Ancient warriors all had their unique weapons that, when revealed, made it clear who they were and how powerful. Today, while we no longer live in a world of sword fights and storms, having a unique tool can still give you an edge in modern life. A photography app can instantly enhance your beauty; a kitchen gadget makes chopping and mixing easy... And tea drinking is no different. To enjoy a cup of excellent tea, one tool – the kettle – becomes our tea-brewing magic, helping us bring out the best in the tea leaves and providing a unique experience. Additionally, the pursuit of different types of kettles has gradually evolved into a kettle culture, adding more joy to our tea lives. However, with so many types of tea kettles available on the market and differing preferences, let's explore how these magical kettles can become our brewing tools. To enjoy a cup of excellent tea, one tool – the kettle – becomes our tea-brewing magic, helping us bring out the best in the tea leaves and providing a unique experience. Additionally, the pursuit of different types of kettles has gradually evolved into a kettle culture, adding more joy to our…

Distinct regions produce distinct products, and good climates foster high-quality goods. On August 14th, the “Media Promotion Conference for Cool Summer Destinations” and the unveiling of the first batch of “Climate-Selected Good Products” for 2024 was held with great pomp in Mount Wugong, Jiangxi. The event, themed “Climate-Selected Good Products: Enjoy Deliciousness During Cool Summers,” revealed the climate mysteries behind regional brands. Attendees included representatives responsible for rural revitalization, agricultural tourism, and health and wellness industries from various regions, as well as journalists from all levels, who witnessed this significant moment together. At the unveiling and award ceremony for the 2024 “Climate-Selected Good Products,” Jingning Huiming Tea was recognized as a national-level “Climate-Selected Good Product” due to its excellent climate conditions and superior quality. Only three such products were selected province-wide. The Chinese “Climate-Selected Good Products” is a sub-brand of the National Climate Mark. Its certification process involves analyzing the climate quality value of agricultural products using scientific indicators. It endorses the results of core agricultural product manufacturers certified by the State Administration for Market Regulation, along with technical reports on the climate quality evaluation of agricultural products. Local governments are then granted the “Climate-Selected Good Product” brand certification. Carrying…

Have you ever wondered how many times a small tea leaf can be steeped? As a tea lover, this question has always intrigued me. The number of times tea leaves can be steeped not only affects the taste of the tea but also relates to our overall tea-drinking experience. Today, let’s explore this topic together. (Image source: network, delete upon request) The Type of Tea Determines the Number of Steeps Different types of tea have different numbers of steeps. Generally speaking, green tea and white tea can be steeped fewer times, while oolong tea, black tea, and Pu’er tea can be steeped more times. Green tea can typically be steeped 2-3 times. Since green tea leaves are tender, they lose their aroma and flavor after multiple steeps. White tea is similar and can generally be steeped around 3 times. Oolong tea is a semi-fermented tea with thicker leaves and a high tolerance for steeping, allowing it to be steeped 5-7 times. Black tea can be steeped between 3-5 times, while Pu’er tea, due to its unique fermentation process, can be steeped even more than 10 times. Factors Affecting the Number of Steeps Besides the type of tea, there are other…

In Guangzhou, the Chaozhou region has a long-standing tradition of Kung Fu tea, and the Chaozhou hand-pulled red clay teapot (hereafter referred to as "Chaozhou pot") has become a representative symbol of Chaozhou culture. Although the Chaozhou pot, closely tied to the lives of the people of Chaozhou, is not struggling for survival compared to most intangible cultural heritages, it still faces the challenge of continuous inheritance and breaking through its limitations. "Earthenware Jars" Ascending to the Hall of Elegance Compared to the widely known Yixing purple clay teapots, Chaozhou pots are less famous. In fact, Chaozhou pots are also a type of purple clay teapot. However, there are significant differences in craftsmanship between Chaozhou pots and Yixing purple clay teapots. Unlike the method of manually shaping the body or joining clay pieces used in Yixing purple clay teapots, Chaozhou pots are formed using a hand-pulling technique, which requires a high level of skill from the potter. The potter must complete various shapes by pinching the clay while it rapidly rotates, followed by more than ten complex processes including trimming, attaching the spout, handle, and lid, carving, and firing, all requiring a deep foundation in manual craftsmanship. As an inheritor…

Drinking tea is beneficial to health, and the practice of drinking tea for health maintenance, a tradition that has been passed down for thousands of years. The key to using tea for health maintenance lies in mastering the best time to drink tea. Drinking the right tea at the right time can produce twice the result with half the effort. But what kind of tea should we drink, and when during the day is the best time to do so? Morning Tea After a whole night's rest, the body loses a lot of water, and the concentration of blood increases. Drinking a cup of light tea not only quickly replenishes the body's water needs but also cleanses the intestines and stomach. It can lower blood pressure, dilute the blood, and be good for health. It can also play a role in preventing and treating constipation. However, note that you should not drink strong tea in the morning. It should be lighter than usual. What Tea to Drink in the Morning It's better to drink black tea in the morning, as it can promote blood circulation in the body and remove coldness from the body, ensuring adequate blood supply to the…

Basic Introduction to Shao Wu Shuitong TeaShao Wu Shuitong Tea is a specialty of Shaowu City, Nanping City, Fujian Province. Shaowu City is far from industrial pollution, with unpolluted soil and climate, providing a unique environment for the construction of non-harmful and organic tea gardens. It is the pride of Fujian teas and one of the two great "miracle teas" in the world.Shao Wu Shuitong Tea originates from the Minbei Shaowu tea region, which has a long history and rich tea culture. The special geographical location, climate, soil, vegetation, and cultural factors create a superior natural ecological environment for the physiological and biochemical processes of Shao Wu Shuitong Tea. This environment nurtures a tea with excellent qualities such as a fresh, refreshing, and mellow flavor, pure chestnut aroma, high water-soluble content, high amino acids, and rich vitamins.The Shuigong Tea grows in misty environments among rocky crevices, possessing a fresh, thick, and refreshing flavor and a high content of tea polyphenols. The tea can be used medicinally with notable effects. When the freshly picked leaves or raw tea are chewed together with a copper coin, it takes less than three minutes to crush the coin. Therefore, this tea is called "Shuigong"…

What is Dried Deer Antler? Dried deer antler, as the name suggests, is deer antler that has been processed and dried. Deer antlers are harvested from male deer when they are still in their growing stage and are rich in nutrients and active components. Deer antler has long been considered a precious traditional Chinese medicine with various health benefits, such as boosting immunity, increasing energy, and promoting blood circulation. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Benefits and Effects of Dried Deer Antler Boosting Immunity Dried deer antler contains a variety of active ingredients, including amino acids, minerals, and peptides, which have significant effects on enhancing human immunity. Regularly drinking tea made from dried deer antler can help the body better resist various bacteria and viruses. Promoting Blood Circulation The nutrients in deer antler can effectively promote blood circulation and improve peripheral circulation issues, making it particularly beneficial for people with cold hands and feet or insufficient blood and qi. By brewing it into tea, the body can absorb these beneficial components more effectively. Enhancing Stamina and Energy Dried deer antler is rich in proteins and amino acids, essential nutrients for the body. Drinking tea made from dried deer antler can…

Theoretically, to ensure a good taste, it's best to keep the tea and water separate. For example, when using a lidded bowl to steep tea, the first few infusions should be poured out quickly. Once the tea comes into contact with hot water, it begins to release compounds continuously. To avoid an excess of bitter substances that can affect the taste, it's important to control the brewing time and keep the tea and water separate. Why is it important to infuse and drink tea in separate steps, keeping the tea leaves and water separate? 1. Leaving tea steeping for too long can spoil the leaves, diminish their aroma, affect the taste, and cause oxidation of nutrients, resulting in a less enjoyable drinking experience. Separating the tea from the water helps to better realize the value of the tea. 2. The rate at which the internal compounds in tea are released varies. Prolonged steeping can lead to excessive release of caffeine, making the tea strong, bitter, and astringent. It can also become contaminated by environmental pollutants or even spoil, which is detrimental to health. 3. Keeping the tea and water separate allows for better control over the infusion time, preserving the…

Hypertension is a common chronic disease that requires long-term management and control. In daily life, many people are seeking natural methods to help control their blood pressure. Chrysanthemum and goji berry tea is a beverage recommended by traditional Chinese medicine, and some believe it can be helpful for hypertension. So, is chrysanthemum and goji berry tea really beneficial for hypertension? Let's explore this in detail. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Benefits and Effects of Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. It is believed to have the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, as well as calming the liver and improving vision. Chrysanthemum contains rich flavonoids and volatile oils, which are thought to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antihypertensive effects. Modern research also indicates that the flavonoid substances in chrysanthemum help dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Additionally, chrysanthemum tea can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Benefits and Effects of Goji Berries Goji berries are a common Chinese medicinal herb widely used for nourishing the body. They are rich in various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, especially polysaccharides, which enhance the immune…

Depending on the type, age, and brewing vessel, the methods of brewing white tea vary. Let’s learn more! How to brew white tea for better taste Different Types, Different Brewing Methods: Gongmei or Shoumei are primarily made from tea leaves, with a coarse and rustic appearance. They have three remarkable qualities: their deep red and beautiful infusion, their rich and robust flavor, and their excellent health benefits. Therefore, when brewing white tea, boiling water can be used, and it can be steeped for a longer period to fully enjoy its best attributes. How to brew white tea for better taste Different Ages, Different Brewing Methods: New Tea Brewing Method: New teas tend to be tender, and the dry leaves look fresh and vibrant. It is best to use a shallow brewing method and pour out the water as quickly as possible to appreciate the pure beauty of new tea. How to brew white tea for better taste Old Tea Brewing Method: To enjoy aged white tea, a large-bellied purple clay teapot is ideal. Use water at 80 degrees Celsius and wait patiently for one and a half minutes before pouring out the infusion. If you can use Fuding spring water…

It is well known that drinking tea has many benefits for the human body. Tea can invigorate, relieve fatigue, aid digestion, quench thirst, and promote diuresis and de-swelling. In particular, green tea, Oolong tea are better than black tea, and they have anti-cancer properties. Tea can help regulate the body's acid-base balance and contains abundant Vitamin C, Vitamin E, carotene, niacin, potassium, calcium, selenium, fluoride, and other nutrients, all of which are beneficial to the human body, including the kidneys. However, some people point out that tea contains caffeine. A cup of tea generally has 30% to 50% of the caffeine found in a cup of coffee. Strong teas contain even more caffeine. It has been shown that caffeine can cause normal cells to become abnormal, potentially leading to cancer. Excessive consumption of strong tea can overexcite the nervous system, increase the burden on the heart and kidneys, stimulate the secretion of gastrin, potentially causing peptic ulcers, and tannic acid can easily bind with iron, reducing the absorption of iron, an essential component for hematopoiesis (blood formation). The timing of tea drinking is also important. One should not drink tea immediately after a meal; it is best to wait half…

"The Discovery of the Bangwei Ancient Tea Tree and Its Implications for the Origin and Evolution of Tea Trees" is an article published by Qiu Hui of Yunnan Pu'er Tea Industry Company in the 1993 issue of Agricultural Archaeology. The article posits that: 'This large tea tree is a transitional type between primitive wild and cultivated tea trees, and it has been named the “Bangwei Ancient Tea Tree,” with an age of over a thousand years." This article provides a comprehensive discussion, which readers may find informative and educational.

Amidst undulating mountains and misty clouds, patches of forest and tea groves appear intermittently. It's hard to tell where the forest ends and the tea groves begin; only by following the songs of the tea pickers drifting from the woods can one find the tea groves. This is the Luoshuidong Villager Group in Yiwu Town, Mengla County.Arriving at the tea groves, which are seamlessly integrated into the mountain forests, one can see villagers bustling about their work on the tea mountain everywhere. With bamboo baskets slung around their waists, they deftly pluck tea leaves with both hands, gathering the tender shoots into the baskets at their sides. The tea industry is a traditional mainstay of the Luoshuidong Villager Group and a key industry for rural revitalization. For generations, the villagers have planted, consumed, and traded tea, carefully protecting both the tea groves and the forests. To revitalize the tea industry, the Yiwu Town Party Committee, government, and villager group officials brainstormed together, visiting each household to talk with the villagers, conducting thorough research, organizing field trips for villagers to learn from experiences in Guangdong, Beijing, and other places, inviting tea enterprise technicians to share their tea planting expertise, and introducing…

Yongchang has a long history of tea planting, processing, and drinking. This established the historical status of the ancient city of Yongchang as the first to come into contact with and inherit tea culture in Western Yunnan. Moreover, Yongchang has always been a major town on the southwestern ancient Silk Road and the Tea Horse Road, serving as an important stopover between China and Southeast Asian countries and the first major town for Southeast Asian countries entering China. It was bustling with merchants. Naturally, tea, this ordinary commodity, became widespread among common households. At that time, the most famous tea in Yongchang was called "Taihua Tea." Four hundred years ago, the great traveler Xu Xiake recorded in his travelogue one of his happiest and most unforgettable experiences in Yongchang. In early August 1639, when he wanted to cross the Lancang River to Lushi, "the elderly innkeeper surnamed Mei comforted me very well and specially brewed Taihua Tea for me to drink." The tea had a long-lasting aftertaste, clear green color, strong aroma, and refreshing flavor, making one feel carefree and ethereal. Yongchang has unique natural conditions suitable for tea growth, a rich variety of tea resources, and a long history…

What is Pu'er Tea Fossil? The Pu'er tea fossil is a special form of ripe Pu'er tea, named for its appearance resembling stone. It is made through a unique fermentation and compression process, possessing a distinctive aged aroma and rich flavor. Not only does the tea fossil perform well during brewing, but it is also favored by tea enthusiasts for its convenient storage and portability. (Image source: Internet, delete upon request) Preparations for Brewing Pu'er Tea Fossil Before officially starting the brewing process, it is important to prepare the following tools and materials: Teapot or gaiwan: Preferably use a purple clay teapot or gaiwan, as this can better preserve and enhance the aroma and taste of the tea fossil. Teacups: Choose small to medium-sized cups, which are convenient for appreciating the changes in each infusion. Tea cloth and tray: To keep the tea table tidy and facilitate handling. Six Gentlemen of Tea: Auxiliary tools such as tea tongs and tea scoops. How to Brew Pu'er Tea Fossil? The steps for brewing Pu'er tea fossil may seem complex, but they are not difficult once you grasp the essentials. (Image source: Internet, delete upon request) Washing the Tea Due to its tightly…

How to nurture a beautiful teapot? This is the most frequently discussed topic and one that every enthusiast of teapot artistry wishes to delve deeper into. Here, I am willing to share my humble insights gained over many years of nurturing teapots for the reference of fellow enthusiasts in the teapot arts. Firstly, good clay. The proudest achievement in nurturing a teapot lies in the uniqueness of the purple clay material; the secret to successful nurturing primarily depends on the quality of the purple clay. Superior clay allows you to achieve twice the result with half the effort, fully enjoying the pleasure and sense of accomplishment in nurturing the teapot; inferior clay will make your efforts futile, leaving you with a tasteless experience and nothing but regret. Therefore, carefully selecting purple clay is the first step to successfully nurturing your teapot. Secondly, thoroughly clean the teapot. If it's a new teapot, be sure to remove the vaseline applied to the surface of the teapot (this can be done by boiling or using salad detergent to clean it); if it's an old teapot, wash away any accumulated grime on the surface. Whether it’s a new or old teapot, returning it to…

Tieguanyin—does the name sound a bit classical and mysterious to you? It is not just any tea, but also a legacy of history and culture. Tieguanyin belongs to the oolong category and is one of China’s top ten famous teas. It sits between green tea and black tea, being a partially fermented tea that combines the fresh fragrance of green tea with the rich flavor of black tea, making it a distinctive type of tea. The Origin of Tieguanyin The origins of Tieguanyin can be traced back to the Yongzheng period of the Qing Dynasty, around 1725 to 1735. Its birthplace is Xiping Town, Anxi County, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province. According to legend, local tea farmers discovered a tea tree with a unique aroma in Anxi. The leaves of this tea tree, after undergoing special tea-making processes, could emit an unforgettable fragrance. This fragrance was like the willow branch water held by the Bodhisattva Guanyin, fresh and sacred, hence the name “Tieguanyin” was given. Characteristics of Tieguanyin Tieguanyin belongs to the oolong category and is a partially fermented tea. It sits between green tea and black tea, combining the fresh fragrance of green tea with the mellow richness of black…

Nighttime tea tasting is indeed a delightful affair, but those who have just started drinking tea may find it causes insomnia, which makes them hesitant to enjoy tea in the evening. However, there are ways to drink tea at night without causing sleeplessness. If these methods don't work at first, try them a few more times. People often say that drinking tea can cause insomnia, which is due to the caffeine content in tea. Caffeine is a double-edged sword: it can keep you alert and energetic, making it difficult to fall asleep when it's time to rest, thus leading to insomnia. However, it's not accurate to generalize about the effects of drinking tea on sleep. Firstly, we need to understand that the reason tea can keep you awake is its caffeine content, which is what stimulates your nervous system. The higher the caffeine content, the more stimulating the effect. The amount of caffeine in tea leaves depends on many factors, such as variety, growing conditions, harvesting season, picking standards, and processing methods. The caffeine in tea leaves is relatively stable and does not significantly decrease during the fermentation process. Many people feel that green tea has a higher caffeine content…

Buddhist Hand tea is a unique and fragrant type of tea, loved by many tea enthusiasts for its distinct citrus aroma and distinctive taste. To brew the perfect cup of Buddhist Hand tea, not only do you need high-quality tea leaves, but you also need to master the correct brewing techniques. Today, we will introduce in detail the method of brewing Buddhist Hand tea, so that every tea lover can easily enjoy this delicious, fragrant cup. (Image source: network, delete upon infringement) Selecting High-Quality Buddhist Hand Tea Leaves Before brewing Buddhist Hand tea, you first need to choose high-quality leaves. High-quality Buddhist Hand tea leaves are tightly bound, with a lustrous dark color, a rich and lasting fragrance, and when brewed, they produce a golden-yellow infusion. When purchasing, opt for well-known brands or trusted tea farmers to ensure the freshness and quality of the leaves. Preparations Prepare the following tools and materials: teapot, teacup, tea strainer, tea caddy, boiling water, and an appropriate amount of Buddhist Hand tea leaves. Porcelain or purple clay tea ware is recommended as these materials better retain the aroma and flavor of the tea. (Image source: network, delete upon infringement) Brewing Steps Warming the Teapot…

Tieguanyin is the pinnacle of Oolong tea, characterized by: tightly coiled, robust, round, and evenly heavy leaves with a sand-green color. The overall shape resembles the head of a dragonfly, a spiral, or a frog's leg. When brewed, the liquor is a bright amber hue, with a natural and rich orchid fragrance. The taste is full-bodied, fresh, and sweet with a long-lasting aftertaste, commonly referred to as having a “sound of music.” The aroma of Tieguanyin is high and persistent, often described as having a lingering fragrance even after seven infusions. Modern Tieguanyin, influenced by the preferences of tea enthusiasts in green tea regions, increasingly emphasizes its fragrant qualities, with a lower degree of fermentation and a greener appearance. To enjoy this fragrant type of Tieguanyin, you must use a porcelain gaiwan and freshly boiled 100°C water. Quickly rinse the tea and discard the water. For the first infusion, steep for about 20 seconds, ensuring that no tea liquor remains in the gaiwan to avoid bitterness. Afterward, lift the lid of the gaiwan and savor the unique aroma of Tieguanyin. If the tea is of good quality, it should have a milky or fruity scent (such as peach). The liquor…