Many tea enthusiasts, especially those who are new to Pu'er tea, can easily end up paying a high price for low-quality Pu'er. Today, for the benefit of those unsure about how to select Pu'er tea, we have compiled three pieces of advice that we hope will help you purchase better Pu'er tea. One: Selecting Loose Pu'er TeaMainly look at four factors: appearance, color, integrity, and purity. In terms of appearance: good loose tea has a brownish-red color, with plump and tightly bound buds. The grading of Pu'er loose tea is based on tenderness, with higher tenderness indicating a higher grade. Tenderness can be measured by three points: first, more bud tips and visible down indicate higher tenderness; second, tightly bound and dense leaves indicate higher tenderness; third, smooth and lustrous colors indicate good tenderness, while dry and dull colors indicate poor tenderness. Two: Selecting Pu'er Compressed TeaThe shape should be uniform and well-proportioned; the surface evenly distributed, with neat edges, no layers peeling off or surfaces flaking; thickness consistent, neither too tight nor too loose; mold patterns clear, leaves neatly bound and compressed. Raw tea has an appearance with visible white down, dark green and glossy. For aged tea, normal…

 The habit of drinking tea has existed since ancient times, with a rich tradition and countless varieties. Drinking tea is beneficial to health and can also help cultivate one's character to some extent. While drinking tea is certainly good, few people understand the differences between different types of tea. Generally speaking, most tea comes from southern regions, so southerners tend to prefer drinking tea more than northerners. For friends in the north, it can be challenging to distinguish between various teas. Today, let’s discuss the differences between White Tea and Yellow Tea. First, let’s introduce Yellow Tea. Yellow tea belongs to the category of light fermented teas, with processing methods similar to those of green tea. The key difference is the addition of a "yellowing" process before or after drying, which promotes partial oxidation of polyphenols and chlorophyll. The most important step in its production is yellowing, which is crucial for forming the characteristics of yellow tea. This involves wrapping the tea leaves in paper or stacking them and covering them with a damp cloth, for periods ranging from several minutes to hours. This allows the tea to undergo non-enzymatic oxidation due to heat and moisture, resulting in a yellow…

Pu'er Tea Historical and Tribute Tea Zhou Dynasty The history of Pu'er tea is very long; as early as over 3,000 years ago during the period of King Wu's campaign against the state of Shang, the ancient tea-growing people, the Pu people, had already presented tea to King Wu of Zhou. At that time, however, it was not yet known as Pu'er tea. The Bangwei transitional ancient tea tree is a living fossil left behind by the ancient Pu people's cultivation and domestication of tea plants. Han Dynasty According to "The Records of the Grand Historian: The Western Regions," "The Kunming tribes have no leaders and are good at raiding and robbing, often killing and plundering Han envoys, making communication impossible. However, it is heard that to the west, some thousand miles away, there is an elephant-riding country called Dianyue, which traders from Shu sometimes reach." According to "The Annals of Xishuangbanna Prefecture," "In the 12th year of Yongping in the Eastern Han Dynasty (69 AD), Yongchang Commandery was established, and the region of Xishuangbanna fell under its jurisdiction." Jin Dynasty According to "The Records of Huayang Kingdom: Southern Regions," written by Chang Qum of the Jin dynasty, "Within Yongchang…

Main pests in autumn tea gardens and their control measures. The weather gradually cools down in September, with vigorous growth of tea plants and abundant food for pests, which is very conducive to the occurrence of pests such as mites and tea green leafhoppers. If not controlled in time, they can easily cause outbreaks that severely impact the yield and quality of next year's spring tea. The main pests occurring currently and their control measures are as follows: I. Tea Orange Spider Mite This pest is small in size, with adult and juvenile mites piercing and sucking tea plant sap. When mite numbers are low, the damage is not obvious and hard to detect. However, when mite numbers increase, the veins of affected leaves turn red, the leaves lose their green color and luster. Severe infestations result in a brown rust appearance on the underside of the leaves, withered and dried shoots and leaves, and a scorched appearance, and may even cause defoliation. Some tea gardens have experienced heavy infestations recently. Without effective control measures, mite populations will continue to rise. The following measures are recommended for control: 1. Strengthen garden management by removing weeds and fallen leaves. Timely picking…

As stated in the book "Newly Compiled Yunnan General Gazetteer: Examination of Local Products - Tea," written in the 1940s, "The name Puer tea holds a special place among Chinese teas, far surpassing those from Anhui, Fujian, Zhejiang, and other regions." Puer tea is a gift from heaven and also one of nature's most generous gifts to humanity. It is a purely natural product that has survived the process of natural selection. As time progresses and technology advances, we should have a deeper understanding and appreciation of Puer tea. Puer tea is a solid-state naturally post-fermented tea. Microorganisms and enzymes invisible to the naked eye participate in the fermentation process, producing secondary metabolites with beneficial biological activity. These substances provide functions such as antibacterial, anti-tumor, antioxidant properties, and promote metabolism in the human body. In line with the conventional thinking of most tea-producing areas in China, if we categorize teas by geographical location, color, or production method, Puer tea cannot be grouped together with them. Puer historically served as a distribution center for Puer tea, unlike teas named after their places of origin like Longjing, Huangshan Maofeng, Xinyang Maojian, and Wuyi rock teas. Some people classify raw Puer tea as…

New white tea does not require rinsing, while aged white tea does. New white tea is processed through withering and drying, preserving natural substances that are delicate and fragrant. Rinsing would remove the core components of the tea, affecting its taste and aroma. On the other hand, aged white tea, having matured over time, has a more stable and mellow aroma and content. Rinsing helps to activate these qualities, allowing the flavor and aroma to be expressed to their fullest extent. The Correct Method for Brewing White Tea To brew white tea properly: 1. Cup brewing method. This is the simplest and quickest method. First, prepare a suitable clear glass cup. Before brewing, rinse the tea with boiling water. Once you can smell the warm fragrance, place it in the glass cup and directly pour boiling water over it. Note that you should not use too much tea, as overly concentrated white tea is not ideal. 2. Gaiwan method. This method is a bit more complicated. Place the tea in the gaiwan and rinse it, then brew using the Gongfu tea method. The first infusion should be about half a minute, with subsequent infusions decreasing in time. This method produces…

With continuous technological advancements and growing market demands, the application of intelligent control technology has become a key factor in driving the development of the tea industry. Therefore, studying intelligent control technology for tea processing equipment is of great significance to the production and development of China's tea. This review summarizes the latest research progress on intelligent control technology in green tea, black tea (red tea in China), and dark tea primary production lines, exploring innovative applications of intelligent withering equipment and intelligent pan-firing machines in the refinement process of tea. This can provide insights for future research on intelligent control technology for tea processing equipment. I. Research on the Application of Intelligent Control Technology in Primary Production Lines for Tea 1. Green Tea Production Line Green tea, the most common and widely consumed type of tea in China, has seen the introduction of smart production lines by many companies. These production lines are equipped with data collection and management capabilities to achieve digitalized processing. Photographed by the Editorial Department of China Tea The automated production line system for stir-fried green tea is precise and highly automated, enabling fully automatic continuous production of green tea. Advanced energy-saving production equipment and…

Basic Introduction to Dengcun Green TeaThe Dengcun Township of Yichang County, Hubei Province is located on the north bank of the Xiling Gorge of the Yangtze River, only 23 kilometers away from the site of the world-renowned Three Gorges Dam. The Dengcun tea grows on the slopes at an altitude of 800-1200 meters in this mountainous area and is a famous tea-producing region in Hubei Province. Due to its high altitude and large temperature difference between day and night, coupled with the hydro-meteorological effects of the Yangtze River and its water system, the mountains are often shrouded in mist and clouds, with abundant rainfall and fertile soil. This provides a unique and advantageous ecological environment for growing high-quality tea. Therefore, the quality of Dengcun tea is very excellent. According to tests conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture's Tea Quality Testing Center, the amino acid content in Dengcun tea reaches 5.76%, and the ratio of polyphenols to amino acids is appropriate, making it an ideal base for producing premium tea. Yichang Dengcun is one of China's oldest tea-growing regions. In his seminal work "The Classic of Tea," the "Tea Sage" Lu Yu of the Tang Dynasty compared tea qualities across the…

Pu'er tea is primarily tasted for its flavor, which should be sweet, smooth, substantial, and have a mature fragrance. Sweetness refers to the obvious aftertaste that should be present upon sipping; smoothness means the tea broth should be soft and smooth with a pure taste and not overly stimulating; substantiality means the tea broth should be thick and not watery, with a rich flavor in the mouth. The mature fragrance is a unique aroma of Pu'er tea, revealing its profound historical character, highlighting its return to simplicity and natural authenticity, and its fruity aroma exhibits a characteristic of sincerity and warmth, offering an irresistible allure. How to Determine the Quality of Aged Pu'er Tea 1. Scent the Tea Aged Pu'er tea, after long-term maturation, develops a natural mature fragrance, or even aromas reminiscent of old wood or ginseng, without any impurities. The older and better the Pu'er tea, the fewer odd or foreign odors it will have. 2. Examine the Dry Leaves Good aged Pu'er tea has leaves that are a lustrous brown-red color, uniformly so. When gently pinched between the fingers, they feel slightly puffed due to oxidation and fermentation. Early teas were often hand-picked, with less rolling during…

For many newcomers, there may indeed be some confusion. After all, the culture of purple clay has continued for hundreds of years, enduring and thriving, playing an increasingly important role in tea culture. This further illustrates that for tea drinkers, a purple clay pot is indispensable tea ware. Many seasoned tea enthusiasts have used purple clay pots from the beginning, and later even purchased dozens of various styles of Yixing purple clay pots. To those unfamiliar with purple clay pots, this may seem quite perplexing! Why do so many people like to brew tea using a purple clay pot? Why is Tea Brewed in a Purple Clay Pot Better? The most direct benefit is that it doesn’t get too hot to handle. Due to the nature of the material, a purple clay pot does not conduct heat easily. Also, because of the unique shape of the pot, one’s hand is less likely to touch the walls of the pot. A purple clay pot can absorb the aroma of tea. The unique material allows a frequently used clay pot to retain the tea fragrance, and the longer the pot is used, the stronger the tea scent it retains. A purple clay…

The people of Shennongjia have had a tradition of drinking tea since ancient times, with green tea being a household staple. Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica records: “Shennong tasted hundreds of herbs and encountered seventy-two poisons in a single day, only to be saved by tea.” The Chinese tea sage, Lu Yu, also stated: “Tea as a beverage originated with Shennong.”The discovery of tea by Shennong is recounted in multiple versions, with the most widely spread ones including: Shennong was poisoned and collapsed under a tea tree, whereupon water dripped from the leaves above into his mouth, reviving him. Another account says that while boiling water, leaves from a tea tree fell into Shennong’s pot; after drinking this concoction, he found that these bitter yet sweet leaves could invigorate one’s spirit, thus uncovering the medicinal properties of tea. Cloudy Mist tea plantation at Qingtianpao with chrysanthemums Cloudy Mist tea belongs to the category of famous green teas. Cloudy Mist Chrysanthemum Tea is a type of tea made using Cloudy Mist tea. Its shape resembles a chrysanthemum flower, hence its name. It primarily grows in an area of Qingtianpao between 1,300 and 1,700 meters above sea level. Qingtianpao is located between…

Tea ware is often referred to as the father of tea, for it carries the essence of a cup of tea. The word "China" itself also means porcelain, and the West came to know China through its porcelain. Early pottery, bronze wares, later porcelains, and teaware made from materials like purple clay and glass were all adapted to the social productivity levels and brewing methods of their times. The complete set of gold and silver tea ware unearthed from the Famen Temple’s underground palace from the Tang Dynasty is breathtaking (multiple types of tea ware can also be seen in the painting “Night Banquet in the Tang Palace”). During Emperor Huizong's reign, tea competitions included the use of tea ware as an essential element, and Jian bowls, necessary for the tea-whisking method, became popular. Three of the Jian bowls (also known as Tenmoku bowls) that were brought to Japan are now considered national treasures there. The five famous kilns that produced tea ware are also world-renowned. The evolution of tea ware is a vast topic, but at its core, it cannot be separated from three words: "ceramics, technology, culture." Today, we will explore the evolution of tea ware from two…

Echo once said: Drinking tea, the first infusion is as bitter as life, the second as sweet as love, and the third as light as a breeze. Chinese people like to compare love to tea—the natural floral fragrance in tea symbolizes the sweetness of love; the bright, clean tea broth represents its purity; and the taste of tea resonates with the enduring nature of love. The coming together of two hearts is like the fusion of tea and water—a brave and sincere union. A long-standing, accumulated emotion is much like a tea broth that invites contemplation. When compared to love, tea takes on an added layer of lingering romance. From meeting, getting to know each other, to staying together, we experience winds and rains. The twists and turns of time turn seasons into memories of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. And some stories are about turning around after many twists and turns, only to find what you were looking for all along. There are countless teas in the world, each with its own charm, and love shares many similarities with tea. Believe that one will drink many types of tea and encounter many kinds of love in their lifetime. Some…

Home Tea Storage and Warehouse Storage Evaluation 1. Home tea storage originated in Hong Kong and Taiwan. In the mid-20th century, after the founding of the People's Republic of China, Pu'er tea consumption (except in Tibet) largely ceased on the Chinese mainland. Only Hong Kong retained a partial market for Pu'er tea. Hong Kong introduced Pu'er tea to Taiwan and some Southeast Asian countries. As such, due to its unique trading position, Hong Kong naturally became a distribution center for Pu'er tea. In fact, the concept of tea storage and even post-fermentation of Pu'er tea was born out of trade. In other words, although there has been a saying in Yunnan since ancient times that "grandfathers make tea, grandsons sell it" (another version is "grandsons drink it"), the initial concept of tea storage in Hong Kong was simply about stockpiling goods. However, over time, this gradually evolved into a more conscious approach to tea storage, with various methods being explored and moving towards professional tea storage. Due to Hong Kong's high population density and limited land, as well as limited warehouse conditions, along with the relatively small proportion of tea in overall trade, the capital and economic strength of those…

The rolling of Puer tea is the first process after the tea has been subjected to initial heat treatment (withering). Traditionally, the method involves transferring the withered tea from the wok onto bamboo mats, wide wooden boards, or clean cement floors, where the tea is manually "rolled" and "twisted" by hand. This action is somewhat similar to kneading flour. So, what is the purpose of rolling Puer tea? Puer Tea Rolling Methods 1. Manual Rolling The manual rolling of Puer tea typically requires two rounds of rolling. The first round occurs after the tea has been withered and laid out to cool; it is rolled until the leaves are mostly in strip form and tea juice begins to seep out. The leaves are then left to dry until the next morning before undergoing a second round of rolling to ensure that even the coarser and older stems and leaves are tightly formed into strips. A special bamboo-made rolling mat is used for this process. The rolling technique requires circular, complete, and coordinated movements that are both firm and gentle, ensuring that the tea leaves are evenly pressured and conducive to forming strips. The duration and strength of the rolling are…

Advantages of Brewing Tea in a Glass Kettle 1. Visual Enjoyment One of the greatest advantages of brewing tea in a glass kettle is the clear view it provides of the tea leaves unfurling in the water. As the tea leaves gradually unfurl and float, it’s like watching a dance performance of the leaves. Especially for those who enjoy appraising tea, observing the changes in the shape of the leaves and the color of the tea through a transparent glass kettle is a great pleasure. (Image source: network, delete upon request) 2. Preserves Original Flavor A glass kettle does not absorb the flavor of the tea like ceramic or purple clay pots do, preserving the original taste of the tea leaves. This is a significant advantage for those who prefer pure tea aroma. The material of the glass kettle does not react chemically with the tea, ensuring a purer taste of the brewed tea. 3. Easy to Clean The smooth surface of a glass kettle makes it very easy to clean. Simply rinse with warm water and wipe clean with a soft cloth. For those who don’t like to spend too much time cleaning teaware, a glass kettle is undoubtedly…

Due to the pandemic, our lives have undergone many changes, yet one thing that remains constant is the daily hustle and bustle. As concerns seem endless, health has increasingly become a topic of common concern. With the rise of health-conscious consumption and continuous consumption upgrades, tea is becoming more popular due to its natural and healthy attributes. Comprehensive health encompasses both physical and mental well-being, and traditional tea contributes to both aspects under the current pandemic situation. 1. Tea and Health Preservation - "Tea Is a Remedy for All Ills" An increasing number of people are falling in love with drinking tea, as it is both a health-preserving and enjoyable activity. The idea that tea can preserve health is supported by historical accounts of the medicinal benefits of tea. In fact, tea was commonly known as a medicinal herb in ancient times. It is said that Shen Nong tasted hundreds of herbs and encountered seventy-two poisons in a single day, but he was able to detoxify himself with tea. This speaks to the remarkable detoxifying properties of tea. The great Tang Dynasty physician Chen Cangqi wrote in his book Supplement to the Materia Medica: “All other medicines are remedies for…

The scorching summer is the most unbearable time of the year, causing inexplicable irritability. At such a moment, sipping on a cup of Pu'er ripened tea is an exquisite pleasure. Some say that drinking green tea helps to quench internal heat in summer, while drinking black tea and Pu'er tea promotes health in winter. So, is it suitable to drink such a warming Pu'er ripened tea in the scorching summer? Some even directly put ripened Pu'er tea on the "blacklist" of summer beverages, but this is not the case! Ripened Pu'er tea, after undergoing pile fermentation, has a mild nature and a mellow, smooth taste. Drinking ripened Pu'er tea in summer can warm the body and dispel dampness, quench thirst, warm and protect the stomach, and promote sleep at the same time. Who is Suitable to Drink Pu'er Ripened Tea in Summer 1. Overweight People In summer, overweight people are more suited to drink Pu'er ripened tea. The caffeine, vitamins, amino acids, phospholipids, and other components in Pu'er tea help with digestion and have a significant effect in inhibiting the increase of abdominal fat. The tea is rich in vitamin B1, which is essential for burning fat and converting it…

It is good to drink black tea in summer, and it can be very beneficial to the body. Black tea is a fully fermented tea, with a mild nature and a red infusion. It is rich in amino acids, theaflavins, vitamins, proteins, and tea polyphenols. Drinking it in summer has the benefits of quenching thirst and relieving heat, as well as reducing fatigue and stress. It also helps promote metabolism and alleviate heat-induced irritability. What are the benefits of drinking black tea in summer? Because of the hot weather in summer, many people often experience poor appetite. Drinking an appropriate amount of black tea at this time can help improve appetite and also eliminate feelings of fatigue. Black tea is a variety of tea that contains multiple active components. Drinking it can protect human cells and has the effects of delaying skin aging and beautifying the complexion. Furthermore, black tea contains caffeine. During hot summer afternoons when people often feel lethargic and drowsy, drinking an appropriate amount of black tea can stimulate the central nervous system, helping to invigorate and improve memory. 1. Refreshing and cooling. Drinking black tea in summer can quench thirst and cool the body. This is…

Buckwheat tea is made from buckwheat, also known as polygonum, black wheat, or variegated buckwheat, which is cold in nature and bitter in taste. It primarily contains bioflavonoids, various vitamins, 18 amino acids, crude protein, chlorophyll, as well as selenium, zinc, magnesium, chromium, calcium, and other minerals and trace elements. It has the effects of invigorating energy, revitalizing the spirit, benefiting vision and hearing, lowering qi to relieve a full stomach and strengthen the stomach, and can help reduce blood pressure, lipids, and blood sugar levels. The main benefits of buckwheat tea include reducing blood sugar, lipids, and blood pressure, aiding digestion, cooling the blood and reducing swelling, antioxidation, and beautifying the skin. 1. Buckwheat contains a special flavonoid called rutin, which makes up about 80% of the flavonoids. Rutin can soften blood vessels, maintain normal permeability and fragility of vessel walls, promote wound healing, reduce inflammation, combat allergies, suppress coughing, relieve asthma, and lower lipid levels. 2. Vitamin E in buckwheat has strong antioxidant properties, which can eliminate free radicals, activate macrophages, remove pigmentation from the skin, and enhance the body's immune function. 3. The dietary fiber in buckwheat can promote the excretion of toxic substances and help lower…