Biluochun

Summer is a good time to expel the cold and dampness from your body. As temperatures rise, so does the humidity in the air. For those with high levels of dampness, this can be even more harmful. Do you know how to get rid of dampness? Here are some recommended teas for summer to help. Tea is not medicine, but it's a great health drink. Although tea is not medicine, different people with different constitutions should make different choices. For those with high levels of dampness, there should also be different considerations when choosing tea... What are the harms of having high levels of dampness? 1. When dampness meets cold, it becomes cold-dampness; when it meets heat, it becomes damp-heat; when it meets wind, it becomes wind-dampness. Under the skin, it causes obesity; 2. If dampness remains in the body and isn't eliminated, one may experience loose stools and unformed feces. The tongue may appear yellowish and greasy; 3. Those with high levels of dampness feel lethargic throughout the day, affecting digestive functions. They may feel heavy-headed, with limbs and waist feeling weighed down by something, making them reluctant to move; 4. Those with high levels of dampness tend to…

Green tea is one of the main types of tea in China, belonging to the category of non-fermented teas. It is made from fresh tea leaves through processes such as fixation, rolling, and drying. Notable varieties of green tea include Biluochun, Zhaopo tea, West Lake Longjing, Lushan Cloud Mist, Dawu green tea, and Jingu Luhao, among others. Green Tea Production Process The processing of green tea can be simply divided into three steps: fixation, rolling, and drying, with the key step being fixation. Fresh leaves undergo fixation, which deactivates enzymes, allowing the various chemical components within to undergo physical and chemical changes primarily due to heat, forming the characteristic qualities of green tea. 1. Fixation During withering and fixation, the internal moisture of the leaves evaporates, and the enzymatic activity is destroyed, preventing further oxidation. This allows for the evaporation of low-boiling-point aromatic compounds while preserving high-boiling-point aromatics, locking in the intrinsic aroma of the tea. As the temperature rises, high-boiling-point aromatic substances become more prominent. This process also evaporates moisture from the leaves, making them softer and preparing them for rolling. Shaking fixation involves lifting the leaves to facilitate moisture loss and the release of grassy odors, allowing a…

Green tea is the most diverse category of tea in China, produced in many regions. Examples include Longjing and Anji White Tea from Zhejiang, Guyu Purple Bud from Huzhou; Biluochun and Yangxian Snow Bud from Jiangsu; Huangshan Maofeng and Taiping Houkui from Anhui, among others. Due to its long-standing tradition, nearly every tea-producing region in the country has its own renowned high-quality green tea. The production of green tea does not involve fermentation, which means that it retains more of its original nutrients, thus having prominent health benefits. However, green tea also has a stronger stimulating effect on the human body, and people who are prone to insomnia or have weak digestive systems should drink less. Which Kinds of Green Tea Have a Stronger Flavor? Longjing: The taste is fresh and mellow, with an elegant aroma. The tea liquor is bright green and clear, and the leaves at the bottom are delicate and intact. Anji White Tea: The taste is light and refreshing, leaving a lingering fragrance in the mouth and a sweet aftertaste. The aroma is fragrant and lasts for a long time. The leaves at the bottom are bright green and the buds can be clearly distinguished. Lushan…

In the previous article (Wilt: The Prelude to Transformation from Fresh Leaves to Tea), Lu Li provided an in-depth introduction to wilting. Next comes kneading, which involves the actions of "kneading" and "twisting" to roll the wilted leaves into a specific shape, reducing their surface area.   Purpose of Kneading in Pu'er Tea Most of the six major types of Chinese tea undergo a kneading process, but the shapes they are formed into vary. Examples include snail-shaped Biluochun, needle-shaped Nanjing Yuhua, flat-shaped West Lake Longjing, curled Anxi Tieguanyin, and pointed Taiping Houkui, among others. Yunnan large-leaf sun-dried green tea (the precursor to Pu'er tea) is categorized as a strip tea, characterized by its pursuit of being "tight, round, and straight," while avoiding being "loose, flat, and broken." When kneading by hand, it's important to maintain consistent movement direction for the leaves to avoid counter-twisting. For many types of tea, the primary purpose of kneading is to shape the leaves, enhancing their economic value. Therefore, the kneading time is short and the pressure light. However, this is not the case with Pu'er tea, because kneading serves another critical function: breaking down leaf cells. During kneading, significant pressure is applied to the…

Summer is a good season to expel cold dampness from the body. As temperatures rise, the humidity in the air also increases. This can be more harmful for people with high levels of dampness. Do you know how to eliminate dampness? Here are some recommended teas for removing dampness during summer.Tea isn't medicine, but it's a great health drink. Although tea isn't medicine, different body types should choose different types of tea. For those with high levels of dampness, the choice of tea should also vary... What Are the Dangers of High Levels of Dampness? 1. When dampness in the body meets cold, it becomes cold-dampness; when it meets heat, it becomes damp-heat; and when it meets wind, it becomes wind-dampness. Under the skin, it leads to obesity. 2. If dampness remains in the body, one may experience loose stools and unformed feces regularly. The tongue will appear yellow with a greasy coating. 3. People with high levels of dampness feel lethargic all day, which affects their digestive function. They feel heavy in their head, limbs, and waist, as if something is wrapping around their body, making them lazy to move. 4. Those with high levels of dampness tend to…

In the sunny and warm March, tea plants that have lain dormant through winter begin to sprout new buds. Spring tea is the best quality tea of the year, a gift from spring to tea lovers. It's once again the season to select and taste spring tea, but how can one tell if it's genuine spring tea? What are some tips for buying spring tea? I. What Is Spring Tea and How to Identify It? Spring tea generally refers to tea made from the first buds and leaves that emerge after the tea plant has overwintered; typically, this means tea harvested before the end of May. Since the tea plant accumulates abundant nutrients during the winter, the leaves of spring tea are thick and fleshy, with higher vitamin content and health benefits. Here’s how to identify spring tea: 1. Examine the Appearance The leaves of spring tea are usually tightly wrapped, appearing plump and substantial, with many fine hairs and a fresh, vibrant color. They also have a strong and fresh aroma. In contrast, summer and autumn teas have loose leaves, a dull color, and a mild aroma, which is quite different from spring tea. 2. Inspect the Liquor Color…

As is well known, the advantage of purple clay teapots lies in tea brewing. What is the connection between them? Generally speaking, purple clay teapots are not picky about the type of tea; any kind of tea can be brewed using a purple clay teapot. However, how to best match the characteristics of the pot with those of the tea is a question worth studying. Brewing certain teas in specific pots can make the pot more lustrous and produce a richer, more fragrant infusion. 1. Crimson Clay Teapot 【Crimson Clay Teapot】usually has a high mesh count and a dense structure, which results in minimal loss of the aroma of highly aromatic teas. It enhances the tea's qualities by concentrating and enhancing its fragrance, making it an excellent companion for oolong teas. Crimson clay teapots are suitable for brewing highly aromatic teas such as Taiwanese high mountain teas and Tieguanyin from Anxi, effectively bringing out their aromatic properties. Teapots used to brew Tieguanyin often develop a particularly bright sheen due to the rich aromatic oils in the tea leaves. It should be noted that crimson clay has a very high shrinkage ratio and is prone to cracking due to thermal expansion…

Green tea is one of the major types of tea in China, classified as an unfermented tea. It is made from fresh tea leaves through processes such as fixation, rolling, and drying. Some well-known varieties of green tea include Biluochun, Zhaopo tea, West Lake Longjing, Lushan Cloud Mist, Dawu Green Tea, and Jingu Lu-millimeter. The Best Way to Brew Green Tea 1. Warming the Cup To prepare for brewing green tea, place the glass cup in a tea washing basin and pour boiling water over it to clean and warm it up. Alternatively, you can place the glass cup in a glass tea washing basin filled with tap water and heat it on an electric stove to disinfect it at high temperatures. 2. Rinsing the Tea Next, remove the glass cup and use a tea spoon to add 3 to 5 grams of green tea leaves. Pour water at a temperature of 80 to 85°C (176 to 185°F) into the cup and stir the tea briskly with a tea spoon for three seconds before discarding the rinse water. This step cleanses the tea leaves. 3. Brewing the Tea Continue by pouring hot water into the glass cup. After waiting patiently…

To write this article well, the editor personally opened Taobao and searched for "tea", sorting by lowest to highest price, the cheapest tea was available for 10 yuan with free shipping; sorting from highest to lowest price, the most expensive tea was listed at 80,000 yuan. In some tea markets, 8 yuan teas are also readily available, as are those priced in the tens of thousands. This means that the gap in market prices for tea can be as high as ten thousand times, a ratio comparable to that of the automobile industry. But why does this ordinary leaf have such a magical range of prices? Types and Origins The top ten famous Chinese teas are: Tieguanyin, Biluochun, Huangshan Maofeng, West Lake Longjing, Junshan Yinzhen, Wuyi Rock Tea, Luan Guapian, Xinyang Maojian, Keemun Black Tea, and Duyun Maojian. When a tea is both famous and comes from its authentic place of origin, its price naturally will not be cheap. Many teas on the market may belong to one of these ten famous types but do not necessarily come from their original places of production, merely using the names to suggest authenticity, so their prices will naturally be lower than those…

On August 19, the results of the "2024 Forbes China Tea Industry Selection Series" were officially released. According to the official introduction from Forbes, this selection activity focused on high-quality enterprises, brands, and products within the tea industry, with the aim of jointly promoting the thriving development of the tea sector. Based on the selection results, the administrative regions of the selected tea regional public brands are evenly distributed. In terms of cultural heritage, the selected tea brands possess a profound historical background. In the enterprise selection, the annual enterprises have earlier establishment dates and larger scales, ranking at the forefront in sales. The annual potential enterprises achieved rapid market growth and performed outstandingly in the dimension of social responsibility. The influential products showed good performance in market recognition; they are not only the core products of major tea companies, deeply loved by consumers, but also represent Chinese tea culture engaging in dialogue with the world. The Chao News and Tea Panorama journalists found that Zhejiang tea enterprises and tea brands occupy a place in this year's selection. For instance, among the annual tea regional public brands, famous teas such as West Lake Longjing, Anji White Tea, Anxi Tieguanyin, Qimen…

"Throughout history, poets have been tea connoisseurs, toasting their friends with a cup of clear tea." In China's thousands of years of history, the humble tea leaf has played an indispensable role. Among the seven refined pursuits of life—music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, wine, and tea—one cannot do without tea! The tea mountains are filled with verdant green after a whole winter of rest and accumulation. It seems that the fragrance of tea wafts from the tenderest and most vibrant branches among the leaves, its subtle aroma enchanting and intoxicating. Spring breezes are delightful, but nothing compares to sipping a cup of spring tea, lost in its floral splendor. What is Pre-Ming Tea? "Pre-Ming Tea" and "Pre-Rain Tea" are terms used in the Jiangnan tea region along the Yangtze River to refer to different stages of spring tea based on seasonal divisions. Due to the climate in the Jiangnan area, some early-emerging tea varieties begin sprouting around the Awakening of Insects and Spring Equinox. Thus, tea harvested before the Qingming Festival is called "Pre-Ming Tea." The appeal of "Pre-Ming Tea" has always been due to its high quality and relative scarcity. Its excellence lies in the tenderness of its buds…

April is the time when spring tea hits the market. Many tea enthusiasts buy pre-Ming green teas such as Longjing and Biluochun. While these spring teas are delightful before the Ming festival, they do have their drawbacks. Some tea lovers ask why this Longjing that costs thousands of yuan per kilogram tastes so mild and doesn't hold up well through multiple infusions, unlike Tieguanyin or Dahongpao, which are more durable. Could it be that the quality of the tea isn’t good? Why do more expensive teas have a milder taste? Firstly, from the perspective of the raw materials used, more expensive teas are typically made from spring or early spring teas. These teas are picked early, with a high content of tender buds and relatively low levels of catechins, proteins, and amino acids. Catechins and proteins are the primary components responsible for the bitterness in tea, while amino acids contribute to a sweeter and fresher taste. Therefore, in pricier teas, the bitterness is lower, and the sweetness and freshness are stronger, resulting in a milder taste. The more expensive the tea, the richer its internal substances but slower their extraction rate, which explains why premium teas may not have much…

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…

Green tea is the most produced and sold among the six major types of Chinese tea, and it is also the most well-known. In the selection of China's top ten famous teas in 1959, more than half were green teas, such as West Lake Longjing, Jiangsu Biluochun, Huangshan Maofeng, Liuan Guapian, etc. Previously, Your Dao Jun has published some articles discussing green tea, which sparked a lot of interest from tea enthusiasts. However, how to brew a delicious cup of green tea still leaves many people feeling confused. Today, we will introduce some key points about brewing green tea. The brewing methods of green tea are as follows: Top Pour Method: Fill the teacup with hot water all at once, then add the tea leaves when the water temperature is appropriate. This method is suitable for extremely tender stir-fried green teas and tender oven-dried green teas. Middle Pour Method: Add the tea leaves first, then pour in one-third of the hot water. Once the tea leaves have absorbed enough water and unfurled, fill the cup with hot water. This method is suitable for slightly tender but loose or tightly compacted ordinary green teas. Bottom Pour Method: Add the tea leaves…

"Pre-Ming tea is as precious as gold." Pre-Ming tea has delicate buds and leaves, a fresh and refreshing taste, but comes at a high price. Going back even further, there is pre-equinox tea. Tea harvested before the Spring Equinox is even more tender and commands an even higher price. Some seasoned tea drinkers prefer pre-grain rain tea, finding pre-Ming tea too tender and lacking in flavor. Every tea season in the south of the Yangtze River, local tea enthusiasts argue about this at least once or twice. With Dongting Biluochun now on the market, let's discuss which of these three types of Dongting Biluochun is better and which is more suitable to buy, providing you with some reference. Pre-Equinox Tea: Business Gifts and Freshness First Pre-equinox tea refers to tea harvested before the Spring Equinox. Pre-equinox tea is extremely tender, scarce, and reaches the top of the price range. Since March, the temperature has risen significantly, and Dongting Biluochun was sporadically harvested around the 10th, leading up to the Spring Equinox on the 20th, marking the first spring harvest. At this time, the buds and leaves are delicate, covered with abundant white down, and mostly processed into Super Grade 1…

China is the birthplace of tea, and our ancestors have been discovering and utilizing tea for thousands of years. This ancient beverage has evolved from its earliest form as steamed green tea to the six major categories we know today, over a development period spanning more than two millennia. Throughout this long history, countless Chinese tea enthusiasts have contributed their wisdom and hard work, creating a profound tea culture. Today, let's discuss several "minor issues" related to tea. 1. Must the water used for brewing tea be boiled to 100 degrees Celsius? It is necessary to boil water to 100 degrees Celsius. However, the temperature of the water used for brewing should primarily depend on the type of tea being brewed. For green teas, it is generally not advisable to use boiling water at 100 degrees Celsius. Instead, water between 80 to 90 degrees Celsius (after boiling and cooling to the desired temperature) is preferred. The greener and more delicate the tea leaves, the lower the water temperature should be, which will result in a fresher, brighter, and more flavorful infusion with less destruction of vitamin C. At higher temperatures, the tea infusion becomes darker in color, vitamin C is…

Drinking tea is beneficial for health, but what should you pay attention to when purchasing tea? What Should You Pay Attention to When Buying Tea? First, don't listen to the vendor's hype; don't listen to them talk about the effects of the tea. Tea is just tea; if it had significant effects, it wouldn't be food anymore, it would be medicine or a health supplement. Don't buy tea based on its effects. Moreover, even if it were a health supplement, how many health supplements actually have real effects? Just like vendors promoting Pu'er tea for weight loss, in reality, many women have been deceived time and again. Second, beginners or tea novices should not listen to vendors claim that the tea has collection value. And then buy a large amount of tea. While it's true that tea can be collected for personal consumption, during the process of collection, the tea is prone to mold. Many times, you will find that after several years, the vendor's vintage tea is still the same price. Collection can increase in value, but that's just a concept, applicable only to specific teas. The average person can neither obtain nor afford such teas. Third, when buying…

  Tea, is a healthy and suitable drink for all ages. To achieve the desired effects from drinking tea, it's best to adjust your consumption according to the changes in seasonal climate and the body's physiological metabolism. So what kind of tea is suitable for each season? What should you pay attention to when drinking tea throughout the year? Here’s a detailed introduction. Drinking tea can nourish health, this is widely acknowledged. According to traditional Chinese medicine, different varieties and origins of tea leaves have varying properties, such as being cool, warm, sweet, or bitter, which affects their health benefits on the human body differently. In order to achieve better health benefits, it is advisable to choose different types of tea in spring, summer, autumn, and winter based on their properties. This will be beneficial to one’s health. Drink Floral Teas in Spring In spring, nature comes back to life, and all living things rejuvenate. Just like nature, the human body also goes through a period of revitalization. During this time, it is ideal to drink floral teas such as jasmine or osmanthus. These teas are slightly warm in nature, and drinking them in spring helps to dispel the coldness…

Chinese people have been drinking tea for several thousand years. As a common beverage in daily life, tea has a fresh and elegant flavor that can quench thirst as well as promote health, making it a favorite of many. While everyone loves to drink it, not everyone knows how to correctly choose a container for brewing tea. Brewing tea requires the right container. In addition to good tea and good water, the right vessel is also essential. In daily life, the choice of what teaware to use depends on the type of tea, the number of people, and local tea-drinking customs. Green tea: Fine and precious green teas such as West Lake Longjing, Dongting Biluochun, Junshan Silver Needle, and Huangshan Maofeng are best brewed in transparent glass cups, which allow you to observe the slow unfolding, movement, and transformation of the leaves in the water—a process known as "tea dance." Second- and third-grade stir-fried green teas, pearl tea, and baked green teas are mainly enjoyed for their taste or to quench thirst and can be brewed in porcelain cups. Lower-grade green teas contain more fiber, are more durable when steeped, and have a stronger flavor, making them suitable for brewing…

Green tea, as a significant category of Chinese teas, is beloved for its fresh aroma, crisp taste, and diverse shapes. The shape of the tea leaves is not only an aesthetic feature but also a reflection of the production techniques and quality. Among the many varieties of green tea, there are several common forms that each have their own unique characteristics, showcasing the distinct charm of green tea.I. Needle-shaped Green Tea Needle-shaped green tea features slender and straight tea leaves, resembling pine needles. This unique shape is formed during the drying process after the fresh leaves are pan-fired and rolled. Teas like Nanjing Yuhua, Yangxian Xueya, and Anhua Pine Needles are representative examples of needle-shaped green teas. Crafting this type requires skilled craftsmanship and strict control over the production process to ensure the uniformity of the long and slender shape. When brewed, needle-shaped green tea often sinks vertically in the cup with a graceful appearance, producing a clear and bright infusion with a delicate and lingering fragrance. II. Flat-shaped Green Tea Flat-shaped green teas, such as West Lake Longjing, Qiqiang, Dinggu Dafang, Maoshan Qingfeng, Qiandao Yuye, and Que She, are classic shapes in green tea. During production, the fresh leaves…

Tea is the national drink, and with the improvement of living standards, more and more people are developing a liking for it. If you enjoy drinking tea, it's inevitable that you'll end up storing some at home—whether for your own consumption or for when guests visit. However, how to store tea is a headache for many tea enthusiasts, as improper storage can easily cause the tea to spoil, affecting its taste and potentially turning it into a "toxic" tea that may be harmful to health. So, what should you do if you have too much tea at home? How to Store Too Much Tea at Home Firstly, we need to categorize the tea stored at home. If there is a large quantity and variety of teas, it's best to sort them by type for better preservation. The storage method varies depending on the fermentation process used in the tea. For lightly roasted or aromatic types of tea, proper sealing is crucial. Choose containers like aluminum packaging or vacuum cans that provide good seals. Additionally, aromatic teas should ideally be stored separately to avoid their scents mixing and compromising the purity of the original aroma. Lightly roasted teas typically include Oolong…

Brewing a cup of green tea is not just an enjoyment but also an art. Each step can influence the taste and aroma of the tea. Whether you are a green tea novice or an experienced practitioner, mastering the correct brewing steps will allow you to truly appreciate the charm of green tea. Let's explore together how to brew the perfect cup of green tea. (Image source from the internet, delete upon request) Selecting High-Quality Green Tea The first step in brewing good green tea is choosing high-quality tea leaves. There are many different types of green tea available on the market, such as Longjing, Biluochun, and Mao Feng. Selecting fresh green tea leaves is particularly important; new tea is usually picked in spring, with bright green leaves and a fresh aroma. When purchasing, it is recommended to choose well-known brands or buy directly from tea farmers to ensure the quality and freshness of the tea. Preparing the Appropriate Teaware The choice of teaware when brewing green tea is also very important. Common teaware includes glass cups, porcelain cups, and purple clay pots. Glass cups allow you to admire the beautiful process of the tea leaves unfolding in the water,…

Brewing tea is an art, and brewing green tea with tea ware is one of its finest aspects. Green tea is beloved by tea enthusiasts for its fresh and delicate flavor and its rich nutritional value. Today, we will discuss how to brew a great cup of green tea using tea ware, making every tea-tasting experience enjoyable. (Image source from the web, delete upon infringement) Selecting Suitable Tea Ware The choice of tea ware for brewing green tea is very important. We usually select glass tea ware, white porcelain tea ware, or purple clay pots. Glass tea ware is translucent, allowing you to clearly observe the dance of the tea leaves in water. White porcelain tea ware preserves the original color and aroma of the tea leaves. Purple clay pots, due to their unique breathability and heat retention properties, are also suitable for brewing green tea. (Image source from the web, delete upon infringement) Selecting and Preparing the Tea Leaves There are many varieties of green tea, such as Longjing, Biluochun, and Maojian, each with its unique flavor. When selecting tea leaves, it is recommended to choose fresh leaves, as new tea has better aroma and taste. Take an appropriate…

Xinyang Maojian, also known as Yu Mao Feng, belongs to the category of green teas and is one of China’s Top Ten Famous Teas, as well as a renowned specialty of Henan Province. Its main production areas are in the Shilhe District (formerly Xinyang City), Pingqiao District (formerly Xinyang County), and Luoshan County in Xinyang City. The tea is celebrated for its unique style characterized by its “fineness, roundness, glossiness, straightness, abundant white tips, high fragrance, rich taste, and green infusion color.” Xinyang Maojian is a premium tea, with its high status stemming not only from its advantageous growing conditions and exquisite processing techniques but also from its scarcity and preciousness. With limited annual production, it becomes a sought-after item among tea collectors and enthusiasts. More than just a tea, Xinyang Maojian carries the treasure of traditional Chinese tea culture, offering a taste of its exceptional quality and the allure of tea culture. The spring harvest of Xinyang Maojian typically begins around late March to early April. This period marks the primary harvesting season for Xinyang Maojian spring tea, when the tea quality is at its best. Tea farmers usually choose to pick on days with clear weather and suitable…