) for brewing were…

Tea stored for a period, whether vacuum-packed or not, will undergo some changes. The chlorophyll and polyphenol compounds in the tea can cause the tea to age, turning yellow, red, and developing an off-flavor, and there is even the possibility of mold growth. Therefore, when drinking tea that has been stored for a while, first confirm whether the tea has molded. If there is a musty smell, it should not be consumed. If there is only a slight aged or stale flavor, you can use a brewing method to address it. Method one: The water temperature should be high, preferably boiling. The first infusion should be longer than usual, then discard the infusion without drinking it. Starting with the second infusion, steep for half the normal time, using a quick brew method, and drink it as soon as possible while it's hot. Method two: Reduce the water temperature by a few degrees and follow the normal brewing time. This can avoid the bitterness of the tea liquor. Method three: It is best to switch to brewing in a large teapot, such as a teapot warmer, and reduce the proportion of tea leaves. The taste will be better. For tea stored…

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…

The differences between black and green tea: Different levels of fermentation, black tea is a fully fermented tea, while green tea is non-fermented; Different appearances, black tea has red leaves and a red infusion, the dry tea is dark and lustrous, tightly bound; green tea has green leaves and a clear infusion, the dry tea is tightly bound, robust, with a verdant color; Different processes, the process for green tea is picking, fixation, rolling, and drying, while the process for black tea is withering, rolling, fermentation, and drying. The first difference between black and green tea: Different appearance of the tea leaves From the appearance of the tea leaves, in general, green tea often displays fine downy hairs, revealing tender buds, with a bright infusion, high fragrance, mellow and refreshing taste, and a greenish tone. Famous varieties include Longjing tea, Biluochun tea, Huangshan Maofeng, Zijia green tea, Lushan Yunwu, Liuan Guapian, etc.; black tea reveals fine downy hairs, has a dark and lustrous color, a bright and red infusion, bright red leaves, a fragrant aroma that is rich and long-lasting. Famous varieties include Qihong, Dianhong, Yinghong, etc. The second difference between black and green tea: Different colors of the tea…

   Tea is rich in polyphenols, minerals, and other nutrients. For most people, moderate consumption of light tea can play a supporting role in improving bodily functions and regulating metabolic processes. However, excessive tea drinking may cause discomfort or exacerbate conditions for certain groups of people, so it is recommended that these individuals avoid drinking tea where possible.    1. Allergy sufferers: Some individuals are allergic to the polyphenols and other components in tea, which can result in symptoms such as fever, skin rashes, and itching after consumption; therefore, it is not recommended to drink tea;    2. Patients with neurological disorders: Such as insomnia and neurasthenia, the caffeine in tea can increase nervous system excitability, worsening symptoms of insomnia and neurasthenia; thus, it is not recommended to drink tea;    3. Patients with cardiovascular diseases: Tea contains alkaloids and other components that can elevate blood pressure. Patients with hypertension, coronary heart disease, and similar conditions may experience discomfort after drinking tea; therefore, this group should avoid tea;    4. Patients with gastrointestinal diseases: The caffeine and other substances in tea stimulate gastric acid secretion. Patients with gastrointestinal ulcers and other gastrointestinal diseases may experience worsened symptoms after drinking tea.…

Basic Introduction to Puer Tea from YunnanPuer tea from Yunnan is produced from the unique large-leaf tea trees of Yunnan, and it is among Chinese famous teas that most emphasizes brewing techniques and the art of drinking. Its methods of consumption are exceptionally diverse; it can be drunk plain or mixed. Plain drinking refers to brewing without adding any additional ingredients, a practice more common among Han Chinese. Mixed drinking involves adding one's preferred ingredients to the tea, a practice more prevalent in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Durability in brewing is an advantage of Puer tea; when brewed with a lidded bowl or a purple clay pot, aged Puer tea can be infused over 20 times, with its flavor and color gradually diminishing with each infusion. Nutritional ValueSpring Tea Drinking for HealthIn spring, when the body is in a state of release, one may choose Puer tea with a certain degree of natural fermentation or a blend of raw and ripe Puer tea. Such tea has both warmth and vitality, which helps dissipate the cold accumulated in the body during winter, promoting the generation of yang energy, invigorating the spirit, alleviating spring fatigue, and enhancing resistance to disease.Summer Tea Drinking…

Tea is the true manifestation of nature. Within every Chinese heart lies a whiff of tea fragrance. This magical leaf has nourished our civilization for thousands of years and imbued us with a gentle, jade-like national character. In the collective taste memory and emotional reliance of the Chinese people, tea remains warm and beautiful. For in a cup of tea, there always exists our utopia, the best way to get close to nature. “Our most intimate contact with the natural environment occurs when we eat it.” British historian Philip Fernando-Armesto wrote this in his book Eating: How Food Transformed Us and Our Human and Global History. If we extend this statement to Pu'er tea, especially ancient tree tea, it couldn’t be more fitting. Industrial civilization and urbanization have distanced us from nature, but only tea retains its true essence, presenting the authenticity of nature amidst steel, concrete, glass, and car exhaust. The Lancang River water, trickling down from the snow-capped peaks, fuses with the land where humans and nature coexist harmoniously in Yunnan, giving birth to this miraculous and delightful leaf. Millions of years ago, nature's magic hand allowed tea trees to thrive along the middle and lower reaches of…

Dongting Mountain Biluochun tea is one of the top ten famous teas in China, ranking alongside Longjing tea from West Lake. It is produced in Dongting Mountain (now Dongshan Town, Wuzhong District, Suzhou) and Xidongting Mountain (now Jinjing Town, Wuzhong District, on the West Hill Island of Taihu Lake, Suzhou). The tea groves and orchards are integrated, with tea plants interplanted among peach, plum, apricot, and loquat trees, representing a typical intercropping model of tea and fruit. The manufacturing process for Dongting Mountain Biluochun requires high standards, with premium-quality tea leaves needing to be handcrafted. The raw materials consist of the tender buds from a single bud and leaf at the initial stage of development from the local tea variety. Producing one pound of Dongting Mountain Biluochun requires 65,000 such buds, which are carefully processed through five steps: spreading, fixation, rolling, shaping, and baking. The finished Dongting Mountain Biluochun has a slender, tightly rolled shape resembling a snail, with visible bee legs, densely covered in white down, and a silvery-green hue with a hint of emerald. The infusion is bright yellowish-green, with a fresh aroma and prominent fruity fragrance. The taste is fresh and strong, with a noticeable fruity flavor.…

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…

Methods for storing Pu'er tea: 1. Purple clay jar, store the Pu'er tea in a purple clay jar in a cool, dry place; 2. Kraft paper resealable bag. Place the Pu'er tea in a kraft paper bag and store it in a clean, odorless refrigerator. Storage conditions for Pu'er tea: 1. Dry warehouse aging can preserve the authenticity of the Pu'er tea; 2. Clean and odorless, maintain a clean and hygienic environment. Storage Methods for Pu'er Tea 1. Purple Clay Jar Pu'er tea can be stored in a purple clay jar. First, prepare a clean purple clay jar, then place several bags of quicklime inside the jar, followed by the Pu'er tea you wish to store. Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dry place. 2. Kraft Paper Bag Pu'er tea can be preserved using a kraft paper bag. First, prepare a clean kraft paper bag, then place several bags of charcoal inside the bag, followed by the Pu'er tea. Seal the kraft paper bag tightly and store it in a clean, odorless refrigerator. Storage Conditions for Pu'er Tea 1. Dry Warehouse Aging It is recommended to age Pu'er tea in a dry warehouse, as this will…

There's a popular saying about white tea: "One-year tea, three-year storage, seven-year treasure." Based on its aging period, white tea can be categorized into new and aged varieties: New white tea refers to the tea harvested and processed in the current year; aged white tea is the tea that has been stored for years and exhibits characteristics typical of aged tea. However, distinguishing between new and aged white tea can be challenging for many tea enthusiasts. Today, we will compare the appearance and quality of one-year new tea, three-year-old tea, and seven-year-old tea to help you discern and appreciate the differences between new and aged white teas. One-Year New Tea Appearance Naturally spread out, with plump and upright buds, even and mostly intact leaves with slight fragmentation; The leaves display a natural gray-green or bluish-green color, with a fresh luster, creating a beautiful contrast between the bluish top and the silvery-white underside; Abundant soft silver-white down. The aroma is delicate floral and downy. Quality The infusion of new tea is clear and bright, with a light apricot-yellow hue, and its taste is particularly fresh and sweet. Three-Year Aged Tea Appearance The integrity of three-year-aged tea is slightly compromised; It has…

For Pu'er tea, many tea enthusiasts have the concept of "drink old tea, store new tea." So, how can we determine if a new tea has collection value? First, making a good tea requires many factors. The most critical are the following three aspects: What kind of new tea has the greatest collection value? I. Raw Materials Without good raw materials, no matter how skillful the process is or how correctly it's stored later, the tea cannot develop a good taste during its transformation later on. 1. Tea Variety A good tea is cultivated by people and is also the result of natural selection over thousands of years. Among various tea varieties, the sexual reproduction-based large-leaf type native to Yunnan is best suited for making Pu'er tea. 2. Growing Environment A suitable environment for growing tea trees. This includes appropriate altitude, proper sunlight duration and intensity, well-spaced planting, appropriate intercropping, no need for pesticides due to biodiversity that prevents the occurrence and development of diseases and pests, etc. 3. Picking Parts and Time Different parts of the tea leaves such as the bud tip, leaf, stalk, and yellow leaf play different roles in the post-fermentation process and have different effects…

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…

Those who enjoy drinking Pu'er ripe tea usually keep some at home. However, those lacking storage experience often find their tea has molded, deteriorated, or developed strange odors after a few years. So, how should we correctly store Pu'er tea? Key Points for Storing Pu'er Ripe Tea 1. Avoid Pollution: The environment in which you store Pu'er tea must be free from pollution. Pollution is something to be avoided when storing any type of tea, and this is no different for Pu'er tea. Pu'er tea can quickly absorb the odors of other substances, potentially masking or altering its own scent. Therefore, when storing Pu'er tea at home, it is crucial to prevent common odors like cooking oil, cosmetics, and medications from contaminating the tea. 2. Avoid High Temperatures: The ideal temperature range for storing Pu'er tea is between 20°C and 30°C. Higher temperatures can cause the tea to become acidic. In daily life, many regions do not meet this condition, so storing it at home under normal conditions is sufficient. It is important to note that during the storage process, avoid placing Pu'er tea near heat sources such as fireplaces, kitchens, or machinery where temperatures may rise. 3. Avoid Moisture:…

Drinking white tea does not affect sleep. White tea, which is not fermented and only undergoes withering and drying processes, contains a rich amount of amino acids, flavonoids, and aromatic substances. Drinking it about 2 hours before bedtime will not only have no negative impact on sleep but may even improve its quality. However, when drinking tea in the evening, it is best to keep it light and not overdo it. Additionally, it's not advisable to drink tea too close to bedtime. Does Drinking White Tea Affect Sleep? Drinking a large amount of strong white tea before sleeping can affect sleep due to the prolonged wakefulness-inducing effects of caffeine in white tea. However, moderate consumption may not necessarily affect sleep. White tea leaves contain a rich amount of caffeine and flavanols, which can stimulate the pituitary activity of the brain and increase muscle contraction, helping to relieve fatigue and excite the nervous system, keeping people awake. Drinking a large amount of white tea before bedtime may cause a state of tea drunkenness, leading to insomnia. The concentration of white tea should not be too strong; generally, using 5 grams of white tea leaves for 150 milliliters of water is appropriate.…

Drinking tea has become a great way for people to pursue health and tranquility. Chinese tea ceremony is about cultivating the mind and seeking self-discovery; it emphasizes stillness as the foundation of health, much like the tea ceremony itself. However, dear tea enthusiasts, did you know that the use of teaware also involves feng shui? Using them well can bring benefits, but using them poorly can be detrimental. Below, we will explain in detail the feng shui aspects related to teaware. First The teaware you purchase must be intact and undamaged; do not buy flawed or broken pieces, especially those with damaged spouts. A damaged spout can invite disputes and is also impolite when entertaining guests. Second Gongfu tea typically includes an electric stove, so when the water boils, steam circulates. This should ideally be placed at a prosperous location according to the facing star, to stimulate the flow of auspicious energy, truly achieving the effect of "wind and water rising." Third When selecting a tea table for your living room, if there's a sofa, choose a table that doesn’t rise above knee level. In an office setting, select chairs with backs higher than the tea table, ensuring support. Fourth…

Jingmai Mountain belongs to the Pu'er tea region. Pu'er tea is categorized into three major tea regions based on geographical location: Xishuangbanna, Lincang, and Pu'er. Jingmai falls under the Pu'er tea region. Located in the southwesternmost part of Yunnan Province, China, Jingmai Mountain is situated within the Huanong Township of Lancang County, which is home to the Lahu Nationality. It borders Menghai County of Xishuangbanna to the east and Myanmar to the west, serving as a tripoint between Xishuangbanna, Pu'er, and Myanmar. Jingmai Mountain is renowned for its Pu'er tea and comprises 14 traditional villages, divided between Jingmai Village and Mangjing Village administrative areas. To Which Tea Region Does Jingmai Mountain Belong? Jingmai Mountain is located in the southwesternmost part of Yunnan Province, China, bordering Menghai County of Xishuangbanna to the east and Myanmar to the west. It is at the tripoint between Xishuangbanna, Pu'er, and Myanmar. The village is 20 kilometers away from the town, with an elevation of 1,500 meters and an annual rainfall of 1,800 millimeters, making it suitable for growing crops like rice. There are 5,437.5 mu (approx. 362.5 hectares) of cultivated land, averaging 2 mu per person, and 58,595.4 mu (approx. 3,906.36 hectares) of forested…