Oolong tea

When did the variety of Wuyi Rock Tea originate? According to "The New Gazetteer of Tong'an County," "Wuyi tea was originally wild, not planted by human hands. It is said that it was first discovered by an old man... The old man first offered the tea and after his death, he was revered as a mountain deity and enjoyed temple sacrifices." In Fan Zhongyan's "Song of Tea Competition with Zhang Min," it states: "The miraculous tea by the stream surpasses all in the world, cultivated since ancient times by the immortals of Wuyi." The "immortals of Wuyi" likely refer to the distant ancestors of the Wuyi tea region, traditionally believed to be Wuyi Jun or Pengzu. According to Hu Haochuan's research, Wuyi Caicha evolved from a wild species. Professor Zhuang Wanfang believes that Wuyi tea was cultivated by ancients or possibly introduced from Wulong Ridge in Zhejiang Province. Caicha is the mother of Wuyi teas and is the collective term for the sexually propagated group of tea trees in Wuyi. This means these teas are as common as the vegetables grown around the house, only for everyday drinking. In the natural environment of Wuyi Mountain, due to the cross-pollination of…...

Tea, as a treasure of Chinese traditional culture, carries thousands of years of history and culture. Among the many types of tea, Fu tea, brick tea, and dark tea attract countless tea enthusiasts with their unique charm. However, many people are often confused about the relationship between these three. Today, let’s explore the world of Fu tea, brick tea, and dark tea and appreciate their unique flavors. Tea can be divided into six major categories based on its processing method and degree of oxidation: green tea, yellow tea, black tea (in the Western sense), white tea, oolong tea, and dark tea. Dark tea, as one of these, is like a profound and reserved elder, exuding the flavor of time. Dark tea is widely distributed and has a rich variety of types. The “three bricks, three tips, and one flower roll” of Hunan dark tea, the old green brick from Hubei, Tibetan tea from Sichuan, ripe Pu'er from Yunnan, and Liu Bao tea from Guangxi all display unique regional characteristics and production techniques. These varieties of dark tea differ in taste, aroma, and health benefits, satisfying the needs of various tea enthusiasts. Brick tea is a common shape for compressed tea.…...

Acquiring a new teapot is always exciting, especially when you intend to use it to brew the perfect cup of tea. However, a new teapot cannot be used directly; it needs to go through the process of initiation and nourishment. This not only removes impurities from the teapot but also enhances its ability to absorb tea aromas. Today, we will discuss how to properly initiate and care for your teapot, ensuring that your new companion shares many more delightful tea moments with you. What is Teapot Initiation? Initiating a teapot refers to the preparatory process before using a new teapot for the first time. By cleaning and initially brewing tea, impurities on the surface of the teapot and residues from the manufacturing process can be removed. This process also lays the foundation for future use of the teapot. Steps for Teapot Initiation Clean the Teapot: Thoroughly clean both the inside and outside of the teapot with water. Do not use any detergents, as they may leave residue in the pot, affecting the taste of the tea. Brew Water to Remove Odors: Place the teapot in a pot and add enough water to completely submerge it. Boil for 20-30 minutes over…...

Basic Introduction to Shouning Highland TeaShouning Highland Tea is produced in the highland tea regions of Shouning County, Ningde City, Fujian Province. Judging from its appearance, this tea is made using the Minnan Oolong production process. The tea leaves are plump and have a clear, lustrous color. When brewed, the first infusion has a strong floral aroma with a penetrating quality. The tea liquor is clear and transparent, a light greenish-white color, with a sweet and refreshing taste on the palate. After three infusions, even if the brewing time is extended, there is no bitterness or astringency in the tea liquor, highlighting the unique character of highland tea. This tea is also highly reinfusable; while the floral aroma may not be as prominent in later infusions, a milky fragrance gradually becomes apparent, along with hints of caramelized sugar from roasting. The mouthfeel remains smooth throughout, making it a tea of high production quality. Nutritional Value1. Stimulating Effect: The caffeine in tea can stimulate the central nervous system, helping to invigorate the mind, enhance thinking, alleviate fatigue, and improve work efficiency.2. Diuretic Effect: The caffeine and theophylline in tea have diuretic properties, used for treating edema and hydrops. The detoxifying and…...

Is it necessary to inaugurate a new purple clay teapot? A newly made purple clay teapot lacks luster. Inauguration is not mandatory, but it can help remove unwanted odors and clear any residual heat and dryness, so it is recommended. For good black tea, Pu'er tea, aged white tea, and oolong tea, one should pair them with a fine Yixing purple clay teapot, which enhances the ambiance and experience of tea drinking. Many newcomers to the world of teapots are often misled by various inauguration methods found online. In fact, a new purple clay teapot can be used directly after being cleaned with water; there is no need for a complicated inauguration process. Firstly, the master believes that whether inaugurating or nurturing the teapot, one should follow nature and use simple yet effective methods. There are two inauguration methods commonly found online: one involves using tofu placed inside the teapot and then simmered in a pot, while the other replaces tofu with sugarcane, both cooked in a similar manner. Neither method is advisable, in the master's opinion. How to properly inaugurate a teapot? The main purpose of inauguration is to address the residual earthy taste and kiln dust within the…...

"Elon Musk is doing something earth-shattering; I'm not that great. But I've maintained a normal income for farmers, which is my contribution, and I am proud of it." On the evening of August 10th, during the CCTV program "Dialogue," Zhong Shanshan addressed issues such as being China's richest man, online attacks, internet traffic, slowness, competition, and succession for the first time in a systematic manner. This statement perhaps best represents Zhong Shanshan's mindset. Moving from selling water downstream to farming upstream, whether it's Gan'nan navel oranges or Yili apples, Nongfu Spring's investments have been unprofitable so far, but Zhong Shanshan remains content. Even though Oriental Leaf has become a super hit, he is still committed to entering the tea industry. Zhong Shanshan sees all this as "strategic losses," but after more than a decade of such losses, it is difficult to explain them solely through commercial logic. The true reason lies within Zhong Shanshan's heart, where there resides an "idealistic madman." The Seven-Year Loss of Oriental Leaf "Our tea has been around since 2012, 2013, and for over a decade, we didn't make any profit for the first six years, but by 2021, our growth curve started to rise." In…...

The development of ancient Chinese tea-making techniques can be roughly traced through the evolution from sun-dried and steamed loose leaf and powdered teas, to pressed cakes and bricks, then to steamed green teas and pan-fired greens, finally culminating in oolong and black teas. The technique for making oolong tea was likely first formed in the Wuyi Mountains during the late Ming Dynasty. Wuyi rock tea (Wuyi Rock Tea), a type of oolong tea (Oolong Tea), is now commonly referred to as "Da Hong Pao." According to records in literary notes, it was around the late Ming and early Qing dynasties that County Magistrate Yin Yingyin of Chongan invited monks from Mount Huang to teach the Songluo tea production method. Based on this, they created the "qingzuo" process, leading to the invention of a new variety of tea. For this reason, the Wuyi Mountains are considered the birthplace of oolong tea. Zhou Lianggong wrote in "Fujian Xiaojì: Fujian Tea Ode," "The county magistrate of Chongan invited monks from Mount Huang to make Jian tea using the Songluo method, which proved comparable. This year, I received several taels of it and have been very precious with it, often referred to as 'Wuyi…...

Each type of tea has a specific suitable water temperature for brewing; some types must be steeped directly in boiling water, while others require cooling before steeping, or they will taste unpleasant. However, many seasoned tea drinkers believe that regardless of the type of tea, it should always be steeped in boiling water to bring out its aroma. If you were to say your tea cannot be steeped in boiling water, then sorry, they would immediately assume it is not of good quality. There is indeed a saying: "Good tea isn't afraid of being scalded by boiling water." Is this really true? 01. Why Isn't Good Tea Afraid of Being Scalded by Boiling Water? Judging whether something is "good tea" is subjective for everyone. Good tea is relative, but if we are objective, good tea is determined by good raw materials and good processing methods. If these two conditions are met, the quality of the tea is generally assured. Good raw materials determine that the tea leaves contain abundant substances, are resistant to brewing and can withstand high temperatures without revealing their true colors with just one steeping; good processing ensures stable extraction rates, and if there are issues with…...

"The Xihu District of Hangzhou City should earnestly implement the important concept of 'two mountains' put forward by President Xi Jinping and accelerate the industrialization work of Xihu White Tea. Further efforts should be made to speed up the construction of 'Hangzhou standards,' incorporating Xihu White Tea into a high-standard system, achieving precise management of production data and online digital management of labels; realize high-level management by including Xihu White Tea in a sound institutional protection system, strengthening administrative law enforcement and collaborative protection; particularly strengthen high-quality promotion by establishing and improving inspection, testing, and quality management systems, formulating a series of standards for 'one green, one red, and one white.'” This is the suggestion from Li Hong, a member of the CPPCC Xihu District Committee. Tea is the national drink, and Hangzhou is its capital. As one of Hangzhou's 'golden business cards,' the Zhuantang Subdistrict, known as the birthplace of West Lake Longjing tea, has long been referred to as a 'century-old tea town with a myriad-tan tea country.' Tea has become an important carrier for the high-quality development of local agriculture. On the afternoon of August 1st, a thematic consultation activity titled "Promoting the exploration and extension of…...

Traditionally processed oolong teas, such as Wuyi rock tea, Phoenix Dancong, and baked Tie Guan Yin, have good stability after roasting. They do not need to be stored in the refrigerator but can be kept in a cool, dry place instead. Oolong teas are generally safe to store at room temperature since they are fully fermented, and this has little impact on their quality. Dark teas, white teas, Pu'er teas, and aged teas, especially Pu'er, rely on aging for their drinking value. Storing these types of tea in the refrigerator could cause dampness issues and also reduce the activity of beneficial enzymes and bacteria within the tea. It is these enzymes and bacteria that contribute to the tea's flavor development over time. Refrigerating these teas would significantly affect their aging process. These types of teas are best stored at room temperature in a dark, well-ventilated, dry area away from strong odors. Storing them in the refrigerator could lead to mold growth. Should Green Tea Be Refrigerated? Green tea is unique because it is meant to be enjoyed for its fresh and crisp taste. Typically, we only drink green tea from the first flush (before the Ming festival). The tea oxidizes…...

Brewing tea can be simple, a pot and a cup are enough to enjoy the charm of tea. Brewing tea can also be elaborate, an elaborate tea setting adds more flavor to tea tasting. "Elaborate" is a sense of ceremony, and it reflects one’s taste. Each utensil has its purpose, so what kind of tea utensils are there on a tea setting? Today, I have compiled a list of tea utensils for you. Let's see what your tea setting might be missing! Basic Tea Utensils Gaiwan: A gaiwan is a teaware consisting of a lid, bowl, and saucer, mainly used for brewing tea. Teapot: A teapot is a vessel with a spout used for brewing and pouring tea, it is one of the tea utensils primarily used for brewing tea. Fairness Cup: This is a utensil used to evenly distribute the tea liquor before pouring into tasting cups. Tasting Cup: A short cup used for drinking tea. Smelling Cup: Used for smelling the aroma, it is taller and thinner than the tasting cup, often used when brewing highly aromatic Oolong teas from Taiwan. Tea Pad: Smaller than a tea tray, used for holding tasting cups and serving tea. Tea Scoop:…...

Tea culture in China has a long history, and the variety of tea brewing tools is vast. Porcelain, as an ancient and elegant tool for brewing tea, has always been favored by tea enthusiasts. But is porcelain really suitable for brewing tea? This article will take you through all aspects of brewing tea with porcelain. (Image source: internet, delete if infringement) Advantages of Brewing Tea with Porcelain Porcelain has been an excellent choice for brewing tea since ancient times, mainly due to the following advantages: 1. Preserves Tea Aroma: The delicate and smooth material of porcelain does not absorb the aroma of the tea, thus it can well preserve the original aroma of the tea leaves. This is particularly important for teas with rich aromas, such as Tieguanyin and Oolong tea. 2. Good Heat Conduction: Porcelain has moderate heat conduction properties, which allows it to evenly disperse heat, keeping the tea temperature stable. This prevents over-steeping or sudden drops in temperature that could affect the taste of the tea. 3. Aesthetically Pleasing: Porcelain is beautifully crafted with rich patterns and designs, offering high aesthetic value. Whether at home or in a teahouse, brewing tea with porcelain is a feast for…...