Green Tea

Oolong tea, also known as Qingcha or semi-fermented tea, is a distinctive category among the major types of Chinese teas. Oolong tea is made through processes such as killing green, withering, shaking green, fermentation, and baking, resulting in a high-quality tea. Characteristic oolong tea has red edges on the leaves and a green center, with a yellowish-red infusion, rich flavor, and unique floral and fruity aromas that linger long after tasting. Famous oolong teas include: Fujian Tieguanyin, Phoenix Dancong tea, Dongding Oolong tea, and Wuyi Dahongpao. "The pot is the father of tea, water is the mother of tea, charcoal is the friend of tea," when it comes to brewing tea, the teapot is extremely important. So, what kind of purple clay pot is suitable for oolong tea? In terms of clay material: The infusion color of oolong tea is mostly orange-yellow or golden yellow. Based on this characteristic, suitable purple clay pot materials for oolong tea can be selected from duan clay, original green clay, zuni (red clay), and red clay. The taste of oolong tea is full-bodied and its aroma is rich, which is one of the most significant features of oolong tea: its high aroma. Therefore, you…...

Many people have eaten raspberries, the red berries that are sweet and delicious, also known as brambles. In Guangxi, the local people process the leaves of this plant to be consumed as tea. Because it tastes sweet, it is named “Sweet Tea.” Sweet tea, along with monk fruit, Hepu pearls, and Guangxi spices, are collectively known as the four famous products of Guangxi. Guangxi Sweet Tea is not a traditional tea; its plant belongs to the Rosaceae family, Rubus genus, and is a perennial shrub with thorns that sheds its leaves in autumn. Its leaves resemble those of maple trees. Sweet tea primarily grows in the Jinxiu Dayaoshan area of Guangxi at elevations between 800 and 1000 meters. This region is the second-largest kingdom of medicinal plants and animals in China and is a national nature reserve, with soil rich in selenium. Unlike other common Rubus plants, its leaves have a sweet taste, and every part of the plant is valuable—roots, stems, leaves, and fruits can all be used for tea or medicine. The sweetest time for the tea is during July and August each year. Nowadays, sweet tea is processed using the techniques for green tea, involving steps such…...

The tea picking technique directly affects the yield and quality of tea. A scientifically sound picking technique should accurately control the picking standards, methods, cycles, and storage of fresh leaves while balancing the relationship between picking and nurturing. Below is an introduction to the manual picking technique for high-quality green tea fresh leaves. Tea Picking Standards The picking standards are determined based on factors such as the tea plant variety, growth status, new shoot development, and the type of processed tea product. Generally, high-quality green tea is picked at a tender stage, starting with single buds, followed by one bud and one initial leaf, one bud and one full leaf, and one bud and two initial leaves. For needle-shaped teas, picking ranges from one bud and one initial leaf to one bud and two initial leaves, while flat bud-shaped teas are picked from single buds to one bud and one initial leaf. Tea Picking Period In spring, when picking fresh leaves for high-quality green tea, harvesting should commence when 5% to 10% of the buds and leaves on the tea plant canopy reach the picking standard. Based on the sprouting of buds and leaves, picking should be organized every 1…...

01. Tea Cake The tea cake is a common form of Pu'er tea, usually weighing 357 grams, commonly known as the Seven Sons Cake. 02. Tuo Tea It looks like a round bread from above and a thick-walled bowl from below, with a concave center, which is quite distinctive. Each weighs about 100 grams to 250 grams, varying in size. This shape was also made for ease of long-distance transportation and long-term storage in ancient times. 03. Brick Tea Brick tea, also known as steam-pressed tea, is one of the more representative types of compressed teas. Pu'er brick tea was once offered as tribute during the Qing Dynasty and remains a popular category of Pu'er tea. 04. Square Tea Pu'er square tea is produced by Kunming Tea Factory, using Yunnan large-leaf sun-dried green tea of grades one and two as raw materials. The selection process is strict, ensuring a high degree of tenderness. It is finely screened, then steamed and pressed into a square block, measuring 10.1 cm on each side. Each piece weighs 250 grams and is considered a premium product among compressed teas. 05. Mini Tuo Tea Mini tuo is a type of tuo tea shaped like a…...

Whether Bingdao spring tea is better than autumn tea depends on personal preference for bitterness and astringency. The yields of spring and autumn harvests also differ. Spring tea, due to its shorter growth period, results in lower production from the tea plants, and thus, it generally commands a higher price. Conversely, autumn tea, which has a longer growth period, yields more, making it relatively less expensive. Characteristics of Bingdao Spring Tea Taste The uniqueness of Bingdao spring tea lies in its growing environment. Located near the Arctic Circle, Bingdao experiences cold climates, but it's precisely these extreme natural conditions that give the spring tea a fresher taste and a stronger aroma. In Bingdao, the picking and processing of spring tea are strictly regulated to ensure its quality and authentic taste. The taste of Bingdao spring tea is refreshingly pleasant, with a light sweetness upon entry into the mouth, leaving one feeling refreshed and invigorated. Its aroma is unique and captivating, embodying the freshness of spring and the vitality of life. This tea not only boasts an excellent flavor but also offers numerous health benefits. Regular consumption of Bingdao spring tea can help to invigorate the mind, reduce blood pressure and…...

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…...

Weed control is a critical aspect of managing young tea gardens in Guizhou. Techniques such as manual weeding, tillage weeding, and mulching have proven effective, but they require significant labor and material inputs. Manual weeding alone can cost 700 to 800 RMB per mu, increasing the overall management costs of the tea garden. Intercropping soybeans in young tea gardens can effectively suppress weed growth, improve the ecological environment, and enhance soil fertility. Additionally, this practice generates supplementary income of around 1,000 RMB per mu. Soybeans are an important oilseed crop, and China's current production falls short of domestic demand. Intercropping soybeans in young tea gardens aligns with national policies aimed at increasing soybean production capacity and ensuring food security. To leverage the weed control and soil fertility benefits of intercropping soybeans, the Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences Tea Research Institute has developed this plan. Soybean intercropping in tea gardens in Datun Village, Shiqian County General Requirements 1. Adhere to Tea Garden Safety Principles All pesticides and fertilizers used in tea gardens must comply with Guizhou's safety standards. No pesticides or fertilizers prohibited in tea gardens should be applied, even if they are suitable for soybeans. 2. Balance Tea Management and…...

The winter protection and management of tea gardens is a key focus of tea garden management, critical for ensuring the yield, quality, and profitability of spring tea in the following year. To guide this year's winter protection and management of tea gardens, the Haiqing Town has developed technical guidance for winter protection and management of tea gardens in Qingdao Haiqing. I. New (Renewed) Tea Gardens (1) Select Cold-Resistant Varieties. Suitable cold-resistant varieties for planting in Haiqing Town include: Fuding Dabai, Huangshan Variety, Jiukeng Variety, Longjing Changye, Zhongcha 108, Longjing 43, Maolu, Jiukeng Early, Echa No.1, Bixiang Early, Yellow Rose, Jin Xuan, Pingyang Special Early, etc. When establishing a tea garden, try to use cold-resistant varieties as much as possible. (2) Select Suitable Tea Garden Sites. Choose sites that are sheltered from wind and face the sun, with a thick layer of soil, acidic soil (pH value 4.5–6.5), and have irrigation facilities. The soil texture should be loam, sandy loam, or light clay loam. (3) Create Windbreak Forests. Plant windbreak forests around the tea gardens, along roads, by ditches, on steep slopes, at the tops of hills, and in front of prevailing winds. Common tree species include: Chinese Arborvitae, Juniperus chinensis,…...

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…...

In the vast and profound tea culture of China, Lua'an Guapian stands out due to its unique production techniques and taste, becoming a treasure in the hearts of tea enthusiasts. Today, let's step into the world of Lua'an Guapian together, experience the unique charm of this traditional tea, and learn how to appreciate it. I. History and Origin of Lua'an Guapian Lua'an Guapian, also known as Guapian or Flaked Tea, is produced in the Dabie Mountains area around the city of Lua'an in Anhui Province. Its history dates back hundreds of years, with a rich cultural heritage. The climate conditions, soil environment, and unique production techniques of the Lua'an region have collectively contributed to the distinctive quality of Lua'an Guapian. Historically, Lua'an Guapian was an imperial tribute tea, favored by royalty. In modern times, it has gained popularity both domestically and internationally for its unique taste and quality. Fig: Memories of Autumn (Photographed by) II. Unique Characteristics of Lua'an Guapian The most distinctive feature of Lua'an Guapian lies in its unique production process and form. In the traditional production process of Lua'an Guapian, the tea leaves undergo multiple steps including picking, stir-frying, and baking. Among these steps, the most unique…...

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…...

In the scorching summer heat, drinking green tea is a great choice. Those who understand tea know that there are specific nuances to brewing green tea. Beyond the requirement for water temperature, the order in which the tea leaves are added is also very important. Let's explore the three different methods of adding tea leaves. I. The Three Methods of Adding Tea Leaves 1. There’s an Art to the Order of Adding Tea Leaves When you brew tea, do you put the tea leaves in first or pour the water first? Or do you pour half the water before adding the leaves? These questions might seem trivial, but using green tea as an example, different types of green tea have different methods of adding the leaves. 2. Top Addition Method: Pour the water first, then add the tea leaves, allowing them to sink slowly. The top addition method is suitable for tea leaves that are heavy and covered with fine down, such as Biluochun and Xinyang Maojian. Due to their weight, the tea leaves will naturally sink when placed in the water, gradually releasing their internal substances. The down on the surface will also slowly disperse in the water, resulting…...