Black Tea

Tea enthusiasts are certainly familiar with Pu'er tea, but not all may know how to truly appreciate it. Today, let's discuss the seven steps to drinking Pu'er tea. Step 1: Observe the Tea Mature production techniques result in cakes that are evenly shaped, compact, and uniform in thickness. With the advent of electrostatic dust removal machines, modern Pu'er teas from reputable manufacturers are free of foreign objects. Prior to 2004, when such machines were not widely used, older teas might have some impurities due to manual sorting. The color distinguishes raw from ripe teas: ripe teas are dark brown, while raw teas range from dark green (young) to brownish-red (aged), transitioning from loose to compact, thin to robust, dry to lustrous. Step 2: Touch the Tea The compactness of the tea indicates its aging potential; loosely packed leaves age faster under equal storage conditions, while tightly packed leaves age more slowly. Surface blending involves sprinkling higher-grade leaves on the surface for a better appearance, while a single-grade cake consists of uniformly graded leaves throughout, without any external embellishment. Step 3: Smell the Dry Tea As the name suggests, use your nose to carefully smell the tea. Pu'er tea improves with…...

Brewing tea is an art that can bring a moment of tranquility and comfort amidst a busy life. Whether it's green tea, black tea, oolong tea, or other varieties, the correct brewing method can fully release the aroma and flavor of the tea leaves. Here, we will detail how to brew the perfect cup of tea. (Image source: network, delete upon infringement) Select Suitable Tea Leaves The first step to brewing good tea is choosing high-quality tea leaves. Different types of tea have distinct flavors and health benefits. Green tea is refreshing and rich in antioxidants; black tea is robust and invigorating; oolong tea lies between green and black tea, with unique floral and fruity aromas. When purchasing tea, try to choose fresh loose leaf tea over tea bags, as loose leaf tea is generally of higher quality. Prepare Brewing Tools Good tools can help you better control every detail of the brewing process. You'll need a clean teapot or teacup, a strainer (if using loose leaf tea), a teaspoon, a timer, and a saucer. For certain teas, such as green tea, you may also need a thermometer to ensure the water temperature is appropriate. Select Suitable Water and Water…...

Wuyi Rock Tea is unique with its rock aroma, attributed to the "Ultimate Mountains and Rivers." In the tea world, it's often said that "water is the father of tea, and utensils are the mother of tea," highlighting the significant impact of tea utensils on the infusion and drinking experience beyond the tea itself. The correct brewing technique and suitable utensils are crucial in bringing out the "rock aroma." The development of local standards like the "Wuyi Rock Tea Brewing and Tasting Method" and group standards such as the "Wuyi Rock Tea Brewing and Tasting Utensils" further emphasize the importance of harmonizing "tea" with "utensils." Let's explore this together today. Brewing Utensil Selection 01 Selecting appropriate utensils based on the characteristics of rock tea primarily involves choosing a water heater, brewing tools, and tasting cups. 1. Choosing a Water Heater Brewing not only requires good water quality but also the right water heating equipment. Water heaters can be categorized by material into iron, copper, silver, stainless steel, glass, and clay pots, and by heating method into electric, alcohol lamp, and charcoal-based ones. Electric Water Heater From a material perspective, enthusiasts can choose clay, purple clay, or iron pots. Clay and…...

Black tea, with its unique aroma and flavor, has become a beloved beverage worldwide, indispensable to people's daily lives. The origins of black tea imbue it with different flavors and characteristics. Today, let's embark on a journey of black tea and explore the four major origins of black tea around the world, experiencing their unique charms! China: The Birthplace of Black Tea China is the birthplace of black tea, with a long history of cultivation and production. There are numerous types of Chinese black teas, among which the most famous are Keemun Black Tea, Yunnan Black Tea, and Lapsang Souchong. Keemun Black Tea: produced in Qimen County, Anhui Province, it is renowned for its distinctive "Keemun fragrance." Keemun black tea boasts an aromatic bouquet with notes of orchid and honey, a rich and sweet taste, and a lingering aftertaste. Yunnan Black Tea: produced in Yunnan Province, it is known for its vibrant color and intense aroma. Yunnan black tea has a bright red infusion, a high-aroma, a robust and full-bodied taste, and carries the essence of the wilderness. Lapsang Souchong: produced in Wuyi Mountain, Fujian Province, it is one of the oldest black teas in the world. Lapsang Souchong has…...

Yunnan Black, also known as Dian Hong, is a type of black tea from Yunnan. The recommended amount for brewing is 4 to 5 grams, which can be infused more than 10 times, depending on individual drinking habits. Use water at around 80 to 83 degrees Celsius (first boil the water to a full rolling boil, then let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly to about 80 degrees Celsius; do not add cold or unboiled water). The infusion should be quick, with the first to third infusions steeped for just one second. The first infusion is for rinsing the tea, and starting from the fourth infusion, gradually increase the steeping time to 3 seconds, 5 seconds, 8 seconds, etc., without covering the vessel. How Many Infusions Can Yunnan Black Tea Typically Stand? The number of infusions that Yunnan Black tea can stand depends on the age and processing method of the leaves. Generally speaking, when brewed in a gaiwan, Yunnan Black tea can withstand at least six infusions. High-quality Yunnan Black can withstand more than ten infusions. "Dian Hong," the black tea produced in Yunnan Province, features robust and tightly rolled dry leaves with prominent golden tips,…...

Tea lovers often keep a good stock of tea at home. Some store their tea in the fridge, or even buy a small fridge specifically for this purpose. However, this is a common misconception – whether tea should be stored in the fridge depends on the type. Here are some basics about storing tea in the fridge. Green tea, yellow tea, and some oolong teas need to be refrigerated, while Pu'er, white tea, dark tea, black tea, and oolong teas with higher fermentation levels should be stored at room temperature and sealed. When storing these teas, it's important to prevent odors, dampness, ensure airtight conditions, and avoid light. If you plan to consume the tea within two months, simply store it in a cool place at room temperature. Green tea, yellow tea, and lightly fermented oolong teas need to be refrigerated. These teas have low fermentation levels or are unfermented, making them highly active and susceptible to environmental factors and oxidation, which can alter their quality. To maintain their flavor and aroma, they should be properly sealed and refrigerated. Which Teas Need Refrigeration? The main types of tea that benefit from fridge storage are green tea and lightly oxidized oolong…...

Monastery on Nine-day Mountain The chrysanthemums by the eastern fence are also turning yellow. Worldly people often indulge in wine. Who understands and enhances the fragrance of tea? The fifth typhoon of the year, Doksuri, has made landfall in Fujian, prompting a red alert from the National Meteorological Center. Meanwhile, Typhoon Khanun, the sixth of the season, is poised and gradually intensifying. The typhoons bring heavy rainfall and a great deal of moisture, making it a critical time for tea enthusiasts. Slight carelessness can result in moldy tea leaves... So, what should you pay attention to when storing tea during typhoon weather? Typhoon Tea Storage Tips Watch Out for High Temperatures In the scorching summer, while typhoons may arrive, many might mistakenly think that temperatures have dropped. However, even if there's an occasional decrease, high temperatures remain the norm, so tea lovers need to be extra cautious. Various substances in tea decompose under high temperatures, reducing the aroma, taste, and quality of the tea. Storing tea at temperatures below 10°C effectively inhibits browning. White tea, in particular, is best stored at temperatures between 25°C and 30°C. In a cool and dry environment, the enzymes within the tea can maintain sufficient…...

The Ming Dynasty was a period of innovation in tea processing and the creation of loose leaf teas, setting new trends for tea drinking. In the 24th year of Hongwu reign under Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang (1391), the production of compressed tea bricks was abolished, promoting the development of loose leaf teas. Many famous teas emerged as the method of brewing changed from whisking to steeping. The process of tea preparation became simpler, and fewer tea wares were needed. 1. Simplification and Reduction of Tea Wares The older tea cakes of the Tang Dynasty required the "boiled tea method." The finely processed dragon and phoenix compressed teas of the Song Dynasty necessitated the "whisked tea method." Both the "boiled tea method" and the "whisked tea method" involved complex procedures and a multitude of tea wares. The brewing of loose leaf teas in the Ming Dynasty was much simpler: a small amount of tea would be placed in a cup (or pot), and hot water poured over it, ready to drink. This method was also known as the "pinch tea method" during the Song Dynasty. At this point, only a kettle for boiling water and a cup (or pot) for brewing were…...

Due to the frequent temperature changes in spring, various physiological functions of the human body tend to decline, and resistance weakens, making it easier for the body to be attacked by viruses. Here are some teas that can help maintain health. Black Tea 1. Keep Warm and Protect the Stomach The winter climate is in a low humidity state, and the human body is inevitably invaded by dampness and cold, causing discomfort in the stomach. Black tea has a sweet and gentle nature, nourishing the body's yang energy, enhancing its ability to resist the cold, and having the benefits of warming and protecting the stomach. 2. Prevent Cardiovascular Diseases and Protect Elderly Health Winter is a high-risk period for heart disease and stroke, with cardiovascular activity weakened due to factors such as temperature, which can trigger cardiovascular diseases. American medical research has found that heart disease patients who drink four cups of black tea daily see their blood vessel dilation increase from 6% to 10%. After brewing, 70% of potassium in black tea dissolves in the tea water, which helps enhance cardiac circulation. In the cold winter, the elderly can drink more black tea to combat the cold and prevent…...

Basic Introduction to Puer Tea from YunnanPuer tea from Yunnan is produced from the unique large-leaf tea trees of Yunnan, and it is among Chinese famous teas that most emphasizes brewing techniques and the art of drinking. Its methods of consumption are exceptionally diverse; it can be drunk plain or mixed. Plain drinking refers to brewing without adding any additional ingredients, a practice more common among Han Chinese. Mixed drinking involves adding one's preferred ingredients to the tea, a practice more prevalent in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Durability in brewing is an advantage of Puer tea; when brewed with a lidded bowl or a purple clay pot, aged Puer tea can be infused over 20 times, with its flavor and color gradually diminishing with each infusion. Nutritional ValueSpring Tea Drinking for HealthIn spring, when the body is in a state of release, one may choose Puer tea with a certain degree of natural fermentation or a blend of raw and ripe Puer tea. Such tea has both warmth and vitality, which helps dissipate the cold accumulated in the body during winter, promoting the generation of yang energy, invigorating the spirit, alleviating spring fatigue, and enhancing resistance to disease.Summer Tea Drinking…...

Tea, as an integral part of Chinese traditional culture, is not just a beverage but also a representation of a way of life. From green tea to black tea and Pu'er tea, each type has its unique flavor and brewing method. In this article, we will delve into the varieties of tea, methods of brewing, and how to select appropriate tea ware. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Green Tea: The Representative of Freshness and Elegance Green tea is an unfermented tea known for its fresh taste and rich nutritional value. Common types include Longjing, Biluochun, and Mao Feng. Brewing Method: The brewing of green tea requires attention to water temperature and time. Generally, use water around 80°C, with a brewing time of 1-2 minutes. Higher temperatures or longer times can destroy the fragrance and taste of the green tea. Tea Ware Selection: Glass cups or porcelain cups are suitable, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of the leaves unfolding in the water. Black Tea: Rich and Smooth Flavor Black tea is a fully fermented tea renowned for its strong aroma and sweet taste. Notable black teas include Keemun, Darjeeling, and Ceylon. Brewing Method: Black tea requires hot water at…...

Drinking tea is a common practice for adults. However, in daily life, we rarely see children drinking tea. Many parents allow their children to drink regular soft drinks and carbonated beverages but seldom permit them to drink tea. Zhu Haiyan, Director of the Horticultural Culture Research and Dissemination Center at the College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Hunan Agricultural University, explains that there are two main reasons why we seldom see children drinking tea in everyday life. Firstly, children do not like the bitter taste of tea. More importantly, people believe that tea has a certain stimulating effect which may be detrimental to children's growth and development, potentially harming their spleen and stomach. In fact, these views are one-sided. "Scientifically speaking, drinking safe and hygienic tea, without consuming it too strong, can bring many benefits to children," Zhu Haiyan says. Firstly, moderate tea consumption helps to reduce fat and promote weight loss. According to relevant surveys, more than one-fifth of school-aged children in major cities in China suffer from varying degrees of nutritional excess, leading to numerous cases of obese children and those with high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, severely affecting their physical and mental development. The…...