Black Tea

The suitable temperature for storing tea is between 0 and 25°C. According to national standards, the storage temperature for green tea and yellow tea should be between 0 and 10°C, while black tea, oolong tea, dark tea, and white tea should be kept at temperatures no higher than 25°C. It is important to note that both excessively high or low temperatures can affect the quality of the tea. In addition to temperature, other factors to consider include avoiding light exposure, maintaining a normal room temperature, ensuring airtight seals, preventing dampness, and guarding against odors. 　　Suitable Temperature for Storing Tea The temperature requirement for storing tea is 0 to 25°C, with a relative humidity below 50% to 70%. Green tea: The storage temperature should ideally be controlled below 10°C, with a relative humidity below 50%. Black tea: Should be controlled below 25°C, with a relative humidity below 50%. Oolong tea: Should be controlled below 25°C, with a relative humidity below 50%. Yellow tea: Should be controlled below 10°C, with a relative humidity below 50%. White tea: Should be controlled below 25°C, with a relative humidity below 50%. Dark tea: Should be controlled below 25°C, with a relative humidity below 70%. Tea…...

Black tea, as an important member of the world's teas, is loved globally for its unique aroma and flavor. The production process of black tea is relatively complex but can primarily be summarized in four key steps: withering, rolling, fermentation, and drying. This article will detail these four steps to help you better understand the making of black tea. 1. Withering: Initiating the Black Tea Production Process Withering is the first step in black tea production and a critical moment that determines the quality of the tea. In this process, freshly picked leaves are evenly spread out in withering troughs or rooms, where their moisture gradually evaporates through natural or artificial means, softening the leaves. This step facilitates chemical changes within the leaves, setting the foundation for subsequent rolling and fermentation. 2. Rolling: Shaping the Form of Black Tea Rolling is the second step in black tea production. It involves physically altering the shape of the leaves, curling them to increase their surface area, which aids in the subsequent fermentation process. Rolling also promotes internal chemical reactions, helping to form the distinctive aroma and taste of black tea. 3. Fermentation: Bestowing Black Tea with Its Unique Aroma Fermentation is one…...

As an integral part of Eastern culture, tea is not just a beverage but also a form of life art and spiritual symbol. In China, where tea culture has a long history, it integrates elements of elegance and commonality, becoming an indispensable part of people's daily lives. This article will take you on a deep dive into the elegance and commonality of tea culture and how they together shape this unique cultural phenomenon. The Historical Origins of Tea Culture The origins of tea can be traced back to ancient China, with legends suggesting that it was first discovered and used by Shen Nong. Over time, tea evolved from a medicinal plant to a daily beverage, and a complete tea ceremony culture gradually developed. Lu Yu's "Tea Classic" during the Tang Dynasty is an important document in Chinese tea culture, detailing the cultivation, production, consumption, and related cultural and philosophical ideas about tea. The Elegant Aspect of Tea Culture In ancient China, tea was regarded as a refined beverage that complemented the poetry, calligraphy, painting, and music of literati. Savoring tea was seen as a way to cultivate one's character, and literati would gather to enjoy tea and exchange ideas. The…...

"Only This Green and Lustrous" Yunnan Green Tea, Oolong Tea Yunnan is the source of world tea, particularly the birthplace of large-leaf tea trees. Many people came to know Yunnan through Pu'er tea made from large-leaf varieties. In Yunnan, the history of ethnic minorities growing, processing, and drinking tea has a unique style that dates back a long way. However, before Pu'er tea became well-known, Yunnan tea had for a considerable period of time been outside the mainstream of Chinese tea. It has already been confirmed that large-leaf varieties in Yunnan are suitable not only for making Pu'er tea but also green tea, black tea, and white tea with remarkable taste. Due to the special nature of the large-leaf tea trees and the plateau terrain, especially for ancient tree teas, the sprouting is always later than small-leaf varieties. Pu'er tea only mentions "first spring," not "pre-Ming." When the first spring tea has yet to be picked and the spring scenery outside the window is at its best, everywhere is a scene of lush greenery – it is the perfect time to savor the "Only This Green and Lustrous" of Yunnan – green tea and oolong tea. Green - The Unique…...

After a light breakfast, start your day with a cup of mild tea; black tea is suitable in the morning as it replenishes energy and hydrates. After lunch and a brief rest, when fatigue sets in, green tea, oolong tea, or white tea can help alleviate tiredness and have the benefit of refreshing the mind and relieving fatigue. Following dinner, when the body is in a state of satiety, dark tea or aged white tea can help relax, boost the immune system, and aid digestion. How to Drink Tea for Optimal Health Throughout the Day Drinking an appropriate amount of tea after meals, avoiding very hot tea, and not drinking strong tea are beneficial to health. 1. Drink an Appropriate Amount of Tea After Meals: Tea contains caffeine, theophylline, and other components that can significantly stimulate gastric juice secretion, enhancing gastric motility. Drinking some tea after meals helps with food digestion and reduces the occurrence of gastrointestinal diseases. 2. Avoid Drinking Very Hot Tea: Some people prefer their tea hot, which can easily cause damage to the esophageal and stomach lining. When drinking tea, it's important to control the temperature to avoid scalding injuries. 3. Avoid Drinking Strong Tea: Tea…...

Introduction: Okinawa, originally named Ryukyu, was a vassal state of China during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The name "Ryukyu" was given to the archipelago by the Chinese during the Ming Dynasty. Historically, Ryukyu maintained close cultural exchanges and maritime trade with China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asian countries. Nearly transparent Okinawan sea In the mid-17th century, after the transition from the Ming to the Qing dynasty, the Qing dynasty became the ruler of China. In its relations with Ryukyu, the Qing dynasty continued the tributary system established by the Ming dynasty. With the increasing frequency of exchanges between Qing China and Ryukyu, the method of infused tea preparation also spread from Fujian to Ryukyu and became popular there in the early 18th century. The 18th-century Gongfu tea drinking methods and utensils that were transmitted from Fujian to Ryukyu have since become the basic model for Ryukyu Infused Tea. In 1718 (57th year of the Kangxi era), Xu Baoguang traveled to Ryukyu as a vice envoy for the investiture mission. Due to typhoon weather, he stayed in Ryukyu for nearly a year before returning to China. During his stay, he extensively researched local customs and social conditions, leaving behind the…...

Some say that Anhua black tea is one that breathes. When we open a box of preserved old tea, it's like opening a "door to time," telling the story of "aging brings fragrance." Airing the tea provides Anhua black tea with oxygen and moisture, endowing it with new life, like the key to the door of time, the prelude to a moving story~ It's crucial yet easily overlooked. Tea lovers who master the small technique of airing the tea will enjoy better black tea. I. What is Airing the Tea? Airing the tea involves letting stored tea ventilate for a period of time, awakening its aroma and flavor fully. The process of airing the tea commonly involves two stages: contact with air (dry airing) and contact with water (wet airing). Generally, the time from when black tea is removed from storage until brewing is called "dry airing." The process of quickly moistening the tea with boiling water during brewing, allowing the leaves to hydrate and expand, is known as "wet airing." II. How Long Should Airing Last? The duration of airing Anhua black tea is primarily determined by the degree of compression and the condition of the tea leaves. Generally,…...

There are two types of teapot enthusiasts: those who love duanni, and those who do not. For those who dislike it, a moment's inattention can result in the pot looking grubby and even blackened in places. This instantly sours their appreciation, leaving them to rue their decision to purchase a duanni teapot.However, once a duanni teapot has been nurtured, its transformation is remarkable and exceptionally beautiful, evoking a deep sense of affection. This aesthetic pleasure and sense of achievement are likely only fully appreciated by those who adore duanni. As such, many teapot aficionados have a love-hate relationship with it.Duanni is essentially a coexisting deposit of green and purple clays. In the local dialect of Yixing, "duan" sounds like "tuan," hence why duanni is also called tuanni. Its light color means that improper care can lead to noticeable stains, which polarizes opinions—those who love it, love it deeply, while those who don't feel entirely indifferent.In "Seeing or Not Seeing" by Cangyang Jiacuo, he writes, "You see, or you do not see me; I am there, neither sad nor joyful." Similarly, duanni remains unchanged regardless of whether one likes it or not, unaffected by external preferences or personal emotions. The beauty…...

Black tea is fully fermented, and during the fermentation process, polyphenols in the tea leaves oxidize continuously. Originally hidden within the leaves, nutrients move to the surface and dissolve easily in water. Therefore, brewing black tea is very skill-dependent. Key to brewing great black tea, aside from the amount of tea, water temperature, and steeping time, is having a good purple clay pot. So what kind of pot allows even a beginner tea enthusiast to brew delicious black tea? The rich aroma of black tea and the warmth of a purple clay pot have an inherent connection, blending together to create a cup of tea that lingers in the memory. When using a purple clay pot to brew black tea, it's important to understand these aspects to bring out the best flavor. Purple clay pots have strong adsorption properties and retain the tea's fragrance. Purple clay pots have a unique dual-pore structure, with both chain pores and closed pores coexisting. Chain pores allow the tea's aroma to pass through the pores, but because they are winding and tortuous, some residue remains on the pore walls. This is the primary reason why purple clay pots retain the tea's fragrance. Black tea…...

Tea, as a traditional Chinese beverage, carries profound cultural significance and is an indispensable part of daily life. However, when we enter the tea market and face the myriad varieties of tea, prices vary widely, leaving many wondering: how much does tea cost per pound? Today, let's delve into the mystery and uncover the secrets behind tea prices. Factors Determining Tea Prices Origin: The origin of tea is one of the critical factors influencing its price. China has numerous famous tea-producing regions, such as West Lake Longjing, Yunnan Pu'er, and Anxi Tieguanyin, where tea often commands higher prices due to their unique geographical environments and climatic conditions that are ideal for tea cultivation. Variety: The variety of tea also affects its price. Different tea plant varieties have varying growth cycles, leaf sizes, aromas, and flavors, all of which influence the price of tea to some extent. Picking Time: The picking time of tea leaves is equally important. Generally, spring teas are of the best quality and thus command the highest prices. Summer and autumn teas have lower quality and are correspondingly cheaper. Processing Method: The processing method of tea is complex, involving steps such as fixation, rolling, fermentation, and drying.…...

Generally, Oolong tea is best for gongfu brewing, but white tea, black tea, yellow tea, and dark tea can also be used. Since these teas are processed after fermentation, the resulting infusion is clear and bright in color with a better taste and lingering flavor. Can Black Tea Be Used for Gongfu Brewing? 1. Selecting Suitable Black Tea: Gongfu brewing usually suits single-origin teas, and there are many varieties of black tea, each with different flavors and aromas. Choosing the right variety of black tea is crucial. Generally, Yunnan black (Dian Hong), Lapsang Souchong, Keemun black tea, and Golden Eyebrow are suitable for gongfu brewing. 2. Controlling Brewing Time: Gongfu brewing requires shorter steeping times, while black tea typically needs longer steeping times, usually around 3-5 minutes. It's important to control the brewing time to avoid overly strong or weak tea. 3. Adjusting Water Temperature: Gongfu brewing typically uses boiling water, whereas black tea should be brewed at a slightly lower temperature, around 90°C. Adjusting the water temperature is necessary to prevent the tea from being too hot or too cool. 4. Selecting Suitable Tea Ware: Gongfu brewing often uses clay pots or glass cups, while black tea is better…...

Drinking tea for health has become the choice of many office workers. The purple clay teapot is a commonly used tea utensil, but what kinds of tea are suitable for brewing in it? Does it have anything to do with the shape and size of the teapot? In fact, when using a purple clay teapot for brewing tea, apart from considering the type of clay used, you can also make choices based on the capacity and characteristics of the teapot's shape. So, what kinds of tea are suitable for brewing in a purple clay teapot? What rules should be followed? Black Tea: West Beauty Teapot, Rongtian Teapot The common feature of the West Beauty Teapot and the Rongtian Teapot is their large belly, deep body, and plump, round shape, which can fully bring out the aroma of black tea without damaging the leaves. As the color of black tea infusion is relatively dark, it is suitable to use darker colored clays such as Tianxing clay, blue-gray clay, or Dicaoqing clay for making the purple clay teapot. Oolong Tea: Duozhi Teapot, Dragon Egg Teapot Most oolong teas expand significantly after brewing, so teapots with slightly larger mouths, like the Duozhi Teapot,…...