Black tea, a fully fermented tea, is made from new shoots and leaves of suitable tea trees. It undergoes processes such as withering, rolling (cutting), fermentation, and drying. Withering is an important process in the initial production of black tea, which is called "wu tea" at this stage. The name "black tea" comes from the red color of the brewed tea and the infused leaves. Black tea can help digestion, stimulate appetite, promote diuresis, reduce edema, and strengthen heart function. It contains flavonoids that eliminate free radicals and have antioxidant properties, reducing the risk of myocardial infarction. According to traditional Chinese medicine, teas vary in their thermal nature; for example, green tea is cold and bitter, suitable for summer consumption (depending on individual constitution) to relieve heat. Black tea and Pu'er tea are warmer and more suitable for winter drinking. What Are the Benefits of Drinking Black Tea Long-Term? 1. Warming the Stomach and Dispelling Cold: Because black tea tends to be warm in nature, it can benefit those experiencing cold pain, poor appetite, indigestion, abdominal pain, or bloating due to a cold stomach by warming the stomach and dispelling cold; 2. Refreshing and Energizing: The polyphenols in black tea…

Slowly brew the years and gently cook the tea, enjoying half a day of casual family chat. In winter, sitting around a kettle, pouring your heart out in conversation, listening to the boiling water, and savoring the joy of cooking tea is an extremely poetic affair. Tea drinking methods are generally divided into two: cooking tea and brewing tea. Brewing offers rich flavors, pleasant broth colors, and allows one to experience the changing taste with each infusion, while cooking provides a stable flavor. Differences Between Cooking and Brewing Tea 01 Difference in Amount of Tea Used For brewing, about 3-6 grams of tea is usually sufficient; for aged dark teas or oolongs [aged Tieguanyin or aged Yancha], more can be used, approximately 7-10 grams. When cooking tea, the amount of tea should be reduced to about one-third of the usual brewing quantity. It's best not to use too much tea to achieve the optimal flavor. The specific ratio can be adjusted gradually based on the type of tea and the amount of water. The principle is to use less rather than more tea, as using too much can affect the taste. 02 Difference in Suitable Types of Tea Gaiwans are…

The taboos of drinking black tea include pregnant women avoiding black tea, people with nerve weakness and insomnia forgetting to avoid black tea, and anemic people avoiding black tea. Drinking black tea can increase the burden on a pregnant woman's heart. Drinking black tea can exacerbate symptoms of anemia, and those with nerve weakness and insomnia may have their conditions worsened by drinking black tea. What are the taboos of drinking black tea? 1. Avoid drinking black tea during special periods. Drinking black tea during menstruation, especially strong tea, can induce or aggravate premenstrual syndrome. Medical researchers found that people with a habit of drinking tea are 2.4 times more likely to suffer from premenstrual tension syndrome than those without the habit, and those who drink more than four cups of tea per day are three times more likely. 2. Do not drink black tea on an empty stomach. Drinking black tea on an empty stomach can dilute gastric juices and reduce digestive function, leading to a high rate of water absorption, which allows harmful components in the tea to enter the bloodstream in large quantities, causing symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, and weakness in the limbs. 3. Fever is…

As spring returns to the earth, early spring green tea is being harvested in many places, and tea lovers can't wait to buy and taste the new batches. So why is early spring green tea considered good? 1. As temperatures gradually rise in spring, rainfall is relatively abundant. Additionally, after a period of rest during winter, tea plants produce lush shoots with vibrant green color, soft leaves, and a rich content of natural compounds. 2. With relatively low spring temperatures, there's an increased synthesis and accumulation of nitrogen-containing compounds. At the beginning of spring, amino acids gather in large quantities at the tips of young shoots, which results in a strong aroma and fresh, pleasant taste that also offers health benefits. 3. The low temperatures in spring slow down metabolism and reduce the presence of tea polyphenols, anthocyanins, and alcohols, aldehydes, and acids, thus making the tea less bitter. 4. Due to the low temperatures and fewer pests and diseases, farmers generally do not use pesticides on early spring teas, ensuring they are minimally contaminated with chemicals. While early spring tea is excellent, please be aware of the following precautions: 1. Although early spring tea is delicious, don't rush to…

Recently, aged white tea has been very popular. Many tea enthusiasts say that they brew several pots of aged white tea at home every day. After drinking it, they feel warm and comfortable, especially in their throats, which can be particularly soothing when dealing with a persistent cough after being ill. Why is aged white tea so popular in winter? There are probably three reasons: First, it has a unique color, aroma, and flavor: Over time, the aroma of aged white tea transforms from the fresh, floral notes of young tea to richer, more mature scents of dates, medicine, and lotus leaves, while its taste becomes more robust; Second, aged white tea has certain health benefits, helping to boost our immune system and prevent colds to some extent. This is based on the experiences shared by many tea enthusiasts. Third, aged white tea can be steeped, brewed, or boiled, making it perfect for the current trend of stove-top brewing that's sweeping across various platforms. However, because white tea undergoes transformation during storage, we should pay extra attention to how we store it. Otherwise, the aged white tea we've worked hard to preserve might end up as a pile of flavorless…

When mentioning Yiwu tea, many tea enthusiasts immediately associate it with the term “aromatic and smooth,” primarily highlighting the extremely fine texture of the tea soup and its high-aroma. In addition to this, Yiwu tea has these three major characteristics. Tea enthusiasts can use these three features to identify Yiwu tea when purchasing or tasting it. What are the characteristics of Yiwu tea? How can they be quickly distinguished? 1. Appearance Characteristics The main tea tree variety for Yiwu tea is the Yiwu green bud tea. The dry tea has thick, plump strands, prominent white down, and longer-than-average tea stalks. 2. Taste Characteristics The aroma of the tea is mainly floral, honey-like, and wild. The tea soup is smooth and delicate, with mild bitterness and a light astringency. The aftertaste and salivation are gentle and long-lasting, unlike the more intense experience from Menghai teas. The taste is soft yet powerful, often characterized as “gentle with strength.” New teas have a slightly mellow taste that becomes more restrained and substantial over time as the tea ages. 3. Aging and Transformation Properly stored Yiwu Pu'er tea becomes delicately smooth, with a rich and varied taste and aroma. After about 2-3 years, the…

The eighth day of the twelfth lunar month is known as Laba Festival in China. As the saying goes, "Little children, don’t be greedy; once Laba has passed, Chinese New Year will soon follow." By this time, all agricultural work has been completed, and with the approach of the Spring Festival, the customs of Laba take on many festive colors. Soaking garlic in vinegar, eating Laba porridge, and enjoying a fragrant cup of tea are all part of these traditions. They not only help warm the body but also imbue the air with a strong sense of the upcoming New Year. What teas are suitable for drinking during this cold month? Black Tea (Red Tea) In the depths of winter, black tea is an excellent choice. There are many varieties of black tea in China, the most famous being Qimen black tea. The number of black tea enthusiasts in China is growing, and the range of products available is becoming increasingly diverse. Black tea is mild in nature and particularly suitable for consumption during the winter months. Aged White Tea Aged white tea is very suitable for brewing during the winter. In accordance with the natural laws of dormancy, it…

The eight tea mountains of Mazheng, Lohaítáng, Kanpenjing, Dashenshan, Laowushan, Wuyi, Qianjiazhai, and Chashanqing within Zhenyuan County, Pu'er City, are rich in tea resources and have pleasant scenery. Each mountain is distinct, every season brings its own beauty, and the trees exude a fragrant aroma; each tea mountain has its unique charm. The Qianjiazhai tea area belongs to the Ailao Mountain range, with Pinghe, Santai, Guoji, and Jiujia Villages in Jiujia Town at its core, covering surrounding Denggao and other villages. The tea here is characterized by "intense floral fragrance and robust flavor." Within this area, there is a 2,700-year-old "world's oldest wild tea tree king." In the Qianjiazhai tea area, visitors can enjoy wild vegetable feasts in spring, escape the summer heat, forage for wild mushrooms, and observe cloud seas and sunrises and sunsets in winter. The Mazheng tea area has Mazheng, Maidi, Aolong, and Xuetang Villages in Zhe Dong Town as its core, covering surrounding Guangshan Village in Heping Town and 14 other villages. Mazheng tea is a traditional historical tea of Zhenyuan County and one of the eight famous teas of Yunnan Province. Its characteristics include "clear floral fragrance, sweet and smooth taste." In the Mazheng tea…

  1. Each type of tea has its own unique characteristics and benefits. Different types of teas require different amounts, water temperatures, steeping times, and can be steeped a varying number of times. Therefore, practically speaking, mixing different teas can be complicated. Moreover, mixing teas with different flavors and effects can result in negative interactions. Thus, it is generally not advisable to mix different types of tea. 2. Due to differences in variety and processing methods, teas have distinct flavors. Each type of tea has its unique aroma and taste. Mixing different teas can affect the appreciation of their individual qualities and diminish the enjoyment of tea tasting. Mixing different teas can also make the tea infusion cloudy and cause sedimentation; this can lead to impure flavors and may cause digestive issues or discomfort in the stomach and intestines. 3. Drinking several types of tea at once can lead to physical discomfort, which is likely due to excessive tea consumption causing low blood sugar and dizziness. If such physiological reactions occur, it could be a case of "tea intoxication." When mixing different teas, there is a higher risk of overconsumption, making it easier to become "intoxicated" by the tea. If…

Talking about a cup of Puer tea that has "traveled the world" The Yunnan Xiaguan Tea Factory Foreign Trade Co., Ltd. is located on the 25th floor of the South Asia Style First City in Kunming. From here, one can faintly see the Cao Hai Lake and the surrounding mountains through the floor-to-ceiling windows. On the other side of the window is Tang Yiping's office, a room filled with tea and sunshine. As a veteran who held leadership positions at China Native Produce and Animal By-Products Yunnan Tea Import and Export Corporation and Yunnan Tea Garden Group for many years, Tang Yiping has seen many old and mid-aged teas and can still vaguely recall their original appearances. "The classic old teas that are still around today were all made under strict standards at every step from raw material collection to production. At that time, there was no concept of 'aging brings better aroma.' The old teas we have now are miracles that occurred during long periods of storage and have stood the test of history and time," says Tang Yiping. During our interview with Tang Yiping, he brought out several old teas to share with everyone. Talking about the wonders…

Aside from being a familiar beverage, tea also has a unique background in Traditional Chinese Medicine. What differences emerge when we view tea through the lens of TCM? 1. Tea as Chinese Medicine In ancient times, tea was used as medicine and recorded in medical texts. The Shennong Ben Cao Jing records that “Shennong tasted a hundred herbs and encountered seventy-two poisons in a single day, finding relief in tea.” This suggests that the origin of tea was medicinal. During the Wei, Jin, and Southern and Northern Dynasties when the custom of drinking tea began to form, the techniques for processing tea were not rudimentary or primitive, reflecting the development of tea processing before it became a beverage of choice. This development occurred within the realm of medicine. From the time tea became a beverage of choice, while preserving its biological characteristics, the goal of tea processing shifted towards making it more delicious and palatable. Although conceptually distinct from medicine, there was no fundamental change in the technical aspects of processing tea. From the perspective of Chinese pharmaceutical processing, the objectives of tea processing and medicine preparation are entirely consistent: both aim to extract active ingredients effectively, improve their efficacy,…

Osmanthus and aloe are both treasures of nature, combined to form a unique beverage—the Osmanthus Aloe Tea. This tea is not only delicious but also offers many health benefits. In this article, we will delve into the benefits and effects of Osmanthus Aloe Tea and how to easily make it at home. What is Osmanthus Aloe Tea? Osmanthus Aloe Tea is a beverage made by combining osmanthus and aloe. Osmanthus is renowned for its rich fragrance and beautiful flowers, while aloe is popular due to its rich nutritional content and various health benefits. Combining these two ingredients not only creates a unique flavor but also brings numerous health benefits. (Image source: internet, delete upon request) The Health Benefits of Osmanthus Osmanthus has held an important place in traditional Chinese medicine since ancient times. It has a mild medicinal property that helps relieve coughing, clear phlegm, and quench thirst. Additionally, osmanthus can improve skin health with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular natural beauty ingredient. The Benefits of Aloe Aloe is a succulent plant known for its rich nutritional content and wide range of benefits. Aloe contains large amounts of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants, which help…

Black tea is a fully fermented tea rich in polyphenols, which have potent antioxidant and lipid-lowering effects. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), black tea is considered warm in nature and has the benefits of warming the stomach, promoting health, invigorating the mind, enhancing intelligence, relieving fatigue, reducing edema, stopping diarrhea, having antibacterial properties, and boosting immunity. The caffeine in black tea stimulates blood vessels and the heart, accelerating metabolism and facilitating the excretion of lactic acid, thus alleviating fatigue. Additionally, the polyphenols in black tea can inhibit substances that harm bone cells, thereby strengthening bones. It also aids in controlling blood sugar levels. Black tea helps digest meat products, making it particularly suitable for those who consume a lot of meat, as it assists with digestion and lowering lipids. However, people with nervous weakness or cardiovascular disease should drink black tea in moderation due to its stimulating effect. Avoid drinking black tea before taking medication, as it may affect the efficacy of the drugs. Also, refrain from drinking it before bedtime to prevent disturbances in sleep quality. What Are the Detriments of Drinking Black Tea Long-Term? Boosting energy and relieving fatigue: The caffeine in black tea stimulates the brain…

"Kids, come and look at these few plants on the ground, a common weed we often see, called Foxtail Weed. It belongs to the grass family, just like the rice we eat. Let's observe its stem, stalk, and leaf characteristics..." On August 13, at Xie Yuda Tea Museum in Huangshan City's Huizhou District, a teacher from Anhui University was introducing Foxtail Weed to students participating in study tours. August 15 of this year marks the second National Ecological Day, with the theme "Accelerating the Comprehensive Green Transformation of Economic and Social Development." To foster a favorable social atmosphere that values ecological civilization, on August 13, the Huangshan City Environmental Protection Bureau, together with the Huizhou District Environmental Protection Branch, organized an environmental education activity for National Ecological Day at Xie Yuda Tea Museum. They also invited teachers from Anhui University to provide guidance. During the event, teachers from Anhui University and environmental protection staff took advantage of the ecological environment of Xie Yuda's tea garden to provide outdoor lessons on biodiversity for students from Jinan City, Shandong Province who were participating in study tours. They led the students in exploring and learning about biodiversity within the ecological tea garden. By…

Basic Introduction to Dark Tea of AnhuaDark Tea of Anhua is a specialty product of Anhua County, Yiyang City, Hunan Province. It is considered the progenitor of Chinese dark tea and was recorded in historical documents as “Qujiang Thin Slice” during the Tang Dynasty (856). It was once listed as a tribute to the imperial court and officially produced as Dark Tea of Anhua in the third year of the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty (1524). By the end of the 16th century, Dark Tea of Anhua had taken the leading position in China and was designated as an official tea during the Wanli period, with large quantities exported to the northwest.Dark Tea of Anhua is one of the six basic types of tea and belongs to the category of post-fermented tea. Its main products include Fu brick, Hei brick, Hua brick, Qing brick, Xiangjian, etc. In ancient times, some of it was sold domestically in Shanxi, Shaanxi, Gansu, Suiyuan, Ningxia, Xinjiang, Tibet, and Mongolia, while some was processed and compressed into bricks. Apart from being sold domestically in northwest China, it was also exported to the Soviet Union and was specifically referred to as “Brick Tea.”Dark Tea of…

Tea lovers often keep a large amount of tea at home. Many people store their tea in the refrigerator, and some even purchase a small fridge specifically for this purpose. However, this is a misconception – whether or not to place tea in the refrigerator should be considered on a case-by-case basis. 1. Teas Suitable for Refrigeration Green tea, lightly fragrant Oolong tea, and dehumidified tea. Among the six major types of tea, green tea is the most prone to spoilage and requires extra attention during storage. You can place the tea in a sealed tea canister, then put it inside a sealed bag before refrigerating it. Lightly fragrant Tieguanyin and dehumidified Oolong, which have gained popularity, can also be stored in the refrigerator. Green tea, lightly fragrant Oolong tea, and dehumidified tea are suitable for refrigeration. 2. Teas Unsuitable for Refrigeration Dark tea, aged Tieguanyin, Pu'er tea, and white tea are not suitable for refrigeration due to their need for post-production transformation, especially Pu'er tea, where aging significantly affects its drinking value. Storing these teas in the refrigerator can lead to moisture issues. Additionally, in the low-temperature environment of the fridge, the activity of biological enzymes within the tea…

Brewing Pu'er tea requires the right choice of purple clay pot and tea quantity. A 240cc purple clay pot is a common choice because of its moderate size, suitable for individual or small group consumption. This article will detail how to brew delicious Pu'er tea in a 240cc purple clay pot and explore the optimal tea quantity. (Image source: network, delete upon request) The Perfect Match: Purple Clay Pot and Pu'er Tea Purple clay pots are preferred for brewing Pu'er tea due to their unique material and breathability. They preserve the original aroma of the tea without absorbing its flavor, ensuring each brewing yields pure tea fragrance. The 240cc purple clay pot has a moderate capacity that prevents dilution due to excess water or over-concentration from too little water. Tea Quantity for Pu'er Tea For a 240cc purple clay pot, the tea quantity is generally between 8 and 10 grams. This range is relatively flexible and can be adjusted according to personal taste. If you prefer a stronger flavor, increase the tea quantity; conversely, reduce it for a milder taste. Specifically, beginners can start with 8 grams and gradually find their ideal tea quantity. Too much tea will make the…

Dark tea is named for its black appearance when finished. It is one of the six major categories of tea and is a post-fermented tea. The main production areas are in Hunan, Hubei, Shaanxi, Anhui, Sichuan, Yunnan, and other regions. Traditional dark tea is made from mature raw dark tea leaves, which are primarily used as the main ingredient for compressed teas. Can dark tea be paired with milk? Dark tea contains rich vitamins and minerals, while milk has a high content of proteins and minerals. Combining dark tea with milk is not only nutritious but also very healthy. Therefore, it is possible to brew dark tea with milk. In Northwest China, many people like to mix dark tea with milk and add a moderate amount of salt, creating a cup of milk tea with a distinctive Western Chinese flavor! It's really convenient and simple! When brewing dark tea with milk, note that boiling water or hot tea should not be used to mix with the milk, as this can cause the milk to curdle and reduce the nutritional value. It is recommended to wait until the dark tea has cooled to between 60-80°C before adding the milk. This will…

Green Pest Management Techniques for Tea Trees Main Targets of Control ↑ Tea Blight Disease → Tea Looper Pests: Tea Green Leafhopper, Tea Looper, Tea Caterpillar, Tea Black Worm Moth, Black Scale Psyllid, Tea Red Mite. Diseases: Tea Blight Disease, Tea Anthracnose. Key Control Measures Agricultural Control 1. Timely Harvesting. Harvest young buds and leaves according to the requirements of tea production to reduce the population of pests like the tea green leafhopper, mites, and some bud diseases residing on the canopy surface of the tea tree. 2. Pruning as Needed. Prune tea trees after the spring harvest and in late autumn according to the requirements of tea garden management, reducing pest populations and creating conditions unfavorable for pests. Generally, deep pruning or heavy pruning is done after the spring harvest, and light pruning is performed in late autumn. 3. Garden Tilling. In late autumn, till the tea garden combined with the application of base fertilizer, which is detrimental to the survival of scale insects and weevils overwintering in the soil, thus reducing their occurrence in the following year. 4. Timely Garden Cleanup. Clear and bury leaves and topsoil near the roots of tea plants in late autumn, which can…

Tea, known as the "Chinese leaf that influenced the world," spread from China to the rest of the world via the Silk Road, the Tea Horse Road, the Great Tea Route, and the Maritime Silk Road. It has become the most popular non-alcoholic beverage in the world, enjoyed by over 2 billion people across more than 160 countries and regions. Arccheological sites prove that China has over 6,000 years of tea cultivation history, with famous tea-producing areas with a long history formed throughout the country. So why has Jingmai Mountain become the first global tea-themed World Cultural Heritage site? Because Jingmai Mountain itself is a living book of "Chinese Tea" history. Jingmai Mountain is located on the southwestern frontier in the Lancang River Basin of Yunnan Province. It boasts the best-preserved ancient tea forests in the world's tea tree origin, spanning thousands of acres and thousands of years. It is a living museum of human tea culture, created by the Bulang ancestors who migrated to Jingmai Mountain in the 10th century and discovered and domesticated tea trees, along with the later Dai ancestors. "Five ancient tea forests, nine traditional villages, and three protective forests" are the heritage elements of the…