Oolong tea

Impacted by a moderate-strength El Niño event, and superimposed on the backdrop of global warming, the global average temperature in 2023 may break the record for the warmest year set in 2016. It is expected that temperatures in most regions of China will be close to or higher than the long-term average this winter through to next spring, but with active cold air phases. Precipitation in southern regions is expected to be above normal, increasing the risk of compound meteorological disasters. Given these complex climate changes, timely management of tea gardens during winter can help them safely overwinter and lay a foundation for high-quality tea production and increased income for tea farmers in the coming year. So how should we manage tea gardens in winter? Follow along as we look at the winter and spring tea garden management technical guidelines developed jointly by the Department of Plant Industry Management of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the National Agricultural Technology Extension Service Center, and the Expert Advisory Group for Tea of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. 1. Disaster Prevention 1.1 Preventing Frost Damage Monitor weather forecasts closely. Before a cold wave, implement frost protection measures such as…...

Many people believe that during the processing, transportation, and storage of tea leaves, they come into contact with a lot of dust, tea fuzz, and impurities. Rinsing the tea can clean these off, making the tea healthier and more hygienic to drink. Is this true? Scientific tests show that most bacteria and microorganisms are killed at water temperatures above 80 degrees Celsius. Typically, the water temperature used for brewing tea is not lower than 80 degrees. Generally speaking, green teas do not need to be rinsed, especially tender shoots picked before the Ming Festival, which can be directly brewed using mid-dunk or top-dunk methods. For black teas and oolong teas, you may rinse them once with hot water, but it's also fine to skip this step. Personally, I usually choose not to rinse the tea. Teas that are generally recommended for rinsing are compressed teas, particularly aged compressed teas. The rinsing process not only gives the impression of washing away impurities (which doesn't really happen) but also serves as a way to awaken the tea (the key effect of rinsing compressed teas). If you do rinse the tea, how should you do it? Green teas typically do not require rinsing.…...

What precautions should be taken when drinking tea? Tea is closely related to our daily lives, and there are many benefits to drinking it, such as fat reduction and digestion aid. However, there are also several considerations to keep in mind to ensure that drinking tea truly promotes health. Here are some points worth noting. What to Consider When Drinking Tea Regularly 1. How Many Infusions Can a Cup of Tea Have? The number of times tea can be steeped depends not only on its tenderness but mainly on the processing method used. During initial processing, if the leaves are cut, the tea essence will be easier to extract. Conversely, coarser, older, and intact leaves release their flavors more slowly during steeping. For most green teas, the first infusion releases about 50% to 55% of the soluble substances; the second infusion typically extracts around 30%; the third yields about 10%; and the fourth provides only 1% to 3%. From a nutritional standpoint (considering vitamins and amino acids), 80% of these components are extracted in the first infusion, about 15% in the second, and by the third infusion, nearly all have been extracted. In general, black teas, green teas, and flower…...

Metal utensils are among the oldest in China, made from materials such as gold, silver, copper, iron, and tin. Before Qin Shi Huang unified China, bronze vessels were already widely used, both for alcohol and for holding tea or water. As tea became a beverage, tea ware gradually separated from other types of utensils. Around the Northern and Southern Dynasties, China saw the emergence of silver and gold tea ware. During the Sui and Tang dynasties, the production of silver and gold utensils reached its peak. From the Song Dynasty onwards, opinions on metal tea ware were mixed. After the Yuan Dynasty, especially starting from the Ming Dynasty, with innovations in tea varieties, changes in tea-drinking methods, and the rise of ceramic tea ware, metal tea ware, including those made of silver, gradually disappeared. Particularly, tea ware made of tin, iron, and lead was believed to alter the taste of tea, leading to their rare usage. Silver and gold tea ware can be classified by material: those made of silver are called silver tea ware, while those made of gold are called gold tea ware. Silverware decorated with gold foil or gilded is referred to as gilded tea ware. Due…...

The Qing Dynasty saw the emergence of black tea, oolong tea, white tea, dark tea, and yellow tea in addition to green tea, forming the six major categories of tea. Regardless of the type of tea, the brewing method from the Ming Dynasty of directly infusing tea leaves was still used. Under these circumstances, the types and forms of tea wares in the Qing Dynasty did not significantly deviate from the standards set during the Ming Dynasty. During the Qing Dynasty, teacups and teapots were typically made of clay or porcelain, with the Kangxi and Qianlong periods being particularly prosperous times for their production, especially those known as “Jingdezhen porcelain and Yixing clay.” Premium porcelain tea wares of the Qing Dynasty were mostly produced in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi, while production in Dehua, Fujian; Liling, Hunan; Tangshan, Hebei; Zibo, Shandong; and Yaozhou, Shaanxi also thrived but did not match Jingdezhen in terms of quality and quantity. During this period, in addition to continuing the production of blue-and-white porcelain and polychrome porcelain tea wares, new types such as pink-ground enamel and cloisonné enamel tea wares were created. Yixing purple clay tea wares of the Qing Dynasty developed further while preserving traditional techniques. During…...

Basic Introduction to Huoshan Yellow Great TeaHuoshan Yellow Great Tea, also known as Anhui West Yellow Great Tea, is a type of yellow tea. It is a Chinese Geographical Indication product (Agricultural Product Geographical Indication). Produced in areas such as Huoshan, Jinzhai, Dahan, and Yuexi in Anhui Province, the best quality comes from regions around Dahaping, Taiyang Jinzhuping, Shangtishishi, and Manshuihe in Huoshan County, and Yanzihai in Jinzhai County. This yellow tea is characterized by its large stems and leaves. As this feature is quite rare among teas, it is often used as a criterion for distinguishing the authenticity of the tea. Product FeaturesThe creation of Yellow Great Tea dates back to the Longqing period of the Ming Dynasty, over four hundred years ago. It is known for its large leaves, long stalks, yellow color, and a fragrant, durable infusion. Drinking it helps remove grease and aids digestion. It also has a strong smoky aroma (often referred to as "pot-baked aroma"). Famous varieties include Huoshan Yellow Great Tea from Anhui and Big Leaf Green from Guangdong. The Huoshan Yellow Great Tea is characterized by robust stalks and plump leaves that form a string-like shape resembling a fishing hook. The stalks…...

Normally, when we drink tea, we do so at our leisure, not caring whether different types of tea require water of different temperatures or how much tea to put in. If you want a better tea drinking experience, these issues cannot be ignored. Different water temperatures and different amounts of tea can greatly affect the taste of the tea. 1. Water Temperature When boiling water for tea, use a strong fire to bring it to a rapid boil; do not use a slow fire to simmer the water. Water that has just boiled is ideal for brewing tea, producing a fragrant and tasty brew. If the water boils for too long, as the ancients called it, "old water." At this point, the carbon dioxide dissolved in the water has mostly evaporated, and the freshness and briskness of the tea are significantly reduced. In general, the water temperature used for brewing tea is positively related to the solubility of effective substances from the tea leaves in the water. The higher the water temperature, the greater the solubility and the stronger the tea soup; conversely, the lower the water temperature, the smaller the solubility and the lighter the tea soup. Generally, the…...

Many tea enthusiasts have encountered an issue where, when brewing a particular serving of tea, the first few infusions already exhibit a heavy water taste, giving the impression of separate tea and water. Why does this happen during tea brewing? Here are some possible reasons: Hard Water Quality The hardness of water affects the solubility of compounds within the tea leaves. Soft water has a higher solubility, resulting in a stronger tea flavor. Hard water, which contains higher levels of calcium, magnesium ions, and minerals, has a lower solubility, leading to a milder tea taste. Therefore, we should choose soft water whenever possible and avoid using high-hardness water like well water for tea brewing. Insufficient Water Temperature The solubility of tea is directly proportional to the water temperature. If the water temperature for brewing is too low, the solubility of the compounds in the tea leaves will be reduced, resulting in a weaker tea taste and a more pronounced water taste. There's no need to overly worry about high temperatures destroying vitamins in the tea, as the vitamins in tea are relatively stable, and their loss at high temperatures is actually quite limited. Weather Conditions During Tea Processing Spring 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…...

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…...

Believe it or not, most of us have had the experience of keeping pets from a young age. When we were little, our parents were usually the main caretakers, so our experience was more about having fun. Later on, when you became financially independent, you had more options for pets—cats, dogs, fish, birds, and so on—but how many successful experiences did you have in raising them? A tea lover's pet is an emotional bond, different from typical pets, as a tea pet can truly be kept without being discarded or abandoned. The pet of a tea lover is known as a tea pet. A tea pet, as its name suggests, is nurtured with tea water. It is actually a small handicraft made of purple clay or yellow mud, such as elephants, turtles, toads, Pixiu, pigs, and so on. Different tea pets carry different meanings; some symbolize wealth and contentment, while others represent happiness and good fortune. People collect them according to their preferences and place them on their tea tables. A beautiful tea pet is one that a tea lover spends time and effort slowly "cultivating." When drinking tea, a tea lover gently waters their pet with tea or brushes…...

Liubao tea, Anhua dark tea, raw Pu'er tea, ripe Pu'er tea, and Fuding white tea can be stored for a long time. These teas are post-fermented or aged over time. They contain abundant pectin, sugars, amino acids, etc., and require time for enzymatic reactions. As they age, their aroma becomes richer, making them suitable for long-term storage. Which Teas Are Suitable for Long-Term Storage? 1. White Tea White tea is often referred to as "a one-year tea, three-year medicine, seven-year treasure." Storing white tea helps transform its fresh, sweet flavor, increasing its sweetness and developing aromas like jujube and medicinal herbs, with a clear, sweet taste. White tea aged for more than three years has a gentler nature, making it very suitable for people with weaker spleen and stomachs to drink. 2. Pu'er Tea Both raw and ripe Pu'er tea can be stored for a long time, but raw tea has greater storage value. Stored in different environments, Pu'er tea undergoes changes in different directions, which is extremely intriguing. The longer the storage time, the richer the layers of taste and the stronger the flavor. 3. Dark Tea Storing dark tea benefits the further transformation by beneficial bacteria, making the…...