Green Tea

Seven Essential Precautions Women Should Observe When Drinking Tea While drinking tea regularly is generally beneficial to health, choosing the right type of tea according to one's condition can enhance its health benefits. Women, in particular, should be aware of their constitution and the nature of the tea they consume. What are the key points women should keep in mind when drinking tea? Precaution One: Choose Tea According to Your Constitution and Its Nature Chinese tea is divided into six categories: green tea, black tea (red tea), yellow tea, white tea, oolong tea (bluish-green tea), and dark tea (black tea). Each category has a different nature that affects the body differently, so it’s important to select the appropriate type based on your constitution. Oolong tea is neutral and suitable for most people. Dark tea (Pu'er tea) is warming, aids in fat digestion, and reduces cholesterol levels; it is best enjoyed after some aging. Black tea is also warming and recommended for those with a cold constitution, cold limbs, or weakened health, as well as for older individuals. Green tea is cooling and ideal for those with a hot constitution, high stomach fire, and abundant energy; it also provides excellent protection…...

What are the differences between Purple Bud Tea and Purple Juanshan Tea? Many people may find it hard to distinguish. Today, let's talk about their differences. Purple Bud Tea encompasses all tea trees and tea products with purple buds and leaves. Such tea trees are rarely seen in China. However, in Yunnan, Purple Bud Tea is a type of Pu'er tea where usually the buds and first three leaves are purple. The Purple Bud Tea in Yunnan is not a specific variety or a particular processing method but rather the result of natural genetic mutation under natural selection. They often grow on primitive wild old tea trees and ancient tea trees. Due to the dry climate and strong sunlight, the tea trees have undergone natural mutations, causing the buds to exhibit varying shades of purple. In a vast tea forest, there aren't many tea trees with purple buds. Even on ancient tea trees, the number of purple buds is scarce. Purple Bud Tea is mainly distributed in high-altitude areas of Xishuangbanna, Lincang, and Pu'er, with relatively more in the Lincang region. After brewing, the liquor color of Purple Bud Tea is similar to other Pu'er teas, yellow and bright. Its…...

Pu'er ripened tea has no expiration date and can be stored long-term. However, this does not mean that ripened Pu'er can be stored indefinitely; it is generally suitable for drinking after being stored for three to five years. In comparison, raw Pu'er tea requires around ten years of storage to reach its optimal drinking period. Ripened Pu'er has no expiration date—Pu'er ripened tea can be stored long-term without an expiration date, as long as it is kept under standard storage conditions, Pu'er tea can continue to be stored. How Long is the Expiration Date for Pu'er Ripened Tea? Yunnan Pu'er tea tends to improve with age, and its shelf life can extend from 10 to 20 years. Similarly, aged Wuyi rock tea often has a richer aroma and more robust flavor. Hunan's dark tea, Hubei's Fu brick tea, Guangxi's Liubao tea, and others will not spoil but rather improve in quality if stored properly. Generally, however, most teas are best when fresh. For example, green tea typically has a shelf life of about one year at room temperature. However, factors such as temperature, light, and humidity significantly impact the quality of tea. If stored correctly by mitigating or eliminating these…...

Transparent glass cups, leisure cups, and white porcelain bowls with lids are ideal for brewing green tea. For green tea, you can choose a transparent, patternless glass cup or white, light blue, or blue-and-white porcelain cups without lids. A patternless glass cup is best as it allows for better appreciation of the green tea's shape and color. What Kind of Tea Ware Is Best for Green Tea? 1. Porcelain Cups Porcelain cups are suitable for brewing mid-to-high-grade green teas, such as stir-fried green teas (grades one and two), pearl green teas, baked green teas, sun-dried green teas, etc., where the focus is on taste, flavor, or quenching thirst. Typically, observe the tea’s color, aroma, and shape before brewing. The "middle infusion method" can be used, pouring near-boiling water at 95–100°C over the tea, and covering the cup to retain the aroma and maintain the water temperature, which helps the tea leaves to unfurl and sink to the bottom of the cup. After 3–5 minutes, remove the lid, smell the aroma, taste the tea, and judge the strength of the tea soup. Drink up to three infusions. This brewing method is convenient for serving guests or drinking tea during office hours.…...

The use, maintenance, and cleaning of purple clay pots come with specific knowledge and methods. These practical tips are the summation of life experiences. Understanding this knowledge and mastering the correct methods can greatly enrich and improve tea and pot arts.Drinking tea in winter is a very healthy practice. Brewing tea with a purple clay pot not only brings out its rich aroma without any cooked taste but also offers an advantage over other teapots due to its excellent heat retention, especially in cold weather. Preparing the Tea This refers to brewing tea. Different teas require different water temperatures for steeping. Tip: Remember to warm up the purple clay pot before brewing tea in winter, especially Zhu Ni pots, to prevent cracking. Purple clay pots come in various heights. Tall pots are suitable for black tea, while short pots are better for green tea. Tall pots have a higher body and a more closed lid, making them ideal for black tea. Since black tea undergoes fermentation during processing, steeping it in a tall pot allows for deep brewing, fully developing the tea's flavor, aroma, and color, resulting in a richer and more fragrant infusion. Shorter pots have a shorter body…...

The golden autumn season sees lush tea mountains, as tea gardens enter the autumn harvest period. In the fragrant tea gardens, tea farmers are seizing good weather to pick tea leaves. As autumn gives way to winter, while busy with harvesting, it is also important to focus on winter management of tea gardens to help the tea trees comfortably "survive the winter." Due to the compounded effects of drought and the pandemic, winter management has started earlier this year, with higher technical requirements and more meticulous fertilization management. Local areas should conduct targeted pruning of tea tree canopies, fertilization management, and pest control based on the impact of drought in their respective tea gardens. They should also prepare the necessary materials for winter management. Good tea comes from good cultivation and good management. Winter management of tea gardens is a crucial technical measure for increasing the yield and quality of tea next year, reducing pest and weed damage to tea trees, and enhancing the overall efficiency of tea gardens. To implement scientific tea cultivation, one must understand the growth characteristics of tea trees. The cessation of sprouting in tea trees marks a key timepoint for winter management of tea gardens.…...

Affecting a moderate-strength El Niño event and superimposed on the backdrop of global warming, the average global temperature in 2023 may break the record for the warmest year set in 2016. It is expected that most regions in China will have temperatures similar to or higher than the long-term average this winter through next spring, but with active cold air phases. Precipitation in southern regions will be above normal, increasing the risk of compound meteorological disasters. In response to complex climate changes, timely management of tea gardens during winter can help ensure their safe overwintering and lay the groundwork for high-quality and high-yield tea production and increased income for tea farmers in the coming year. So how can we properly manage tea gardens in winter? Follow along as we explore the winter-spring tea garden management guidelines developed by the Department of Plant Industry Management of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, in collaboration with the National Agricultural Technology Extension Service Center and the Expert Advisory Group on Tea of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. 1. Disaster Prevention 1.1 Freeze Prevention Closely monitor weather forecasts and implement protective measures such as mulching between rows and covering the canopy…...

Green tea, as a significant category of Chinese teas, is beloved for its fresh aroma, crisp taste, and diverse shapes. The shape of the tea leaves is not only an aesthetic feature but also a reflection of the production techniques and quality. Among the many varieties of green tea, there are several common forms that each have their own unique characteristics, showcasing the distinct charm of green tea.I. Needle-shaped Green Tea Needle-shaped green tea features slender and straight tea leaves, resembling pine needles. This unique shape is formed during the drying process after the fresh leaves are pan-fired and rolled. Teas like Nanjing Yuhua, Yangxian Xueya, and Anhua Pine Needles are representative examples of needle-shaped green teas. Crafting this type requires skilled craftsmanship and strict control over the production process to ensure the uniformity of the long and slender shape. When brewed, needle-shaped green tea often sinks vertically in the cup with a graceful appearance, producing a clear and bright infusion with a delicate and lingering fragrance. II. Flat-shaped Green Tea Flat-shaped green teas, such as West Lake Longjing, Qiqiang, Dinggu Dafang, Maoshan Qingfeng, Qiandao Yuye, and Que She, are classic shapes in green tea. During production, the fresh leaves…...

As tea culture continues to evolve, people’s requirements for tea ware have become increasingly higher. Not only is there a demand for its functionality, but also for its aesthetic value. It can be said that the more exquisite the tea ware, the more pleasant the tea tasting experience becomes. Therefore, fine tea ware often adds much enjoyment to tea drinking. Due to their different materials used in production, tea wares can be categorized into earthenware tea ware, porcelain tea ware, metal tea ware, glass tea ware, and bamboo & wood tea ware. Each type has its own unique charm and brings a different kind of enjoyment during tea tasting. 1. Earthenware Tea Ware Earthenware tea ware is the earliest type of tea ware in China. As early as the initial period of Northern Song Dynasty, earthenware tea ware had already taken shape. Since it is fired at high temperatures and densely sintered, it is both leak-proof and has microscopic pores invisible to the naked eye. This means it neither heats up too quickly nor gets too hot to handle. Furthermore, the shapes of earthenware tea ware are often simple yet elegant with various forms and colors that are rustic and…...

In the scorching summer, people enjoying cool air indoors are prone to "air conditioning sickness," experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, sore limbs, and dry skin. "Air conditioning sickness" is caused by factors such as dry indoor air, poor air circulation leading to increased bacteria, and large temperature differences between indoor and outdoor environments. In addition to improving indoor air circulation, we can also alleviate symptoms by drinking tea. But what kind of tea is best? Ginger Tea to Remove Cold from the Body In an air-conditioned environment, feeling dizzy and fatigued can be attributed to the accumulation of cold in the body. Ginger has the effect of warming the middle and dispelling cold, as well as inducing sweating and relieving exterior conditions. Simply steep 3 to 5 slices of ginger in boiling water, and drinking it will help remove the cold. To enhance its effectiveness, you can boil the ginger slices in water for 5 minutes or heat them in a microwave at high power for 3 minutes. It's important to note that hot ginger tea can dispel the cold in your body and boost your immunity. If you experience noticeable discomfort in your stomach, adding a bit of…...

In early winter 2018, we held a tea gathering in front of the Mogao Caves, titled "Glimmering Light - A Visionary Experience." The tea practitioners scooped up the sand from Mogao and placed it into a glass hourglass. As the hourglass was turned over, the tea ceremony began. Water was poured, tea liquor extracted, served, and sipped. We did not invite many people; just a few tea lovers who had traveled far to sit with us in the desert. The transparent glass frames held tea notes, with sand and wind swirling outside, and the corners of the tea practitioners' robes and their footsteps. The tea wasn't scalding hot, but it still warmed us. Thinking about this tea, I returned again. Yangguan – Flickering Fires in the Wind I've been to Yangguan several times, each time bringing tea and a pot of wine. Zhao Wen carried her zither, saying she would play "Three Stanzas of Yangguan" there. On a clear winter day, the wooden walkway on the Gobi Desert was empty. The brown-red Gobi was protected by the boardwalk, the sandy and gravel ground layered deep and shallow, extending all the way to the horizon. Within these layers, air currents made…...

Freshly made Pu'er spring tea contains high levels of polyphenols, aldehydes, and alcohols. These substances can strongly stimulate the gastrointestinal mucosa, making it easy for those with poor gastrointestinal function to experience symptoms such as dry mouth and throat, abdominal pain, and constipation after drinking it. Additionally, individuals who seldom drink tea may experience symptoms of "tea drunkenness," such as dizziness, insomnia, fatigue, sweating, and frequent urination, after consuming fresh tea. Therefore, freshly made tea needs to be stored for some time, allowing these substances to partially dissipate or oxidize, reducing the activity of caffeine, alkaloids, or aromatic compounds. This not only achieves the effects of "green color, clear broth, high fragrance, and rich flavor" but also makes the tea safer and healthier to consume. Why Should Freshly Made Pu'er Spring Tea Be Stored for a While Before It Becomes Enjoyable? From picking to becoming a finished product, Pu'er spring tea goes through more than ten tea-making processes. If the tea is not compressed into shape, then several steps are skipped; however, if it is shaped into cakes, tuos, or bricks, it must undergo steaming to soften it before being pressed into shape. Taking common Pu'er cake tea as an…...