In ancient China, drinking tea was considered as an art and a kind of enjoyment. Living in a fast pace environment nowadays, it might be quite difficult for us to imagine how our ancestors drank tea. Kebin Feng, a famous scholar during Ming dynasty, proposed the famous “Thirteen Rules”, which describes the thirteen different scenarios most ‘appropriate’ for drinking tea.(Kebin Feng is from Shandong Yidu (today’s Qingzhou). He became a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations in 1622, later he retired and lived in seclusion during the beginning of Qing dynasty. He is famous for writing and editing the series of books named 'Guang Bai Chuan Xue Hai', 'Jie Cha Jian' is a famous book included in the series. The book has about one thousand words, containing discussions and theories about the production and information about tea.) Here is the 'Thirteen Rules of tea drinking' that he proposed in the book:1. When we're freeThere is an old Chinese poem, 'In spring the flowers blossom, in autumn the moon is at its brightest, in summer there are cool breezes and in winter there is snow. When we have no concerns or worries, then it is the best "season" in life.' All seasons have…

Although tea is the second-most popular beverage in the world after water, only 2% of the tea produced and consumed is oolong tea – despite its abundance of health benefits! Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea made from Camellia sinensis leaves, the same plant used to make green tea and black tea. The characteristics of oolong tea fall between green and black tea because of its unique processing method. But what exactly is oolong tea? Why is it “between” green and black tea? Find your answers here: the history, flavor, differences with other types of tea, caffeine content, health benefits, brewing methods, and where to find the best ones. The history of oolong tea There are several stories about how oolong tea was discovered. First, the “tribute tea” theory. This theory tells us that the name “oolong tea” is a tribute to its predecessor, Dragon-Phoenix tea cakes, a tea famous during the Song Dynasty era (960-1279 CE). The name “oolong” was used to replace the old term, as loose-leaf tea became more common. Since the tea is dark, long, and curly, it is called wūlóng (literally means dark dragon) tea – now known as oolong tea. The second theory…

I'm sure that a lot of tea lovers have had this sudden urge and craving to drink a cup of your most beloved tea at night while struggling to finish it. Now comes a question that most of us will ask, the unfinished tea is just too valuable to throw away but will it still be drinkable tomorrow? We have all heard rumors, some say tea isn’t drinkable overnight, but is this really true? In short, please don’t drink it! We’ll be revealing to you the truth about overnight tea. Overnight tea usually refers to tea made the night or day before. Tea that has been sitting around for way too long is also referred to as overnight tea as well. When tea sits around for too long, a substance called TP (tea polyphenol) that it contains will start to oxidise, this darkens the tea. A great example would be green tea, its color will turn from bright green to yellow when put in a high heat environment. This is because when TP oxidises, non-toxic and harmless chemicals [technical term alert] such as theaflavins, thearubigins and theabrownins are also produced. However, it will become cold when you just leave it…

When you think about teas, you may imagine green (or even dark) leaves – but that is not the case with white tea. Cultivated in the early days before the leaves are fully opened, white tea buds are still covered by fine white hairs, which is why it is named “white tea”. During processing, this type of tea is the least processed tea. It is not oxidized nor rolled, creating a very pure and delicate type of tea. You might be wondering now, why did white tea come into existence in the first place? What does white tea taste like? Are there many types of white tea, and what are the differences? Does white tea contain any caffeine? And is white tea healthy for our body? Read on to learn more about this unique yet delicate type of tea. The history of white tea The history of white tea goes back almost 1,500 years ago to the Tang Dynasty era (618-907 CE) in Fujian Province, the birthplace of Silver Needle (Baihao Yinzhen) white tea. In that era, white tea was a special kind of tea picked in early spring – the perfect time to get the silver needles. Those young…

How much tea a day, keeps the doctors away? About 500ml - 600ml. Being a health-conscious tea lover, I would sometimes wonder, is drinking too much tea cause harm to my body? There’s an old Chinese saying, “Sometimes enough is enough, too much water drowns the miller”. A fellow tea enthusiast once asked me: “Is it a problem if I replace water with tea and only drink tea every day?” Well, yes - this would cause a problem. It is healthy to have a regularly tea-drinking habit, but if you only hydrate your body with tea, this is not good. Another misconception that a lot of people have is that we should drink as much tea as we can because drinking tea is healthy. Along with these misconceptions, comes a range of serious health issues. Why do we have to drink tea daily? What nutrition or substance does our body consume the most when we drink tea? Is it tea polyphenol? Is it caffeine or theanine? Actually, the correct answer is H2O, Water! Our body loses a huge amount of fluids every day, we dehydrate when we sweat, when we go to the bathroom etc. Most adults need to rehydrate their…

When we talk about drinks that a lot of people like, coffee usually gets all the attention because it has caffeine. But don't forget about tea. Tea also has caffeine, but how much can be different depending on the kind you're drinking. It's really important to know this stuff, especially if you're trying to watch how much caffeine you have. In this blog post, we'll look into how much caffeine is in various teas and see how it stacks up against coffee. For ages, people around the world have loved drinking tea; it's only second to water in popularity! The leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant are what make your cup of tea; they grow all over the planet. How these leaves are processed and brewed plays a big role in changing not just taste and smell but also how much caffeine ends up in your drink. Plus, there are so many types of tea—like black, green white or oolong—and each one comes with its own level of buzz. Knowing about caffeine content matters for lots of reasons: maybe someone needs less caffeine intake due to health issues or personal choice? Or perhaps some folks find themselves jittery after too…

  Talking about not eating for a while (intermittent fasting) and drinking tea is pretty fascinating, especially when we think about what they do to our bodies. How intermittent fast connects with different kinds of tea is something full of cool ideas. If we look into how tea affects our health while we're on a break from eating, it can help us figure out the best methods to get the results we want. So, let's dive deeper into the potential side effects of intermittent fast and why adding tea to your routine might be a good idea. CONTENT OUTLINE Understanding the Basics of Fasting and Tea Consumption The Health Benefits of Drinking Tea While Fasting Top 5 Teas You Can Enjoy While Fasting How to Integrate Tea into Your Fasting Schedule Customizing Your Tea Experience While Fasting Conclusion FAQs Understanding the Basics of Fasting and Tea Consumption To get the hang of fasting and drinking tea, it's important to think about how staying hydrated plays a role when you're not eating. When you add tea to your fast plan, it's all about knowing how this can change things like your metabolism and how much antioxidants you're getting. Tea is also…

  Tea is a favorite drink for many people around the globe. Some love starting their day with a hot cup of black tea, while others might end it with a calming herbal tea. With so many types available, there's definitely something out there for everyone. But have you ever thought about whether tea goes bad? What does that expiration date on your pack really mean - do you have to stop drinking your preferred mix after this date? In this blog post, we're going to dive into how long tea lasts, what affects its shelf life, and tips on storing your tea properly to keep it tasting great. On shelf life, Regarding the expiration date, When talking about black tea, Concerning the shelf life of Tea, About how to best store Tea, And touching upon enjoying some nice herbal Tea Our store offers a wide range of high-quality tea that can be reserved for a long time, welcome to browse and shop! CONTENT OUTLINE Understanding Tea's Shelf Life Signs Your Tea Might Have Expired Optimal Tea Storage Solutions Can You Extend the Life of Your Tea? The Impact of Expiration on Tea Quality Innovative Uses for Old Tea Professional…

If you are an avid tea drinker, there is a possibility that you are also an avid tea buyer. You may have an extensive collection of different types of teas, which may or may not be in a proper container. But what exactly is the proper way to store loose leaf tea? Are some containers better than others? First, you should know the things to consider when storing loose leaf tea. Things to Consider When Storing Loose Leaf Tea There are five things you should consider when storing your favorite loose leaf tea if you want to keep your tea fresh. Moisture The words “tea” and “moisture” cannot be good friends because tea’s flavor becomes weaker when exposed to moisture. Or worse, your tea can get moldy! As a rule of thumb, you would only want moisture to meet your tea when you are brewing it before drinking (a.k.a. when tea meets water). Other than that, you have to store your loose leaf tea away from moisture! But it is not as simple as keeping it away from water or dampness. Because tea is hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air, you should also block the moisture…

If you like drinking tea, there must be one thought that comes up in your mind after you finish drinking your cup of tea — can I reuse these tea leaves? Seems too good to waste! The short answer is YES, you can reuse tea leaves, especially loose leaf tea! Reuse, in tea’s context, is re-steep. Resteeping tea leaves is a common practice in China. By using the gaiwan with gong fu approach of brewing tea (the one with gaiwan!), teas can be steeped multiple times — from 6 to 8 times, or even more. This method plays a big role in resteeping tea because it combines a lot of tea leaves with small amounts of water, allowing the tea to not lose its flavor easily. Hence, it is believed that the more you can resteep your tea without losing the flavor, the better your tea! Another reason why resteeping tea is common in China is that there are some teas that may taste better after the first steep, like pu-erh and oolong tea. Some teas, like Tie Guan Yin oolong tea, are tightly curled and one steep will not be enough to uncurl the tea leaves. Other teas, like  Da…

As its original producer and cultivator, it’s no surprise that the art of tea is embedded in China’s culture and history. In China, teas aren’t just simple beverages you drink when you’re thirsty. Teas are also central to their spiritual relaxation, and the process of drinking teas also has its own set of etiquettes and related ethics. Additionally, teas have health benefits you definitely wouldn’t want to miss. Know More About Your Favorite Chinese Tea Nowadays, the consumption of tea is spread throughout the world, with most countries having their own variation and unique preparation processes. Still, nothing beats traditional Chinese teas, and fortunately, there are many places you can look. Before you go tea-shopping, it’s best to know what tea you should go for. Below, we’ve got a summary of the things you need to know about your Chinese tea options Green Tea Chinese Green Tea is one of the most common and most consumed teas over the world. The Chinese Green Tea is a type of unfermented tea that doesn’t undergo the usual oxidation and withering process used when making other types of teas. Flavor Profile Chinese Green Tea usually have a sweet and light flavor, coupled with…

From English Breakfast to Earl Grey, from iced tea to milk tea – there is no way you have never tried black tea before. You may even instantly think of black tea when you hear the word “tea.” Thanks to its bold flavor and long shelf life, black tea is regarded as one of the most famous teas in the world. It is now grown in multiple parts of the world – from Asia to Europe – helping black tea to become even more famous! You may have seen it, tasted it, or even fallen in love with it - but what exactly is black tea? What is the difference between black tea and green tea? Is black tea good for our health? The history of black tea We may know this type of tea by the name “black tea” because of its dark color, but it’s actually not called black tea in its birthplace! Black tea, also known as “red tea (红茶)” in China, is a relatively new type of tea. And just like other types of tea, the history of black tea began in China, where it was first processed from Camellia sinensis leaves. Black tea was discovered…

  In China, drinking tea is mostly a cultural thing with the majority of the people drink tea throughout the day. Chinese teas can be traced back all the way to the Tang Dynasty and were first discovered in 2737 BCE, by the Chinese Emperor Shen Nong. In the Chinese culture, tea is considered of the seven necessities of life. There are five basic categories of teas in China; white, green, oolong, black and post-fermented (Puerh). Chinese tea is almost as recognizable as Kung Fu is in the Chinese culture. Tea is actually drunk more frequently for healthy living than it is for thirst. Different types of Chinese Tea White Tea - White is made from steeping the dried immature leaves of the Camilla Sinensis Tea Bush. White tea is frequently consumed for its presumed health benefits as an anti-aging and promotes healthy and smooth skin. Green Tea - Green Teas are made from leaves of Camilla Sinensis Tea Bush and are put through a very short fermentation process. Oolong Tea - Oolong teas are made by using a unique process of withering the leaves of Camilla Sinensis Tea Bush and using a special drying and oxidation process. Like other Chinese…

Not every tea is created equal. Some of them may be light and breezy, and others may be richer and more mellow. Pu-erh tea belongs to the latter. Pu-erh tea is a special type of dark tea made in Yunnan, China. It is special because it tastes better as it ages – just like wine. Pu-erh tea undergoes a fermentation process when it ages, creating a richer taste in every cup. In China and Hong Kong, pu-erh tea is usually consumed with dim sum. In other parts of the world, pu-erh tea is more known for its good reputation of health benefits. But what exactly is pu-erh tea? Find your answers here: the history, flavor, types, caffeine content, health benefits, brewing method, and where to find the best ones. The history of pu-erh tea The history of pu-erh tea can be traced back to more than a thousand years ago, during the Tang Dynasty era (618-917 CE). Back then, tea was traded all across China and its neighboring regions, including to the Tibetan plateau. Since the Tibetan plateau could not produce their own teas, they depended on Chinese traders who traveled for months to reach Tibet. One of the tea-producing…

  Tea is a favorite drink for folks everywhere, no matter their age or where they come from. It's not just tasty and soothing but also really good for you. With lots of antioxidants and helpful stuff in it, tea can do great things like help keep your heart healthy, manage your weight, make you feel mentally better, and even improve how your stomach works. In this blog post, we're going to dive into these four major perks of drinking tea, including iced tea, and see how it helps us live healthier lives. Our store offers a wide range of high-quality teas that can improve your body health to the next level, welcome to browse and shop! CONTENT OUTLINE The Antioxidant Power of Tea Heart Health Benefits of Drinking Tea Tea's Role in Weight Management Mental Wellness and Relaxation Improving Digestive Health with Tea Immune System Support Through Tea Tea and Skin Health Conclusion FAQs The Antioxidant Power of Tea Tea, especially green tea, is packed with antioxidants that come from the Camellia sinensis plant. These substances are great at fighting off damage in our bodies caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Among these antioxidants, one standout is epigallocatechin gallate…

Why is tea called tea? Actually, there are two main ways to refer to tea across the world, namely “tea” or “chai”. Tea originated from China about 4500 years ago. There were records documenting the medicinal use of the tea plant as early as the Shang dynasty (1500 BC). About the word “tea”: it's a beverage commonly prepared by pouring hot or boiling water over cured leaves of the Camellia sinensis. At the beginning of its colonial period in the 16th century, Portugal was the first country to bring the habit of tea drinking to Europe. At the time, the Portuguese were involved in trade with Central China and Guangdong. The local word for tea there is “cha”, so the Portuguese adopted this way of calling it all across its other colonies, such as South America etc. Likewise, the word “chai” also entered Russia and the Arabic countries by way of foreign trading. At the end of 16th century during the Qing dynasty, China and Japan had declared a strict ban on maritime travel. Back when Zheng Chenggong (better known in the West by his Hokkien honorific Koxinga or Coxinga) hadn’t taken the island of Taiwan yet, it was full of…

You may have heard of cold-brew coffee, but have you ever heard of cold-brew tea? Yes, that thing exists! Cold-brew tea has actually been around for a while, but its popularity is not as high as its hot-brew counterparts. In this article, you will find out more about the history of cold-brew tea, the innovative ways of cold-brewing teas, the caffeine level of cold-brew tea, the differences between cold-brew tea and iced tea and hot-brew tea, and of course, the health benefits of cold-brew tea! Interested? Read more to find out! Traditional way of Cold-brew Cold-brew tea is not a new innovation. The Japanese have long believed that hot-brewing tea destroys the tea’s natural benefits as it burns the tea, which gave rise to the traditional way of cold-brewing teas: steeping tea in cold water for hours. However, this process may take a long time to finish – from 6 to 24 hours. Our way of Cold-brew In this fast-moving world, it is always convenient to have the instant option for our everyday necessities – and that includes cold-brew teas! If you are looking for the natural benefits and low caffeine level of cold-brew tea but steeping your tea for…

Green tea, the oldest of all teas. There is no way you have never heard of green tea or its types – matcha, hojicha, or dragon well. Originated thousands of years ago, green tea has successfully become one of the most famous drinks in the world. Green tea has every right to become famous - refreshing, easy to process, packed with many benefits for our body. You may have seen it, tasted it, or even fallen in love with it - but what exactly is green tea? What is the difference between green tea and black tea? Is it true that green tea has tons of benefits for our bodies? Read on to learn more about this famous type of tea. The history of green tea Legend has it that almost 5000 years ago, Emperor Shénnóng (神農) from China was boiling water in the shade of a wild tea tree when a breeze flew a few leaves into his pot. He drank the mixture and found that it was delicious and refreshing. It turned out that he was sitting under a Camellia sinensis tree, and that mixture was what we know as green tea now. Green tea was then used…

For many people, nothing beats greeting the morning with a nice cup of tea. Its refreshing, clean taste evokes a feeling of calmness and mindfulness. For more than four millennia, tea has delighted, inspired, and satisfied countless drinkers in all corners of the world. Olivia Yang, the author of The Art of Drinking Tea, said that “the Chinese are, without any doubt, the right people to understand everything about tea.” For thousands of years, the Chinese have practiced and maintained the art of tea cultivation, preparation, and consumption. As tea is deeply ingrained in Chinese culture, it is best to learn about it from them. Keep reading to know more about the utterly rich Chinese tea culture. Traditional Chinese Tea: The Basics There are several main types of Chinese tea, each one with distinct characteristics. Though all tea came from the same plant source - Camellia sinensis - they can be easily referred to as green tea, yellow tea, white tea, oolong tea, black tea, and dark tea. Here’s a brief description of each tea. Green Tea When you hear the word "tea," green tea is probably what first comes to your mind. After all, this is not just the oldest…

For those who love tea, teapots are a must-have. They make brewing your favorite type of tea, whether it's loose leaf or in bags, super easy. With a teapot, you can get all the taste and smell from your tea just right. There are lots of different shapes and styles of teapots out there. Each one has something special about it that makes making tea even better. The way a teapot is made - like its body shape or what kind of tea it's best for - really matters when you're looking to brew the perfect cup. With a teapot on hand, you can make more than just one cup at a time which is great for sharing with others. Brewing together brings people closer and adds to the fun of drinking tea as well as allowing loose leaf teas enough room to spread out fully enhances their flavor. Teapots often have strainers or infusers built into them too; this means no mess when using loose leaves because they keep everything tidy inside while pouring your drink ensuring nothing but smooth sipping. As we move forward, we'll look into how designs have changed over time including why certain shapes mean…