Black Tea

Basic Introduction to Wuniu Early TeaWuniu Early Tea is an ancient famous tea in China that was lost for several hundred years before being restored in 1985. The Wuniu Early Tea from Yongjia County is a newly created famous tea named after the town of Wuniu where it is mainly produced. It is one of the earliest budding varieties of tea and can be harvested as early as mid-March. The "Wuniu Early Longjing" processed from this variety has a flat shape, a rich and fragrant taste, and a bright green color, making it a rare treasure among teas. Nutritional ValueA sample of dried Wuniu Early Tea with one bud and two leaves contains approximately 4.2% amino acids, 17.6% polyphenols, and 3.4% caffeine, slightly higher than the physical and chemical indicators of other green teas. The superior ecological environment, precious early budding variety, and exquisite processing techniques have given birth to the high-quality and famous "Yongjia Wuniu Early" tea. Regular consumption of this tea can have various effects, including anti-cancer, weight loss, digestion, de-greasing, refreshing and awakening, diuretic and cooling actions. Product CharacteristicsThis variety buds exceptionally early, with the spring sprouting period generally occurring in late February or early March; it…...

An object, originally just an object, but after being nourished by its owner for a long time, it can better blend with the owner's temperament, and thus gains a spirit. A Yixing clay teapot is such an object. As a popular brewing tool across the country, the goodness of a Yixing clay teapot can be summed up in six words: Easy to start with, and easy to maintain. 01 Easy to start with Even newcomers to the tea world can use it to brew tea that achieves a wonderful aroma, flavor, and appearance. 02 Easy to maintain This is shown by the noticeable changes over daily use as it matures and becomes increasingly "new". But do you really know how to “use” it? Before we talk about using it, let's first discuss Yixing clay. The common types of Yixing clay on the market can be roughly divided into: purple clay, red clay, and duan clay (segmented clay). Although Yixing clay has two contradictory properties—thermal insulation and breathability—the breathability of different types of Yixing clay actually varies. Duan clay has the best breathability, followed by purple clay, and lastly red clay. Because of its unique "double-pore structure", many enthusiasts have begun…...

Many people say that drinking tea at night is a no-go as it can cause insomnia. Does drinking tea in the evening always affect your sleep? Not necessarily. While it's true that tea has stimulating properties, it can also have a calming effect. By making informed choices about the type of tea and how you drink it, you won't just avoid disrupting your sleep but may even improve its quality. Reasons for Insomnia from Drinking Tea The common belief that tea causes insomnia stems from the caffeine content in tea leaves, which can energize and keep you awake. However, this isn't an absolute rule. The amount of caffeine in tea depends on various factors such as the type of tea, growing conditions, harvest season, picking standards, processing methods, and brewing techniques. People also vary in their tolerance to caffeine due to differences in constitution and lifestyle habits. Some individuals find that even a small cup of tea before bed keeps them tossing and turning all night, while others who regularly drink tea can still enjoy a peaceful sleep after their nightly cup. How to Drink Tea Without Insomnia 01 Drink tea 3-5 hours before bedtime If you plan to go…...

Seven Essential Precautions Women Should Observe When Drinking Tea While drinking tea regularly is generally beneficial to health, choosing the right type of tea according to one's condition can enhance its health benefits. Women, in particular, should be aware of their constitution and the nature of the tea they consume. What are the key points women should keep in mind when drinking tea? Precaution One: Choose Tea According to Your Constitution and Its Nature Chinese tea is divided into six categories: green tea, black tea (red tea), yellow tea, white tea, oolong tea (bluish-green tea), and dark tea (black tea). Each category has a different nature that affects the body differently, so it’s important to select the appropriate type based on your constitution. Oolong tea is neutral and suitable for most people. Dark tea (Pu'er tea) is warming, aids in fat digestion, and reduces cholesterol levels; it is best enjoyed after some aging. Black tea is also warming and recommended for those with a cold constitution, cold limbs, or weakened health, as well as for older individuals. Green tea is cooling and ideal for those with a hot constitution, high stomach fire, and abundant energy; it also provides excellent protection…...

What are the differences between Purple Bud Tea and Purple Juanshan Tea? Many people may find it hard to distinguish. Today, let's talk about their differences. Purple Bud Tea encompasses all tea trees and tea products with purple buds and leaves. Such tea trees are rarely seen in China. However, in Yunnan, Purple Bud Tea is a type of Pu'er tea where usually the buds and first three leaves are purple. The Purple Bud Tea in Yunnan is not a specific variety or a particular processing method but rather the result of natural genetic mutation under natural selection. They often grow on primitive wild old tea trees and ancient tea trees. Due to the dry climate and strong sunlight, the tea trees have undergone natural mutations, causing the buds to exhibit varying shades of purple. In a vast tea forest, there aren't many tea trees with purple buds. Even on ancient tea trees, the number of purple buds is scarce. Purple Bud Tea is mainly distributed in high-altitude areas of Xishuangbanna, Lincang, and Pu'er, with relatively more in the Lincang region. After brewing, the liquor color of Purple Bud Tea is similar to other Pu'er teas, yellow and bright. Its…...

Tea is a beverage with a long history and rich culture. In modern life, brewing tea on a tea tray is not only a continuation of tradition but also an art of living. If you are interested in brewing tea, this article will guide you through each step of brewing tea on a tea tray so that you can also enjoy the pleasure of brewing tea. (Image source: Internet, delete if infringing) Selecting Suitable Tea Utensils The first step in brewing tea is selecting suitable tea utensils. Generally, a complete set of tea utensils includes a teapot, teacups, a pitcher, a tea strainer, a tea cloth, and a tea tray, among others. When choosing tea utensils, you can select based on your preferences and the type of tea. For example, for brewing green tea, a glass teapot can be chosen as it allows you to appreciate the beautiful unfolding of the tea leaves in water; while for brewing black tea, a purple clay pot can be selected, which better highlights the aroma of black tea. Preparing the Tea Leaves and Water After selecting the tea utensils, the next step is preparing the tea leaves and water. The choice of tea…...

Everything has its time, and so does tea drinking. Throughout the day, different times call for different tea-drinking techniques, such as avoiding overly strong teas in the morning or unfermented teas in the evening, which may affect your sleep. Let's take a closer look at how to plan your daily tea sessions. Morning: Jasmine Tea After a night of rest, the body has consumed a significant amount of water. A cup of light tea water can quickly replenish fluids, cleanse the intestines and stomach, lower blood pressure, dilute the blood, refresh the mind, detoxify the body, and combat fatigue. The ideal choice for the morning is flower tea. After secondary processing, flower tea blends the rich aroma of flowers with the delicate fragrance of tea, which can refresh the mind and awaken the senses. However, those who suffer from insomnia should avoid drinking flower tea, as it may cause more severe sleep disorders. People with allergies should also refrain from drinking flower tea. It's important to note that one should not drink overly strong tea in the morning and should avoid drinking tea on an empty stomach. Otherwise, the excessive absorption of caffeine by the gastrointestinal tract could result in…...

The use, maintenance, and cleaning of purple clay pots come with specific knowledge and methods. These practical tips are the summation of life experiences. Understanding this knowledge and mastering the correct methods can greatly enrich and improve tea and pot arts.Drinking tea in winter is a very healthy practice. Brewing tea with a purple clay pot not only brings out its rich aroma without any cooked taste but also offers an advantage over other teapots due to its excellent heat retention, especially in cold weather. Preparing the Tea This refers to brewing tea. Different teas require different water temperatures for steeping. Tip: Remember to warm up the purple clay pot before brewing tea in winter, especially Zhu Ni pots, to prevent cracking. Purple clay pots come in various heights. Tall pots are suitable for black tea, while short pots are better for green tea. Tall pots have a higher body and a more closed lid, making them ideal for black tea. Since black tea undergoes fermentation during processing, steeping it in a tall pot allows for deep brewing, fully developing the tea's flavor, aroma, and color, resulting in a richer and more fragrant infusion. Shorter pots have a shorter body…...

Selecting the Right Type of Tea The first step in brewing a good cup of tea is choosing high-quality tea leaves. There are various types of tea available on the market, including green tea, black tea, white tea, oolong tea, and Pu'er tea, each with its unique flavor and characteristics. When selecting tea, it is recommended to purchase from reputable brands or specialized tea shops, ensuring freshness and quality. (Image source: network; delete if infringement) Preparing the Necessary Tools Brewing tea requires some basic tools, such as a teapot, teacup, strainer, and teaspoon. For a more professional setup, you can prepare a tea set. Choose a teapot made of ceramic, glass, or purple clay, as these materials better retain the temperature and aroma of the tea. A strainer can help remove tea fragments, making the tea liquor clearer. Mastering the Right Water Quality and Temperature Water quality has a crucial impact on the taste of tea. It is best to use mineral water or filtered tap water, avoiding chlorinated or hard water. Different types of tea have different requirements for water temperature. Generally, green tea should be brewed at 80-85°C, black tea and oolong tea require 90-95°C, while Pu'er tea…...

The process of nurturing a teapot starts from the very first use. To achieve a lustrous and smooth effect, besides having a good quality teapot, the correct care and maintenance methods are also crucial. Remember the following three points in your daily tea brewing routine: 1. Before Brewing Tea Preheat the teapot inside and out with warm water to remove any musty odor and bacteria (be mindful of temperature differences, use lukewarm water rather than boiling). 2. During Brewing During each brewing interval, wipe the teapot clean with a damp cloth (one that is absorbent) and then polish it with a dry cloth (soft). Consistency will bring out the teapot's warmth and luster. 3. After Brewing After using the Yixing teapot for brewing tea, clear out the leaves and tea water, then rinse the teapot inside and out with hot water. Do not use chemical cleaning agents; they can alter the aroma retained by the teapot and affect its sheen. In addition to the daily routine, follow these principles when nurturing your teapot: 01 To develop an outer patina on a Yixing teapot, frequently brew tea and rinse the exterior. After each brewing session, make sure to wipe the outside…...

The topic of how to properly prepare a new purple clay teapot for use has been discussed extensively. However, many newcomers to the world of purple clay teapots still fall into common traps. Here are some incorrect methods that you should avoid: Mistake One: Tofu Preparation Method "Boiling tofu can remove the 'fiery' quality of a new purple clay teapot, absorb earthy odors and kiln dust, and break down any residual substances in the teapot." ▲ Preparing a teapot with tofu Firstly, there is no such thing as a teapot having a 'fiery' quality. This term is used in traditional Chinese medicine to describe human conditions. Secondly, the claim about absorbing odors is baseless. If this were true, we would place tofu instead of tea leaves or charcoal sachets in new homes and cars. Furthermore, after being fired at over 1,000 degrees Celsius, it's unclear what residual substances could be broken down by boiling tofu. Mistake Two: Sugarcane Preparation Method "Sugarcane, with its natural sweetness and fragrance, can imbue the teapot with an unprecedented level of nourishment, laying a solid foundation for future brewing." ▲ Preparing a teapot with sugarcane The idea behind using sugarcane (or apples) for preparation is…...

As tea culture continues to evolve, people’s requirements for tea ware have become increasingly higher. Not only is there a demand for its functionality, but also for its aesthetic value. It can be said that the more exquisite the tea ware, the more pleasant the tea tasting experience becomes. Therefore, fine tea ware often adds much enjoyment to tea drinking. Due to their different materials used in production, tea wares can be categorized into earthenware tea ware, porcelain tea ware, metal tea ware, glass tea ware, and bamboo & wood tea ware. Each type has its own unique charm and brings a different kind of enjoyment during tea tasting. 1. Earthenware Tea Ware Earthenware tea ware is the earliest type of tea ware in China. As early as the initial period of Northern Song Dynasty, earthenware tea ware had already taken shape. Since it is fired at high temperatures and densely sintered, it is both leak-proof and has microscopic pores invisible to the naked eye. This means it neither heats up too quickly nor gets too hot to handle. Furthermore, the shapes of earthenware tea ware are often simple yet elegant with various forms and colors that are rustic and…...