Green Tea

"Spring wind greens the south again, Biluochun is beautifully winding," it's the time of year when everyone talks about Biluochun. We talk about the fragrant tea that permeates the city, and we also talk about its staggering price. Why is Dongting Biluochun so expensive? What's the reason for its high cost? It's expensive due to its rarity, and also because of the hands involved. Dongting Biluochun, from picking to stir-frying, is done entirely by hand, taking time, effort, and care, inevitably making it costly. The first step to a cup of Jiangnan flavor is picking. How do the tea farmers on Dongting East and West Hills pick tea? When 5% of the tea shoots in the tea garden reach the initial stage of one bud and one leaf, they can be picked according to standards. First Picking The first batch of picking requires thoroughness; only when the first batch is thoroughly picked will the subsequent growth of new tea shoots be uniform in length. Otherwise, the newly sprouted shoots vary in size and length, which the farmers call "chaos." "Chaos on the tree makes it hard to pick, and chaos after picking makes it hard to sort," affecting quality. Leaving…...

Dongting Mountain Biluochun tea is one of the top ten famous teas in China, ranking alongside Longjing tea from West Lake. It is produced in Dongting Mountain (now Dongshan Town, Wuzhong District, Suzhou) and Xidongting Mountain (now Jinjing Town, Wuzhong District, on the West Hill Island of Taihu Lake, Suzhou). The tea groves and orchards are integrated, with tea plants interplanted among peach, plum, apricot, and loquat trees, representing a typical intercropping model of tea and fruit. The manufacturing process for Dongting Mountain Biluochun requires high standards, with premium-quality tea leaves needing to be handcrafted. The raw materials consist of the tender buds from a single bud and leaf at the initial stage of development from the local tea variety. Producing one pound of Dongting Mountain Biluochun requires 65,000 such buds, which are carefully processed through five steps: spreading, fixation, rolling, shaping, and baking. The finished Dongting Mountain Biluochun has a slender, tightly rolled shape resembling a snail, with visible bee legs, densely covered in white down, and a silvery-green hue with a hint of emerald. The infusion is bright yellowish-green, with a fresh aroma and prominent fruity fragrance. The taste is fresh and strong, with a noticeable fruity flavor.…...

Scented tea originated in the Song Dynasty, began to be produced in the Ming Dynasty and was perfected in the Qing Dynasty. In the late Qing Dynasty, Zhang Changyi established Zhang Yiyuan Tea Shop, which has been passed down through generations, specializing in the production and sale of jasmine tea. During the Republican era, Zhang Yiyuan jasmine tea became well-known throughout Beijing. Regulars at bathhouses and theaters almost always requested Zhang Yiyuan tea by name, and Peking Opera masters such as Qiu Shengrong, Ma Lianliang, Tan Fuying, and others were all regular customers of Zhang Yiyuan. Zhang Yiyuan jasmine tea is made using spring tea from Fujian oolong green tea as the base tea, which is scented multiple times with jasmine flowers. Zhang Yiyuan Teahouse bustling with customers Production Techniques 1. Raw Material Inspection (Tea Base and Flowers Inspection): Strictly inspect the tea base, and select jasmine flowers that are full-bodied, evenly sized, and have a lustrous white color. 2. Tea Base Processing: Process different grades of tea into piles for refined production, requiring the tea base moisture content to reach 8%, with an appearance that is clean, uniform, and free of foreign objects. 3. Flower Processing: The jasmine flowers…...

In daily life, to know how to preserve tea, one must first understand what damages it. Only then can one know how to store it to avoid such damage. Different types of tea have different characteristics and are damaged in different ways and to varying degrees, so the methods and requirements for their storage also differ. Many people do not know how to store green tea after opening it, which can lead to the tea going bad or losing its flavor. Under normal circumstances, green tea can be stored at room temperature for about a year; however, once opened, it should be transferred into an airtight container and used within two months if possible. Since green tea is prone to absorbing moisture, even unopened tea stored for too long will lose its aroma, so it should be brewed while fresh. Here are some key taboos to remember when storing green tea: The Five Taboos of Storing Green Tea 1. Avoid Moisture Firstly, one must be very careful to avoid moisture when storing green tea, as most tea enthusiasts know. Most teas have a strong tendency to absorb moisture and humidity. A relative humidity of 60% is suitable for storage, but…...

Severe Infestation of Tea Looper How to Cope, Find Out Here It is currently late summer and early autumn, with cool weather in the morning and evening. This year has seen more rain than usual, resulting in vigorous growth of tea plants with lush green leaves, providing rich food for tea plant pests. According to investigations into the infestation of tea loopers in Longwu tea gardens, various age groups of larvae coexist, with severe overlapping generations. In some severely affected areas of tea gardens, the older leaves have been completely consumed, affecting the growth of tea plants, which requires close attention from tea garden managers. Due to differences in cultivation and management practices among individual households, the timing of infestations and the degree of damage vary across different tea gardens, making pest control challenging. It is essential to strengthen pest monitoring through field observations and the use of trapping devices, promptly understanding the dynamics of pest outbreaks and implementing appropriate measures: 1. Turn on insect-killing lamps, taking advantage of the fact that adult tea loopers are most active between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM. Set the operating times of the lamps accordingly, ideally using a light-controlled mode where they automatically…...

Tea, as an integral part of Chinese traditional culture, is not just a beverage but also a representation of a way of life. From green tea to black tea and Pu'er tea, each type has its unique flavor and brewing method. In this article, we will delve into the varieties of tea, methods of brewing, and how to select appropriate tea ware. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Green Tea: The Representative of Freshness and Elegance Green tea is an unfermented tea known for its fresh taste and rich nutritional value. Common types include Longjing, Biluochun, and Mao Feng. Brewing Method: The brewing of green tea requires attention to water temperature and time. Generally, use water around 80°C, with a brewing time of 1-2 minutes. Higher temperatures or longer times can destroy the fragrance and taste of the green tea. Tea Ware Selection: Glass cups or porcelain cups are suitable, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of the leaves unfolding in the water. Black Tea: Rich and Smooth Flavor Black tea is a fully fermented tea renowned for its strong aroma and sweet taste. Notable black teas include Keemun, Darjeeling, and Ceylon. Brewing Method: Black tea requires hot water at…...

White tea is known as a one-year tea, a three-year treasure, and a seven-year elixir—the older it gets, the better it becomes. It's not that time takes its toll on our appearance, but rather that we don't drink enough aged white tea. It's especially beneficial for those who often stay up late, have high liver heat leading to acne, bad breath, and irritability. Cooking or steeping a pot of aged white tea each day can be both comfortable and health-promoting. The Benefits of Drinking White Tea White tea is one of China’s traditional famous teas and belongs to the category of minimally processed teas. After harvesting, white tea is neither pan-fried nor rolled; instead, it is sun-dried or gently dried over low heat. Its appearance features intact buds covered in fine downy hairs. The infusion has a clear yellow-green color and a mild, sweet aftertaste. 1. Regulates Blood Sugar: White tea is rich in essential active enzymes. Long-term consumption can increase the activity of lipase in the body, accelerating the breakdown and metabolism of fats. It can also effectively control insulin secretion, reduce sugar absorption, and promote the excretion of excess sugars, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and maintain…...

Baihua Tan is one of the representative production areas of the wild aroma type in Yiwu, located in the Yao Autonomous Township of Mengla County. The tea here is characterized by its robust quality, wild flavor, strong burst, and ample tea energy. Baihua Tan's Geographical Location Baihua Tan is situated in the Yao Autonomous Township of Mengla County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. The environment for producing Pu'er tea here is uniquely distinctive. It is located at the confluence of the Tongjing River, Bulong River, and Jinguang River, forming a special "tan" or pool. This area boasts dense primeval forests, high altitude, abundant water systems, and a favorable ecological environment, providing ideal conditions for the growth of ancient tea trees. The ancient tea trees grown in such an environment absorb the essence of nature, creating Pu'er tea with unique qualities and flavors. The Ancient Tea Garden in Baihua Tan The ancient tea garden in Baihua Tan is a place full of mystery and charm. Hidden deep within the mountains and forests, it is surrounded by lush vegetation, offering an excellent ecological environment. The ancient tea trees here are tall and sturdy, having endured the passage of time, demonstrating remarkable…...

Raw Pu'er tea and ripe Pu'er tea are the two types of Pu'er. It is best to store raw Pu'er for a period before brewing, as this will make its taste smoother. A purple clay pot is recommended for brewing raw Pu'er. Two rinses are required when brewing, followed by a third steeping of 10 seconds. Afterward, pour the tea into a filter cup to remove the leaves, then evenly distribute it into small cups for serving. How to Brew Raw Pu'er Tea The last step that influences the quality of the tea before tasting is the brewing process. Each type of tea has its own brewing techniques, and each specific variety has its own nuances. Today, we'll introduce you to the key points of brewing raw Pu'er tea, hoping to provide some useful guidance. Choice of Tea Utensils 1. Main Brewing Vessels Covered Bowl (Porcelain Pot): The first choice for younger Pu'er teas or those with loose leaves. Purple Clay Pot/Silver Pot: The first choice for aged Pu'er with tightly compressed leaves. Pros and Cons: A covered bowl makes it easier to control the water flow and speed, effectively avoiding oversteeping, and allows for direct observation of the tea…...

"White Peony tea," a precious variety, is produced in Zhenghe, known as the "Hometown of Chinese White Tea." White Peony tea is picked at the stage of one bud and two leaves, requiring that the buds and leaves are covered with white down, referred to as "three whites." The shape of the tea is two leaves embracing a bud, with a natural leaf posture and white down covering the back of the leaves. After brewing, the liquor turns apricot yellow or orange-yellow, clear and bright, with a fresh and lasting downy fragrance. The veins are slightly red, scattered among the green leaves, earning it the praise of "red dress on a white body." The preparation method for drinking White Peony tea is similar to that of green tea but, due to the lack of kneading, the tea juice does not easily seep out, so the brewing time is slightly longer than for green tea. "White like clouds, green like dreams, clean like snow, fragrant like orchids," this tea, which is cold and cool in nature, has the effects of heat-clearing and summer-heat dispelling, making it an excellent drink for refreshing the heart and purifying the spirit in summer. It is…...

Since the weather has warmed up, the number of people engaging in outdoor activities has soared, and camping consumption has become popular. Various camping tools and leisure activities related to camping have also continued to sell well and gain popularity. The lifestyle of getting close to nature has become a trend pursued by many citizens. Setting up a tent in the mountains, placing a small table, preparing some grilled food and fruit platters, and adding a pot of cold-brewed tea and some tea snacks, the healing feeling of escaping the hustle and bustle and heading for the mountains naturally arises—it's practically a real-life version of "The Life We Aspire To." What kind of tea is suitable for camping? It must be cold-brewed tea, which is easy to prepare and refreshing. With the Dragon Boat Festival holiday approaching, why not invite a few friends or bring your family along to unlock the camping trend and experience the romance of summer mountain stream ice tea cold brew! Here are a few quick and delicious cold-brewed teas recommended for you if you're going camping: 01 Basic Cold-Brewed Tea Place the tea leaves in a container, add drinking water, and refrigerate overnight. This method…...

If conditions permit, consider the following types of purple clay teapots: Clay: Purple clay, red clay, slope mud, etc. Pot shape: Large belly (considering that Yunnan black tea leaves are relatively large) Capacity: Over 200 milliliters Black tea is a fully fermented tea made from new shoots of appropriate tea trees, processed through withering, rolling (cutting), fermentation, and drying. Drinking it regularly not only aids digestion but also nourishes and protects the stomach, making it very suitable for winter consumption. Some people are casual about their tea drinking and will brew black tea in any cup, while others are more particular and use a purple clay teapot to enhance the lingering aroma of the black tea. Not all purple clay teapots are suitable for brewing black tea. Firstly, black tea is named for the red color of its tea soup and leaf base when brewed. Due to the dark color of the tea soup, clays such as purple clay, bottom groove green, clear purple clay, and sky blue clay are suitable. You can choose darker colored clays. If using original green or duan mud, be sure to clean them promptly to avoid unsightly tea stains. The color of the purple…...