Pu-erh Tea

The world of a teapot is vast, and the life of tea is long! Whether you're new to the world of purple clay teapots or an experienced aficionado, there are always questions that need answers! Here we have collected some frequently asked questions from enthusiasts and provided detailed answers. 1. Why does my new purple clay teapot have an unusual smell? Answer: The reason why tea brewed in a purple clay teapot tastes particularly good is due to its unique double-pore structure, which can absorb the aroma of tea. Naturally, it can also absorb other odors. A newly made purple clay teapot may have some earthy smell or a slight burnt odor, which are normal kiln-related scents. 2. Is purple clay exclusive to Yixing? Answer: Purple clay is a unique mineral found in Yixing. In May 2006, Yixing purple clay was included in the first batch of China's Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection List. To date, no one has discovered anywhere else in the world with the same type of ore as Yixing's purple clay. Clay from other mountains often contains a lot of sand and impurities. Purple clay from other regions can be considered purple clay pottery, but the finished…...

Recently, there has been frequent rainfall in South China, posing a challenge for storing Pu'er tea. Proper handling can lead to better transformation of the tea, while improper handling can cause issues such as mold. Storage has become a challenge, as different regions have varying climates, so is there a difference in storage methods? Don't worry, after reading this article, you will find answers to these questions. The Four Factors Affecting Pu'er Tea Storage When the same Pu'er tea is stored in different environments, the final aged quality will vary. The four factors that significantly influence the quality of Pu'er tea storage are "temperature," "humidity," "light protection," and "air." These play the most significant role in the transformation process of Pu'er tea during storage. 1. Temperature: Temperature plays a crucial role in the transformation of Pu'er tea. Excessively high temperatures can cause the tea to develop off-flavors; in excessively low temperatures, the transformation process slows down or even stops. Therefore, a relatively suitable temperature is essential for storing Pu'er tea. The temperature for storing Pu'er tea should not be too high or too low, and it is recommended to maintain it around 25°C ± 3°C. 2. Humidity: Humidity is also…...

There are six main types of tea, and the storage time after opening varies depending on the type. Green and yellow teas can typically be stored for about 2 to 3 months after opening. These types of tea are particularly susceptible to oxidation and should be consumed as soon as possible. Black and Oolong teas can be stored for 6 to 12 months after opening. Dark teas and Pu'er teas can be stored long-term if properly preserved after opening. How Long Can Opened Tea Be Stored? If tea is left unsealed after opening, it can be stored for around 3 months. The key to preserving tea is keeping it dry, sealed, away from light, and free from odors. Leaving opened tea unsealed makes it susceptible to external influences, accelerating the oxidation of its internal components and shortening its shelf life (to around 3 months). If you seal the tea in an aluminum bag and place it in a metal tin, then cover the tin with a plastic bag and tie it securely, you can store it in the refrigerator. How to Store Opened Tea: After opening, store the tea in containers or bags with high airtightness at room temperature. To…...

Basic Introduction to Dark Tea of AnhuaDark Tea of Anhua is a specialty product of Anhua County, Yiyang City, Hunan Province. It is considered the progenitor of Chinese dark tea and was recorded in historical documents as “Qujiang Thin Slice” during the Tang Dynasty (856). It was once listed as a tribute to the imperial court and officially produced as Dark Tea of Anhua in the third year of the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty (1524). By the end of the 16th century, Dark Tea of Anhua had taken the leading position in China and was designated as an official tea during the Wanli period, with large quantities exported to the northwest.Dark Tea of Anhua is one of the six basic types of tea and belongs to the category of post-fermented tea. Its main products include Fu brick, Hei brick, Hua brick, Qing brick, Xiangjian, etc. In ancient times, some of it was sold domestically in Shanxi, Shaanxi, Gansu, Suiyuan, Ningxia, Xinjiang, Tibet, and Mongolia, while some was processed and compressed into bricks. Apart from being sold domestically in northwest China, it was also exported to the Soviet Union and was specifically referred to as “Brick Tea.”Dark Tea of…...

Tea lovers often keep a large amount of tea at home. Many people store their tea in the refrigerator, and some even purchase a small fridge specifically for this purpose. However, this is a misconception – whether or not to place tea in the refrigerator should be considered on a case-by-case basis. 1. Teas Suitable for Refrigeration Green tea, lightly fragrant Oolong tea, and dehumidified tea. Among the six major types of tea, green tea is the most prone to spoilage and requires extra attention during storage. You can place the tea in a sealed tea canister, then put it inside a sealed bag before refrigerating it. Lightly fragrant Tieguanyin and dehumidified Oolong, which have gained popularity, can also be stored in the refrigerator. Green tea, lightly fragrant Oolong tea, and dehumidified tea are suitable for refrigeration. 2. Teas Unsuitable for Refrigeration Dark tea, aged Tieguanyin, Pu'er tea, and white tea are not suitable for refrigeration due to their need for post-production transformation, especially Pu'er tea, where aging significantly affects its drinking value. Storing these teas in the refrigerator can lead to moisture issues. Additionally, in the low-temperature environment of the fridge, the activity of biological enzymes within the tea…...

Storing Pu'er tea requires attention to sealing, avoiding light, preventing dampness and off-flavors, while also considering humidity and temperature. When storing, you can use a cardboard box; find a clean cardboard box, put the Pu'er tea inside, and store it in a tea room away from walls and the floor. For individual Pu'er tea cakes, you can use kraft paper bags or aluminum foil bags for storage, seal them well, and then place them in a ventilated area free of moisture. How to Store Pu'er Tea Cakes 1. Pu'er tea cakes are compressed from Pu'er tea leaves. Initially, they were made for convenience in transportation, so the shape and production method of Pu'er tea cakes determine their ability to be stored for a long time. For storing Pu'er tea cakes, you can choose clay jars, as they have good breathability and naturally provide ventilation. Clay jars do not need to be sealed; simply cover them with a layer of kraft paper to prevent dust. 2. When you first bring new Pu'er tea cakes home, avoid sealing them immediately for storage. Instead, let them air out in a dry place to get rid of any warehouse flavor. New Pu'er tea cakes…...

In the height of summer, we've entered the dog days. The weather is both sultry and humid. When we take out some tea stored at home to tidy up, we often find that much of it has molded and can no longer be consumed – a great pity. Nowadays, more and more people enjoy tea, but many don't know the best methods for storing it. Some even keep their tea in basements, garages, or even in the refrigerator with food – all very incorrect practices. Tea leaves have strong hygroscopic and odor-absorbing properties, making them easily susceptible to absorbing moisture and odors from the air. This is especially true in the hot, humid weather of summer when they are more prone to microbial growth. How should you store tea at home? Most teas purchased by households come in cans or as loose tea. Since you won’t use it all at once, you’ll face the issue of storage. Here are some common household tea storage methods. Let’s learn them together. Sealed Bag and Foil Bag Storage Method Select bags with sealable closures designed for food, or professional sealable bags. Choose those made from thicker, higher-density materials and avoid using scented or…...

The techniques for making Puer tea and tribute tea, as shining gems in the list of China's traditional tea-making intangible cultural heritage, not only carry profound historical tea culture but are also a vital force driving local economic and cultural development.The Yunnan province's Ning'er county, known for its intangible cultural heritage, has been dedicated to the inheritance, protection, and innovation of these techniques. Through systematic work and meticulous efforts, it actively promotes the diversity and exchange of tea culture, infusing new vitality into the sustainable development of the tea industry. It is currently the season of tea harvest, and in Ning'er's vast tea gardens, tea farmers move through the emerald green tea bushes, skillfully gathering the tender leaves filled with the essence of spring into their baskets. In the organic tea garden of Wulushan in Puyi Township, Ning'er County, the spring breeze blows gently, bringing vibrant life. Zhou Ming, the production workshop director of the tea factory, leads the tea farmers in their busy work. They strictly adhere to standards while picking spring tea, with each leaf carrying their respect for and commitment to traditional techniques. Under the harmonious cooperation between Zhou Ming and his technical partners, the tea-making processes…...

Sha Qing is a process in tea production, which involves using high temperatures to denature and deactivate the oxidase enzymes in fresh tea leaves. This inhibits the enzymatic oxidation of polyphenols in the fresh leaves, allowing them to release moisture and become softer. It is also a critical step in shaping the quality of the tea. Methods of sha qing include drum sha qing, pan sha qing, trough sha qing, steam sha qing, hot air sha qing, and microwave sha qing. Different methods produce different effects, thus resulting in unique characteristics in the finished tea. Sha qing follows the principle of "high temperature first, then gradually lower." Sha qing is one of the initial processes in making green tea, yellow tea, dark tea, oolong tea, Pu'er tea, and some black teas. The primary purpose is to use high temperatures to denature the enzymes in the fresh leaves, inhibiting the enzymatic oxidation of polyphenols and slowing down the fermentation process. 1. The Purpose of Sha Qing The term "sha qing" refers to fresh leaves. In Pu'er tea production, sha qing uses a specific temperature to denature the activity of enzymes in the tea leaves, inhibiting the enzymatic oxidation of polyphenols and…...

Enthusiasts of Pu'er tea who have been enjoying it for some time will undoubtedly have a fine collection at home, ready to be savored over time. It's crucial to properly manage humidity and odors to preserve your beloved teas. Here, we discuss the four don'ts and do's of storing Pu'er tea. The Four Taboos of Storing Pu'er Tea at Home Taboo One: Avoid High Temperatures High temperatures accelerate the degradation of chlorophyll in Pu'er tea, causing it to convert into de-magnified chlorophyll, changing its fresh green color to dark brown. The auto-oxidation of polyphenols and other substances also accelerates under high temperatures. Research shows that for every 10°C increase in temperature, the rate of browning in Pu'er tea accelerates, affecting its quality and aging process. Taboo Two: Avoid Direct Sunlight The plant pigments and lipids in Pu'er tea are susceptible to photochemical reactions, which can produce sun-dried and other off-flavors. Pu'er tea is particularly sensitive to light, so it should be stored away from direct sunlight. Taboo Three: Avoid Strong Odors Tea leaves are porous and easily absorb odors. Therefore, avoid storing Pu'er tea in places with strong odors, as these can taint the tea's natural flavor. Taboo Four: Avoid…...

Kneading is a very important step in the production process of Pu'er tea, following the initial steaming. Kneading involves the actions of "kneading" and "twisting," transforming the steamed leaves, which are close to their natural state, into a specific shape through either "hand" or "mechanical" methods. The purpose of this process is to break the cell walls and release the tea juices, allowing for the polymerization of tea polyphenols, catechins, and other active components, preparing the tea for later fermentation. Additionally, it helps to curl the loose leaves into strips, facilitating an even release of the tea's contents during brewing. The strength of the kneading, duration, and degree of cell wall rupture are closely related to the taste, aroma, and aging potential of the Pu'er tea. The Characteristics of Kneading in Pu'er Tea Among the six major types of Chinese teas, all except traditional white tea undergo a kneading process. However, in many types of tea, the kneading process is primarily for shaping, often using a "light kneading" approach, which is essentially completed without pressure and with very short kneading times. The goal is to achieve a high rate of leaf formation, low breakage, and maintain the original color of…...

How is Dragon Ball tea made? The production method of Dragon Ball Pu'er tea is the same as that of raw Pu'er tea, except that Dragon Balls are in a spherical form. The shape of Dragon Balls represents a revival of the Pu'er tea cake form. In the past, tea cakes required breaking before brewing, but now Dragon Balls come in sizes of 5-8 grams, just right for one serving, eliminating the need for breaking. As Dragon Ball tea cakes maintain the taste of tea while being convenient and appealing to consumer preferences, they have been well-received by the market. The Process of Making Sun-Dried Green Tea 1. Preparation of Raw Materials Preparation of raw materials is the most important step in making sun-dried green tea. This type of tea is best made from fresh buds and leaves of large-leaf tea varieties, which should be handpicked using proper techniques to ensure high-quality tea leaves. 2. Spreading Out and Fixation After picking, the tea leaves should be spread out and placed in a cool, ventilated area to speed up the evaporation of moisture. Once the fresh leaves become soft, they can proceed to the next step. Fixation, which can be conducted…...