Oolong tea

Possibly the only Oolong tea that is still processed the old fashioned way, Chinese tea Fenghuang Dancong bushes are growing between 500 to 1400 meters above sea level on the SE mountains slopes of Fenghuang (Phoenix) Mountain in Chaozhou City, Guangdong Province, China. Fenghuang Dancong’s production is very limited due to the tea trees’ unique geographical preferences. Local people discovered Dancong tea trees in the Song Dynasty (960 – 1279) and started to farm it. As the tip of the leaves resembles the shape of bird beak, it is also called "bird beak tea". The special feature of Dancong tea of China lies in the flavors of tea. According to Wikipedia, "The doppelganger of teas, Dancong teas are noted for their ability to naturally imitate the flavors and fragrances of various flowers and fruits, such as orange blossom, orchid, grapefruit, almond, ginger flower, etc."China Dancong tea’s special functions includes (in addition to the functions of general tea): Reducing the free radicals in the body thus reducing chances of cancer; Lowering cholesterol and fatty tissue levels; Slowing the aging process; A Dancong tea dealer once told us that Dancong from old tea trees could dissolve the meat and rice overnight. We did try…...

The Start of Winter signifies the beginning of a period where all things enter a state of rest and storage. Plants wither, insects hibernate, and the activities of all things tend towards cessation. Before the courtyard, winter snow inspires poetry; around the hearth, so do wine and tea. Though the weather is cold, we are fortunate to have warm tea to nourish our bodies and provide solace. Living between heaven and earth, humans must strive for balance between yin and yang. An excess of yang brings heat, and one's diet should then include more yin-natured foods to balance the internal yin and yang. An excess of yin brings coldness, requiring the intake of yang-natured foods for the same purpose of achieving balance. This is also the rationale behind "eating warming tonics in autumn and winter." The demand for tea or the regulatory effect of tea on the body is, in essence, a manifestation of human respect for and adherence to nature. Therefore, it is crucial that we follow natural laws, adjust our habits according to seasonal changes, and drink tea scientifically in different seasons. Tea Should Be Warm-Natured in Autumn and Winter Due to global warming, the distinct characteristics of…...

Summer is hot, and drinking tea requires special attention. Many people drink a variety of teas without any pattern during summer, which not only fails to cool them down but also causes discomfort. Many people prefer cold drinks in summer, but drinking tea is actually better. When choosing tea for summer, it's important to consider the climate, the nature of the tea, and one's own constitution. How can we enjoy good tea in summer? Today, we introduce some suitable teas for the season. Cooling Off with Flower Teas In summer, it's advisable to choose cooling flower teas that can help relieve thirst and reduce heat, though those with weak spleen and stomach should avoid them. When deciding on what flower tea to drink, consider the properties of different teas; those with weaker constitutions may opt for more neutral or slightly warm flower teas. Chrysanthemum has a sweet taste and is slightly cold, effectively dispersing wind heat and calming the liver while improving vision. After prolonged visual strain, brewing a cup of chrysanthemum tea can not only refresh the mind but also prevent cardiovascular diseases. Staying Alert with Green Tea Under the blazing sun and high temperatures of summer, the body…...

Driving for a little over an hour from Quanzhou, Fujian, you arrive at Xiping Town, Anxi County—the birthplace of Tieguanyin. Xiping was once known as Qipeng, named after the mythical great roc said to have rested here. After passing through the town, we entered the winding mountain roads, our car like a fish swimming upstream into a sea of green. Looking out the window, tea fields stretched as far as the eye could see, terraced hills and sprawling plots in various shapes and sizes. Upon entering Nanyan Village, the air was filled with a fresh, invigorating tea fragrance. Taking a deep breath, every nerve and cell relaxed. When we arrived at Taishanlou, the annual Nanyan Tieguanyin Tea King Competition was entering its final round. The villagers held their breath, intently watching the courtyard. In the center stood a large tea table, about four to five meters long, on which ten white porcelain lidded jars were lined up horizontally, each corresponding to a numbered sample from 1 to 10. Staff took samples from the jars, weighing them according to standard procedures before placing them into the jars. Facing each jar, three white porcelain tea cups were arranged in a vertical row,…...

It's often said that a woman who drinks tea has a certain charm. And a woman who enjoys drinking tea from a Yixing clay pot possesses a natural, refreshing, and perfectly balanced beauty. Today, I'll introduce ten styles of teapots that are particularly favored by women. 01 Xi Shi (Doll) Teapot The Xi Shi teapot has a plump and adorable shape with graceful curves. The flush-fitting lid makes the entire form appear unified, making it perfect for handling. As one of the four great beauties of ancient China, the name Xi Shi naturally evokes associations of beauty, elegance, and nobility. As the saying goes: Beautiful is the Xi Shi, but the most wonderful is the Xi Shi teapot. 02 Beauty's Shoulder Teapot The Beauty's Shoulder teapot resembles an elegant and lovely ancient Chinese woman, exuding imperial splendor while also possessing the grace of a young lady. The design is full and dignified, with the main focus on the roundness of the body. The lid blends seamlessly with the body, and the teapot feels warm and smooth to the touch. 03 Smiling Cherry Teapot The Smiling Cherry teapot, originally named the Three-Line teapot, draws inspiration from ancient ceramic tea storage jars…...

    Before brewing tea, you can pre-warm the cup. When brewing, avoid filling the cup with water, pour out the water quickly, and don't let the tea leaves steep in hot water for too long. These are all details in the process of brewing tea. Regardless of what type of tea you're brewing, there are three key elements to pay attention to: the amount of tea used, the water temperature, and the brewing time.     Three Practical Techniques for Brewing Tea     1. Amount of Tea: There is no uniform standard for how much tea to use each time. This mainly depends on the type of tea, the size of the teaware, and the consumer's drinking habits.     There are many types of tea, and the amount used varies depending on the type. For example, when brewing general black or green teas, about 3 grams of dry tea leaves are placed in a cup with 150-200 milliliters of boiling water. If drinking Pu'er tea, 5-10 grams are used per cup. The most tea used is for Oolong tea, where each serving is typically 1/2 to 2/3 of the teapot's capacity.     2. Brewing Water Temperature: For high-quality green teas, especially those with delicate buds and…...

Dahongpao is a type of Oolong tea, known for its mild nature. It helps to reduce internal heat and provides relief from summer heat. Rich in amino acids, polyphenols, caffeine, vitamins, and other substances, Dahongpao can alleviate thirst, replenish bodily fluids, and eliminate greasiness. It also benefits those suffering from excessive body heat and dry skin. Long-term consumption can aid digestion, improve stomach health, and promote urination and bowel movements. Dahongpao: Does it Cause Heatiness or Reduce It? Dahongpao is a tea beverage. For most people, drinking moderate amounts of Dahongpao generally does not cause heatiness. However, excessive consumption might lead to symptoms of heatiness. Those who are prone to heatiness may experience such symptoms when drinking Dahongpao, so they should adjust their intake accordingly to avoid discomfort. 1. No Heatiness: According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Dahongpao has a warm nature and can help activate blood circulation and relieve pain. When consumed in moderation by individuals suited to it according to TCM principles, it can support healthy blood flow, menstrual regulation, and soothe gastric pain without causing heatiness, actually benefiting overall health; 2. Causes Heatiness: Due to its warm nature, excessive consumption of Dahongpao can generate excess warmth in…...

Tea lovers often keep a good stock of tea at home. Some store their tea in the fridge, or even buy a small fridge specifically for this purpose. However, this is a common misconception – whether tea should be stored in the fridge depends on the type. Here are some basics about storing tea in the fridge. Green tea, yellow tea, and some oolong teas need to be refrigerated, while Pu'er, white tea, dark tea, black tea, and oolong teas with higher fermentation levels should be stored at room temperature and sealed. When storing these teas, it's important to prevent odors, dampness, ensure airtight conditions, and avoid light. If you plan to consume the tea within two months, simply store it in a cool place at room temperature. Green tea, yellow tea, and lightly fermented oolong teas need to be refrigerated. These teas have low fermentation levels or are unfermented, making them highly active and susceptible to environmental factors and oxidation, which can alter their quality. To maintain their flavor and aroma, they should be properly sealed and refrigerated. Which Teas Need Refrigeration? The main types of tea that benefit from fridge storage are green tea and lightly oxidized oolong…...

When brewing tea, you may occasionally encounter a situation where the water taste is prominent. What causes this? It is mainly due to the impact of water on the tea brewing process. So what effects do water quality and water temperature have on tea brewing? Why does tea have a strong water taste when brewed? Here are some reasons: 1. Hard Water Quality The hardness of the water affects the solubility of compounds in the tea leaves. Soft water has a higher solubility, resulting in a stronger tea flavor. Hard water contains more calcium, magnesium ions, and minerals, leading to lower solubility and thus a weaker tea flavor. Therefore, we should try to choose soft water and avoid using high-hardness water like well water for tea brewing. 2. Low Water Temperature The solubility of tea is proportional to the water temperature. If the water temperature used for brewing is too low, the amount of compounds dissolved from the tea leaves will be small, leading to an insufficient tea flavor and a more pronounced water taste. There's no need to overly worry about high temperatures destroying vitamins in tea, as the stability of vitamins in tea is relatively high, and the…...

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…...

Basic Introduction to Mapo TeaThe Mapo Village tea gardens are primarily distributed between an altitude of 800 meters and 1200 meters, belonging to a subtropical monsoon humid climate. There is ample sunlight, distinct seasons, with an average annual temperature around 15 degrees Celsius, relative humidity at 80%, and an average of approximately 1300 hours of annual sunlight. Due to the long hours of sunlight and temperate climate in Rizhao City, it is especially suitable for the growth of tea, thus conducive to the accumulation of internal substances in the tea leaves. The content of various effective components such as tea polyphenols, catechins, and trace elements beneficial to the human body is abundant. Nutritional ValueThrough modern scientific separation and identification, there are over four hundred organic chemical components and over forty inorganic mineral elements found in tea. Many nutritional and medicinal components are present in the organic chemical components and inorganic mineral elements of tea. Major organic chemical components include: tea polyphenols, plant alkaloids, proteins, amino acids, vitamins, pectin, organic acids, polysaccharides, sugars, enzymes, pigments, etc. Product CharacteristicsIt has unique qualities such as "fine, pointed tips and tightly twisted strands; clear green infusion and bright clarity; rich fragrance and lingering aftertaste."…...

Stepping into the 2024 Chaozhou Kung Fu Tea Conference, one is greeted by the fresh aroma of tea. Journalists discovered that while many tea companies and merchants are committed to tradition and quality, they have also embarked on an exploration of making their teas more youthful. Products have become more diverse, packaging more modern, and marketing models more varied, not only retaining older customers but also attracting a growing number of young people to the exhibition, infusing new vitality into the tea industry. Combining Tradition with Modern Trends Exploring More Possibilities in the Tea Industry After tasting Phoenix Dancong tea, Academician Liu Zhonghua of the Chinese Academy of Engineering once gave a classic evaluation: "With Phoenix Dancong, the first cup is love at first sight; the second cup leaves you yearning for more; the third cup binds you forever." At the exhibition, the Congxin Dancong booth featured tea packaged with this phrase as its central theme. Yu Yingfeng, founder of the Congxin Dancong brand, spoke with journalists about the creativity behind the tea packaging. "For the packaging, we used hand-drawn images of the ancient tea trees of Wudong Mountain as the background, presenting elements such as the land, the tea…...