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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The Summer Solstice: How to Drink Tea in Summer
Summer has arrived in the blink of an eye, and the hot weather can easily bring about symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, poor appetite, and even heatstroke. So how do you deal with them? You can do so by drinking tea, but it's important to drink the right kind of tea to avoid overdoing it and harming your health.Drink White Tea to Prevent Heatstroke Hot weather makes one prone to heatstroke, especially for those who often work or play outdoors. What you need to have on hand is white tea. White tea is a lightly fermented tea that goes through processes such as blanching and drying. It has a cool nature and contains abundant amino acids that have the effects of cooling and relieving summer heat, thus preventing heatstroke. Consumption Taboos: New white tea has a slightly cold nature, so people with a cold stomach should drink it in moderation and not on an empty stomach. They should choose aged tea at least five years old. Vine tea has a sweet and bland taste and a cool nature. It has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, reducing summer heat and stimulating saliva production, removing rheumatism, strengthening muscles and bones,…... -
Empowering the High-Quality Development of the Yellow Mountain Tea Industry with New-Form Productive Forces
At 30°N, the golden latitude belt for world-renowned teas, Yellow Mountain stands out like a gem inlaid with jade. Here, the variety of teas is abundant, cultivation history spans centuries, and traditional tea-making techniques are mature and advanced. It is home to three top-tier teas—Yellow Mountain Maofeng, Keemun Black Tea, and Taiping Monkey King—and is one of the country's key regions for renowned tea production. From July 26 to August 1, the Yellow Mountain City Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Mountain Industrial Investment Group, and Yellow Mountain City Supply and Marketing Cooperative (Yellow Mountain Supply and Marketing Group) organized six training and deployment meetings for data collection work for the Yellow Mountain Tea Industry Brain in Yixian, Shexian, Huangshan District, Xiuning, Qimen, and Tunxi District, attended by over 500 people. These meetings further advanced the construction of Phase I of the Yellow Mountain City Tea Industry Brain project, integrated information resources for the tea industry, strengthened quality and safety supervision of teas, and empowered the high-quality development of the Yellow Mountain tea industry with new-form productive forces. The meeting mobilized and deployed the construction of the Yellow Mountain Tea Industry Brain project and provided specialized training on basic…... -
After Laba, the New Year Is Near—Enjoy Tea and Porridge to Stay Warm and Welcome Spring!
Once Laba arrives, the New Year isn't far behind. This day was traditionally a time for ancient people to honor their ancestors and deities and pray for a bountiful harvest and good fortune. Ancient customs such as drinking Laba porridge and soaking garlic in vinegar are still widely practiced today. After Laba, it's the New Year Laba 2022/12/30 Today is Laba There’s a saying: On the seventh and eighth days of the twelfth lunar month, your jaw can freeze off. The weather during Laba remains bitterly cold, so it's important to stay protected from the wind and keep warm. A cup of hot, fragrant tea not only helps warm the body but also boosts immunity. So, what kind of tea is suitable for Laba Festival? Ripe Pu'er Ripe Pu'er has a sweet and warm nature, promoting yang energy, generating warmth, and warming the abdomen. In winter, when the weather is dry and cold, drinking ripe Pu'er regularly can warm the stomach and intestines, regulate internal circulation, and enhance the body's resistance. Modern research confirms that ripe Pu'er is particularly effective for nourishing and protecting the stomach, making it suitable for those who are weak or older. In the depths of…... -
Traditional Tea Ware of the Fujianese and the Culture Behind It
Fujian Tea Culture Origins The tea culture in Fujian can be traced back thousands of years, with the region being one of China's key tea production areas. Whether it's Wuyi rock tea, Anxi Tieguanyin, or Fuding white tea, these teas enjoy a prestigious reputation both nationally and globally. The tea brewing methods and the tea ware used by the Fujianese have developed into unique styles over time. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Main Tea Ware Used by the Fujianese for Brewing Tea Teapot A teapot is indispensable when the Fujianese brew tea. There are various types of teapots, including those made from ceramic, purple clay, and glass, but the most common ones are purple clay and ceramic teapots. Purple clay teapots are favored for their good breathability and heat retention, while ceramic teapots attract many tea enthusiasts due to their diverse shapes and glaze colors. Covered Bowl A covered bowl is another commonly used tea ware by the Fujianese. A covered bowl consists of three parts: the bowl, lid, and tray, and is very convenient to use, especially suitable for brewing Tieguanyin and other oolong teas. The covered bowl fully displays the unfolding state of the tea leaves in…... -
Chinese Tea and Its Culture Part III: “Chinese Black Tea: History, Techniques, Charm, and Future Prospects”
Abstract: The origins and legends of Chinese black tea are deeply rooted in the history and culture of China. This article analyzes its origins and history, techniques and processes, quality and characteristics, distribution and production areas, brands and markets, issues and challenges, development and trends, to expound on the history, techniques, charm, and future prospects of Chinese black tea. Due to the limitations of the author, errors are inevitable, so please bear with them (the views expressed herein are those of the author; April 2024). Keywords: China; tea culture; black tea techniques; historical charm; outlook I. Origins and History of Chinese Black Tea 1.1 Origins and Legends of Ancient Black Tea The origins and legends of Chinese black tea are deeply rooted in the history and culture of China. According to historical records, the rudimentary form of black tea can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty, when there were sporadic records about black tea. However, it was during the Song Dynasty that black tea became widely known due to the praise and advocacy of literati. The great Song writer Su Dongpo praised the aroma and flavor of black tea in his poetry, which gradually spread among the literati. There…... -
Do We Feel Joy When Drinking Tea?
1. Do we feel joy when drinking tea? Dopamine, a term we are all familiar with, is a central neurotransmitter that activates brain nerve cells and its physiological activity is closely related to one's emotional state. Scientific experiments have proven that L-theanine in tea can significantly promote the release of dopamine in the brain’s central nervous system, enhancing the physiological activity of dopamine within the brain. (Reference: China National Knowledge Infrastructure - "Research on the Performance and Synthesis of L-Theanine" by Chen Yinxia) It must be admitted that tea is a very charming beverage. 2. Flower + Tea = Happiness > 2 Jasmine + Green Tea: Jasmine has a fresh and vivid aroma while green tea is refreshing. Through the skilled craftsmanship of tea artisans, the scent of jasmine is infused into the tea. The result is a jasmine green tea that is subtle yet fragrant, not too light nor too heavy. Sipping it releases the full fragrance of summer between your lips and teeth. Osmanthus + Black Tea: Osmanthus has a rich and intense fragrance, while black tea is sweet and mellow. The osmanthus black tea produced through this process has a soft and sweet liquor, with the scent…... -
Summer Brings Many Benefits to Tea Drinking: How to Avoid “Tea Intoxication”
During the scorching summer months, tea becomes a preferred beverage for cooling down. Due to the heat, people tend to sweat more, and this excessive sweating can deplete the body of potassium, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, headaches, poor appetite, and lethargy. However, tea contains a significant amount of potassium, approximately 1.5%, making it both a refreshing drink and a way to replenish lost potassium. Through analysis, it has been identified that tea contains over 500 compounds, some of which are essential nutrients for the human body. The Vitamin C content in tea is roughly 0.5%, which is effective in preventing scurvy. Additionally, tea is rich in various B-vitamins, particularly high in B5, which can help prevent conditions like pellagra and other skin diseases. It also has a high concentration of Vitamin E, which inhibits the oxidation of lipids in the body and has anti-aging effects. It also contains Vitamin K, which promotes the liver's synthesis of coagulation factors. Besides these vitamins, daily tea consumption can also provide proteins and amino acids necessary for the body. According to relevant data, the polyphenols in tea (mainly catechins) have benefits in the prevention and supportive treatment of various cancers, including…... -
Pros and Cons of Brewing Tea with Porcelain Ware
Advantages of Brewing Tea with Porcelain Ware Maintaining the Original Flavor of Tea Due to its high density and low porosity, porcelain does not absorb the flavors and aromas of tea leaves. This means that every time you brew tea, it retains the original essence of the tea, whether it’s fresh green tea or rich black tea, porcelain can perfectly showcase its natural taste. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Aesthetically Pleasing and Elegant Porcelain tea wares are often crafted into various exquisite shapes and patterns, which are not only functionally practical but also have a high aesthetic value. Whether traditional blue-and-white porcelain or modern designed porcelain tea wares, they can add much to the beauty of a tea table. Easy to Clean Since porcelain has a smooth surface and is less prone to staining, it is very easy to clean. After use, simply rinse with warm water, simple and convenient. Additionally, porcelain is acid and alkali resistant, leaving little tea residue during use, maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of the tea ware. Good Thermal Insulation Porcelain has good thermal insulation properties, effectively maintaining the temperature of the tea. This is a great advantage for those who enjoy savoring their…... -
Purple Clay Trivia: How to Nurture Your Tea Pet?
Believe it or not, most of us have had the experience of keeping pets from a young age. When we were little, our parents were usually the main caretakers, so our experience was more about having fun. Later on, when you became financially independent, you had more options for pets—cats, dogs, fish, birds, and so on—but how many successful experiences did you have in raising them? A tea lover's pet is an emotional bond, different from typical pets, as a tea pet can truly be kept without being discarded or abandoned. The pet of a tea lover is known as a tea pet. A tea pet, as its name suggests, is nurtured with tea water. It is actually a small handicraft made of purple clay or yellow mud, such as elephants, turtles, toads, Pixiu, pigs, and so on. Different tea pets carry different meanings; some symbolize wealth and contentment, while others represent happiness and good fortune. People collect them according to their preferences and place them on their tea tables. A beautiful tea pet is one that a tea lover spends time and effort slowly "cultivating." When drinking tea, a tea lover gently waters their pet with tea or brushes…... -
Winter Drinking of Black Tea Nourishes the Body and Fends Off the Cold
Black tea can nourish the stomach Tea leaves contain tea polyphenols which have astringent properties, and they can stimulate the stomach to some extent; this effect is stronger on an empty stomach. Thus, sometimes drinking tea on an empty stomach can cause discomfort. However, black tea is made through fermentation and roasting, during which tea polyphenols undergo enzymatic oxidation under the action of oxidase, reducing their content and consequently reducing the stimulation to the stomach. Not only does black tea not harm the stomach, but it can also nourish it. The oxidized products of tea polyphenols in black tea can promote digestion in the human body. Regularly drinking black tea with sugar and milk can reduce inflammation and protect the gastric mucosa, and it may even help in treating ulcers. However, it is not advisable to drink black tea when it has cooled down, as this affects its ability to nourish and warm the stomach and may decrease its nutritional value due to prolonged exposure. Black tea warms the body and combats the cold During autumn and winter, physiological functions decline, and yang energy weakens, increasing the need for energy and nutrients. Brewing a warm cup of black tea in…... -
Which Teas Are Suitable for Long-Term Storage? How to Store Them Properly Without Spoiling?
Liubao tea, Anhua dark tea, raw Pu'er tea, ripe Pu'er tea, and Fuding white tea can be stored for a long time. These teas are post-fermented or aged over time. They contain abundant pectin, sugars, amino acids, etc., and require time for enzymatic reactions. As they age, their aroma becomes richer, making them suitable for long-term storage. Which Teas Are Suitable for Long-Term Storage? 1. White Tea White tea is often referred to as "a one-year tea, three-year medicine, seven-year treasure." Storing white tea helps transform its fresh, sweet flavor, increasing its sweetness and developing aromas like jujube and medicinal herbs, with a clear, sweet taste. White tea aged for more than three years has a gentler nature, making it very suitable for people with weaker spleen and stomachs to drink. 2. Pu'er Tea Both raw and ripe Pu'er tea can be stored for a long time, but raw tea has greater storage value. Stored in different environments, Pu'er tea undergoes changes in different directions, which is extremely intriguing. The longer the storage time, the richer the layers of taste and the stronger the flavor. 3. Dark Tea Storing dark tea benefits the further transformation by beneficial bacteria, making the…... -
The shelf life of tea: How long does it last and can you drink it after it expires?
The expired tea should not be consumed. Tea is a common beverage in daily life, made by processing fresh leaves of the tea plant through various procedures to create semi-finished or finished products. Tea generally has a shelf life, and it is recommended to discard the tea once it exceeds this period, rather than consuming it. How long is the shelf life of tea exactly? Based on factors such as the raw materials and production techniques, Chinese teas can be categorized into six major types, each with varying shelf lives. 1. Green tea, being the most prominent among the six categories, enjoys widespread popularity in China. As an unfermented tea, under normal circumstances, green tea has a shelf life of around 18 months. People tend to enjoy green tea for its freshness and brisk taste, so it is best not to store it for too long, as doing so would diminish its flavor significantly. Yellow tea, which undergoes an additional “yellowing” process compared to green tea, is a slightly fermented tea, and its shelf life is similar to that of green tea. 2. Black tea, a fully fermented tea, does not require further aging after fermentation, thus it also has…...