Black Tea

In recent years, more and more people have heard of Liubao tea, come to understand it, and started drinking or even collecting it. This is certainly related to the unique qualities of Liubao tea – its red, rich, aged, and mellow flavor, as well as its distinctive aroma and taste. It is also closely tied to Liubao tea's ability to improve over time. However, we cannot overlook the health benefits of Liubao tea. Many consumers feel refreshed after drinking Liubao tea. Some find themselves more energetic during the day, others find their digestion improved, and some even notice significant changes in their health check-up reports. The unique and remarkable health benefits of Liubao tea have made it a favorite among many people. As Liubao tea belongs to the category of dark teas, when discussing its health benefits, we often refer to the experiences with other dark teas or Pu'er ripe tea. Yet, what we fail to realize is that Liubao tea's unique processing techniques give it distinct health benefits not found in any other type of tea. Throughout history, there have been records of the health benefits of Liubao tea at different stages. Originating from Wuzhou, Guangxi, Liubao tea was…...

In our busy lives, a fragrant cup of tea can bring moments of tranquility and relief. To brew a good cup of tea, it's essential to master some techniques and tips. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced tea enthusiast, this article will provide you with practical guidelines for brewing tea. (Image source from the internet, delete on infringement) Selecting High-Quality Tea Leaves To brew a great cup of tea, start by selecting high-quality tea leaves. The quality of the leaves, whether green tea, black tea, oolong tea, or Pu'er tea, directly affects the taste and aroma of the tea infusion. It is recommended to choose fresh, impurity-free leaves and avoid using tea that has been stored for a long time as it loses its original aroma and flavor over time. Water Quality and Temperature The quality of water has a significant impact on tea brewing; it is best to use mineral water or filtered water. Water temperature is also a critical factor, and different types of tea require different temperatures for brewing. For example: Green tea: water temperature between 158°F - 176°F (70°C - 80°C). Black tea: water temperature between 185°F - 203°F (85°C - 95°C). Oolong tea: water…...

Tea quality is relative, different people have different preferences; some prefer strong flavors while others like it fresh and light. For Qimen Black Tea, in terms of taste alone, the liquor is a tender, clear red with a fresh, soft mouthfeel and a hint of subtle sweetness. Some describe it as having a unique Qimen aroma. Good black tea has golden tips on its shape, whether it’s in the form of Golden Needle or Fragrant Snail, the leaf shape is fine. Three grams of Qimen black tea steeped in 150 milliliters of water at 90 degrees Celsius for about five seconds produces a tea liquor from which an intense, penetrating fragrance greets you. To the tea enthusiast, aroma and flavor are the basic standards for judging authentic Qimen Black Tea. The high and persistent Qimen aroma remains stable in quality even after the test of time. The formation of this unique aroma is inseparable from the natural charm of its gifted growing region. Whether the Qimen aroma is authentic or not directly relates to the tea's growth area, which is a crucial factor in determining its aroma. The definition of the authentic Qimen origin is still a subject of much…...

Basic Introduction to Taoyuan Black Tea Taoyuan Black Tea belongs to the black tea category of China's six major tea types, named after its origin in Taoyuan County, Hunan Province, China. Traditional Taoyuan Black Tea is divided into floral black tea, Gongfu black tea, and red brick tea. Modern Taoyuan Black Tea includes golden buds, red curly snails, Gongfu black, and red Fu brick. The outstanding quality of Taoyuan large-leaf tea lies in its "large leaves, soft texture, robust color, abundant down, jade-green liquor, fragrant aroma, and lingering aftertaste." Tea experts have determined that this tea is rich in selenium, zinc, and other trace elements beneficial to human health, as well as over 500 types of polyphenols, with a tea polyphenol content as high as 35% and an amino acid content of 8.56%, more than twice that of conventional teas. Due to the fact that these tea plants only flower but do not fruit, along with excessive picking over centuries, by the 1960s, there were very few wild tea plants left in Taoyuan. At this time, many domestic tea scholars and experts came searching for them. Liao Yuzhao, a tea taster from Anhua, was astonished to find two distinctive large-leaf…...

Many pot enthusiasts cherish their Yixing clay pots, yet they may be unclear or even completely ignorant about the relevant knowledge. Here are some essential facts about Yixing clay pots that are commonly asked by enthusiasts, which we would like to share with everyone. ① Why do Yixing clay pots made from the same type of Dicong Qing have different colors? The color can vary due to differences in firing times and temperatures, among other factors. As a result, even clay sourced from the same location can produce Yixing clay pots of different colors when fired. As shown in the following image (taken at the China Yixing Ceramic Museum), there are color variations even among samples of the same type of Dicong Qing clay. ② Does a lack of an inner stamp always mean the pot is not handmade? This is not necessarily true. Some individual artisans have different habits, and there are handmade pots without inner stamps. The presence or absence of an internal stamp cannot directly determine whether a Yixing clay pot is entirely handmade; it needs to be evaluated holistically. As a beginner, you don't need to worry about whether the pot is fully handmade or partially…...

The shelf life of Pu'er tea is 10 to 20 years. Pu'er tea is made from unique large-leaf varieties and is divided into raw and ripe teas based on its processing method. Its leaves are thick and substantial, rich in flavor, and capable of aging. Therefore, there isn't a fixed expiration date; it is generally believed that it can be stored for 15 to 20 years. According to the standard GBT22111-2008 Pu'er Tea, under proper storage conditions, it can be preserved long-term. Tea, as a food product, has an expiration date, but it differs from ordinary foods in that its shelf-life limit is very high. In other words, if the storage conditions are met, the shelf life can be extended. What are the storage requirements for Pu'er tea? For example, products should be stored in clean, ventilated, dark, dry rooms free of any peculiar odors. The warehouse should not be polluted by any foul-smelling gases, etc. Pu'er tea, due to its unique production process, is a post-fermented tea and thus has a longer shelf life. It can typically be stored for ten to twenty years, provided it is stored correctly and in a good environment. There is no precise expiration…...

In recent years, the JieXi DaYang International Ecological Tourism Area has deepened the integrated development of culture, tourism, and sports by establishing the JieXi County Tea Provincial Modern Agricultural Industrial Park and hosting tea tourism activities. These efforts have further enhanced the reputation of JieXi's tourism industry and strengthened its cultural and tourism brand, contributing to the construction of the "Hundred Thousand Projects." Recently, when reporters visited the production workshop of the JieXi County Tea Provincial Modern Agricultural Industrial Park in the JieXi DaYang International Ecological Tourism Area, they observed the modern, intelligent tea-making process. Workers were busy transporting freshly picked tea leaves onto the production line, where machines would automatically carry out processes such as withering, rolling, fermentation, and drying. Zou Junhong, staff member at the JieXi DaYang International Ecological Tourism Area Tea Provincial Modern Agricultural Industrial Park: "Since the start of spring tea season this year, we've produced a batch of black tea with excellent quality. Today, we are starting the second batch of black tea production. The distinctive feature of our black tea is its strong aroma and sweet taste. Our ecologically grown teas are harvested from elevations above 850 meters, in high mountains with significant temperature…...

In the world of tea, there are two such twins, separated by thousands of miles but bound by similar geographic latitudes and profound historical backgrounds — Anhua Black Tea from Hunan and Simao Pu'er from Yunnan. Not only do these two teas share the mystical golden tea belt at 30° north latitude, but they have also played significant roles throughout history, becoming unique landscapes in the tea world. 01 Anhua Black Tea: The Aged Fragrance by the Xiang River Hunan Anhua, located south of the Yangtze River and by the Xiang River, has distinct seasons, abundant rainfall, and fertile soil, providing ideal conditions for black tea growth. Anhua Black Tea is renowned for its unique “three tips, three bricks, and one flower roll,” among which the “thousand taels tea” is woven by hand using traditional techniques, resembling a bamboo basket, both aesthetically pleasing and practical. It represents the quintessence of Anhua Black Tea. Its tea liquor is bright red, with a high aroma, full-bodied flavor, and a subtle smoky and aged fragrance that lingers long after tasting. 02 Simao Pu'er: The Vintage Ferment of the Southwestern Clouds Simao, Yunnan, is situated on the southwestern frontier of China, amidst the Hengduan…...

Tea is the national drink, and with the improvement of living standards, more and more people are developing a liking for it. If you enjoy drinking tea, it's inevitable that you'll end up storing some at home—whether for your own consumption or for when guests visit. However, how to store tea is a headache for many tea enthusiasts, as improper storage can easily cause the tea to spoil, affecting its taste and potentially turning it into a "toxic" tea that may be harmful to health. So, what should you do if you have too much tea at home? How to Store Too Much Tea at Home Firstly, we need to categorize the tea stored at home. If there is a large quantity and variety of teas, it's best to sort them by type for better preservation. The storage method varies depending on the fermentation process used in the tea. For lightly roasted or aromatic types of tea, proper sealing is crucial. Choose containers like aluminum packaging or vacuum cans that provide good seals. Additionally, aromatic teas should ideally be stored separately to avoid their scents mixing and compromising the purity of the original aroma. Lightly roasted teas typically include Oolong…...

Many people say that drinking tea at night will cause insomnia. Does drinking tea in the evening necessarily affect your sleep? Not necessarily. While it's true that tea can be invigorating, it can also have a calming effect. By adjusting the type of tea and how you drink it, you can avoid disrupting your sleep and may even improve its quality. Main reason for insomnia caused by tea: People often say that drinking tea causes insomnia because it contains caffeine, which can both energize and keep you awake. However, this is not always the case. The amount of caffeine in tea depends on many factors such as the variety of tea, growing conditions, harvest season, picking standards, processing methods, and brewing techniques. People also vary in their tolerance to caffeine based on their constitution and lifestyle. Some people find themselves tossing and turning after just a small cup of tea before bed, while others who regularly drink tea still enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep. Here’s how to drink tea without causing insomnia: 1. Drink tea 3-5 hours before bedtime If you plan to go to bed at 11 PM, drink tea (after a meal) before 8 PM. This generally won’t…...

Grape oolong tea, a tea beverage that combines traditional oolong tea with modern tastes, has attracted considerable attention in the market. It is not black tea but an innovative drink based on oolong tea, blended with raisins, jasmine flowers, and food-grade flavorings. This article will detail the characteristics of grape oolong tea, its differences from black tea, and explore the diversity and unique craftsmanship of oolong teas. Composition and Characteristics of Grape Oolong Tea Grape oolong tea is a daily beverage whose main ingredient is oolong tea, enhanced by the addition of raisins, jasmine flowers, and food-grade flavorings. This tea beverage does not belong to the category of black tea but is a derivative product of oolong tea, featuring a unique fruity and floral aroma, providing new options for tea enthusiasts. Significant Differences Between Black Tea and Oolong Tea Black tea is a fully fermented tea with typical red leaves, red liquor, and red leaf base, while oolong tea is a semi-fermented tea, often appearing green when dry. There are significant differences between black tea and oolong tea in terms of appearance, color, aroma, and taste. The aroma profile of oolong tea can vary widely, showcasing floral, fruity, milky, and…...

Tea is a common beverage in our daily lives, but many people are unsure about how many times tea should be brewed. Some believe that tea can be brewed repeatedly, while others think once is enough. So, how many times is best to brew tea? Let's delve into this topic today. (Image source: internet, delete upon request) Types of Tea and Brewing Cycles Different types of tea have varying ideal brewing cycles. Green tea, black tea, oolong tea, Pu'er tea, and others will differ in their optimal number of brews due to their unique characteristics. Green Tea Green tea is unfermented and rich in various vitamins and antioxidants. Generally, the first brewing extracts 70%-80% of its nutritional components, making the first brew particularly important. The second brewing still offers good taste and aroma, but by the third brew, the flavor significantly diminishes. (Image source: internet, delete upon request) Black Tea Black tea is fully fermented, with a bright red infusion and a rich flavor. Black tea can generally be brewed 2-3 times, with the first and second brews offering the best aroma and taste, while the third is somewhat lighter. Oolong Tea Oolong tea is semi-fermented, falling between green and…...