If you want to buy good tea,     You should first know the "Four Taboos."     1. Avoid buying by "Name"    If a tea's name is too prominent, it will flood the market, often at very low prices. The result is tragic. "Tieguanyin" doesn't resemble its name at all, "Longjing" has thick and stout twigs, and "Dahongpao" is full of charcoal flavor, claimed to have rock charm...     Any tea can vary in quality, after all, "name" only represents a type of variety, processing method, or a specific region's tea. Don't be tempted by small bargains, as you may waste money on inferior tea.     2. Avoid buying by "Packaging"    Nowadays, the packaging can cost more than the tea itself. For tea drinkers, seeing luxurious packaging should raise an eyebrow. Many "golden and splendid" or "antique-style" large gift boxes contain tea that might not even be worth the price of the box; they merely satisfy the desire for "face" when giving gifts, truly "gilded on the outside, but decayed within."     3. Avoid buying by "Location"    When traveling and buying local specialties, did you know that you cannot buy real…

Basic Introduction to Jinsha Tribute TeaJinsha Tribute Tea is a specialty of Jinsha County, Bijie City, Guizhou Province. Jinsha County in Bijie City, Guizhou Province, is known as the birthplace of China's tribute tea, with its specialty, the Jinsha Tribute Tea, having a history spanning over two millennia. Growing along the banks of the Chishui River, it boasts a vibrant green color and an inviting aroma, serving as a symbol of friendship between Lady Shuxiang and Emperor Hongwu Zhu Yuanzhang, and thus was decreed as a tribute tea.The predominant topography of Jinsha County is karst, followed by eroded landscapes. It has a subtropical monsoon climate that is humid and mild, with no severe cold in winter and no scorching heat in summer, a long frost-free period, abundant rainfall, all of which are conducive to tea production.Jinsha County is the birthplace of Chinese tribute tea culture in western China, tracing back to the Han Emperor Wu's envoy Tang Meng's mission to Yelang. The county preserves more than 40 ancient tea trees, cultivated by humans for over a thousand years. Jinsha County has been honored with the title "China's Tribute Tea Homeland" by the China Tea Marketing Association. Product Characteristics1. Sensory Features:Resembles…

In the height of summer, tea gardens across Hefeng County in Enshi Prefecture buzz with activity. Once neglected summer and autumn teas have become highly sought after due to the use of mechanized tea harvesters. Processing these off-season teas has not only increased the average yield per acre but also bolstered the economic returns for tea farmers. In recent days, in Guanding Village, Zouma Town, Hefeng County, local resident Chen Yonghong has been busy picking summer tea alongside his family. With the help of mechanized tea pickers, they can harvest over 2,000 pounds in a day, which can fetch around 3,000 yuan at current market prices. Local tea farmers explain that hand-picking is inefficient, and once the tea garden reaches a certain size, timely harvesting becomes challenging, leading to unsold tea. Furthermore, because summer and autumn teas sell for much less than spring teas, farmers often opt not to harvest them, resulting in waste. While villagers are busy picking, nearby enterprises are busy processing. Locals deliver several loads of fresh tea leaves daily to a tea company in Enshi Prefecture. Inside the factory, machines hum as more than 20 workers work overtime to fill orders from Zhejiang, Anhui, Fujian, and…

Most of the Pu'er tea that tea enthusiasts drink daily is stored in the form of cake tea. However, for a single serving, only about 7 to 8 grams of dry tea are used. Once the package has been opened, how should the remaining tea be stored? Should it be wrapped back up in the same cotton paper used before? Furthermore, can unwrapped Pu'er tea continue to improve with age? How long can it be preserved? Today, let's answer these questions together: How to Store Unwrapped Pu'er Tea Cakes1. If only a small portion has been removed and consumed, and the tea cake has not been entirely unwrapped, you can use the original cotton paper to rewrap the remaining tea cake. Store it in a dry place away from light, monitoring any changes in the environment. An opened tea cake cannot be stored for an extended period; it is recommended to consume the rest gradually.2. For completely unwrapped Pu'er tea cakes, they can be stored in clean purple clay jars or earthenware pots, taking care to protect them from moisture and sunlight. Do not seal the lids tightly; instead, place a bamboo charcoal bag near the lid opening to absorb…

The diverse and ever-changing scents of tea are one of the main motivators for many new tea enthusiasts to get started, and a source of enjoyment for seasoned tea connoisseurs. For example, green teas have a "roasted chestnut" or "fried bean" aroma, while black teas tend towards a "sweet fruit" or "flower honey" scent. The variety of aromas in Pu'er tea is even richer, with raw Pu'er offering lotus, orchid, and fruity scents, as well as apricot aroma, while ripe Pu'er has glutinous rice, jujube, woody notes, and more. Many of these aromas can overlap. Where do all these aromas come from? Why do so many of them only approximate rather than perfectly match the descriptions they're given? In this article, Lu Li will guide tea enthusiasts through the different layers of tea aromas and where the various types of Pu'er tea aromas originate. Sources of Pu'er Tea Aromas In earlier times, Taiwanese tea expert Deng Shihai summarized four types of Pu'er tea aromas: camphor, lotus, orchid, and green (fresh) aromas. Later, the industry continued to summarize the rules of changes in Pu'er tea aromas, adding more descriptive terms that contributed to the development of the Pu'er tea aroma system.…

After allowing the tea connoisseurs to appreciate the appearance of the tea, the tea brewer stands up and places the tea leaves into the pot, pours hot water over them from a kettle, covers the pot, and starts a timer. The tea brewer stops all other movements, placing their heart into the pot as they stand, accompanying the tea while it steeps in the hot water. Seeing this action from the tea brewer, the other tea connoisseurs also focus intently on the teapot. Thirty seconds pass, and the tea brewer remains standing still; another thirty seconds pass, and the tea brewer is still motionless. After a while, the tea brewer glances at the timer, then lifts the teapot to pour the tea into a pitcher. The other connoisseurs think about their questions: Why does it need to steep for so long? What will the tea infusion look like? The tea brewer is very focused on brewing the tea—. Why does the tea brewer stand while brewing the tea? Perhaps the chair isn't high enough, or perhaps he believes that standing emphasizes his role in accompanying the tea while it steeps in the pot. The tea leaves are plucked from the…

"A Cup of Tea, Just the Wonder." On August 4th, Alexis Kai, Vice Chairman of the European Speciality Tea Association and Founding Chairman of the Danish Tea Association, and Marco Bertona, Executive Chairman of the International Slow Tea Alliance and Chairman of the Italian Tea and Herbal Tea Association, shared this sentiment when they were invited to participate in the 2024 Seventh China Tea Import and Export Trade Conference and Douyun Maojian Tea Gathering. Alexis Kai, Vice Chairman of the European Speciality Tea Association and Founding Chairman of the Danish Tea Association The venue for this conference was chosen at the Douyun Maojian base by the Gaozhai Reservoir in Luoshike, Douyun City. The attendees traversed winding mountain roads through the rolling hills covered with thousands of acres of tea fields, enjoying the beautiful scenery of Guizhou. Alexis Kai remarked, "In 2017, due to a rushed schedule, I couldn't fully appreciate the beauty here. But this time, upon my return to Douyun, its beauty is breathtaking. Good mountains and good waters nurture good tea, and I think the high quality of Guizhou tea vividly illustrates this." Guizhou, known as the "Birthplace of World Tea," is the only high-altitude, low-latitude, cloudy, and…

Storing fine tea is a continuous process of pleasant surprises, as the nature, taste, and aroma of the tea undergo transformation. From new to aged, this metamorphosis gives Pu'er tea different flavors at different times. However, this transformation depends on getting the raw material, processing, and storage right. Thus, not all Pu'er tea improves with age. If the raw material is poor, the processing subpar, or the storage inadequate, the quality of the Pu'er tea will not improve no matter how long it is stored. Instead, it may become harder to drink over time. The raw material is the foundation, the processing is critical, and appropriate storage elevates the tea. Each step is crucial, and if the tea gets harder to drink over time, there are usually issues in these three areas. Why Some Pu'er Tea Gets Harder to Drink Over Time 1. Poor Raw Material and Processing, Losing Potential for Later Transformation Good raw material determines the potential of Pu'er tea to improve with age, based on its rich inner content. If the tea's raw material is poor and lacks substantial inner content, it has little potential for later transformation. The inner content might disappear during processing or be…

Drinking tea is a traditional custom for the Chinese and an integral part of Chinese culture. It is also a daily essential for many people. Not only does it bring a refreshing sensation, but it also offers numerous health benefits. Tea is more than just a beverage; it’s a way of life. Drinking tea has many advantages and is also a great way to relax both body and mind. What Are the Benefits of Drinking Tea Regularly? 1. Protects the Gastrointestinal System Regular tea consumption helps maintain digestive health and digest excess fats and oils in the body. The polyphenols in tea can coagulate proteins in food, effectively killing bacteria and reducing inflammation. Drinking tea can decrease harmful substances and bacteria in the gut, which is beneficial for gastrointestinal health. 2. Boosts Energy Drinking tea can help boost energy levels and shift your nervous system from a sluggish state to one of alertness. When feeling tired during work or study, drinking tea can help alleviate fatigue. It can effectively improve learning and work efficiency due to its stimulating effects. However, it's not recommended to drink tea before bedtime as it may affect sleep quality. 3. Promotes Urination Both drinking water…

Searching for "Puer tea" on e-commerce platforms, you'll find prices ranging from a few dozen yuan to tens of thousands of yuan per pound. Despite being the same type of Puer tea, the price differences are vast. What accounts for these disparities? Origin - Just as wine is distinguished by vineyard, Puer tea is characterized by its mountain origin. There are three major tea regions for Puer tea: Xishuangbanna, Pu'er, and Lincang. The most well-known mountains include twelve ancient tea mountains. Divided by the Lancang River, the six tea mountains north of the river are Youle, Yibang, Gedeng, Manzhuang, Mangzhi, and Yiwu, known as the "six tea mountains within the river." South of the river, the six tea mountains are Nannuo Mountain, Mengsong, Bada, Bulang Mountain, Jinghong Mengsong, and Menghai, referred to as the "six tea mountains outside the river." In addition to these twelve ancient tea mountains, in recent years, popular origins have emerged such as Ban Zhang, Mansong, and Bingdao. The hydrological conditions, soil, temperature, altitude, and sunlight intensity vary significantly across different regions, often possessing uniqueness. This uniqueness gives rise to Puer tea's "distinct flavor of each mountain." The powerful character of Old Ban Zhang and the…

The benefits of dark tea Dark tea is one of the six major types of tea and is a fully fermented tea. When consumed in moderation by healthy individuals, it can help protect blood vessels, regulate blood sugar levels, promote digestion, and alleviate greasy feelings. 1. Protects Blood Vessels: High levels of lipids in the body can cause lipid deposition on the walls of blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Dark tea has certain effects in degrading fat, inhibiting blood coagulation, and promoting the dissolution of fibrinogen. It helps inhibit or reduce the possibility of platelet aggregation. This allows the blood vessel walls to relax, maintaining normal blood flow, which helps to regulate blood pressure, lipids, and soften blood vessels. 2. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels: Dark tea contains higher levels of tea polysaccharides, which are more active than those found in other types of tea. Therefore, dark tea can help promote carbohydrate metabolism, aiding in the regulation of blood sugar levels. 3. Promotes Digestion and Relieves Greasiness: Dark tea contains certain amounts of theobromine, tea polyphenols, vitamins, amino acids, and phospholipids, which can help regulate fat metabolism, offering some positive assistance for weight loss and making it suitable for…

The Southern Song Dynasty: Zhou Jichang, Lin Tinggui, et al., “Arhats Drinking Tea” Have you watched the recent hit Song Dynasty drama, "Dream of the Red Chamber"? Actress Liu Yifei plays the lead character Zhao Pan'er, who is the owner of Zhao's Teahouse and stuns viewers with her fluid tea preparation skills in her first appearance. From a tea enthusiast's perspective, the most captivating aspect of "Dream of the Red Chamber" is its portrayal of "tea culture," filled with ancient charm and texture, with tea utensils and tea-making techniques largely true to Song Dynasty style. Let’s now appreciate the exquisite saucers used by ancient people for drinking tea. In the Song Dynasty, tea was prepared by "beating and stirring" using a tea whisk to stir and strike the tea broth; saucers were designed to prevent scalding hands. Southern Song to Yuan Dynasty: Gilt Silver Flower and Bird Patterned Tea Saucer and Saucer – The Metropolitan Museum of Art, USA Collection Ruyao Porcelain Northern Song Dynasty: Ruyao Sky Blue Glazed Paulownia Petal Shaped Saucer – British Museum Collection Guan Porcelain Song Dynasty: Guan Porcelain Celadon Saucer – Palace Museum Southern Song Dynasty Guan Porcelain Saucer - Excavated from the Southern Song…

Basic Introduction to Shouning Highland TeaShouning Highland Tea is produced in the highland tea regions of Shouning County, Ningde City, Fujian Province. Judging from its appearance, this tea is made using the Minnan Oolong production process. The tea leaves are plump and have a clear, lustrous color. When brewed, the first infusion has a strong floral aroma with a penetrating quality. The tea liquor is clear and transparent, a light greenish-white color, with a sweet and refreshing taste on the palate. After three infusions, even if the brewing time is extended, there is no bitterness or astringency in the tea liquor, highlighting the unique character of highland tea. This tea is also highly reinfusable; while the floral aroma may not be as prominent in later infusions, a milky fragrance gradually becomes apparent, along with hints of caramelized sugar from roasting. The mouthfeel remains smooth throughout, making it a tea of high production quality. Nutritional Value1. Stimulating Effect: The caffeine in tea can stimulate the central nervous system, helping to invigorate the mind, enhance thinking, alleviate fatigue, and improve work efficiency.2. Diuretic Effect: The caffeine and theophylline in tea have diuretic properties, used for treating edema and hydrops. The detoxifying and…

In the process of tea tasting, we come across an interesting practice: before brewing the tea leaves, there is always a step called "washing the tea." You may wonder what the necessity of washing tea is and how it affects the taste of the tea. Today, let's delve into the world of tea washing and uncover its secrets! The Significance of Washing Tea Washing tea involves quickly rinsing the leaves with hot water before the actual brewing. This step removes surface dust, impurities, and any residual pesticides. In short, tea washing provides a cleaner and healthier tea-drinking experience. The Benefits of Washing Tea Removing Impurities: During cultivation, transportation, and storage, tea leaves can accumulate dust and impurities, and may have residual pesticides. Washing tea effectively removes these contaminants, making the leaves cleaner. Awakening the Leaves: High-quality tea leaves are like sleeping spirits. Washing them is like gently waking them up with warm water, allowing their aroma and flavor to be fully released. Improving Taste: Washing tea removes bitterness, resulting in a sweeter and richer brew. Enhancing the Experience: The act of washing tea is also a reflection of tea culture. It adds a sense of ritual to tea tasting, helping…

"Amidst the wild springs, fires, and white clouds, I sit drinking fragrant tea and loving this mountain." In ancient times, people valued not only the tea but also the setting. The setting refers to the environment, the artistic conception, and even more so, the state of mind. Zhu Quan of the Ming dynasty said: "All those who are like cranes and phoenixes, poets and hermits, can transcend the mundane world and dwell beyond material things, refusing to be part of the masses or tainted by the secular world." Besides elegant rooms and refined cottages, natural landscapes, forests, springs, gardens, and countryside were all natural spaces for tea. Regardless of the season or weather, a bowl of tea brings not only physical pleasure but also a harmony between the soul and nature. Sitting amidst the mountains and waters, one drinks tea and engages in spiritual communion with heaven and earth. Setting up / Welcoming the New Seeking: Affection for Mountains and Waters "The wise find joy in water, the benevolent find joy in mountains." Mountains and waters are the confidants and spiritual havens of Chinese literati. They can be places for leisurely wandering, sightseeing, quiet contemplation, seclusion, and elegant gatherings—a sanctuary…

As we enter the dog days of summer, the sun blazes fiercely. What's defeating me isn't naivety, but the scorching heat! A pot of tea and a handheld fan in hand, the oppressive heat seems less unbearable amidst such leisurely comfort. Between a cold drink and a cup of hot tea, which one is truly better at beating the heat? You might not believe it, but refreshing iced drinks can actually lead to heatstroke. In hot weather, you should opt for hot tea! The Need for "Yang" Nourishment During the Dog Days In hot, humid, and damp weather, one is prone to the "six evils" (referring to "wind, cold, heat, dampness, dryness, and fire," which originate from nature's "six qi"). The body's physiological functions are affected. Winter is yin, while summer is yang. During the peak of summer in the dog days, both nature and the human body reach their highest yang energy. Consuming cold and cooling foods during this time when your body's yang energy is at its peak, coupled with exposure to air conditioning, will inevitably deplete your yang energy and some physiological functions. If you don't focus on nourishing your yang during the summer, once the season…

Spring returns to the land, bringing with it the distant fragrance of tea, awakening the dormant tea trees. The tea freely stretches itself in boiling water, releasing the beauty stored throughout the winter. A refreshing cup of spring tea encapsulates the essence of the entire season. 01 Spring is for drinking spring tea Spring tea aligns with the concept of “spring growth,” meeting human needs. Spring is when life force is most vigorous within the body, and metabolism begins to thrive. The basic principle of health preservation is to align with the opportunity for “spring growth,” allowing the body and mind to relax, letting vitality flourish. Spring tea carries a vibrant life force and the freshness of spring. Drinking spring tea in moderation can help the body purge old energy and absorb fresh qi. 02 Spring tea combats spring fatigue Flowers come alive through their scent, while tea gains its value from its aroma. Because early spring temperatures are not high, the environment for preserving aromatic compounds is ideal. Thus, the aroma of spring tea is unparalleled by tea from other seasons. The spring breeze brings renewal and the rise of yang energy, giving all things new life, but people…

Puer tea is a geographical indication product of Yunnan Province, and as the provincial capital, Kunming serves as the distribution center for Puer tea across China and worldwide, playing an irreplaceable role in its development. Located at a low latitude (25°N, 103°E) and high altitude (1892m), Kunming experiences a spring-like climate year-round, influenced by atmospheric circulation, geographic location, and altitude. The seven-son cake tea is one of the main representative shapes of Yunnan Puer tea. A single cake often represents the smallest sales unit, and the weight of a single cake (commonly known as the cake weight) should comply with the requirements of JJF1070-2005, "Rules for Metrological Inspection of Net Content of Quantitatively Packaged Commodities." The researchers conducted experiments in Kunming, storing 10 cakes each of raw and ripe Puer tea. They recorded the daily cake weights and temperature and humidity values over a period of 12 months. During the 12-month storage period, the monthly average cake weights of both raw and ripe Puer teas fluctuated. From the seventh month (February 2019) to the tenth month (May 2019), there was a dry and hot climate with temperature values exceeding humidity values for four consecutive months. During this time, the monthly…

Tea culture is profound and extensive, and tea leaves come in a myriad of varieties. Each type of tea has its own aroma and taste, with professional terms used in evaluation. This also applies to white tea. Today, let's discuss the professional terms related to the aroma of white tea. 1. Hairy Aroma: A special aroma of Fuding white tea, referring to the scent of young, downy white hairs, such as the hairy honey-like aroma of Baihao Yinzhen (White Hair Silver Needle). 2. Fresh and Intense: An aroma that is both intense and refreshingly pleasant, lasting for a long time. 3. Fresh and Delicate: An aroma that is pure, delicate, and fresh, pleasing to the nose. It is a special aroma of tender buds and leaves, similar to the hairy aroma. 4. Clear and Fresh: An aroma that is clear and gentle, not overpowering but gradually released, giving a sense of pleasure. 5. Clear and High: An aroma that is clear and refreshing, lingering in the nose, indicating relatively young and fresh tea leaves. 6. Sweet and Lasting: An aroma that is clear and high, with a sweet sensation that lingers. 7. Fresh and Crisp: An aroma that is fresh…

Many people judge tea based on a single sip. If they find it bitter and astringent, they conclude it's not good tea, which is an unfair judgment of tea's "bitterness" and "astringency." In fact, those who understand tea do not judge its quality solely by its bitterness or astringency. The bitter and astringent flavors are just part of tea's inherent character, always present but never the only or constant feature. A tea with a "bitter and astringent" flavor isn't necessarily bad; it can often be a high-quality tea. The intensity of the bitter and astringent flavors depends on the amount of these substances present in the tea. The primary bitter compounds in tea include caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, anthocyanins, tea saponins, bitter amino acids, and some flavanols. The astringency in tea is mainly due to polyphenols, aldehydes, and iron, with catechins being particularly significant. Catechins with a fat-like structure have a stronger astringency and are found in much higher concentrations in young leaves compared to older ones. Under normal circumstances, teas made from young shoots (one bud and one or two leaves) tend to be more bitter and astringent than those made from one bud and three or four leaves. Therefore,…