Black Tea
ChinaTeaGuru provides an in-depth introduction to the diversity of Chinese black tea, from history to brewing techniques, experiencing the unique flavor and health benefits of dark tea
Total 315 articles
Special Topic:Black Tea
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Zisha Teapot: “One-Second Pouring”, What’s the Secret?
When brewing tea, enthusiasts often seek a smooth and seamless experience. A disrupted water flow or a clogged spout can be quite disappointing. "Powerful pouring," "one-second pouring," and "three-inch pour without splashing" are all terms used to describe the smooth water flow of a zisha teapot, evoking a sense of satisfaction and efficiency. A teapot capable of one-second pouring must possess the following nine factors: 01. Diameter of the Spout The larger the diameter of the spout, the greater the water flow and the faster the pouring; the smaller the diameter, the slower the pouring. 02. Curvature of the Spout Zisha teapot spouts can be categorized by their shape into straight, single-curved, double-curved, and triple-curved. Generally, a straight spout provides the most powerful pour, as seen in teapots like the Shui Ping, Shi Piao, and De Zhong. 03. Number and Regularity of Spout Holes The more holes in the spout, the greater the total area and thus the greater the water flow. Among two teapots with identical shapes, a ball-shaped hole is best for water flow and less prone to clogging. 04. Size and Regularity of the Vent Hole on the Lid For a teapot with good airtightness, the larger…... -
Can Black Tea Be Aged? Understanding These Points Will Make It Clear!
Pu'er tea can be stored long-term and becomes more fragrant with age. However, black tea is different from Pu'er tea as it has a specific shelf life. Storing it for too long will cause the tea's aroma to dissipate, which in turn affects the taste of the infusion. In other words, black tea generally does not have significant value for collection. So how long is the shelf life of black tea? This depends on the packaging of the black tea. Generally, canned black tea has a shelf life of 2 years, sealed bagged black tea lasts 1 to 2 years, and loose black tea has a shelf life of 18 months. However, if stored properly, it can last longer. Regardless, to enjoy the purest flavor of black tea, it is recommended to consume it within its shelf life. How to Store Tea? In any case, once tea is opened, it should be stored promptly. Common methods used at home include canning storage and bagged storage. Canning storage is a widely adopted method in many households mainly because it is very convenient. However, many people often overlook a detail: tea easily absorbs odors, so if the can itself has an odor,…... -
The shelf life of black tea and how to store it
Black tea has a shelf life of 2 to 3 years. Due to its high degree of fermentation and delicate texture, black tea is easier to preserve than other types of tea but should not be stored for more than three years. To store black tea, place the tea in an aluminum foil bag, fold it over to seal it properly, and then store it in a clean, odor-free refrigerator. Does black tea have a shelf life? How long can it typically be kept? Black tea is one of the six major types of tea and has a specific shelf life. If stored well, it can be preserved or remain fresh for 24 to 36 months. Black tea is a fully fermented tea, so the substances within the leaves are relatively stable, making it easier to preserve, with a longer shelf life compared to green tea. When storing, seal the black tea in an aluminum foil bag and metal tin, and store it in a cool, dry place away from odors. How to store black tea Method One: The moisture content of dried black tea leaves is low, so they are highly absorbent and easily lose their aroma. Therefore, a…... -
Drinking Tea This Way, Do You Still Want Your Stomach?
"I would rather abstain from alcohol all my life than go a single meal without tea." China’s tea culture has a long and rich history, and drinking tea has always been an essential part of maintaining health. However, there is a right way to drink tea. If you don't do it correctly, you may end up harming your stomach. The Tea Editor will now list some harmful tea-drinking habits that can severely damage your stomach. Let's see if you fall into any of these categories? 1 Habit of Drinking Tea on an Empty Stomach Stomach-Damage Rating: ★★★★★ Drinking tea on an empty stomach is one of the most damaging tea-drinking habits! On an empty stomach, some active compounds in tea can bind with proteins in the stomach, stimulating it and easily causing harm. In addition to stimulating the stomach and intestines, drinking tea on an empty stomach dilutes digestive juices, affecting digestion. Symptoms may include palpitations, dizziness, weakness in the limbs, mental confusion, and nausea. For those who do not regularly drink tea, especially when drinking strong tea on an empty stomach in the morning, these symptoms are more likely to occur. This phenomenon is medically referred to as "tea…... -
Duyun: Four Measures to Ensure Continuous Growth in Maojian Tea Sales
In recent years, Duyun City has thoroughly implemented the important instructions of President Xi Jinping on "promoting the Duyun Maojian brand" and the concept of integrating tea culture, tea industry, and tea technology (the "three teas"). By focusing on Duyun Maojian as its core industry, the city has adopted a comprehensive approach that includes year-round harvesting, full utilization of the tea plant, and development of the entire industrial chain. This approach focuses on infrastructure construction, cultivation of market entities, marketing strategies, and brand promotion. As a result, sales and the reputation of Duyun Maojian tea have steadily increased each year. Strengthening Production Foundations and Enhancing Raw Materials Focusing on key tea-producing areas such as Tuan Mountain, Snail Shell Mountain, Doupeng Mountain, and Guilan Mountain, a total of 50,000 mu of tea gardens have been designated. The city has integrated efforts from various levels of government, enterprises, and farmers to rehabilitate neglected tea gardens, replant in aging tea gardens, and improve those already in production. A total of 71,600 mu of tea gardens have been managed, leading to a significant increase in tea yield year after year. Based on the principle of connecting points and maximizing service radius, 35 tea industry…... -
Brewing Steps for Yunnan Mei Zhan Black Tea
Yunnan Mei Zhan black tea is made from the fresh leaves of the Mei Zhan tea tree in Yunnan, which are fermented to produce a black tea. Genuine Yunnan Mei Zhan black tea has a relatively low yield; its appearance is robust and substantial, with a dark, lustrous color, visible tea tips, and a fragrant, rich flavor that is smooth, delicate, and full-bodied, with a high level of sweetness and good steepability. Brewing Yunnan Mei Zhan black tea can be done by following these steps. Brewing Steps for Yunnan Mei Zhan Black Tea 1. Boil Water Fill a kettle with fresh cold water and bring it to a boil. Fresh water that meets drinking standards contains air, which helps to fully release the aroma of black tea. Overnight water, re-boiled water, or hot water from a thermos should not be used for brewing black tea. 2. Warm the Utensils Pour boiling water into the teapot and teacups to raise their temperature, which aids in releasing the aroma when you brew the tea later. Pour the water in a gradual, intermittent manner to avoid significant changes in temperature. 3. Add the Tea To make a strong tea, use 1 teaspoon (about…... -
What Kind of Tea Can Be Called Good Hubei Tea?
What is good Hubei tea? A seemingly simple question, but it's hard to sum up in a single phrase. Is expensive tea necessarily good tea? Is scarce tea necessarily good tea? Is tea that boasts ancient trees or master craftsmanship necessarily good tea? The answer to all these is “not necessarily.” Image | Hubei tea mountains shrouded in mist and clouds 01 Hubei’s Good Tea: The Three Essential Elements at the Source Must Not Be Missing For truly good tea, the three essential elements at the source must be right. What are the three essential elements at the source of tea? They are: region, variety, and processing method. Region More than a thousand years ago, Lu Yu, the Sage of Tea, wrote in Chapter One of "The Classic of Tea," about "the origin of tea"; then, in another chapter titled "where tea comes from," he detailed the various sources of tea production in the Tang Empire that he had researched and that were recorded in historical documents. This shows the importance of the origin of tea, that is, "region." Image | "The Classic of Tea" by Lu Yu Currently, 21 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in our country produce tea,…... -
The Winter Solstice and How to Nourish Yourself with Tea
The Winter Solstice is the longest night of the year in our country and also the day when yin energy is at its peak. After the Winter Solstice, sunlight gradually increases, yin energy slowly decreases, and the daytime becomes progressively longer. Therefore, the Winter Solstice is a very special day. It is an important solar term in the Chinese lunar calendar and a traditional Chinese festival, commonly known as "Winter Festival," "Festival of the Longest Night," and "Sub New Year," among others. In ancient China, great importance was placed on the Winter Solstice, which was considered a significant holiday, with the most emphasis on winter tonics. Thus, many people would eat and drink well on this day. People believe that after the Winter Solstice, daylight hours become longer each day, yang energy begins to rise, marking the start of a new seasonal cycle and a lucky day that should be celebrated. Winter Solstice Health Preservation Since "Qi begins at the Winter Solstice," from winter onwards, vital activities transition from flourishing to waning and from dynamic to static. Scientific health preservation can help ensure vigorous vitality while preventing premature aging, contributing to longevity. During the Winter Solstice period, your diet should…... -
Jin Jun Mei: What Type of Tea Is It? The Quintessence of Black Tea
When we talk about tea, we are not just discussing a beverage; we are talking about a culture, an art form, and an attitude towards life. Today, we will discuss a special type of tea—Jin Jun Mei. It is more than just a black tea; it is the aristocrat among black teas, a precious gift bestowed upon us by nature. The Birth of Jin Jun Mei The birth of Jin Jun Mei can be traced back to 2005. Mr. Jiang Yuanxun, the twenty-fourth-generation inheritor of Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong black tea, led a team that, based on over four centuries of black tea culture and traditional techniques, innovated and integrated these elements to develop this top-tier black tea. The emergence of Jin Jun Mei not only changed the domestic sales landscape for black tea but also introduced a new concept in black tea consumption to the market. The Origin of Jin Jun Mei The origin of Jin Jun Mei is Tongmu Village, Wuyi City, Fujian Province, which is the birthplace of world black tea and also a dual World Heritage Site for both culture and nature. The raw materials for Jin Jun Mei are harvested from tea shoots grown within…... -
How Many Infusions of Black Tea Are Best to Enjoy
Infusing black tea 3-5 times is generally best, as continued infusions will result in a very light flavor. However, high-quality black teas can be infused over 10 times, such as Jin Junmei and Yunnan ancient tree black teas. When infusing high-grade black teas, you can use water at 100 degrees Celsius. The techniques for infusing black tea, so you don’t waste it. Tea enthusiasts know that black tea is delicious, but the taste can vary when brewed by different people. For example, if the tea is steeped for too long or too much tea is used, the flavor changes. Knowing some infusion techniques can help bring out the aroma and taste of the tea. Today, I’d like to share some techniques for infusing black tea, [Black Tea Infusion Techniques] Choice of teaware: glassware, ceramic covered bowls, purple clay pots Amount of tea: 5-8g Water temperature: 85-90°C Steeping time: For the first three infusions of black tea, the tea can generally be poured out immediately, with subsequent infusions allowing for slightly longer steeping times. Number of infusions: 5-6 is optimal 1. During the first infusion, about 50% to 55% of the soluble substances in the tea are extracted; 2. The second…... -
Is it Good to Drink Flower Tea Long-Term?
Flower tea is primarily made using black tea, green tea, or oolong tea as the base, complemented with fragrant flowers that can imbue their scent. It is produced through a process called scenting. Its aroma is rich and the tea liquor is dark in color, possessing benefits such as beautifying the skin, aiding digestion, and more. However, improper consumption of tea can also harm the body; therefore, it is important to drink tea in a healthy manner. Benefits of Drinking Flower Tea Long-Term 1. Improves Vision and Reduces Internal Heat Drinking flower teas like Huangshan tribute chrysanthemum, wild chrysanthemum, and Hangbai chrysanthemum can effectively alleviate dizziness and blurred vision caused by internal heat. 2. Nourishes the Stomach and Protects the Liver Flower teas made from calendula, osmanthus, luo han kuo, jasmine, and hibiscus have the effects of clearing and nourishing the liver, as well as strengthening and nurturing the stomach. 3. Lowers Blood Pressure and Lipids Drinking flower teas like ginkgo, notoginseng, and ginseng can soften blood vessel walls and improve circulation, helping to control blood pressure and regulate lipids. 4. Clears and Moistens the Lungs Flower teas made from violets, lilies, and other flowers have expectorant and lung-moistening properties,…... -
During the Dog Days, Don’t Drink the Wrong Tea!
The Dog Days start on the third Geng day after the Summer Solstice, known as the Initial Dog Days (10 days); the fourth Geng day after the Summer Solstice is called the Middle Dog Days (10 days, but sometimes 20 days), while the first Geng day after the Start of Autumn marks the End Dog Days (10 days). Following this period, seasonal changes usher in autumn. 2024 Dog Days Schedule: Initial Dog Days: July 15, 2024 – July 24, 2024, a total of 10 days Middle Dog Days: July 25, 2024 – August 13, 2024, a total of 20 days End Dog Days: August 14, 2024 – August 21, 2024, a total of 8 days As early as the Tang Dynasty, “Medicine King” Sun Simiao advocated eating light and sweet foods during summer. It seems that tea is an excellent choice. During the Dog Days, are you drinking the right tea? Green Tea Green tea is the most common type of tea, and many famous teas in China are green teas. Drinking green tea in summer can help cool down and relieve heat. Green tea has a slightly bitter taste and is cold in nature, with the ability to detoxify,…...