Charcoal

Often people ask me which type of Tie Guan Yin is the best, what is traditional Tie Guan Yin? Which tea can be considered traditionally processed Tie Guan Yin? Recently, Nong Xiang Xing (Full Aroma) Tie Guan Yin has become very popular. What are its benefits? So, we have carefully prepared this feature, hoping you will like it!The traditionally semi-fermented Anxi Tie Guan Yin tea has been tasted by experienced tea enthusiasts in the early days. Its flavor is quite strong, and new tea enthusiasts may find it hard to appreciate at first. After roasting, the color of the tea becomes darker, turning yellow or black, but the taste is very pure. The deep golden-yellow broth is representative of the broth of full aroma type teas. The refined Tie Guan Yin needs to be made according to the standards required for traditionally semi-fermented Tie Guan Yin tea. Tie Guan Yin comes in Fresh Aroma and Full Aroma types. Depending on the degree of roasting, the Full Aroma type is further divided into lightly roasted, moderately roasted, and heavily roasted. Depending on the roasting material, it is also divided into charcoal-roasted and oven-roasted. Roasting is extremely important for full aroma type…

The Green Tea Production Skills (Yuhua Tea Production Skills) are mainly practiced in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China. Yuhua tea plantations mostly adopt an intercropping model with trees and bushes, primarily located on loess hills between 20-50 meters above sea level. The soil is a yellowish-red type, slightly acidic, with an organic matter content of 1.89%. In the late Qing Dynasty, Lu Yong and others established the national tea research institution "Jiangnan Planting Tea Bureau" on Zijin Mountain in Nanjing. They reclaimed land around Linggu Temple for tea planting and production, naming the tea "Cloud Mist Tea." After the Xinhai Revolution, tea makers developed the technique of rolling the leaves into slender shapes, giving Cloud Mist Tea its initial pine needle-like appearance. Following liberation, they incorporated techniques of grabbing and straightening the leaves, which finalized the tea's tight, fine, round, and straight pine needle shape. It was renamed "Yuhua Tea" in 1959. Production Skills The Green Tea Production Skills (Yuhua Tea Production Skills) represent traditional Chinese green tea needle-shaped production techniques. The main process of Yuhua Tea production involves: fresh leaf picking → spreading out → pan-firing → rolling → preliminary drying → shaping → final drying → refinement → baking…

Maojian tea is one of the famous green teas in China, with the main varieties including:Taihu Maojian: Produced around Tai Lake in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, it is one of the representative varieties of Maojian tea. Its leaves are slender and emerald green, with a fresh aroma and a refreshing taste. Anji Bai Maojian: Grown in Anji County, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, this is a type of white-hairy Maojian tea. The leaves are slender and light green, with an elegant, fresh fragrance and a sweet, refreshing taste. Yan Tea Maojian: Cultivated in Wuyi City, Fujian Province, this is a type of rock tea. The leaves are flat and dark green, with a unique aroma that includes notes of charcoal and fruit, and a rich flavor. A common method for brewing Maojian tea is as follows: Prepare the tea utensils: It's recommended to use a glass cup or a transparent covered bowl when brewing Maojian tea, so you can observe the unfolding of the leaves and the change in color of the infusion. You will also need the tea leaves, a strainer, and hot water. Water temperature and water quality: The brewing water temperature for Maojian tea is generally between 70°C and 80°C.…

Tea, the national drink, is a natural beverage that has been passed down through thousands of years of Chinese history. Since ancient times, there has been the saying "Firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea," and to this day, tea remains an essential part of our daily lives as Chinese people. The correct method of storing tea leaves is crucial for maintaining their freshness, aroma, and quality. How should we store tea in our daily lives? This article will provide you with detailed answers. 01. Choose the Right Container Select a container that is well-sealed and opaque to store tea leaves. Clean the inside of the container with saltwater or warm water mixed with a small amount of white vinegar to remove any residual odors and impurities. Rinse it thoroughly with clean water and allow it to dry completely. 02. Avoid Mixing Different Types Different types of tea should be stored separately to prevent them from affecting each other. For example, the storage conditions and requirements for green tea and black tea differ, and mixing them can lead to a decline in quality. 03. Control Temperature and Humidity The storage environment for tea should maintain appropriate temperature and…

Those who enjoy drinking aged Pu'er tea usually keep some at home. However, those lacking storage experience often find their tea has molded, deteriorated, or developed strange odors after a few years. So, how should we correctly store Pu'er tea? Storage Tips for Aged Pu'er Tea: 1. Avoid Contamination: The environment where you store Pu'er tea must be free from contamination. This is a common concern when storing any type of tea, and it applies to Pu'er tea as well. Because Pu'er tea contains terpenoids and high molecular weight palmitic acid, it can quickly absorb the odors of other substances, which can mask or alter the tea's original scent. Therefore, when storing Pu'er tea at home, take strict precautions against common odors such as cooking oil, cosmetics, and medicines. 2. Avoid High Temperatures: The storage temperature for raw Pu'er should not be too high or too low; a range of 20-40°C is most suitable. Higher temperatures can cause the tea to turn sour. In particular, during summer, high temperatures can accelerate the degradation of chlorophyll in Pu'er tea. Chlorophyll continuously transforms into demagnesium chlorophyll, changing the bright green color to a dark brown. High temperatures also exacerbate the autoxidation of…

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…

Tea enthusiasts often keep a substantial amount of tea at home. Some may even store their tea in the fridge, or purchase 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 of tea. Here are some general guidelines for storing tea in the fridge: 1. Suitable for Refrigeration Green tea and lightly oxidized Oolong tea. Among the six major types of tea, green tea is the most prone to spoilage and requires extra care during storage. You can place the tea in a sealed tea tin, put it in a sealed bag, and then store it in the fridge. Lightly oxidized Tieguanyin (Iron Goddess) and Phoenix Dancong tea that has been dehumidified can also be stored in the fridge. 2. Not Suitable for Refrigeration Dark tea, Pu'er tea, traditionally processed Oolong tea, aged teas, and white tea. Pu'er tea, white tea, and dark tea emphasize the value derived from aging. Storing these teas in the fridge not only risks dampness but also reduces the activity of biological enzymes within the tea, which affects the tea's transformation efficiency. Traditionally processed Oolong teas, such as Wuyi Rock…

A few days ago, a tea enthusiast asked me: how to select a purple clay pot for brewing Pu'er? I will share some common knowledge regarding this topic today. Pot Capacity On this issue, everyone's opinion is relatively consistent. The capacity of the purple clay pot used for brewing Pu'er tea is generally larger than that used for brewing Oolong tea. This is because the leaves of Yunnan large-leaf tea are relatively large. A larger pot allows the leaves to fully expand and release their intrinsic substances. On the other hand, small pots are preferred for Oolong tea to extract its aroma, so the pot cannot be large. A pot of about 180 milliliters (ml) to 200 ml is generally suitable for brewing Pu'er. Of course, a larger pot can also be chosen depending on the number of people drinking. ▲ Qin Quan Pot, No. 4 Well Composite Ore, 300 cc 02 Pot Shape Selection A pot with a large neck and full ear bucket is suitable for brewing Pu'er tea. The water outlet must be good, with a straight spout, and a sword spout is best. The lid opening should not be too small, as a small opening is…

Recently, affected by a strong cold air front, temperatures in Guangdong have dropped significantly, with some areas experiencing snow, ice, and freezing conditions, especially in the northern tea regions of Renhua, Lechang, and Lianshan, where "icicles" have appeared. To minimize the impact of low temperatures on tea production, reporters from Nongcun Nanfang Daily and the Southern Tea Channel contacted experts from the Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences Tea Research Institute, the National Tea Industry Technology System Qingyuan Comprehensive Test Station, and the Guangdong Tea Industry Technology System to provide advice for tea farmers on how to implement effective frost protection measures for their tea plants, thus strengthening prevention and ensuring the safety of tea production. Impact of Frost Damage on Tea Plants After suffering from frost damage, tea plants may exhibit symptoms such as discolored and dried leaves, dead branches, and trunks. This can also delay the sprouting of spring tea, leading to reduced yield and quality, which affects economic benefits. Symptoms of frost damage in tea plants Care for Frost-Damaged Tea Plants 1. Care for Dormant Tea Plants Affected by Frost: For varieties with good cold resistance, timely drainage is needed to prevent repeated freeze-thaw cycles that can damage…

We have learned a lot about how to store Pu'er tea, mostly focusing on the storage methods for whole cakes. But how should we store opened Pu'er tea? How to Store an Opened Pu'er Tea Cake 1. If you only pry off a small portion to drink and haven’t fully opened the cake, you can use the original cotton paper to wrap up the remaining tea cake and store it in a dry place away from light, keeping an eye on any changes in the environment. Once opened, the tea cake cannot be stored for a long time and should be consumed gradually afterwards. 2. If the Pu'er tea cake has been completely opened, you can store it in a clean purple clay jar or ceramic jar, taking care to prevent dampness and sunlight. Do not seal the lid tightly; instead, place a bamboo charcoal bag at the opening, which can absorb moisture and is very beneficial for preventing dampness. 3. When storing Pu'er tea cakes, it’s essential to keep them away from dampness, light, and strong odors. However, don’t completely seal the container to avoid light; ensure there is some ventilation, as this is conducive to the aging of…

When brewing tea, controlling the water temperature can affect the taste and aroma of the tea. Different types of tea are best brewed at different temperatures, specifically as follows: Green tea: being delicate, it is not suitable to be steeped in boiling water; a water temperature of 80°C-85°C is recommended. Oolong tea: also known as green tea (a term that can be confusing as it is different from the non-fermented green tea), it is a semi-fermented tea with varieties such as Southern Fujian Oolong, Northern Fujian Oolong, Guangdong Oolong, and Taiwanese Oolong. There are three key elements to brewing oolong tea: the water used, the teaware, and the brewing technique. It's important to follow the principle of "using spring water from stone sources, charcoal stoves, and small teaware." Yixing clay pots or covered bowls are ideal choices for brewing, and the water should be boiled at over 95°C. Huang tea (Yellow tea): being a lightly fermented tea, varieties like Mengding Yellow Bud, Junshan Silver Needle, and Weishan Maojian belong to this category. The tea leaves are delicate, and too high a temperature can scald them, so a brewing temperature between 85°C-90°C is preferable. Black tea: the water temperature should be…

How to prevent tea from aging and deteriorating: Do well in preventing pressure, dampness, sealing, avoiding light, and preventing odor. Green tea is suitable for canning and sealed refrigeration; black tea needs to be stored in a tightly closed and dry container; Oolong tea can be stored at room temperature using double-lid cans such as iron or tin cans; white tea requires a well-sealed tin or iron can for storage; Pu'er tea should be stored with cotton paper in a normal temperature environment without any odor. How to Better Prevent Tea from Aging? 1. Control of moisture content in tea: The safe moisture limit for tea is below 5%. For coarse tea, if it undergoes one short-term high-temperature drying, it may not achieve complete and sufficient drying, so two-stage drying is more ideal. Freshly dried tea needs to cool down before being bagged, but this cooling time should not be too long to avoid re-moistening; after the coarse processing, picking out stems and dust, the tea must be dried again to ensure that the moisture content is less than 5%. 2. Avoid light exposure. Experiments have shown that light is the most intense and rapid factor leading to deterioration of…

The topic of how to properly prepare a new purple clay teapot for use has been discussed extensively. However, many newcomers to the world of purple clay teapots still fall into common traps. Here are some incorrect methods that you should avoid: Mistake One: Tofu Preparation Method "Boiling tofu can remove the 'fiery' quality of a new purple clay teapot, absorb earthy odors and kiln dust, and break down any residual substances in the teapot." ▲ Preparing a teapot with tofu Firstly, there is no such thing as a teapot having a 'fiery' quality. This term is used in traditional Chinese medicine to describe human conditions. Secondly, the claim about absorbing odors is baseless. If this were true, we would place tofu instead of tea leaves or charcoal sachets in new homes and cars. Furthermore, after being fired at over 1,000 degrees Celsius, it's unclear what residual substances could be broken down by boiling tofu. Mistake Two: Sugarcane Preparation Method "Sugarcane, with its natural sweetness and fragrance, can imbue the teapot with an unprecedented level of nourishment, laying a solid foundation for future brewing." ▲ Preparing a teapot with sugarcane The idea behind using sugarcane (or apples) for preparation is…

Many pot enthusiasts cherish their Yixing clay pots, yet they may be unclear or even completely ignorant about the relevant knowledge. Here are some essential facts about Yixing clay pots that are commonly asked by enthusiasts, which we would like to share with everyone. ① Why do Yixing clay pots made from the same type of Dicong Qing have different colors? The color can vary due to differences in firing times and temperatures, among other factors. As a result, even clay sourced from the same location can produce Yixing clay pots of different colors when fired. As shown in the following image (taken at the China Yixing Ceramic Museum), there are color variations even among samples of the same type of Dicong Qing clay. ② Does a lack of an inner stamp always mean the pot is not handmade? This is not necessarily true. Some individual artisans have different habits, and there are handmade pots without inner stamps. The presence or absence of an internal stamp cannot directly determine whether a Yixing clay pot is entirely handmade; it needs to be evaluated holistically. As a beginner, you don't need to worry about whether the pot is fully handmade or partially…

Slowly brew the years and gently cook the tea, enjoying half a day of casual family chat. In winter, sitting around a kettle, pouring your heart out in conversation, listening to the boiling water, and savoring the joy of cooking tea is an extremely poetic affair. Tea drinking methods are generally divided into two: cooking tea and brewing tea. Brewing offers rich flavors, pleasant broth colors, and allows one to experience the changing taste with each infusion, while cooking provides a stable flavor. Differences Between Cooking and Brewing Tea 01 Difference in Amount of Tea Used For brewing, about 3-6 grams of tea is usually sufficient; for aged dark teas or oolongs [aged Tieguanyin or aged Yancha], more can be used, approximately 7-10 grams. When cooking tea, the amount of tea should be reduced to about one-third of the usual brewing quantity. It's best not to use too much tea to achieve the optimal flavor. The specific ratio can be adjusted gradually based on the type of tea and the amount of water. The principle is to use less rather than more tea, as using too much can affect the taste. 02 Difference in Suitable Types of Tea Gaiwans are…

A commonly used method to store white tea is the "three-layer packaging method," which involves preparing a cardboard box, an aluminum bag, and a plastic bag. First, take out the white tea and put the tea leaves into the aluminum bag, squeezing out the air and sealing it. Then place an outer layer of plastic bag over it and tie the bag’s opening securely. Take a five-layer corrugated cardboard box, put the tea inside, and seal it with tape. Finally, store the tea in a dry, cool room free from odors, keeping it off the floor and away from walls. White Tea Storage Methods 1. Hot Water Bottle Storage Method Hot water bottles are common tools with good airtightness and stable temperatures, making them ideal for storing white tea. To store white tea using a hot water bottle, simply place the tea leaves into a new hot water bottle and seal it. 2. Refrigerated Storage Method Storing tea in the refrigerator is a common method. Seal the tea in bags or tea cans and store them in the refrigerator, ideally at 5°C. For home storage, first, seal the white tea in a tin foil bag and then place it in…

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…

Mr. Liang Zhangju once praised the baking technique of rock tea: “The Wuyi baking method is truly the best in the world.” Here, the baking method refers to traditional charcoal baking. To this day, mid-to-high-end Wuyi rock teas are still largely processed using traditional ancient charcoal baking techniques. Among the baking techniques used for major tea varieties, there is indeed no other tea that surpasses the Wuyi rock tea from Fujian's Wuyi Mountains. The charcoal baking and processing technique for Dahongpao, a type of Wuyi rock tea, is unique to it and has been listed as one of China’s first batch of national intangible cultural heritages. The "Complement to Ben Cao Gang Mu" (Supplement to Compendium of Materia Medica) comments on Wuyi rock tea: “All teas are cold in nature; those with weak stomachs often experience stagnation after drinking them. Only Wuyi tea is warm and does not harm the stomach. It is suitable for those who have stopped drinking tea due to addiction.” Charcoal baking, as its name suggests, involves continuously baking tea using the residual heat of high-quality charcoal. During charcoal baking, the temperature in the baking cage is approximately 120 degrees Celsius. Let’s take a look at…

Wuyi Rock Tea is unique with its rock aroma, attributed to the "Ultimate Mountains and Rivers." In the tea world, it's often said that "water is the father of tea, and utensils are the mother of tea," highlighting the significant impact of tea utensils on the infusion and drinking experience beyond the tea itself. The correct brewing technique and suitable utensils are crucial in bringing out the "rock aroma." The development of local standards like the "Wuyi Rock Tea Brewing and Tasting Method" and group standards such as the "Wuyi Rock Tea Brewing and Tasting Utensils" further emphasize the importance of harmonizing "tea" with "utensils." Let's explore this together today. Brewing Utensil Selection 01 Selecting appropriate utensils based on the characteristics of rock tea primarily involves choosing a water heater, brewing tools, and tasting cups. 1. Choosing a Water Heater Brewing not only requires good water quality but also the right water heating equipment. Water heaters can be categorized by material into iron, copper, silver, stainless steel, glass, and clay pots, and by heating method into electric, alcohol lamp, and charcoal-based ones. Electric Water Heater From a material perspective, enthusiasts can choose clay, purple clay, or iron pots. Clay and…

Methods for storing Pu'er tea: 1. Purple clay jar, store the Pu'er tea in a purple clay jar in a cool, dry place; 2. Kraft paper resealable bag. Place the Pu'er tea in a kraft paper bag and store it in a clean, odorless refrigerator. Storage conditions for Pu'er tea: 1. Dry warehouse aging can preserve the authenticity of the Pu'er tea; 2. Clean and odorless, maintain a clean and hygienic environment. Storage Methods for Pu'er Tea 1. Purple Clay Jar Pu'er tea can be stored in a purple clay jar. First, prepare a clean purple clay jar, then place several bags of quicklime inside the jar, followed by the Pu'er tea you wish to store. Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dry place. 2. Kraft Paper Bag Pu'er tea can be preserved using a kraft paper bag. First, prepare a clean kraft paper bag, then place several bags of charcoal inside the bag, followed by the Pu'er tea. Seal the kraft paper bag tightly and store it in a clean, odorless refrigerator. Storage Conditions for Pu'er Tea 1. Dry Warehouse Aging It is recommended to age Pu'er tea in a dry warehouse, as this will…

Those who enjoy drinking Pu'er ripe tea usually keep some at home. However, those lacking storage experience often find their tea has molded, deteriorated, or developed strange odors after a few years. So, how should we correctly store Pu'er tea? Key Points for Storing Pu'er Ripe Tea 1. Avoid Pollution: The environment in which you store Pu'er tea must be free from pollution. Pollution is something to be avoided when storing any type of tea, and this is no different for Pu'er tea. Pu'er tea can quickly absorb the odors of other substances, potentially masking or altering its own scent. Therefore, when storing Pu'er tea at home, it is crucial to prevent common odors like cooking oil, cosmetics, and medications from contaminating the tea. 2. Avoid High Temperatures: The ideal temperature range for storing Pu'er tea is between 20°C and 30°C. Higher temperatures can cause the tea to become acidic. In daily life, many regions do not meet this condition, so storing it at home under normal conditions is sufficient. It is important to note that during the storage process, avoid placing Pu'er tea near heat sources such as fireplaces, kitchens, or machinery where temperatures may rise. 3. Avoid Moisture:…

Quality ripe tea can be stored for about 10-30 years. The duration for which ripe tea can be stored is influenced by many factors, such as the variety of the tea, manufacturing process, storage method, and origin. Here are some key points to consider when storing ripe tea: avoid contamination, high temperatures, moisture, light exposure, and odors. These "five avoids" can extend the storage time and improve the quality of the ripe tea to the greatest extent. However, not all ripe teas are suitable for long-term storage; it depends on the specific tea. Methods for Storing Ripe Tea 1. Permeable Storage Ripe tea contains fermenting aromas and other substances. If stored too airtight, the tea can become damp and moldy. Therefore, when storing ripe tea, ensure good air permeability and prevent dampness. It's best to store ripe tea in a dry and ventilated place, such as a low-humidity attic, cabinet, or room. 2. Avoid Light Exposure Light is the enemy of ripe tea, as it can destroy effective components in the tea leaves, causing them to deteriorate. Therefore, when storing ripe tea, avoid exposing it to sunlight and keep it in a cool, dry place. 3. Clean Storage Containers The…

Summer tea preservation can be divided into two types: one includes green tea, yellow tea, and lightly fragrant oolong tea, which should be sealed in aluminum foil bags, placed in a tin can, and stored in the refrigerator. The second type, including white tea, Pu'er tea, dark tea, and oolong tea with a high charcoal roast level, is suitable for storage at room temperature. When storing these teas, avoid direct sunlight, dampness, and strong odors; they can be kept in cool places such as bookshelves or tea rooms. How to Best Preserve Tea in Summer 1. Room Temperature Storage During the hot summer months, white tea, black tea, Pu'er tea, and oolong tea with high roasting temperatures can be directly stored at room temperature, such as on indoor bookshelves or in cabinets. When storing tea, avoid direct sunlight, dampness, and strong odors to prevent spoilage. 2. Tin Can Storage Prepare a tin can with a double-layered lid and place dried tea leaves inside, pressing them down as you fill it. Try to fill the can as much as possible to minimize air inside. After filling the can, seal the lids and use tape to secure any gaps. Finally, place the…

Most of the Pu'er tea that tea enthusiasts drink daily is stored in the form of cake tea. However, for a single serving, only about 7 to 8 grams of dry tea are used. Once the package has been opened, how should the remaining tea be stored? Should it be wrapped back up in the same cotton paper used before? Furthermore, can unwrapped Pu'er tea continue to improve with age? How long can it be preserved? Today, let's answer these questions together: How to Store Unwrapped Pu'er Tea Cakes1. If only a small portion has been removed and consumed, and the tea cake has not been entirely unwrapped, you can use the original cotton paper to rewrap the remaining tea cake. Store it in a dry place away from light, monitoring any changes in the environment. An opened tea cake cannot be stored for an extended period; it is recommended to consume the rest gradually.2. For completely unwrapped Pu'er tea cakes, they can be stored in clean purple clay jars or earthenware pots, taking care to protect them from moisture and sunlight. Do not seal the lids tightly; instead, place a bamboo charcoal bag near the lid opening to absorb…