Black Tea

 Black tea is named for its bright color. As the weather cools, brewing a cup of warm black tea, with its inviting red hue, not only brings warmth like a breath of spring but also soothes the soul and lifts spirits. It also has numerous health benefits, captivating people around the world. Let's delve into the goodness of drinking black tea. 01 Antiviral and Disinfectant On October 6, 2016, scientists from the Shizuoka Prefectural Environmental Health Science Institute announced that they had successfully confirmed that theaflavins in black tea have antiviral effects. These compounds can disinfect human caliciviruses such as norovirus and are expected to be applied in the prevention of food poisoning. The specific findings were published in an international academic journal. Between 2011 and 2015, the institute collaborated with the Shizuoka Prefectural University Pharmaceutical Research Center and other institutions to develop disinfectants for norovirus. They found that theaflavins produced during the fermentation of tea leaves significantly reduced the infectivity of norovirus. Experiments using cat cells confirmed that the virus' infectivity was reduced to about one-thousandth, and this effect was observed on three surrogate viruses for human norovirus. To disinfect against norovirus, hypochlorite or heat is often required, but…...

Today, we're going to talk about buying black tea. Identification of Black Tea Black tea is a fully fermented tea made from the buds and leaves of the tea tree, processed through withering, rolling, fermentation, drying, and other steps. Although black tea has always been popular, many people are unsure how to choose high-quality black tea. Below are some methods for identifying black tea. Depending on the production method, black tea can be divided into three types: Gongfu black tea, small-leaf black tea, and broken black tea. Different types of black tea have different identification methods. Gongfu Black Tea High-quality gongfu black tea has tight, fine, straight, and uniform strands; its color is lustrous and dark; it has a rich, fresh, and pure aroma; the taste is full-bodied and the liquor is bright red; the infused leaves are bright and red. Conversely, those with coarse, uneven strands, inconsistent and dull colors, impure aromas, unclear liquor color, turbid liquor, bland taste, and dark infused leaves are inferior. Among gongfu black teas, Anhui Keemun black tea is particularly renowned. Others like Zhenghe Gongfu, Tanyang Gongfu, and Bailin Gongfu also enjoy a good reputation both domestically and internationally, all being high-quality black teas.…...

Since ancient times, the Chinese people have had a profound connection with tea, evolving from consuming to drinking tea, and from cultivating, picking to processing it. The industrious and wise Chinese people, based on local conditions, have utilized core techniques such as fixation, withering, yellowing, oxidation, piling, fermentation, and scenting to develop six major types of tea - green, white, yellow, oolong, black, and dark teas - along with flower-scented teas and other processed teas, totaling thousands of varieties. In this deep-rooted relationship with tea, different tea-drinking and tea-meeting customs have been formed and passed down through generations. On November 29, 2022, China's "Traditional Chinese Tea Processing Techniques and Associated Customs" was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This entry encompasses 44 national-level intangible cultural heritage representative projects, including four traditional tea customs: Bai ethnic three-course tea, Yao ethnic oil tea, Tea Gathering Festival, and Jing Shan tea banquet. The Chinese tea culture is not only long-standing but also constantly renewed. To further enhance the recognition of Chinese tea customs and the entire Chinese tea culture, and to promote their protection, inheritance, development, and dissemination, the All-China Co-operative News·Tea Weekly has specially planned…...

Jin Jun Mei is a very rare and excellent type of tea, being one of the varieties of black tea. The brew made from Jin Jun Mei has a golden hue and a sweet taste upon entry, making it an exceptional choice for tea lovers. So who is Jin Jun Mei suitable for? And who should avoid drinking Jin Jun Mei? Suitable Groups for Jin Jun Mei:1. People with edema: The caffeine and theophylline in Jin Jun Mei tea have diuretic effects, useful for treating edema and hydrops. Using black tea with sugar can help detoxify and promote diuresis, treating acute icteric hepatitis. 2. People with bronchial asthma: The small amount of caffeine in Jin Jun Mei has cardiotonic, spasmolytic, and muscle-relaxing properties, capable of relieving bronchospasm, promoting blood circulation, and serving as a good auxiliary treatment for bronchial asthma, cough suppression, and myocardial infarction. 3. People with oral inflammation: The tea polyphenols and tannins in Jin Jun Mei tea act on bacteria, coagulating their proteins and killing them. It can be used to treat intestinal diseases such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and enteritis. For skin sores, ulcers, or wounds, washing the affected area with concentrated tea can have anti-inflammatory…...

Green Tea Green tea is unfermented and consists of tender leaves, which require a lower water temperature for brewing. Generally, the optimal brewing temperature for green tea should be between 80°C and 85°C. If the water is too hot, it can destroy vitamin C and polyphenols in the tea, making the brew bitter. Therefore, it's recommended to boil the water first and then let it cool for a while until it reaches the appropriate temperature before steeping the green tea. (Image source: Internet, delete if infringement occurs) White Tea White tea is also unfermented and consists of delicate leaves, suitable for brewing at even lower temperatures. Typically, the best brewing temperature for white tea is between 70°C and 75°C. Higher temperatures can destroy the nutritional components of the white tea, causing the brew to lose its unique fragrance and sweetness. Oolong Tea Oolong tea lies between green and black teas as a partially fermented tea. Oolong tea requires slightly higher water temperatures, generally ranging from 80°C to 95°C. Higher temperatures can fully release the rich aroma and unique flavor of oolong tea, but they shouldn't be too high, as this could affect the freshness of the brew. (Image source: Internet,…...

The reason many friends like purple clay pots is that they "become increasingly mellow with prolonged use and tea drinking," but few are truly well-nourished in daily use. ▲Nourished patina When you see the pots that experts have nourished, they are warm and restrained, noble and elegant, making one envious. Yet, your own pot can easily become "dirty or patchy." Today, let's talk about the issues of nourishing a pot. Unable to Achieve Results The nourishment of a purple clay pot, also known as the patina, has a warm and subdued color, emitting a natural glow. This is the state of a purple clay pot after it has been nurtured. If you cannot achieve these results, there are several reasons: 1. The pot has been waxed or over-polished. 2. It is a slip-cast pot or a hand-pulled pot. ▲Not a natural shine These types of pots either have been treated on their surface or have added water glass and different processes. They are "already relatively shiny." Therefore, when using them, pot enthusiasts might feel that the effects of nourishment are not significant. A purple clay pot itself has a sandy texture. Before being fully nourished, it appears plain and simple,…...

After a busy day of work, it's finally time to rest. Many people have the habit of drinking tea in the evening, while others do not. Sometimes, one might suddenly feel like having tea at night. It is commonly believed that drinking tea before bed can cause insomnia, as tea contains caffeine which can keep you in an excited state and has a stimulating effect. Therefore, many fans of dark tea avoid drinking it in the evening for fear of sleepless nights. However, not all teas lead to insomnia. If you're wondering whether drinking dark tea affects sleep, well, it generally doesn't (results may vary from person to person). Dark tea is a low-caffeine health beverage (due to its high maturity of raw materials and roasting processes) and, compared to cola and other types of tea, it does not affect sleep. The raw materials for dark tea are relatively mature, and after initial processing, the caffeine content in dark tea is significantly lower than in other teas. Dark tea undergoes post-fermentation. Its production process focuses on refining rather than shaping. Dark tea is first roasted over a seven-star stove to enhance its aroma, then stomped by a team of seven…...

The health benefits of tea are numerous; it can prevent cardiovascular diseases, lower cholesterol levels, boost the immune system, enhance antibacterial capabilities, and aid in weight loss. Although regular tea consumption is generally beneficial to health, choosing the right type of tea according to one's condition can maximize its health benefits.Especially for female friends when drinking tea, it is crucial to understand their own constitution and the nature of the tea. What are the things women should be mindful of when drinking tea? Note One: Drink Tea According to Constitution and Nature of the Tea Chinese tea is categorized into six types: green tea, black tea (red tea in China), yellow tea, white tea, oolong tea, and dark tea (Pu'er). Each category has a different nature, and thus, different effects on the human body. Therefore, it is important to choose the appropriate type of tea based on your constitution. Oolong tea (green tea) is neutral and suitable for most people. Dark tea (Pu'er tea) is warm-natured and helps eliminate grease, detoxify meat products, and lower cholesterol levels; it tastes better and becomes more effective after being stored for a while. Black tea (red tea) is warm-natured and is recommended for…...

When everyone first starts playing with purple clay teapots, they know nothing about the colorful varieties of purple clay. Then they gradually learn about types like purple clay, duan clay, red clay, and so on. At first, they think they've become proficient, but then they discover names like purple eggplant clay, old purple clay, red skin dragon, black star soil, golden duan, and more... which leaves them even more confused. I dare say that most enthusiasts are still at this stage: constantly exploring and collecting an endless variety of purple clay types. However, if you continue to delve deeper, you'll find that all the different types of clay are just derivatives or coexisting clays of the initial few types. They're only given different names due to differences in the color of the ore, the location of the mine, and the final color of the finished product. 1. Purple clay includes types like bottom groove clear (Dicaoqing) and old purple clay. The color range primarily spans from brownish yellow, brownish red, to chocolate colors. When assessing whether it's good quality material, pay attention to the particles. Personally, I believe that relatively correct purple clay materials will usually have a grainy feel,…...

Hunan is known as the "Land of Fish and Rice." It ranks among the top in the nation for its output of rice, pork, oilseeds, vegetables, tea, freshwater products, citrus fruits, and traditional Chinese medicines. For years, as a major agricultural province, Hunan has been characterized by high agricultural output but weak processing capabilities and low product added value. How can we ensure that high output translates into high efficiency, accelerating the transition from an agricultural powerhouse to a strong agricultural province? Recently, Party Secretary Shen Xiaoming conducted research on the development of green agricultural products and food processing industries in Changsha and Yueyang. During his visit to Jinjing Town, he inspected the tea plantation of Hunan Xiangfeng Tea Group. The town’s advanced experiences in tea production and processing, innovation, and cultural tourism integration have been reported by platforms such as Hunan Development and Reform, and Hunan Daily. Extending the Industrial Chain: Integrating Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Sectors What can a single tea leaf bring? In Jinjing Town, Changsha County, a single tea leaf contributes to a comprehensive annual output value of 1.6 billion yuan. In Xiangfeng Village, Jinjing Town, Changsha County, emerald-green tea plants stretch across the hillsides. Tea…...

Green tea can be brewed both cold and hot. Cold brewing is more suitable for hot weather, offering a refreshing taste that cools and quenches thirst. Hot brewing is part of many people's daily routine. Whether to choose hot or cold brewing ultimately depends on personal preference. Cold Brew or Hot Brew for Green Tea? While boiling water can quickly extract many nutrients from the tea leaves, the temperature of the hot water and the duration of boiling can affect the taste and color of the tea, which is why some people find their tea bitter. Cold brewing solves this issue by not only preserving the vitamins in the tea but also ensuring that other nutrients such as polyphenols and catechins maintain their antioxidant activity, similar to that achieved through boiling water. Overall, in certain aspects, cold-brewed tea is more convenient, releases less caffeine, and can help lower blood sugar levels. Convenient and Quick: You can use purified water, mineral water, or cold boiled water. The brewing time can range from half an hour to six hours. Reduce "Tea Drunkenness": Tea contains caffeine, which has stimulating effects. Some people may experience insomnia after drinking tea. Cold brewing reduces the release…...

As a member of the tea family, black tea seems destined to be sociable. It loves to pair with different ingredients and always stands out brilliantly. Black tea is perhaps the most accommodating of all teas. Add milk, and it becomes a milky tea; add fruit, and it turns into fruity black tea; add flowers, and it becomes a floral infusion. With such versatility, can you resist the urge to mix your own cup of delicious black tea? Honey Black Tea: Ingredients: Black tea, honey Preparation: Brew an appropriate amount of black tea and pour the tea into a drinking cup. Once it has cooled down, add honey and stir well before serving. Milky Black Tea: Ingredients: Black tea, pure milk, white sugar Preparation: Prepare the tea first. Warm the milk slightly and then mix it with the tea. The ratio of black tea to milk is usually 3:1, but adjust according to taste. If needed, add some white sugar for sweetness. Lemon Black Tea: Ingredients: 2-5 infusions of black tea, fresh lemon juice, rock sugar Preparation: Pour the black tea into a cup and add a few drops of fresh lemon juice. Rock sugar can be added to taste.…...