Black Tea

Tea, this ancient beverage, not only carries profound cultural significance but its brewing process is also a remarkable journey of chemistry and sensory experience. This article will take you into the world of tea brewing, revealing the scientific principles behind it and how brewing techniques can enhance the quality and flavor of tea. The Chemical Composition of Tea The chemical composition of tea is very complex, containing various compounds that influence the color, aroma, and taste of the tea infusion. Among these, polyphenols, caffeine, amino acids, and sugars are key factors affecting the quality of the tea infusion. Changes During the Brewing Process When tea meets hot water, the curtain rises on a series of chemical reactions. Polyphenols begin to oxidize under the influence of hot water, forming theaflavins and thearubigins, which directly affect the color of the tea infusion. At the same time, caffeine and amino acids gradually dissolve in the water, adding bitterness and umami to the tea infusion. In addition, sugars in the tea dissolve in the hot water, providing sweetness to the tea infusion. The aromatic substances in tea, such as terpenoids, release their captivating aromas when stimulated by hot water. Sensory Experience The chemical changes…...

Tea is an extremely common beverage in people’s lives. In addition to its many preventive effects against human diseases, it also has antibacterial and antiviral properties. As early as over 1,000 years ago during the Tang and Song dynasties, Chinese medical texts recorded numerous instances where tea could kill bacteria and stop dysentery. Early medical books contain many compound formulas for treating dysentery and cholera. With the continuous advancement of scientific research, the antibacterial and antiviral effects of tea have gradually been revealed, and they have achieved good application results in areas such as drug development, food preservation, and daily chemical products. ☀ Inhibitory Effect of Tea on Influenza Virus The components in tea, such as tea polyphenols, catechins, and theaflavins, have shown significant inhibitory effects on influenza viruses and possess potential pharmaceutical development value. ☀ Inhibitory Effect of Tea on Human Immunodeficiency Virus Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a lentivirus that infects human immune system cells. Research has found that when the concentration of EGCG is greater than 10 μmol/L, it can reduce the affinity of viral protease for its substrate. Derivatives of theaflavins can be considered as candidate microbicides to prevent the transmission of HIV, with pharmaceutical development…...

The benefits of Golden Snail Yunnan Black Tea include reducing fatigue, improving complexion, alleviating dryness, and aiding digestion. Regular consumption can enhance alertness and concentration, promote metabolism and diuresis, effectively relieving fatigue and enhancing mental clarity. It also helps to mitigate greasiness, resist aging, and warm the stomach in cold weather. Golden Snail Yunnan Black Tea Benefit 1: Detoxifying Effect Studies have shown that the tea alkaloids in Golden Snail Yunnan Black Tea can adsorb heavy metals and biological alkaloids, precipitating and decomposing them. This is a blessing for modern people whose drinking water and food may be contaminated by industrial pollutants. Golden Snail Yunnan Black Tea Benefit 2: Diuretic Effect The combined effects of caffeine and aromatic substances in Golden Snail Yunnan Black Tea increase blood flow to the kidneys, improve glomerular filtration rates, dilate renal microvessels, and inhibit renal tubule reabsorption of water, thereby increasing urine output. Golden Snail Yunnan Black Tea Benefit 3: Moisturizing and Heat-Clearing Effect Drinking Golden Snail Yunnan Black Tea in summer can quench thirst and cool the body due to the chemical reactions between polyphenols, sugars, amino acids, pectin, and saliva, stimulating saliva secretion and producing a refreshing sensation in the mouth. Caffeine…...

Pu'er tea has been popular for many years. Its rich flavor and unique aroma make it irresistible to many people, and its health benefits such as nourishment, weight loss, and tonification have made it a leader in the tea world, still widely favored by tea enthusiasts today. Pu'er tea is all about brewing techniques and the art of drinking, with a rich variety of consumption methods, including pure drinking and mixed drinking. Perhaps many people are not aware that the usually "down-to-earth" Pu'er tea can be mixed in refreshing and fashionable ways. Have you tried mixing Pu'er tea? Now let's take a look at some great companions for Pu'er tea! Pu'er tea + Citron Peel - Tea Aroma Meets Citrus Fruit Aroma Citron peel has been used in food and medicine since the Song Dynasty. Medicinally, citron peel can regulate Qi, strengthen the stomach, dry dampness, and expel phlegm, commonly used to treat digestive issues, soothe the liver and regulate Qi, and invigorate the spleen. In cuisine, Cantonese people have long used it in Guangdong dishes for seasoning, soups, stews, sweet desserts, and porridge, to remove fishy odors and enhance flavors, becoming a hallmark of the local health culture. The…...

Black tea contains a large amount of phenolic substances. Despite their high molecular weight, these phenolic compounds are quite distinct from those found in green tea. Clinical trial results show that black tea also possesses antioxidant properties, helps lower blood lipids, inhibits arterial hardening, enhances capillary function, and has anti-mutagenic effects. Due to its polysaccharide content, drinking black tea can also help regulate blood sugar levels. Moreover, black tea has potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. As a fully fermented tea, during processing, the main chemical component in fresh black tea leaves, catechins, undergoes a series of enzymatic changes under the influence of enzymes. Catechins are oxidized and polymerize into large molecules known as theaflavins and thearubigins. Black tea is made from young tea leaves through complex processes including withering, rolling, fermentation, and drying, and it is typically produced in regions with a temperate climate (such as Keemun black tea, Yunnan black tea, and Zhenghe black tea). Black tea is warming in nature and has the effect of warming the stomach, strengthening the spleen, clearing heat, and reducing turbidity. People with a deficiency-cold constitution should prefer black tea, which increases blood flow to the kidneys, raises glomerular filtration rate, dilates renal…...

It is the continuous transformation during daily use that attracts so many enthusiasts of Zisha teapots. This ongoing change is what we call "nourishing the pot."Many pot lovers are puzzled during this process. A good pot may show changes after only ten uses, but some enthusiasts have had no patina develop even after a year of use. What could be the reason for this? Below, we mainly discuss several factors that determine the effect of nourishing a pot:The quality of Zisha clay itselfThe quality of clay on the market varies greatly. Some chemical clays simply do not nourish and remain unchanged after one or two years. On the other hand, high-quality clay makes the pot very delicate; some can even feel the changes immediately when exposed to boiling water.A Zisha teapot's clay is fundamental; even with excellent craftsmanship, without good clay, it would be like building a castle in the air, unable to withstand scrutiny.We often refer to Zisha clay as "original mountain, original mine," which refers to Huanglong Mountain. Compared to clay from other areas such as Changxing and Anhui, original mine Zisha clay from Huanglong Mountain is easier to nourish. Original Mountain ClayMost original mountain clays are flaky…...

Tang Dynasty tea utensils During the Kaiyuan period of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty, people across the country, regardless of their religious beliefs, made drinking tea a part of daily life. It was during this time that tea culture developed and the production of tea utensils entered an upward trajectory. This stimulated the production of Tang Dynasty ceramics, and places that produced tea also promoted the development of local kilns. Yuezhou, Shouzhou, Wuzhou, and Qiongzhou were all known for both abundant tea and ceramic production. Due to differences in social status, people's pursuit of the use value and cultural value of tea utensils varied. The imperial court favored luxurious utensils made of gold, silver, jade, and other precious materials. Commoners, on the other hand, preferred utensils that were economical, practical, and aesthetically pleasing, mainly using ceramic tea sets. Tea Bowls According to archaeological records, Tang Dynasty porcelain bowls have been unearthed in many regions across the country. Although these bowls from different kilns had distinct regional characteristics, they shared one common feature: they all produced wide-mouthed bowls with slim bases and a flat bottom resembling a jade disc. In "The Classic of Tea – Chapter Four: Utensils," Lu Yu…...

Black tea is made through a process of fermentation and roasting. The polyphenols undergo enzymatic oxidation due to oxidase, reducing their content and thus diminishing the stimulating effect on the stomach. Black tea does not harm the stomach but instead can nourish it. Regular consumption of black tea with sugar and milk can have anti-inflammatory effects, protect the gastric mucosa, and be effective in treating ulcers. Benefits of Drinking Black Tea for Your Stomach Over the Long Term Black tea is a “master” at nourishing the stomach. It has a warm nature and low polyphenol content, which means it gently stimulates the gastric mucosa. This is the most beneficial tea for the stomach. People with stomach problems can drink it regularly, as can those with cold constitutions and cold stomachs, as it provides protective benefits for the stomach. For individuals with stomach issues, drinking black tea can be beneficial. As a fermented tea, black tea helps regulate qi and soothe the stomach while having antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. After fermentation, some chemical substances are transformed, reducing the stimulation of the digestive tract. Its warmer temperature significantly enhances its ability to nourish and support the stomach. It can improve symptoms of…...

Tea, the national drink, is a natural beverage that has been passed down through thousands of years of Chinese history. Since ancient times, there has been the saying "Firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea," and to this day, tea remains an essential part of our daily lives as Chinese people. The correct method of storing tea leaves is crucial for maintaining their freshness, aroma, and quality. How should we store tea in our daily lives? This article will provide you with detailed answers. 01. Choose the Right Container Select a container that is well-sealed and opaque to store tea leaves. Clean the inside of the container with saltwater or warm water mixed with a small amount of white vinegar to remove any residual odors and impurities. Rinse it thoroughly with clean water and allow it to dry completely. 02. Avoid Mixing Different Types Different types of tea should be stored separately to prevent them from affecting each other. For example, the storage conditions and requirements for green tea and black tea differ, and mixing them can lead to a decline in quality. 03. Control Temperature and Humidity The storage environment for tea should maintain appropriate temperature and…...

What precautions should be taken when drinking tea? Tea is closely related to our daily lives, and there are many benefits to drinking it, such as fat reduction and digestion aid. However, there are also several considerations to keep in mind to ensure that drinking tea truly promotes health. Here are some points worth noting. What to Consider When Drinking Tea Regularly 1. How Many Infusions Can a Cup of Tea Have? The number of times tea can be steeped depends not only on its tenderness but mainly on the processing method used. During initial processing, if the leaves are cut, the tea essence will be easier to extract. Conversely, coarser, older, and intact leaves release their flavors more slowly during steeping. For most green teas, the first infusion releases about 50% to 55% of the soluble substances; the second infusion typically extracts around 30%; the third yields about 10%; and the fourth provides only 1% to 3%. From a nutritional standpoint (considering vitamins and amino acids), 80% of these components are extracted in the first infusion, about 15% in the second, and by the third infusion, nearly all have been extracted. In general, black teas, green teas, and flower…...

Fengqing Yunnan black tea is a type of traditional Chinese black tea produced in Fengqing County, Lincang City, Yunnan Province. This region is located in the southern part of the Yunnan plateau, with a mild climate, abundant rainfall, and fertile soil, which are ideal for tea cultivation. Due to its unique growing environment and processing methods, Fengqing Yunnan black tea offers several benefits and effects: The Benefits and Effects of Fengqing Yunnan Black Tea 1. Stimulates Mental Alertness: Fengqing Yunnan black tea contains caffeine, which can stimulate the central nervous system, increasing alertness and focus, and enhancing cognitive reaction speed. 2. Aids Digestion: This tea contains various tannins that have astringent properties, which can alleviate discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract, promote the secretion of digestive juices, increase appetite, and assist in the digestion and absorption of food. 3. Reduces Fat and Aids Weight Loss: The polyphenols in Fengqing Yunnan black tea help inhibit fat synthesis and absorption, promote fat breakdown and burning, and have some effect in reducing body fat and aiding weight loss. 4. Antioxidant and Anti-Aging: This tea is rich in antioxidants that can eliminate free radicals, delay cellular aging, improve skin elasticity and luster, and reduce the…...

The Qing Dynasty saw the emergence of black tea, oolong tea, white tea, dark tea, and yellow tea in addition to green tea, forming the six major categories of tea. Regardless of the type of tea, the brewing method from the Ming Dynasty of directly infusing tea leaves was still used. Under these circumstances, the types and forms of tea wares in the Qing Dynasty did not significantly deviate from the standards set during the Ming Dynasty. During the Qing Dynasty, teacups and teapots were typically made of clay or porcelain, with the Kangxi and Qianlong periods being particularly prosperous times for their production, especially those known as “Jingdezhen porcelain and Yixing clay.” Premium porcelain tea wares of the Qing Dynasty were mostly produced in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi, while production in Dehua, Fujian; Liling, Hunan; Tangshan, Hebei; Zibo, Shandong; and Yaozhou, Shaanxi also thrived but did not match Jingdezhen in terms of quality and quantity. During this period, in addition to continuing the production of blue-and-white porcelain and polychrome porcelain tea wares, new types such as pink-ground enamel and cloisonné enamel tea wares were created. Yixing purple clay tea wares of the Qing Dynasty developed further while preserving traditional techniques. During…...