Black Tea

"The Xihu District of Hangzhou City should earnestly implement the important concept of 'two mountains' put forward by President Xi Jinping and accelerate the industrialization work of Xihu White Tea. Further efforts should be made to speed up the construction of 'Hangzhou standards,' incorporating Xihu White Tea into a high-standard system, achieving precise management of production data and online digital management of labels; realize high-level management by including Xihu White Tea in a sound institutional protection system, strengthening administrative law enforcement and collaborative protection; particularly strengthen high-quality promotion by establishing and improving inspection, testing, and quality management systems, formulating a series of standards for 'one green, one red, and one white.'” This is the suggestion from Li Hong, a member of the CPPCC Xihu District Committee. Tea is the national drink, and Hangzhou is its capital. As one of Hangzhou's 'golden business cards,' the Zhuantang Subdistrict, known as the birthplace of West Lake Longjing tea, has long been referred to as a 'century-old tea town with a myriad-tan tea country.' Tea has become an important carrier for the high-quality development of local agriculture. On the afternoon of August 1st, a thematic consultation activity titled "Promoting the exploration and extension of…...

Basic Introduction to Jinxiu Black Tea Jinxiu Black Tea is a specialty product of Jinxiu County, Laibin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Jinxiu Black Tea is renowned for its unique aroma and flavor. Grown in the natural environment among rocky forests and mountains, the tea absorbs the essence of nature, showcasing distinctive local characteristics. This tea is simple and natural, with a bright red color, clear and bright infusion, a fresh and refreshing taste, and a rich fragrance. The infusion of Jinxiu Black Tea is a vivid red, with a rich flavor and a sweet aftertaste. It also aids digestion and provides a comfortable drinking experience. Due to the traditional production methods used for Jinxiu Black Tea, which are complex and not industrialized, its production is very limited, making it a valuable rarity. In recent years, with the rise in consumer upgrades and higher quality demands, Jinxiu Black Tea has gained significant popularity both domestically and internationally, further highlighting its rare quality and value. For those who enjoy black tea or collect teas, Jinxiu Black Tea is undoubtedly an excellent choice not to be missed. Nutritional Value Jinxiu Black Tea is made from the tender leaves of the tea plant,…...

It's often said that the more you drink tea, the more discerning your palate becomes. The term “discerning” here refers to being overly selective, and this trait can be observed in both drinking tea and eating meals. But is becoming more discerning with tea a good thing or a bad thing? Today, Cup Xiaocha would like to hear what tea enthusiasts think. There are two main ways in which one’s palate becomes more discerning with tea. Firstly, the variety of teas consumed increases. For example, one might start by drinking green tea but then gradually explore new flavors, such as black tea, Pu'er, and Oolong. Eating the same dishes every day can indeed become tiresome; regularly changing the menu keeps things interesting. After drinking Oolong tea, there might come a time when one wants to return to green tea, thus continually rotating between different types. Secondly, the quality of tea consumed improves. Quality, simply put, is closely tied to price. When starting with Oolong tea, one might not be able to distinguish between good and bad teas, but over time, their ability to appreciate tea grows. They develop preferences for specific varieties and origins and form their own opinions on…...

Tea drinking, much like coffee drinking, can be addictive. Once you experience the joy, you might find yourself engrossed in certain behaviors without even realizing it. How many of these apply to you? Stockpiling tea The desire to stockpile tea is similar to the urge to stockpile groceries. When you finally manage to buy some, why not stock up a bit more? What if it becomes unavailable later on? Or what if the price goes up? And so, you end up with... more tea than you can drink. Buying various teaware A good horse deserves a good saddle, and fine tea deserves beautiful teaware. Longjing tea should be paired with a celadon porcelain cup, Houqiu with a simple Sung-style glass bottle, and Wuyi rock tea wouldn't be complete without a set of gongfu tea ware... Before you know it, your collection of cups and pots has grown exponentially. Your storage cabinet is filled with all sorts of teaware of different shapes, materials, and styles. In a way, these collections represent the various moods of the tea drinker. Feeling an itch to try new teas Chinese tea has strong regional characteristics, and the same leaf can produce countless flavors. For tea…...

It is more suitable to drink black tea at night. Black tea is fully fermented, which means the caffeine and polyphenols undergo oxidation and their content becomes relatively lower. Its nature is gentler, and drinking an appropriate amount of black tea at night can aid digestion and improve sleep. Green tea, on the other hand, is unfermented, tends to be cooler in nature, and has a stronger stimulating effect, making it less suitable for consumption at night. Furthermore, when drinking tea at night, it's important to do so in moderation; avoid drinking large quantities of strong tea. Night Tea: Black or Green? Black tea is more suitable for nighttime consumption. Black tea is made from fully fermented leaves, and as such, the caffeine and polyphenols are oxidized, leading to lower levels of these substances. This makes the tea more gentle, and drinking a moderate amount of black tea at night can help with digestion and improve sleep quality. Green tea, being unfermented, is cooler in nature and has a stronger stimulating effect, making it unsuitable for evening consumption. Additionally, when drinking tea at night, it is advisable to drink it lightly. Drinking lighter teas is healthier, meaning you should use…...

Traditionally processed oolong teas, such as Wuyi rock tea, Phoenix Dancong, and baked Tie Guan Yin, have good stability after roasting. They do not need to be stored in the refrigerator but can be kept in a cool, dry place instead. Oolong teas are generally safe to store at room temperature since they are fully fermented, and this has little impact on their quality. Dark teas, white teas, Pu'er teas, and aged teas, especially Pu'er, rely on aging for their drinking value. Storing these types of tea in the refrigerator could cause dampness issues and also reduce the activity of beneficial enzymes and bacteria within the tea. It is these enzymes and bacteria that contribute to the tea's flavor development over time. Refrigerating these teas would significantly affect their aging process. These types of teas are best stored at room temperature in a dark, well-ventilated, dry area away from strong odors. Storing them in the refrigerator could lead to mold growth. Should Green Tea Be Refrigerated? Green tea is unique because it is meant to be enjoyed for its fresh and crisp taste. Typically, we only drink green tea from the first flush (before the Ming festival). The tea oxidizes…...

Tea has a multitude of health benefits. While drinking tea regularly is generally good for your health, choosing the right type of tea according to your body's condition can enhance its health benefits. Women, as a special group, often have times when their bodies are not at their best, so they need to be more mindful than men when drinking tea. Let’s take a closer look~ 01 How to Choose Your Tea? When drinking tea, you can choose the type based on your own constitution and the nature of the tea. Chinese teas are divided into six main categories: green tea, black tea (red in China), yellow tea, white tea, oolong tea, and dark tea. Black tea (red in China) is warm in nature and suitable for those who suffer from cold hands and feet, are weak, or are older. Green tea is cool in nature and is appropriate for those with a hot constitution or high energy levels, as well as people who work in front of computers frequently. Yellow tea is similar to green tea in terms of properties. Oolong tea is neutral in nature, fragrant, and sweet-tasting, making it suitable for most people. Dark tea is warm…...

Why is Water Temperature So Important for Lapsang Souchong? Lapsang Souchong is a unique type of black tea, beloved by tea enthusiasts for its distinctive aroma and flavor. However, brewing Lapsang Souchong is not as simple as pouring hot water; the temperature plays a crucial role. The right temperature maximizes the release of the tea's aroma and taste, allowing you to enjoy a perfect cup of black tea. (Image source: network, delete upon request) The Optimal Water Temperature for Brewing Lapsang Souchong The optimal water temperature for brewing Lapsang Souchong is typically between 90°C and 95°C. This temperature range fully releases the aromatic compounds and polyphenols in the leaves, resulting in a richly fragrant and full-bodied tea. If the water is too hot, it can destroy the delicate compounds in the leaves, leading to a bitter taste; if the water is too cold, it cannot adequately extract the active ingredients, making the tea bland and tasteless. (Image source: network, delete upon request) How to Control the Water Temperature Use a Thermometer: The most direct method is to use a thermometer to ensure the water temperature is between 90°C and 95°C. Observe the State of the Water: If you don't have…...

The shelf life of tea is not clearly defined, and it varies for different types of tea. For example, black tea can be stored for 2 to 3 years; green tea and yellow tea are typically best consumed within 18 months; oolong tea can be stored for 3 to 5 years; and dark tea and white tea, if properly preserved, can last around 15 years. There are six main categories of Chinese tea, each with its own storage duration. Do you know how long they can be stored? The Shelf Life of the Six Types of Tea 1. Green Tea: The shelf life of green tea is the shortest. Generally, at room temperature, it has a shelf life of about one year. If you have a dedicated refrigerator for storing green tea (which would make you quite the tea connoisseur), the shelf life can be extended to around 18 months. 2. Black Tea: As a fully fermented tea, black tea has a relatively long shelf life and can be stored for more than two years. However, if stored properly, it may undergo transformation after two years. If this transformation is successful, it can be stored for even longer periods. 3.…...

Some people find wood-fired purple clay teapots stunning, while others think they lose the original beauty of purple clay. Ultimately, the choice is left to individual tea enthusiasts. In addition to wood-fired pieces, there are also reduction-fired and ash-covered purple clay teapots. Today, we will cover all three techniques in one go. Wood-Fired Purple Clay The wood-firing (naked firing) process gradually increases temperature. On the first day of firing, a low-temperature smoking process begins, allowing the carbon released from the wood to fill the pores of the clay. Once the surface of the clay turns black due to the carbon, the temperature can be further increased. This process takes approximately 30 hours. The characteristic of wood-firing is that ashes and flames directly enter the kiln. Unlike conventional glazes, the falling ashes naturally adhere to the surface of the piece and, when fired at high temperatures, form a lustrous, rich, and layered natural ash glaze; Molten or unmelted wood ash creates smooth or rough textures on the surface, along with various color changes, leaving traces of where the fire once resided. The result is natural and unadorned, unpredictable and non-repeatable. The color and texture of a wood-fired purple clay teapot depend…...

After the Laba Festival, the New Year atmosphere gradually thickens. At this time, tea shops in the capital also enter their peak season. Long queues for purchasing tea reappear in front of many old-established tea houses. Why do ordinary people concentrate on buying tea at the end of the year? On the one hand, it is to keep it for entertaining distinguished relatives and friends who come to celebrate the New Year; on the other hand, it is to prepare it as a gift when visiting during the New Year. However, when giving tea as a gift, we not only need to consider quality but also packaging issues. For a long time, we have had a misunderstanding that plain-packaged tea is fine for personal consumption, but if it’s a gift, it seems a bit lacking. To cater to such consumer psychology, the tea packaging available on the market can be said to be dazzling and varied. Taking the material of tea caddies as an example, metal ones are common, and hardwood ones are not uncommon. Some, to highlight their grade, wrap real leather around the outside of the tea caddy, and some even inlay them with jade. Frankly speaking, the…...

Dark tea, known as the black gold among teas, improves in quality and flavor over time. During its transformation, storage conditions are of utmost importance; even a slight oversight can cause the dark tea to spoil, especially during the humid season. The humid season occurs in March and April each year when the southern regions experience a sudden increase in temperature and humidity. During this time, everything feels damp both indoors and outdoors, making the air seem saturated with water, which is quite uncomfortable. For tea enthusiasts, the humid season is particularly challenging as it increases the risk of their cherished teas becoming damp and moldy. When storing dark tea during the humid season, controlling indoor humidity is key. Here’s a guide on how to prevent moisture from affecting your dark tea. It’s recommended that you save this information for future reference. 1. Preventing Moisture from Entering the Room During the humid season, the outdoor air is extremely humid. It's important to keep all windows and doors closed to prevent warm, moist air from entering. Even if the sun is shining brightly at noon, do not open the windows to ventilate. Ventilation during this period can sometimes lead to more…...