When you think you've bought a great value-for-money spring tea online, be very careful. You should open and immediately try the tea to see if it's really worth the purchase. What are the steps to inspect spring tea? Let me explain them below. 1. Observe the appearance The leaves of spring tea are generally tightly wrapped, appearing plump and substantial, with some having a significant amount of downy hair. They have a fresh and vibrant color and a rich, fresh aroma. Summer and autumn teas, on the other hand, have loose leaves with a dull color and a mild aroma, which is quite different from spring tea. 2. Examine the liquor color During storage, substances that contribute to the color of the tea undergo slow decomposition or oxidation, causing green tea to lose its luster and appear dull. The increase in tea brown pigments in old tea makes the green tea liquor yellowish and unclear, losing its original freshness. When brewing spring tea, the leaves sink quickly, the aroma is strong and lasting, and the taste is full-bodied. In contrast, summer and autumn teas sink more slowly when brewed and have a less pronounced aroma. 3. Taste the aroma During…

Many tea lovers may wonder when brewing tea, "Should I leave the lid on or off after pouring the infusion from a teapot or gaiwan?" In fact, whether it's a gaiwan or a teapot, whenever the question arises about leaving the lid off or on, there are typically two schools of thought: the "Lid-Off School" and the "Lid-On School." Members of each school often have strong opinions and can get into heated debates. 1. Reasons for Keeping the Lid On To Prevent Loss of Aroma Putting the lid on is to prevent the excessive dispersion of the tea's aroma. With the lid and gaiwan in a relatively closed state, it helps to gather the tea's aroma within the gaiwan, making it easier to appreciate the lid's aroma. 2. As the Saying Goes, "Good Tea Can Withstand Stewing" If the quality of the tea is good enough, covering it with a lid won't affect it. This can also be a way to test the quality of the tea. If the taste isn't affected, it suggests that it's a good tea. 3. Facilitates Faster Release of Inner Substances When brewing aged teas or coarser leaves, keeping the lid on helps maintain the…

Ripened Pu'er tea can be tricky to brew. It's easy to end up with a weak flavor, thin mouthfeel, and sometimes an unpleasant aroma. Even well-stored teas can produce a drying, tight sensation in the throat, which is quite perplexing. So how can we brew ripened Pu'er tea for a better taste? 1. Analyze the Tea's Nature In terms of aroma, new ripened teas have a piling smell, but good teas will develop floral and honey-like aromas or even aged scents as they are brewed. Older ripened teas may have storage and dried leaf aromas, but good old teas will exhibit excellent aged or medicinal aromas as they are brewed. In terms of flavor, new ripened teas are not very astringent or stimulating, but they do have a better mouthfeel. When brewed properly, they can present a smooth and sandy texture similar to red bean soup. Older ripened teas have a clearer broth and milder flavor, but they can achieve a high level of smoothness and oiliness when brewed properly, even reaching a state of "melting." Generally speaking, ripened teas are not very complex and tend not to hold up through many infusions. 2. Establish Goals Based on the Tea's…

Fu Tea is a natural free-radical scavenger, demonstrating significant effects in antioxidant properties, delaying aging, and preventing cardiovascular diseases. As the public brand "Xianyang Fu Tea" gains increasing recognition, the health benefits of Fu Tea products are becoming more valued by consumers. Recently, we will share some content about the health benefits of Fu Tea from the book "Speaking of Fu Tea," compiled by Liu Xiang, Vice President of the Shaanxi Tea Circulation Association and member of the association's Expert Committee. The book was published by World Books Publishing and selected as one of the top ten tea books by the Tea Industry Media Alliance, aiming to help consumers gain a more comprehensive understanding of Fu Tea. Those with high coldness and dampness in the body are advised to drink more Fu Tea. People with a constitution that is prone to cold often have cold hands and feet due to poor circulation. During the colder seasons of autumn and winter, they may experience symptoms such as a weakened immune system and slower metabolism. The spleen is an organ that processes and filters blood; approximately 10% of the body’s blood flows through the lymphatic system into the spleen. Those with a…

Dark tea is one of the six major types of Chinese tea that involves microbial fermentation in the formation of its quality and flavor. In 2021, China's total production of dark tea reached 396,900 tons, ranking third among the six major types of tea. In 2022, China's dark tea industry entered a new phase of high-quality development. Since the late 1980s, the team of tea experts from Hunan Agricultural University has successively conducted basic research, technological innovation, and product innovation on dark tea, scientifically interpreting the drinking attributes and health benefits of Anhua dark tea. As the health benefits of dark tea have been continuously confirmed by research, it has gradually become an ideal beverage for people to prevent sub-health. I. Tea-Horse Trade and the Origin of Dark Tea The exact time of origin of dark tea remains uncertain. The term "dark tea" was already in use during the mid-Ming Dynasty. The emergence of dark tea is inseparable from the long-lasting tea-horse trade between central China and the border regions. It may have been the long-distance transportation between inland and border areas, between producing and consuming areas, that gave rise to the durable and transportable dark tea category. Therefore, it…

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…

Is it necessary to inaugurate a new purple clay teapot? A newly made purple clay teapot lacks luster. Inauguration is not mandatory, but it can help remove unwanted odors and clear any residual heat and dryness, so it is recommended. For good black tea, Pu'er tea, aged white tea, and oolong tea, one should pair them with a fine Yixing purple clay teapot, which enhances the ambiance and experience of tea drinking. Many newcomers to the world of teapots are often misled by various inauguration methods found online. In fact, a new purple clay teapot can be used directly after being cleaned with water; there is no need for a complicated inauguration process. Firstly, the master believes that whether inaugurating or nurturing the teapot, one should follow nature and use simple yet effective methods. There are two inauguration methods commonly found online: one involves using tofu placed inside the teapot and then simmered in a pot, while the other replaces tofu with sugarcane, both cooked in a similar manner. Neither method is advisable, in the master's opinion. How to properly inaugurate a teapot? The main purpose of inauguration is to address the residual earthy taste and kiln dust within the…

"Elon Musk is doing something earth-shattering; I'm not that great. But I've maintained a normal income for farmers, which is my contribution, and I am proud of it." On the evening of August 10th, during the CCTV program "Dialogue," Zhong Shanshan addressed issues such as being China's richest man, online attacks, internet traffic, slowness, competition, and succession for the first time in a systematic manner. This statement perhaps best represents Zhong Shanshan's mindset. Moving from selling water downstream to farming upstream, whether it's Gan'nan navel oranges or Yili apples, Nongfu Spring's investments have been unprofitable so far, but Zhong Shanshan remains content. Even though Oriental Leaf has become a super hit, he is still committed to entering the tea industry. Zhong Shanshan sees all this as "strategic losses," but after more than a decade of such losses, it is difficult to explain them solely through commercial logic. The true reason lies within Zhong Shanshan's heart, where there resides an "idealistic madman." The Seven-Year Loss of Oriental Leaf "Our tea has been around since 2012, 2013, and for over a decade, we didn't make any profit for the first six years, but by 2021, our growth curve started to rise." In…

Black tea is loved by many, and one key reason is that it belongs to the category of fully fermented teas, with a gentle nature. Black tea has a mild temperament and is generally well-received even by those who seldom drink it or are trying it for the first time. While many people enjoy drinking black tea, they often do not pay much attention to the brewing method. Below, we will explain the correct way to brew black tea. The Correct Method of Brewing Black Tea The first step is to choose suitable teaware. It's important to know that any tea requires specific utensils. For black tea, a white porcelain cup is best, as it helps to bring out its unique flavor; The second step involves using good water and ensuring the water temperature reaches around 95 degrees Celsius. High temperatures help extract polyphenols and caffeine from the black tea leaves effectively; The third step is to steep the tea. First, warm up the teaware with boiling water. Then pour hot water into the teapot or teacup and let it sit for 3-5 seconds. This allows the aroma of the tea to develop and the leaves to settle. If using…

Tea enthusiasts who enjoy tea are certainly familiar with Pu'er tea, but not all may know how to fully appreciate it. Today, let's discuss the seven steps to enjoying Pu'er tea together. Step 1: Observe the Tea Mature production processes ensure consistency in the shape of the compressed tea cakes, which are evenly formed and tightly compacted. Since the introduction of electrostatic dust removal machines, contemporary Pu'er teas from reputable manufacturers do not contain foreign objects. However, before 2004 when these machines were not widely used, older teas might have some impurities as they were manually screened. The color of Pu'er tea can help distinguish between raw and ripe varieties: ripe Pu'er is dark brown, while raw Pu'er ranges from dark green (young) to brownish-red (aged), with loose or compact leaves that become dry and lustrous over time. Step 2: Feel the Tea Feel the compactness of the tea; a loosely packed tea will age faster under the same storage conditions compared to one that is more tightly packed. When breaking off a piece of the tea, check for consistency throughout – some teas have higher-grade leaves sprinkled on the surface for better appearance, while others use a uniform grade…

We often drink tea, but are you aware of these lesser-known facts? ▼ ▼A merchant from New York, Thomas Sullivan, began distributing tea in small silk bags to his customers, intending for them to pour the tea out to brew. However, the customers misunderstood... ▼ Comparison of antioxidants in tea ▼ Sugar content in a cup of tea ▼ Tea has been transformed worldwide ▼ All tea leaves come from one species – the tea plant. Different varieties of tea plants from different origins, processed in various ways, become the six types of tea that we see.

The selection of Puer tea raw materials, when observing the appearance of the leaves, a uniform consistency in color, size, and length is indicative of good quality. If the lengths vary and shapes differ, it may indicate careless processing or adulteration with inferior tea leaves. Especially if there are impurities in the tea, such as tea fruits (as small as green beans), twigs, sand, stone chips, etc., this suggests that the tea is not clean. A good Puer tea possesses a refreshing and pleasant aroma, which can be delicate or intense, and smelling it brings a sense of relaxation and tranquility. Tea enthusiasts believe that the fragrance of tea surpasses that of flowers and plants. A good tea’s aroma should have rich variations, an elegant and refined character, deep and substantive content, and harmonious layers. If these requirements are met, then regardless of the type of aroma, it has value for appreciation and savoring. To purchase Puer tea raw materials, one should look, smell, and taste. Look at the color of the tea leaves; good tea has a lustrous sheen. If the processing and storage are improper, the color will inevitably be dull. Smell to ensure the aroma is pure;…

Taishun is located in the mountainous area of southern Zhejiang and is a national-level ecological county. The county is characterized by its towering peaks shrouded in mist, providing an ideal environment for tea cultivation. It is one of China's key tea-producing counties, known as a hometown of Chinese teas and a birthplace of renowned tea-themed dances. Taishun has been recognized as one of China's top 100 tea-producing counties and a beautiful tea-producing region with distinctive regional characteristics. Taishun has a long history of tea production. As early as the sixth year of Chongzhen in the Ming Dynasty (1633), the Taishun County Annals recorded that "Tea grows abundantly near the mountains, with the best quality found in Sijisi, Liudou, and Nanqiao in Sandu." During the Qing Dynasty, the local "Yellow Infusion" and "White Downy Silver Needle" teas were selected as tribute items. After 1949, Taishun stir-fried green tea became a staple ingredient for blending and export by the Shanghai Port Company and Zhejiang Tea Company, earning it the reputation as "the essence of Zhejiang green tea." These products have been exported to more than 40 countries and regions around the world. The Three-Cup Aroma Tea from Taishun is crafted from young…

A teapot enthusiast asked: My zisha teapot dries almost instantly after pouring water on it, does this mean the clay is of high quality? Many people enjoy pouring boiling water over their teapots while brewing tea to judge the quality of the clay by how quickly the surface absorbs water. They believe that chemically treated teapots have a smooth, wax-like surface that doesn’t absorb water, whereas teapots made from original, pure clay can rapidly absorb moisture due to the superiority of the clay. Today, let’s discuss what the “water absorption” of zisha teapots is all about. Do Zisha Teapots Really Have “Water Absorption”? In fact, the speed at which a zisha teapot absorbs water is related to the crystallization degree of its firing, the shape of the teapot, and the fineness of the zisha clay, among other factors. Generally, new teapots are more absorbent than those that have been used. A zisha teapot cannot absorb as much water as you pour on it; this is fundamentally a flawed theory. For a qualified zisha teapot, we control the level of its “water absorption” within a very small range, typically around 1.5% to 2%. Why Do People Think Zisha Teapots Have “Water…

The benefits of drinking Pu'er tea are a common topic among tea enthusiasts. Anecdotal evidence from friends, aggressive marketing by tea merchants, and health lectures by tea experts all touch on this subject. Since the 20th century, scientific research has delved into the medicinal properties and therapeutic mechanisms of tea, such as polyphenols, theaflavins, and L-EGCG. Although research on Pu'er tea started later, it has produced significant results. These findings suggest that the various phytonutrients in Pu'er tea can have real effects on human health. Ancient and Modern Health Needs In Tibetan folklore, there is a saying: "Cha is blood (tea nourishes the blood), Cha is flesh (tea sustains the body), Cha is life (tea is essential for living)." They have long believed that Pu'er tea is a powerful health drink that can "counteract the toxicity of meat and dairy." During the Qing Dynasty, Pu'er tea's functions of "cutting through grease, aiding digestion, and sobering intoxication" were greatly promoted. It crossed mountains to become the supreme tribute tea in the Forbidden City, marking the first peak in Pu'er tea history. The reason for its popularity in the imperial court was due to the Manchu people, who were nomadic by origin…

Tea, seemingly just a small drink to quench one's thirst, but upon closer appreciation, one can uncover its charm. For those who enjoy tea, drinking alone is enjoyable, as is inviting a few close friends to share a cup. Whether on a journey, in the park, or on the grass, brewing a cup of tea adds a unique pleasure to these moments. Beautiful appearances are all the same, but interesting souls find joy in tea. Those who love tea can glimpse into the past and future through the minutiae of daily life, and they can also encounter another version of themselves in the aroma of tea. When everyday life serves as the vessel, the tea's fragrance lingers far and wide; when the tea's aroma nourishes us, the world shares in its delight. The charm of tea is like that of a dancing plant; while many flowers are beautiful and captivating, only this one can move to a dance. To truly love tea, one must first understand it. I have interviewed several "tea enthusiasts" and "tea fanatics," whose deep affection for tea knows no bounds. Each year, they travel extensively across the major tea mountains in Wuyi, familiarizing themselves with every…

In the world of tea, like the distinct characters in a literary work, different types of tea are often compared. In the realm of white tea, Bai Mudan and Silver Needle are like two distinctive beauties, each with their own unique charm and grace. I. Bai Mudan: The Floral White Tea Fairy Bai Mudan is a unique sight in the world of white tea. It blends the elegance of Silver Needle with the deep, mellow flavor of Shoumei, like a masterful combination that radiates its own special brilliance on the stage of white teas, earning it the name “Floral Fairy of White Tea.” When boiling water is poured into the bowl, a wonderful olfactory feast begins. The fresh scent of downy leaves greets us first, as if to say hello, telling us we are about to experience a delightful journey through the fragrances of tea. Then, layer upon layer of floral aromas follow, intertwining and distinct yet harmoniously coexisting. The delicate fragrance of orchids is akin to dewdrops glistening in the morning light, with an untouchable purity. Imagine, in the morning light, orchids with dewdrops, exuding a gentle fragrance, a scent that seems to penetrate the soul, bringing a sense…

In the world of tea, the saying "store new tea, drink aged tea" has been passed down. This viewpoint has sparked much thought and discussion among tea enthusiasts: is this saying reliable? Let's delve deeper together to uncover its mysteries. I. Storing New Tea: Infusing Expectation into Time For teas that can be stored long-term, such as Pu'er, Fu tea, and white tea, storing new tea is a choice made by many tea lovers. New tea, like a young and inexperienced youth, is full of vitality but may lack depth in flavor, not yet having reached its optimal tasting period. However, it is precisely this rawness and immaturity that holds infinite potential and possibilities. A key reason for storing new tea is the anticipation that it will improve with age. Over time, these leaves undergo remarkable chemical changes, with their components interacting to enrich and deepen their flavors. After a period of aging, new tea can develop captivating qualities of warmth, smoothness, silkiness, richness, clarity, sweetness, and body. Storing new tea also brings potential economic benefits. As time passes, high-quality aged teas often increase in value on the market. For those with discerning eyes and a knack for collecting, storing…

Nahan Pu'er tea is renowned as the king of the rock teas from Bangdong. Some also refer to it as Naohan. Tea enthusiasts who have tasted Naohan tea know that it shares similar qualities with Xigui tea, being geographically adjacent and sharing a kindred spirit in flavor and quality. Geographical Location: Naohan tea originates from Naohan village, under the jurisdiction of Mangang Village Committee in Bangdong Township. The tea trees grow at an altitude ranging from 1,500 to 1,700 meters. With long hours of sunlight and an average annual rainfall of around 1,500 millimeters, these ancient tea trees can be several hundred to nearly a thousand years old. These ancient tea trees bask in the diffused sunlight amidst high-altitude clouds and enjoy abundant humidity from the mist and rain. The Unique Ecological Environment: has given rise to three unique features of Naohan tea: First, the deep-rooted and lush ancient tea trees grow among rocks; second, the high altitude, rugged terrain, and perpetual cloud cover create a mystical atmosphere; third, the tea has a natural floral fragrance, a refreshing sweetness, and a rich, full-bodied taste. Naohan ancient tree tea boasts thick leaves and a distinctive orchid-like aroma, earning it the name…

To strengthen the management of tea gardens during summer and autumn and ensure production of teas during these seasons as well as the following spring, the Department of Plant Industry Management of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, together with the National Agricultural Technology Extension Service Center, the Expert Advisory Group on Tea of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and the National Tea Industry Technology System, have proposed technical guidelines for tea production in summer and autumn 2024. Strengthen Fertilization Management of Tea Gardens 1. Top-Dressing Fertilization in Tea Gardens (a) Root Fertilization: Top-dressing fertilization for summer tea should be carried out after the spring tea harvest, and for autumn tea after the summer tea harvest. For tea gardens in production, about 15-20 kg of urea or 20-30 kg of specialized compound fertilizer for tea (with a formula of 18:8:12 N:P2O5:K2O) is generally applied per mu, with higher-yielding gardens receiving slightly more. Image Source: Anji White Tea Website Fertilizer should be applied in trenches dug vertically below the edge of the tree canopy, with a depth of about 10-15 cm. Broadcasting of fertilizer is prohibited. In young tea gardens (1-2 years old), fertilizer should be applied 5-10…