Black tea is a fully fermented tea. Traditionally, it was the only type of tea known in the West. Westerners tend to prefer black tea. Major production areas of black tea include China, Sri Lanka, India, Kenya, and others. Black tea goes through the processes of picking, withering, rolling, fermentation, and drying – an additional step of fermentation compared to green tea. Fermentation refers to the oxidation of the tea leaves in the air. This process reduces the levels of catechins and tannins in the tea leaves, producing new components such as theaflavins and thearubigins, as well as aromatic substances like alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and esters. Therefore, black tea leaves appear black, or a mix of black and the orange-yellow of young buds; the tea liquor is deep red in color; it has a pleasant aroma; and due to the reduced bitterness and astringency, the taste is sweeter and more mellow. The Benefits and Effects of Black Tea 1. Diuretic Effect of Black Tea In black tea, caffeine and aromatic compounds work together to increase blood flow to the kidneys, enhance glomerular filtration rate, dilate renal microvessels, and inhibit water reabsorption by the renal tubules, thus promoting increased urine output.…

Liu'an Guapian, one of the top ten famous teas in China, is highly regarded by tea enthusiasts for its unique quality and long history. This tea is not only popular domestically but also holds an important position in international markets. This article will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of Liu'an Guapian, covering its history, characteristics, benefits, and how to brew it, giving you a more complete appreciation of this tea. The Historical Origins of Liu'an Guapian Liu'an Guapian, also known simply as Guapian or "slice tea," is one of China's top ten famous teas, produced in the Dabie Mountains area near Liuan City, Anhui Province. Its history dates back to the Tang Dynasty, when it was known as "Luzhou Liuan Tea." By the Ming Dynasty, this tea came to be called "Liu'an Guapian" and was esteemed for its outstanding quality, being considered a high-grade and superior tea. During the Qing Dynasty, Liu'an Guapian became a tribute tea for the imperial court, enjoying great renown at the time. The Growing Environment of Liu'an Guapian The main production areas of Liu'an Guapian are located in the northern foothills of the Dabie Mountains in Jinzhai County and Yu'an District, where the climate…

What is Tieguanyin? Tieguanyin is a semi-fermented tea that belongs to the oolong category, widely popular for its unique aroma and flavor. Originating from Anxi County in Fujian Province, China, it is one of the top ten famous teas in China. The leaves of Tieguanyin are thick and robust, retaining their rich fragrance even after multiple infusions, earning the reputation of having "lingering fragrance after seven infusions." The History and Legends of Tieguanyin There are two main legends about the origin of Tieguanyin. One involves Wang Shishi, who is said to have discovered a special tea plant during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty. After cultivating and processing it, he presented it to Emperor Qianlong, who bestowed upon it the name "Tieguanyin." Another legend revolves around Wei Yin, who found and cultivated this exceptional tea plant following a dream in which he was guided by the Bodhisattva Guanyin, naming it after her. The Production Process of Tieguanyin The production process of Tieguanyin is intricate, involving over a dozen steps such as cooling, sun-drying, shaking, stir-frying, rolling, initial roasting, re-roasting, and slow baking over a low flame. Each step must be executed with precision to ensure high-quality tea. During production,…

Tea is closely related to our daily lives, and drinking tea has many benefits, such as reducing fat and aiding digestion. However, there are many considerations when drinking tea, and it's important to be aware of certain things to truly gain health benefits. Here are some points to keep in mind. What Precautions Should Be Taken When Drinking Tea? 1. It's best to drink tea about an hour after a meal. Dr. Liu Yandi, the director of the Gastroenterology Department at Tianjin People's Hospital, explains that drinking tea after a meal can affect iron absorption. Tannins in tea can bind with dietary iron, forming a precipitate that hinders iron absorption, which may lead to anemia over time. Therefore, it's best to drink tea about an hour after eating. Also, avoid drinking tea on an empty stomach, as it can dilute gastric acid, affecting digestion and potentially causing dizziness, palpitations, or other discomforts. 2. The first infusion of tea should be discarded. Some teas may contain residual pesticides, dust mites, etc., so it's best to discard the first infusion. Fresh teas have a short storage period and contain higher levels of unoxidized polyphenols, aldehydes, and alcohols, which can strongly stimulate the…

Basic Introduction to Ruo Luo Tea of ShayaShaya County is home to 350,000 mu (approximately 23,333 hectares) of wild Ruo Luo. Since ancient times, Ruo Luo has been known for its remarkable medicinal value. According to the Compendium of Materia Medica, Ruo Luo possesses a variety of medicinal and health benefits, including balancing blood pressure and lipids, and enhancing overall health.The tea is named after the Robuzhuang area. The entire Ruo Luo plant is valuable: the stalk can be used as raw material for papermaking, the leaves and juice can be made into beverages, and rubber can be extracted from the roots, branches, and leaves. Ruo Luo, also known as wild hemp, wild tea, tea flower, red flower, red willow seed, and marsh hemp, is a rare wild plant that primarily grows in desert saline-alkali lands or sandy areas along riverbanks, mountain ravines, and slopes. It is widely distributed across most northern provinces of China, with the highest quality found in the desert regions of Xinjiang. Since ancient times, Ruo Luo has been regarded by the Chinese as "the herb of immortality."Geographical ScopeShaya County is located in the southwest of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, in the southeast of Aksu Prefecture.…

The dog days of 2023 are already halfway through, and there can't be many people who don't know about the benefits of drinking hot tea during this period. Today, I'll explain it to you in detail. The specific schedule for the dog days of 2023 is as follows: Early Dog Days: July 11, 2023 - July 20, 2023, a total of 10 days; Middle Dog Days: July 21, 2023 - August 9, 2023, a total of 20 days; Late Dog Days: August 10, 2023 - August 19, 2023, a total of 10 days. According to traditional wisdom, the "fu" in "dog days" refers to "latent evil," specifically the heat evil among the so-called "six evils." After the onset of the dog days, people often feel irritable, tired, and have poor appetites due to the scorching weather. A cup of hot tea can promote blood circulation, open up the skin's pores, help sweat evaporate, and achieve the effect of dissipating heat and dispelling summer heat. Tea contains large amounts of vitamins and mineral elements, as well as caffeine, tea polyphenols, and aromatic substances that blend into the tea infusion. These components are beneficial for regulating body temperature via the central nervous…

Bai Mudan tea, named for its plump buds and greenish-white leaves that resemble blooming peony flowers, is one of the six major types of Chinese white teas. Not only does Bai Mudan tea have a fresh and sweet taste, but it also offers many benefits. Below, we will introduce you to the detailed steps of brewing Bai Mudan tea so you can enjoy its delicate aroma at home. (Image source: Internet. Please delete if infringing.) Preparations Before you start brewing, you need to prepare the necessary tools and tea leaves. A transparent glass pot or a white porcelain pot is recommended, as they allow you to better observe the leaves as they unfurl in the water. Choose high-quality Bai Mudan tea leaves, as the quality of the leaves directly affects the taste and mouthfeel of the tea. Warming the Cups and Washing the Tea The first step is warming the cups, which helps to better stimulate the aroma of the tea. Pour boiling water into the teapot and teacups, swirl it around briefly, then discard the water. Next, wash the tea by placing an appropriate amount of Bai Mudan tea in the pot, pouring a small amount of boiling water…

Drinking green tea does not cause heatiness. As a non-fermented tea, green tea has a slightly cool nature. It is rich in caffeine and catechins, which can accelerate bodily excretion and promote metabolism. These substances also help to alleviate heatiness and reduce dryness. Moderate consumption of green tea will not only prevent heatiness but also replenish the body's moisture and provide a cooling effect to relieve summer heat. Benefits of Drinking Green Tea First, green tea has excellent properties for refreshing the mind and alleviating fatigue due to the presence of caffeine, which stimulates the central nervous system, enhancing mental alertness and focus. Second, the caffeine in green tea can aid digestion by stimulating gastric juice secretion, thus helping with digestion. Third, green tea contains catechins, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health and have a strengthening effect on the heart. Fourth, green tea helps protect teeth. The rinsing action of tea water is effective, and the fluoride in tea can help prevent tooth decay and promote dental health. Fifth, green tea contains polysaccharides that possess anti-aging properties and can help protect against radiation. Consuming green tea does not lead to heatiness. Green tea possesses numerous benefits, including refreshing the mind,…

"Nourish Yang in spring and summer, and Yin in autumn and winter." According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), once we enter spring and summer, it's the time for our body's Yang energy to rise. While "purging fire," we also need "clearing and tonifying." It's okay to have some cold food during hot weather, but we shouldn't overindulge as it can deplete our Yang energy. In the height of summer to beat the heat, it is advisable to "use heat to counteract heat." Hot tea is the best beverage to cool down on a hot day. Today, I'm sharing 11 teas that help you beat the summer heat, reduce dampness, and are perfect for summertime: 1/ Honey Pomelo Tea Honey pomelo tea combines the benefits of pomelo, honey, and black or green tea. Pomelo is rich in vitamin C, which helps alleviate melanin buildup. Its peel acts as a natural fragrance, refreshing the air. A cup of honey pomelo tea can lift your mood and relax your body and mind. 2/ Jasmine Tea Jasmine tea is great for calming the nerves. A cup in the drowsy afternoon can invigorate the spirit, clear heat and relieve summer heat, strengthen the spleen and…

 "All medicines are for specific ailments, tea is the remedy for myriad diseases." For a long time, tea has had medicinal and health-preserving properties. Nowadays, the health benefits of tea have gained increased attention, with more and more research being conducted on its therapeutic and health-preserving effects. What exactly can tea prevent or combat? Cancer Prevention More than four thousand authoritative papers on the topic of "tea and cancer" demonstrate that the main component of tea polyphenols, EGCG, is virtually the nemesis of all cancers, particularly effective against uterine, skin, lung, colon, prostate, liver, kidney, and breast cancers. The scientific researchers at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that various types of tea inhibit the synthesis of cancer cells by an average rate of 65%, indicating their anti-cancer properties. Regular consumption of green tea reduces the risk of cancer by over 60% Data from studies conducted by institutions such as Japan's National Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University in the United States, and Curtin University in Australia indicate that men who regularly drink green tea have a 60% lower incidence of prostate cancer compared to those who do not drink it regularly. Drinking two cups of tea…

The scent is the most immediate aspect to greet you before drinking tea. A pleasant aroma refreshes the mind, while an off-odor is displeasing and makes the tea uncomfortable to drink. If you detect any of these unpleasant odors, be cautious. Charred Odor in Tea The charred odor is produced when leaves are carbonized during tea processing. A charred odor in tea typically occurs in two situations: First, if some old leaves are mixed in during stir-frying, or if the leaves aren’t stirred evenly, or if there’s too much leaf debris, they can easily become charred. Another common situation is with Wuyi Rock Tea where, if the roasting isn’t properly controlled, or if the roasting is intentionally overdone to mask some defects in the leaves, it can lead to carbonization. The result is a charred odor and a bitter taste. In daily life, many people don’t pay much attention to the charred odor in their tea. However, charred tea should not be consumed. Most of the nutrients in charred tea have been lost, so from both a nutritional and food hygiene perspective, charred tea leaves should not be drunk. Water-Stagnation Odor in Tea The water-stagnation odor refers to a dull…

Every spring, all things revive, and after a winter of rest, tea trees vie with each other to stretch out their plump buds. "When the spring breeze arrives in February or March, it's time to light the stone stove and try the new tea." Without exception, the aroma of spring tea fills the air across the country. One: What is Spring Tea? Spring tea generally refers to the tea made from the shoots and leaves that sprout from the tea tree after its winter dormancy in the spring. Spring tea can be considered the first tea harvested in the year. Some people believe that "the earlier the better" for spring tea, but this concept is not entirely correct. The time for picking high-quality teas varies each year. For example, the first spring tea can be harvested from February to March, with Yibin, Sichuan starting around mid-February, and the Wenzhou area starting in the second half of February. The Jiangbei tea region typically harvests around the Qingming Festival. Therefore, it cannot be said that the earlier the spring tea, the better. In summary, based on specific harvesting periods, spring tea can be divided into four categories: the first picking tea, the…

Teams delving into the tea mountains, stages built at village entrances, technology reaching hearts, free clinics entering homes... Since July 2024, Menghai County in the Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture has focused on development goals and positioning. By telling the stories of five ancient tea mountains—Banzhang, He Kai, Nannuo Mountain, Zhanglang, and Nanben Old Village—the county has adopted the theme of "The 'Culture-Science-Health Three-to-the-Countryside' Activities Supporting the Integrated Development of First, Second, and Third Industries in Ancient Tea Mountains." It is progressively writing five major chapters on "Tea Leadership," "Tea Culture," "Tea Science and Technology," "Tea New Trends," and "Tea Ecology." This initiative provides accurate, rich, and vivid services to local residents. Focusing on the Core: Sharing the "Menghai Tea Fragrance" Together Menghai County fully leverages the important role of the "Three-to-the-Countryside" activities in promoting the comprehensive revitalization of rural areas. With a focus on "delivering ideology," "delivering culture," "delivering law," "delivering technology," "delivering policy," and "delivering services," the county aims to enhance the levels of industrial development, rural construction, and rural governance. It also seeks to increase the competitiveness of the tea industry, the influence of tea culture, and the support of tea science and technology. This effort enhances the…

In daily life, drinking Puer tea in moderation can have excellent health benefits. It can refresh and invigorate, as well as aid in weight loss. When drinking Puer tea, it's important to understand the appropriate methods and timing. Drinking improperly or excessively can have adverse effects on health. Drinking a little Puer tea in the morning can help energize and clear the intestines. Drinking some in the afternoon can boost immunity and improve work efficiency. When is the best time to drink Puer tea during the day? 1. Drinking Puer Tea in the Morning After a night's sleep, the body has lost a lot of water. Drinking a cup of light tea in the morning can quickly replenish the body's water needs, cleanse the intestines, lower blood pressure, and be highly beneficial for overall health. In the morning, it is advisable to drink black tea, as it promotes circulation and removes coldness from the body, ensuring adequate blood supply to the brain. It can also be consumed with milk. When drinking tea in the morning, two points should be noted: First, drink only after breakfast. Second, avoid strong tea; opt for a lighter brew instead. 2. Drinking Puer Tea in…

   In the development of tea culture, various tea ware emerged, among which the Yixing pot stands out. The longer a Yixing pot is used, the more lustrous and antique its color becomes. The tea brewed in it becomes richer and more fragrant. Even pouring boiling water into an empty pot will release a light tea aroma. Scientific analysis has shown that the Yixing pot preserves the original flavor of tea, allowing us to enjoy authentic tea with ease. This has created an inseparable bond between tea and the pot.       ◎Green Tea with Yixing Pot Green tea is an unfermented tea and the most produced type in China, accounting for around 70% of total tea production. It is also the oldest category of tea historically. The production of green tea in China is widespread, with provinces like Henan and Zhejiang being major producers. The latest scientific research indicates that the natural components in green tea have unique effects in preventing aging, cancer, as well as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, surpassing those found in other types of tea. Main varieties: Xinyang Maojian tea, West Lake Longjing tea, Biluochun, Huangshan Maofeng, Lushan Cloud Mist, Lu'an Guapian, Taiping Houkui, Guzhu Purple…

Southwest of West Lake in Hangzhou, China’s Zhejiang province, Longjing (Dragon Well) Village has taken credit for having a premium Chinese green tea and Chinese tea culture, named Longjing tea or West Lake Dragon Well tea (Chinese: 西湖龙井; Chinese Pinyin: Xihu Longjin) for approximately 1200 years. This Chinese tea is produced mostly by hand and with a reputation as the first among the ten famous teas in China. Longjing Tea was the royal tea in Qing Dynasty and has long been hailed as the "Queen of Green Tea Chinese" for its four outstanding features: emerald green color, rich fragrance, sweet taste and beautiful shape.  The Plantation Areas of Longjing (Dragon Well) Green Tea Longjing Village abounds with the best Chinese green tea by enjoying favorable geographical, climate and water conditions. With the West Lake to the east, Mt. Wuyunshan to the west, Qiantang River to the south and several high mountains to the north, the village is protected from the cold front from the north and ensured with a warm and humid climate in spring and summer.  Most of the Longjing green tea plantation fields distribute around Longjing mountain area including Lingyin, Hupao, Shifeng Peak, Longjing Village, and Meijiawu Village, where the…

No matter what kind of tea you drink, it should be appropriate for the occasion, time, and person. Drinking the right type of tea can maximize its effects and provide excellent health benefits. Traditional Chinese medicine recognizes that people have different constitutions, being either hot or cold in nature. Teas, after undergoing various processing methods, also have cool and warm properties. Therefore, it is important to consider one's constitution when choosing a tea to drink. A chart showing the properties of the six types of tea. What is your constitution? Which type of tea suits you best? A table matching the nine constitutions with the six types of tea. Cool green tea Dragon Well from West Lake, Anji White Tea, Biluochun from Dongting, Lu'an Guapian, etc. Suitable for those with a hot constitution, high stomach fire, and abundant energy. Drinking this tea on a hot day or when feeling agitated provides a refreshing and cooling sensation. Green tea has good radiation protection effects, making it very suitable for people who work frequently on computers. Contraindications: People with liver disease should avoid drinking green tea, as caffeine is metabolized by the liver, and excessive tea consumption can damage liver function. Pregnant…

Due to the pandemic, our lives have undergone many changes, yet one thing that remains constant is the daily hustle and bustle. As concerns seem endless, health has increasingly become a topic of common concern. With the rise of health-conscious consumption and continuous consumption upgrades, tea is becoming more popular due to its natural and healthy attributes. Comprehensive health encompasses both physical and mental well-being, and traditional tea contributes to both aspects under the current pandemic situation. 1. Tea and Health Preservation - "Tea Is a Remedy for All Ills" An increasing number of people are falling in love with drinking tea, as it is both a health-preserving and enjoyable activity. The idea that tea can preserve health is supported by historical accounts of the medicinal benefits of tea. In fact, tea was commonly known as a medicinal herb in ancient times. It is said that Shen Nong tasted hundreds of herbs and encountered seventy-two poisons in a single day, but he was able to detoxify himself with tea. This speaks to the remarkable detoxifying properties of tea. The great Tang Dynasty physician Chen Cangqi wrote in his book Supplement to the Materia Medica: “All other medicines are remedies for…

The scorching summer is the most unbearable time of the year, causing inexplicable irritability. At such a moment, sipping on a cup of Pu'er ripened tea is an exquisite pleasure. Some say that drinking green tea helps to quench internal heat in summer, while drinking black tea and Pu'er tea promotes health in winter. So, is it suitable to drink such a warming Pu'er ripened tea in the scorching summer? Some even directly put ripened Pu'er tea on the "blacklist" of summer beverages, but this is not the case! Ripened Pu'er tea, after undergoing pile fermentation, has a mild nature and a mellow, smooth taste. Drinking ripened Pu'er tea in summer can warm the body and dispel dampness, quench thirst, warm and protect the stomach, and promote sleep at the same time. Who is Suitable to Drink Pu'er Ripened Tea in Summer 1. Overweight People In summer, overweight people are more suited to drink Pu'er ripened tea. The caffeine, vitamins, amino acids, phospholipids, and other components in Pu'er tea help with digestion and have a significant effect in inhibiting the increase of abdominal fat. The tea is rich in vitamin B1, which is essential for burning fat and converting it…

In general, we do not recommend taking ginseng and tea together. Ginseng should not be consumed with tea. This is recorded in many traditional Chinese medicine books. However, these records do not provide a clear explanation of why. Nor do they specify the required interval to negate any adverse effects. Thus, it's difficult to give an accurate account of their relationship. The primary component of ginseng is ginsenoside (also called ginseng saponin). Tea contains a significant amount of caffeine and tannic acid. Caffeine and tannic acid react with nutrients in our food, affecting nutrient absorption. In modern medicine, it has been observed that caffeine and tannic acid can cause the proteins in gastric protease and multienzyme tablets to coagulate, reducing or eliminating their effectiveness. Hence, modern Western medicine does not recommend drinking tea when taking medications. Therefore, we can infer that when ginseng and tea are taken together, the caffeine and tannic acid may interfere with the action of ginsenosides, reducing the efficacy of ginseng. It's not that ginseng and tea cannot be consumed together, but drinking tea after taking ginseng reduces its effectiveness. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, tea is bitter and cool in nature, classified as a…