Tea has a multitude of health benefits. While drinking tea regularly is generally good for your health, choosing the right type of tea according to your body's condition can enhance its health benefits. Women, as a special group, often have times when their bodies are not at their best, so they need to be more mindful than men when drinking tea. Let’s take a closer look~ 01 How to Choose Your Tea? When drinking tea, you can choose the type based on your own constitution and the nature of the tea. Chinese teas are divided into six main categories: green tea, black tea (red in China), yellow tea, white tea, oolong tea, and dark tea. Black tea (red in China) is warm in nature and suitable for those who suffer from cold hands and feet, are weak, or are older. Green tea is cool in nature and is appropriate for those with a hot constitution or high energy levels, as well as people who work in front of computers frequently. Yellow tea is similar to green tea in terms of properties. Oolong tea is neutral in nature, fragrant, and sweet-tasting, making it suitable for most people. Dark tea is warm…

Tea culture in China has a long history, and the variety of tea brewing tools is vast. Porcelain, as an ancient and elegant tool for brewing tea, has always been favored by tea enthusiasts. But is porcelain really suitable for brewing tea? This article will take you through all aspects of brewing tea with porcelain. (Image source: internet, delete if infringement) Advantages of Brewing Tea with Porcelain Porcelain has been an excellent choice for brewing tea since ancient times, mainly due to the following advantages: 1. Preserves Tea Aroma: The delicate and smooth material of porcelain does not absorb the aroma of the tea, thus it can well preserve the original aroma of the tea leaves. This is particularly important for teas with rich aromas, such as Tieguanyin and Oolong tea. 2. Good Heat Conduction: Porcelain has moderate heat conduction properties, which allows it to evenly disperse heat, keeping the tea temperature stable. This prevents over-steeping or sudden drops in temperature that could affect the taste of the tea. 3. Aesthetically Pleasing: Porcelain is beautifully crafted with rich patterns and designs, offering high aesthetic value. Whether at home or in a teahouse, brewing tea with porcelain is a feast for…

The shelf life of tea is not clearly defined, and it varies for different types of tea. For example, black tea can be stored for 2 to 3 years; green tea and yellow tea are typically best consumed within 18 months; oolong tea can be stored for 3 to 5 years; and dark tea and white tea, if properly preserved, can last around 15 years. There are six main categories of Chinese tea, each with its own storage duration. Do you know how long they can be stored? The Shelf Life of the Six Types of Tea 1. Green Tea: The shelf life of green tea is the shortest. Generally, at room temperature, it has a shelf life of about one year. If you have a dedicated refrigerator for storing green tea (which would make you quite the tea connoisseur), the shelf life can be extended to around 18 months. 2. Black Tea: As a fully fermented tea, black tea has a relatively long shelf life and can be stored for more than two years. However, if stored properly, it may undergo transformation after two years. If this transformation is successful, it can be stored for even longer periods. 3.…

Some marketing gurus have summarized four essentials for successful companies. First, a unique cultural system; second, authoritative certifications and certificates; third, numerous success stories and positive reviews; fourth, the ability to innovate and develop continuously. These four points are theoretically universal, but Chinese ingenuity transcends the norm. Now, when you visit many marketing-oriented companies, from the corporate culture displayed at the entrance to case presentations, authoritative certificates, and innovative research and development, all are seamlessly integrated into the decor. It's so perfect that all you need to do is pay. Even TikTok live streams use the same narratives. Regardless of the product being just over a dozen dollars, what you see and hear always makes it seem like a great value. The tea industry takes this marketing theory to new heights. If you doubt this, open TikTok; no other industry sells products with as much cultural flair and convincing performances. Various masters and famous mountain teas are constantly introduced, and the key point is that they're often cheap, frequently available for $19.90 per pound with free shipping. And yes, there are beautiful women in exotic costumes to catch your eye. You wouldn't feel ripped off even if you were to…

Tieguanyin, a traditional Chinese tea, belongs to the Oolong category and is one of China’s top ten famous teas. It is classified as a semi-fermented tea. Many people enjoy drinking Tieguanyin. If you're going to brew Tieguanyin, I would recommend trying a Zhu Ni (Red Clay) teapot. Zhu Ni and Tieguanyin are often paired together, making the Zhu Ni teapot the preferred choice for brewing Tieguanyin. Zhu Ni teapots have a high density and contraction ratio, which enhances the aroma of the tea. Using this teapot results in a tightly bound, smooth tea soup with a long-lasting aftertaste and strong sweetness. The characteristics of the teapot are quite unique. Six One Hall Dahongpao Cigar Section A Zhu Ni teapot of around 200 ml is more suitable for drinking Tieguanyin. The teapot can quickly reach a high temperature, which meets the requirements for brewing Tieguanyin. In addition to Zhu Ni teapots, Zi Ni (Purple Clay) teapots are also good due to their broad applicability. How to store Tieguanyin? There are five factors that affect the quality of tea: moisture, temperature, air, light, and odor. Generally, low temperatures and vacuum-sealed storage are required to preserve the color, aroma, and taste of Tieguanyin…

As the saying goes: "People cherish life; at every seasonal change, one should focus on self-care, with the two solstices being particularly crucial." These two solstices refer to the summer and winter solstices, both of which are vital periods for health preservation. After the summer solstice, most regions in our country enter the peak of summer, the most challenging period of heat. Since human metabolism is at its most active during this time, there is a significant increase in consumption, often leading to symptoms such as loss of appetite, dry mouth, excessive sweating, and difficulty sleeping. Those who understand the principles of health preservation will have their own secrets: drinking tea. Summer: Green Tea There's a tradition of adjusting tea choices according to the seasons, with the saying: "Spring for floral teas, summer for green, autumn for oolong, and winter for black." After the summer solstice, adjustments should be made to one's tea-drinking habits. Generally, after the summer solstice, one should drink green tea. Green tea has a bitter taste. Due to the ease of getting overheated after the summer solstice, drinking green tea has a cooling effect that can help reduce internal heat and continuously replenish lost fluids. It…

Winter is truly the perfect time to use a purple clay pot for tea, as the warm, smooth, and hefty pot conveys the gentle warmth of winter right into your hands. However, when using a purple clay pot for tea in winter, there are some points to keep in mind, so enthusiasts should take care! Select the Right Tea The dryness of winter can easily lead to heatiness, drinking green tea can help with this, quenching thirst and stimulating saliva. The gloomy weather of winter can also make one's mood depressed or irritable, in which case floral teas can be consumed to alleviate these feelings. Black tea, being warm and sweet, can have the effect of preventing flu during winter; Oolong tea can effectively alleviate dry lips and mouth that often occur in winter... Selecting the appropriate tea can make your winter more comfortable. Prevent Cracking The situations that usually lead to cracking are generally as follows: 1. Special Clays and Shapes: In purple clay pots, special attention should be paid to clays with high crystallinity and unevenly walled shapes (such as Gong Chun pots). Crystallinity is an inherent property of the clay, and different clays have different degrees of…

Compared to green tea, black tea (red tea in China), and oolong tea, some people may be less familiar with dark tea, which is also one of the six major types of tea. So how do you select dark tea? And what are the ways to enjoy it? Let's take a look together, tea enthusiasts! ONE How to Select Dark Tea Appearance If it's compressed tea, high-quality dark tea typically has these features: intact brick surface, clear mold pattern, distinct edges, no cracks on the side, no old stalks, and not too many fine tea fragments mixed in. If it's loose tea, then even, lustrous strands indicate good quality. Taking premium Fu brick tea and Qianliang tea as examples, vibrant "golden flowers," large and abundant, are key characteristics of top-quality teas. Aroma High-quality dark tea carries a fragrant aroma of fungi or smells like pine smoke; aged tea has a mature fragrance. For example, both Fu brick tea and Qianliang tea have a unique fungal aroma; while wild dark tea has a faint, refreshing scent that can be invigorating. The aroma of the brewed tea can also serve as an important criterion for identification. The tea liquor of aged dark…

It is often said that nurturing a purple clay teapot requires dedication. But how should one be dedicated? And where does one start? We have summarized seven aspects for you, commonly known as the "Seven Hearts of Nurturing a Teapot." Happy Heart: Treat it as an interest in life. It can enrich your leisure time and help you learn more about traditional Chinese culture. Approach the art of purple clay with a positive attitude, leading a simple yet fulfilling life. Careful Heart: Prevent knocks and bumps. Purple clay teapots are valuable, and any damage significantly reduces their worth. Besides the financial loss, it's also distressing to see a damaged teapot, even after repair. Calm Heart: Avoid being hasty or impatient. One day external care, the next day internal care, today oolong tea, tomorrow black tea; such inconsistency won't yield good results. Personally, I believe that nurturing a teapot is a process, primarily about enjoying the insights gained and the sense of achievement from the changes in the teapot. Ordinary Heart: No matter the value of the teapot, it has practical use. Don't neglect a less expensive teapot; treat it carelessly. Purple clay, even though abundant, is a non-renewable resource. By…

One cannot drink tea without tea ware, which refers to the specialized utensils used for brewing and drinking tea leaves, including pots, bowls, cups, trays, and saucers. The ancient Chinese were very particular about the artistry of their tea ware, which is another significant aspect of their tea-drinking culture. A set of exquisite tea ware paired with a fine tea that excels in color, fragrance, and taste can truly complement each other. As the custom of drinking tea grew in popularity and evolved over time, the variety of tea ware increased and the quality became more refined. At least ten types of tea ware are required for drinking Kung Fu tea. They are: First: Tea Pot In Chaozhou dialect, it is called "Chongguan," or sometimes "Su Guan," because it originates from Yixing, Jiangsu province, where the smallest type of Yixing clay pot is made. When selecting a tea pot, there are four criteria to consider: smallness, shallowness, evenness, and age. Tea pots come in various sizes, such as those suitable for two, three, four, or more people. Pots made by famous artisans like Mengchen, Tiehuaxuan, Qiupu, Epu, Xiaoshan, and Yuan Xisheng are highly prized. There are many shapes and sizes,…

The selection of tea utensils should take into account three factors: the occasion, the number of participants, and the type of tea. High-quality tea utensils paired with premium teas complement each other, enhancing the enjoyment of tea tasting. For example, for high-grade green tea, a clear glass cup without patterns or colors is recommended, as it not only suits the temperature needed for brewing green tea but also allows one to appreciate the color of the tea and the transformation of the leaves. For oolong tea, an elegant and rustic purple clay pot is ideal; for flower-scented tea, a lidded teacup that can retain fragrance and warmth is suitable. The choice of tea utensils also depends on the quality of the tea. For instance, for mid-range green tea with ordinary appearance, a porcelain pot would be chosen for brewing. The brewing utensils must be clean and intact, and when choosing them, attention should be paid to the coordination of colors, materials, and the harmony of the entire set of tea utensils. The arrangement of tea utensils should be logical, practical, and aesthetically pleasing, paying attention to the sense of hierarchy and the variation in lines. When setting up the utensils,…

Tea soothes the spirit and calms the mind, embodying the myriad facets of life and the ebb and flow of time. It is an indispensable “spiritual sustenance” in the lives of Chinese people.China has a vast array of tea types, which can be categorized into six main categories based on their degree of fermentation: Green Tea, Yellow Tea, White Tea, Oolong (or Qing) Tea, Black Tea (which refers to what is known as Red Tea in the West), and Dark (or Hei) Tea. Given the seasonal changes from spring's warmth, summer's heat, autumn's coolness, and winter's cold, there are specific teas that are best suited for each season according to climatic conditions. 01Seasonal Tea Drinking Spring — Flower Tea: With its slightly sweet and cool nature and fragrant aroma, flower tea helps to dispel the cold accumulated in the body during winter, promotes the circulation of qi and blood, and strengthens liver function. Common flower teas include osmanthus tea, jasmine tea, and magnolia tea. Summer — Green Tea: Slightly bitter but with a hint of sweetness and a cool nature, green tea is effective in relieving heat and thirst, clearing heat and dampness, calming the heart, and treating diarrhea and…

The 2024 Chaozhou Gongfu Tea Conference concluded in Guangzhou on the 19th. Over 60 high-quality tea companies from Chaozhou, Guangdong Province, showcased more than a thousand varieties of Phoenix singleton tea collectively, along with a dazzling array of tea utensils, tea foods, and tea-related cultural and creative products, fully demonstrating the achievements of Chaozhou’s tea industry and presenting a grand feast of gongfu tea to tea enthusiasts. In recent years, Chaozhou has made full use of its resource and brand advantages as the “World Capital of Gongfu Tea Culture” and the “Chinese Oolong Tea Capital,” vigorously promoting tea culture, improving tea technology, expanding the tea industry, and accelerating the standardized, branded, industrialized, and quality-oriented development of Phoenix singleton tea. The city is developing organic teas, green foods, selenium-rich products, and other items that meet market needs through multiple channels, striving to make Chaozhou gongfu tea and Phoenix singleton tea famous throughout China and the world. According to statistics, by the end of 2023, the tea planting area in Chaozhou had reached 276,900 mu (approximately 18,460 hectares), with an annual output of 32,600 tons and an annual value of 8.195 billion yuan. Chaozhou ranks second in tea planting area and first…

Brewing the same Pu'er tea using different techniques often yields different experiences. If you're frustrated by not being able to bring out the true essence of the tea, try varying your brewing technique in response to its strengths and weaknesses. You might be pleasantly surprised by what you discover along the way. Six Ways to Brew Pu'er Tea 1. Gung Fu Brewing Method: This method is similar to how oolong tea is brewed, with all the tea liquor drained from each infusion, leaving no residue. This allows for a good appreciation of the changes in the water path of a tea, checking its durability and experiencing the changes in color, aroma, and taste with each infusion. 2. Root-Left Brewing Method: After rinsing the tea, always leave some of the infused tea liquor in the teapot, not completely emptying it. Typically, this involves leaving 20% and pouring out 80%, or sometimes leaving half and pouring out half. After pouring out the tea, add more water until the tea becomes light in flavor—then, you can steep it for longer periods. The root-left brewing method helps regulate the taste of the tea from start to finish, making the changes between infusions less abrupt.…

Tea brewing is both an ancient and modern art form, rich in culture and technique. Whether you are a tea novice or an experienced aficionado, mastering the correct brewing method will enhance your enjoyment of every cup. This article will guide you step-by-step on how to brew the perfect cup of tea. (Image source: internet, delete if infringement) Selecting the Right Tea and Equipment Firstly, choosing high-quality tea leaves is the foundation of brewing good tea. Whether it's green tea, black tea, oolong tea, or white tea, each type has its unique flavor profile and brewing requirements. Choose tea that suits your taste and ensure its freshness. The selection of tea equipment is equally important. If using loose leaf tea, it is recommended to use a tea strainer or tea ball; for tea bags, a teapot with a built-in filter is more convenient. Different tea tools not only affect the taste of the tea but also add to the pleasure of the entire brewing process. (Image source: internet, delete if infringement) The Importance of Water Quality and Temperature Water is the soul of tea, and the quality of water directly affects the taste. Using fresh filtered water is the best…

To brew a perfect cup of tea, you need to know the "three elements" of the tea: the amount of tea leaves, water temperature, and brewing time. The brewing methods vary for each of the six major types of tea. If you don’t pay attention to these details, you may not bring out the best flavor of your tea, and it could end up tasting bitter and astringent. | Green Tea Water Temperature: 80-85°C. For high-quality green teas, use 75-80°C. Brewing Time: 10-30 seconds, with each subsequent infusion increasing slightly in duration. Amount of Tea Leaves: Method 1: Water-to-tea ratio ≈ 1:50. This means using 1 gram of tea for every 50-60 grams (or milliliters) of water. Method 2: Fill the teaware about one-third full with dry tea leaves. Green tea is typically brewed in a glass teapot; for example, a 300ml glass teapot would use 6 grams of dry tea. | Yellow Tea Water Temperature: 80-90°C. For delicate yellow bud teas, use 80°C water; other yellow teas can be brewed at temperatures above 90°C. Brewing Time: 20-30 seconds, with each subsequent infusion increasing slightly in duration. Amount of Tea Leaves: Yellow tea is similar to green tea but undergoes…

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…

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…

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…

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…