Basic Introduction to Shicheng Yinchen TeaShicheng Yinchen Tea is harvested from the towering mountains of Shicheng County, the source of the Gan River. It is made by blending Yinchen herbs native to Shicheng with other wild herbs like lightheaded bamboo leaves, honeysuckle, yellow-wort, and prunella, processed using traditional methods. This preserves the unique aroma of the herbs while providing a natural experience. It also possesses liver-protecting, bile-stimulating, heat-clearing, and fire-draining properties, making it an excellent herbal tea for everyday consumption. Nutritional ValueThe main ingredient is Yinchen, which has a complete inhibitory effect on human tubercle bacilli and a certain inhibitory effect on some skin fungi. It is effective in reducing fever, dampness, and liver bile, lowering blood pressure, and treating jaundice due to dampness and heat, hepatitis with jaundice, chest pain, cholecystitis, gallstones, hypertension, irritability, insomnia, dizziness, and blurred vision. Product FeaturesRefreshing taste, unique fragrance, suitable for all seasons. Historical FolkloreAccording to legend, when Hua Tuo was treating a patient with jaundice and lacked an effective medicine, he was unable to cure him. After some time, Hua Tuo discovered that the patient had unexpectedly recovered and asked what he had taken. The patient said he had eaten a green herb.…

Modern pharmacological studies have found that Pu'er tea can reduce fat and aid weight loss, lower blood pressure, combat arterial hardening, prevent cancer, improve skin health, nourish the stomach, strengthen teeth and gums, reduce inflammation and kill bacteria, and fight aging. Aside from drinking it directly, Pu'er tea can also be used in culinary therapy. Below are 12 secrets of Pu'er tea wellness. 1. A natural health beverage The cancer-preventing and health benefits of Pu'er tea, once confirmed by the medical community, have boosted the confidence of tea enthusiasts. The lipid-lowering and appetite-suppressing properties of Pu'er tea have attracted countless beauty-conscious individuals and those looking to lose weight; middle-aged people who are prone to weight gain cannot do without Pu'er tea. Drinking it hot soothes the stomach and intestines and is particularly effective for constipation and frequent urination. Pu'er tea helps to replenish energy and solidify essence, making it beneficial for men with erectile dysfunction and prostate issues. The older the Pu'er tea (the longer it has been stored), the better its effects on boosting energy and enhancing virility. 2. Prevents and treats coronary heart disease Coronary heart disease, also known as coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, can be effectively prevented…

The simple character for tea contains profound truths about the cycle of nature. The character for tea, when broken down, means "human among grass and wood," implying that human nature is hidden within plants and that humans transform through their interaction with them. Adapting to the natural flow of time is the foundation of health preservation. Today, Cup Xiaocha selects 14 solar terms from the 24 solar terms and introduces 14 corresponding teas along with their benefits. There are specific considerations for drinking tea during different seasons. Adjust your tea-drinking habits according to natural changes. Tees picked at different times of the year have distinct characteristics, which can either nourish or drain, stimulate or calm, depending on the state of the person and the season. These seasonal teas adjust the body's imbalances to achieve harmony between yin and yang. As winter turns into spring and summer gives way to autumn, each tea has its own unique properties. 14 Seasonal Teas, Corresponding to 14 Benefits 1. Pre-Ming Tea Leaves picked before the Qingming (Pure Brightness) solar term are known as Pre-Ming Tea. Pre-Ming Tea is the first harvest of spring. After a dormant winter, the buds break through the bark, much…

Can all teas be both steeped and boiled? Of course not. Some teas can become unpalatable when boiled. So, which teas are suitable for boiling, and which are best for steeping? Compared to steeping, boiling allows the full release of a tea’s contents, resulting in a sweeter and richer tasting tea. Which Teas Are Suitable for Boiling, and Which Are Best for Steeping? Green tea should not be boiled. It is an unfermented tea with delicate leaves. Boiling would destroy the vitamin C content and cause excessive caffeine to seep out, turning the tea yellow and making it taste bitter and astringent. Huang tea (yellow tea) should not be boiled. Yellow tea must never be boiled. Its appeal lies in its freshness. Boiling with high water temperatures would ruin the delicate green tea, causing too much caffeine to be released, resulting in a bitter and astringent flavor. Aged white tea can be boiled. New white tea cannot withstand boiling. The most suitable for boiling are aged Gongmei or Shoumei teas. White Peony and Silver Needle, especially those containing tender buds, are not recommended for boiling. Black tea can be steeped or boiled. Black tea is a fully fermented tea with…

How to drink tea in the healthiest way?Firstly, choosing the right type of tea is crucial. Different types of tea have distinct characteristics and benefits, which can be selected based on personal constitution and needs, for example, those with weaker digestive systems might opt for milder fermented teas. It’s important to control the amount of tea you drink, avoiding excessive consumption. Generally, drinking a few cups a day is sufficient, as too much may place a burden on your body. The timing of drinking tea also matters. Try to avoid drinking strong tea before bedtime, as it may affect the quality of your sleep. It’s not advisable to drink tea immediately after meals; instead, wait for some time to ensure proper digestion. The water temperature used for brewing should be appropriate. Different types of tea require specific temperatures, and the correct water temperature helps bring out the flavor and nutrients of the tea more effectively. Proper storage of tea is essential, keeping it dry, well-ventilated, and free from odors to prevent spoilage that could impact health. Avoid drinking tea on an empty stomach to prevent irritation of the digestive system. When drinking tea, try to avoid very strong brews, as…

When you make an appointment with tea, there’s no need to rack your brains for words or get entangled in complex thoughts. Simply silently brew a pot and watch the leaves unfurl... All its experiences are fused into the spreading fragrance and clear tea broth. Though it doesn’t speak, you can understand. Your story, unspoken, seems to be understood by it as well. The life of tea is rich and varied. All things have spirits, and tea transforms all its hardships into fragrance and sweetness, then generously offers them up to the tea drinker. Holding a cup of fine tea, one can perceive joy by simply calming down. Brew yourself a pot of tea. The process of brewing is the most mindful moment, free from ripples and thoughts, only the tranquility of being alone with yourself. Closing your eyes, you can hear the chirping of cicadas and birds. Sipping the warm and fragrant tea, the roaring turns into a gentle breeze in the valley, and the clamor becomes jubilation in the forest. The disturbances in your heart retreat. Once you create distance from these nuisances, it's like finding gaps in a tightly wound ball of string; the solution is not…

Many of my friends adore Liubao tea. Whenever we gather for a tea session, some tea enthusiasts always request recommendations for one or two daily staple teas. A "daily staple tea" refers to a tea with good quality and flavor that meets one's needs in terms of strength, at a reasonable price, making it suitable for daily consumption. Generally, this type of tea achieves a balance between quality and cost. Inferior teas are disregarded no matter how cheap they may be, but Liubao teas priced over ten thousand yuan per catty, such as the "Wutu Heihe" and 0101 Liubao teas, are clearly not affordable for most people and therefore cannot become the "daily staple tea" loved by ordinary folks. Considering both the desire for a tea that is "delicious" and one that doesn't make you feel guilty about drinking, selecting an appropriate Liubao tea can be quite challenging. The editor has drawn upon the extensive tasting experiences of many Liubao tea enthusiasts and found that the price range for entry-level daily staple teas is typically between 100-200 yuan per catty, while mid-range daily staple teas are priced between 200-500 yuan per catty. Teas priced above 500 yuan per catty are…

Pu'er tea, a precious variety that has been refined over thousands of years, is renowned for its unique aroma, rich flavor, and abundant health benefits. Harvested from the green mountains and clear waters of Yunnan Province, it undergoes meticulous processing and aging, transforming into cakes and blocks that solidify time, waiting to meet tea enthusiasts and together create a delightful symphony on the palate. Pu'er Tea: Origins Pu'er tea, named after its place of origin, Pu'er City in Yunnan Province, has a history dating back to the Tang Dynasty, with over a thousand years of cultivation. Its production process is distinctive, mainly divided into sun-dried green and pile-fermented varieties. Sun-dried Pu'er, also known as raw tea, retains the fresh and brisk taste of the leaves; pile-fermented Pu'er, also known as ripe tea, undergoes artificial pile fermentation, resulting in a smooth and mellow flavor. Pu'er Tea: The Art of Brewing Brewing Pu'er tea is an art form, requiring attention to every detail to fully release the aroma and taste of the tea. Preparing the Teaware: For brewing Pu'er tea, you can choose teaware such as purple clay pots, covered bowls, or glass cups. Purple clay pots have good breathability and can…

Zhangjia Third Team is affiliated with Zhangjia Village Committee in Bulang Mountain Township and is located in a mountainous area. It is situated to the south of Bulang Mountain Township at an altitude of 1,100 meters, characterized by a subtropical monsoon climate. The average annual temperature ranges from 18-21°C, with an annual precipitation of 1,374 millimeters, making it suitable for growing crops such as rice and tea. In the bustling market for ancient tree Pu'er tea, ecological tea gardens are often labeled as "inferior tea." However, thanks to its superior geographical environment and ancient tea-making techniques, Zhangjia Third Team's high-mountain ecological tea garden model stands out as an exception. The tea trees in Zhangjia Third Team grow on mountains without any barriers or obstructions, enjoying long hours of sunlight and ample cloud mist nourishment. The soil is rich and fertile. Due to the excellent environment, the local residents do not excessively prune the tea leaves but allow them to grow naturally, resulting in a tea quality that can compete with ancient tree teas. As a result, the tea garden has earned the reputation as the "King of Ecological Teas." "Little Lao Banzhang" in Bulang Mountain Zhangjia Third Team is only…

White tea is best brewed with water at 80-85 degrees Celsius. As a slightly fermented tea, using moderately hot water can better activate the aroma and flavor of white tea. If boiling water (100 degrees Celsius) is used, it may damage the tea leaves to some extent, affecting both the taste and nutritional value of the tea. Therefore, it is recommended to use water heated to 80-85 degrees Celsius when brewing white tea. Brewing Temperature for New White Tea The ideal brewing temperature for new white tea is around 80 degrees Celsius, ensuring the freshness and crispness of the tea while not compromising its taste. If the water is too hot, it can destroy the vitamins in the tea leaves, reducing the nutritional value of the tea. The higher the water temperature, the stronger the taste of the tea infusion. Generally, the optimal brewing temperature for new white tea is around 80 degrees Celsius, which ensures the freshness and crispness of the tea without compromising its taste. If the water is too hot, it can destroy the vitamins in the tea leaves, reducing the nutritional value of the tea. Additionally, because the tea infusion color is darker, care should be…

Basic Introduction to Taoyuan Wild Tea KingTaoyuan Wild Tea King is a specialty of Taoyuan County, Hunan Province, and a Chinese national geographical indication protected product. This tea is a critically endangered mountain wild large-leaf tea variety. It is characterized by "large leaves, soft leaf texture, deep green color, robust buds, abundant downy hair, emerald-colored infusion, fragrant aroma, and lingering aftertaste." Through local research and protection, the artificial propagation of this variety has been achieved, with production gradually increasing. Product FeaturesIn 1969, Mr. Lu Wanjun, a native and graduate of the Hunan Tea School, and tea taster Mr. Liao Yuzhao discovered two rare large-leaf tea trees in the wild tea population of Lujiazhong Village, Taipingpu Township. These trees had "large leaves, soft leaf texture, deep green color, robust buds, abundant downy hair, emerald-colored infusion, fragrant aroma, and lingering aftertaste." Upon evaluation by tea experts, it was determined that this tea is rich in selenium, zinc, and other trace elements beneficial to human health, as well as over 500 types of phenolic substances. The tea polyphenol content reaches up to 35%, and the amino acid content is as high as 8.56%, both higher than any other tea varieties. This tea also…

With so many varieties of tea, it can be overwhelming to choose. How to pick the right tea is a common challenge. If you want to buy good quality tea, consider the following suggestions: 1. Avoid buying by "Famous Names" In today's market, almost every tea bears a famous name, such as "Iron Goddess (Tiě Guānyīn), Frozen Peak (Dòngdǐng), or Great Red Robe (Dà Hóngpáo)" for oolong teas, "Dragon Well (Lóngjǐng), Da Fang" for pan-fired green teas, "Green Snail Spring (Bìluóchūn)" for slender green teas, and "Yellow Mountain Fur Peak (Huángshān Máo Fēng)" for plump green teas. Be aware that famous teas are not as common as potatoes. 2. Avoid buying by "Packaging" Poor quality teas are often packaged extravagantly in gold-embellished or antique-styled containers, such as porcelain bottles, tin cans, and redwood boxes. They may look like gold on the outside but are like cotton fluff inside. 3. Avoid buying "Assorted Collections" Dishonest sellers mix poor quality teas and package them as "Five Famous Teas," "Eight Famous Teas," or "Ten Famous Teas." Be cautious; if you want to try all types of famous teas, you need to do some research. 4. Avoid buying by "Place Names" When visiting tea-producing…

Many tea enthusiasts may have a question: should we make a sound when drinking tea? We've all heard the argument that: Making a "tsk-tsk" sound while sipping tea is a sign of approval for the host's tea, with louder sounds indicating greater appreciation. However, many tea lovers find the "whoosh" sound made while drinking tea to be odd and impolite. In fact, this behavior, though seemingly unrefined, is actually the most professional and authentic way to taste tea. In fact, making a sound when drinking tea has historical records. The more official record is based on tea evaluation, a method known as the "suction method": Curl the sides of your tongue Rapidly suck in the tea This will create a "tsk-tsk" sound If necessary, "tsk-tsk" several times To quickly expose the entire mouth to the tea Taste the flavor Then let the tea's aroma directly reach the palate Transmitting it to the olfactory senses Hold the tea in the mouth Stir the tea using various techniques To fully engage with the taste buds on the tongue Once a judgment can be made about the tea It is spat out In tea evaluation, you do not swallow the tea. 01 Is…

Those with poor digestion can drink Pu'er tea, but they should not consume too much and should avoid drinking it on an empty stomach. Pu'er tea is a fermented tea, and since the leaves undergo fermentation, the cold components are improved. This type of tea has the effect of nourishing and protecting the stomach, as well as anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Drinking small amounts can help improve spleen and stomach deficiency without stimulating the stomach lining. People with poor digestion who drink Pu'er tea should primarily opt for mild teas and only consume small quantities at a time. Pu'er tea contains a high amount of polyphenols and caffeine, which can stimulate the intestinal wall mucosa and cause discomfort in the stomach if consumed excessively. What Kind of Pu'er Tea Should You Drink with Poor Digestion? Those with poor digestion can drink Pu'er tea, but it depends on the type. It's best to avoid raw Pu'er tea; instead, patients with digestive issues are generally advised to drink ripe Pu'er tea. Ripe Pu'er tea is fermented and has a warm nature, which helps to nourish the stomach. In particular, aged ripe Pu'er tea has protective effects on the stomach. At the right…

Recently, a friend was sorting through a purple clay teapot he bought years ago and got quite a shock – the bottom of one teapot had developed a crack. It was in perfect condition when last used, but after being stored for several years, it had cracked. He couldn’t figure out why. It’s truly heartbreaking when a purple clay teapot cracks, especially if it’s an expensive one. Once a crack appears, its value drops significantly. So, why do teapots crack? Here are some possible reasons: 1. Improper Use In addition to issues with craftsmanship, improper handling by the user can also cause cracks. Common causes include damage from bumps or knocks (sometimes these hidden injuries go unnoticed) that later lead to the teapot cracking during use. Leaving a purple clay teapot exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods can also result in cracks. Teapots can also crack due to sudden temperature changes or uneven heating and cooling. For example, in cold environments, some teapot enthusiasts don’t have the habit of warming their teapots before use. If they pour boiling water directly into a cold teapot, it may crack. Particularly important is the case where a teapot has been unused for…

1. It's the perfect season for selecting and enjoying fresh green tea. There are many varieties of green tea, and the optimal sales period for high-quality teas is short. You may buy some to try the new season's flavors, stock up on your favorites, or exchange them as gifts with relatives and friends... Before you know it, you've accumulated a good amount of tea. And the typical shelf life indicated for green tea is "one year." Many tea enthusiasts have found themselves with leftovers beyond this timeframe, handling them in various ways. Some continue drinking it as usual, while others believe it can no longer be consumed and dispose of it or use it as fertilizer. Image: Yulü from Enshi, Hubei Can green tea still be consumed after its expiry date (usually one year)? Based on our experience at Tea Encyclopedia: Drink it within the shelf life and as soon as possible; after the expiry date, whether it can still be consumed depends more on the current quality of the tea. In other words, rather than fixating on an uncertain time point, consider the following questions. — How can we store green tea daily to preserve its freshness as much…

The plum rain is a concentrated period of rainfall that occurs annually from June to July in the mid-lower reaches of the Yangtze River, including tea areas in southern China, as well as subsequent mountain floods often accompanied by typhoons in August and September. Experience has shown that improper disaster prevention or neglect during the plum rain and mountain flood season can pose significant threats and losses to tea production, particularly in mountainous tea areas in southern China. To minimize the adverse effects of plum rain and subsequent mountain floods on tea production, especially in southern China, we have compiled measures for disaster prevention and mitigation in tea production for your reference. 1. Pay Attention to Plum Rain and Mountain Flood Forecast and Warning Information After June each year, tea areas, particularly those in mountainous regions of southern China, should promptly monitor the latest weather forecasts and mountain flood warnings. Be vigilant against the risk of mountain floods due to continuous rainfall or short-term heavy downpours and strong convection weather. Closely watch changes in weather conditions and rainfall levels. Once there is a forecast or warning of significant rainfall, it's better to be overly cautious and enter a state of…

Sitting idle over tea on the weekend, feeling a simple satisfaction. Perhaps this is what our predecessors referred to as the clear richness in life. Feelings of happiness, pure joy, and tranquility—savoring a cup of tea purely for its taste. Smell the aroma, take a sip, and feel the tea flowing down your throat into your body. Relax your eyes, your mouth, your ears, your nose, and let your whole being unwind, so you can truly appreciate the flavor of the water and the fragrance of the tea leaves. You might even sense the sunlight, air, and soil that nurtured them. A single cup of tea can bring such contentment. Approach each moment with this contented heart, slow down, clear your mind, relax while drinking tea, and live mindfully. In this moment, the tea reflects your own heart, and what you imbibe is your own experience and perception of life. This is simple, yet real. Tea is an invitation to the surprises of life, and life is a series of beautiful tea gatherings. Through the omnipresent presence of tea in life, find peace within. Slow your breathing and let today's happiness begin with a cup of tea!

Basic Introduction to Hongtong Large-Leaf TeaLarge-leaf tea is made from fresh tender buds and leaves, processed through traditional methods, and refined with full wood charcoal roasting. The tea has a tight, twisted shape, a golden, ancient copper color, a chrysanthemum heart, a roasted aroma, and a rich fragrance. Nutritional ValueThe large-leaf tea contains high levels of fluoride, which can strengthen bones and protect the enamel on teeth, preventing cavities. Additionally, it helps in removing grease and aids digestion. Product CharacteristicsHongtong Large-Leaf Tea has the effects of quenching thirst, relieving coughs, clearing the mind, brightening the eyes, reducing inflammation, promoting urination, refreshing the spirit, and aiding digestion. Regular consumption of Hongtong Large-Leaf Tea can strengthen the body, improve beauty, prolong life, and is an excellent gift for friends and relatives. Historical FolkloreA handful of tea leaves are boiled in water; after the initial bitterness comes a rich aroma. The scent travels far and wide, evoking memories; never forget that your roots lie in Hongtong. Only genuine people from Hongtong know about this tea, drink it, and recall its taste and aroma when away from home. Some even try to find it at tea shops but return unsuccessful. In the early years,…

Tea picking requires a large amount of labor and is highly seasonal. With urbanization, there has been a significant loss of young and able rural labor, increasing the demand for mechanized tea picking. However, we have gradually discovered that mechanically harvested tea gardens often quickly develop chicken claw branches and experience a rapid decline in the quality of fresh tea leaves.In late April 2023, I conducted a pruning and revitalization experiment in my family's tea garden in Enshi, Hubei, primarily attempting to replicate the tea garden management practices of the West Lake Longjing region in Hangzhou. This involves heavy pruning of the tea plants in late April to early May, followed by fertilization, and another heavy pruning in mid-to-late July to promote the growth of more productive branches, with a light pruning in November. The goal is to maximize the benefits of spring tea production. Figure 1 shows the result of my pruning at the time, preserving the main branches. Figure 1 However, out of laziness, I wanted to see what the effect would be without fertilizing or pruning again in mid-to-late July, so I only performed the initial pruning. During my visit home for the holidays this year, I…