Cold

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…

Litchi, also known as lychee, is loved for its sweet and fragrant flesh. The entire fruit is a treasure trove of medicinal value. For instance, litchi seeds can help regulate qi flow, dispel cold and stagnation, and relieve pain. Litchi shells are known to alleviate heatiness in the body to some extent. A lady's laughter through a cloud of red dust; none would know it was due to litchis coming—Du Mu, "Passing by Huaqing Palace (Three Quatrains, First)" Eat three hundred litchis daily, I would not mind being a southerner forever—Su Shi, "Eating Litchis" In May in the south, litchis are as red as cinnabar, each one round like a dragon's pearl—Liu Zuman, "Litchi" Many tea enthusiasts also love litchis but may wonder which teas pair well with them. In fact, litchis have a strong compatibility and can be paired with many foods, producing unique effects. With tea, you can try pairing litchis with black, white, or green tea—all of which work well. Here are the benefits of combining litchis with tea: Litchi Black Tea—Beauty and Detoxification Litchis contain vitamins A, B1, and C, as well as pectin, free amino acids, proteins, and elements such as iron, phosphorus, and calcium.…

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…

"Nine out of Ten People Have Gastric Issues," referring to the fact that most people have some degree of gastric problems. Many believe that tea harms the stomach, and those with poor digestive health should avoid it altogether. This is actually a significant misconception. For individuals with normal or slightly weaker digestive functions, all that's needed is to follow proper tea-drinking methods and choose suitable types of tea. Those with severe gastric conditions or who have been advised by doctors not to drink tea should follow medical advice. The key to whether tea nurtures or harms the stomach lies in how one drinks it. I. What "Stimulation" Does Tea Have on the Stomach? Tea can create a certain "stimulation" on the stomach, but this stimulation isn't entirely negative. On one hand, some active substances in tea bind with stomach proteins, which might cause discomfort for those with gastric issues. However, this discomfort is likely due to the timing, concentration, and amount of tea consumed. On the other hand, the alkaloids in tea can stimulate gastric juice secretion, promoting digestion and increasing appetite. For example, after consuming greasy foods, one often experiences bloating and nausea. Drinking a cup of tea half…

Old white tea doesn't need to be boiled for too long, or it will become bitter and astringent, making it difficult to drink. When boiling the first pot of tea, the water doesn't need to boil for too long. After adding the tea, you can turn off the power source and use the residual heat to warm it up. Once the water stops boiling, you can pour out the tea and drink it. How Long to Boil White Tea? No Need for a Long Boil! The general boiling time for white tea is 3 to 5 minutes. Start by taking 5g of white tea and 500ml of cold water. Pour the cold water into the teapot and turn on the teapot switch, setting the temperature to 100°C. Once the water boils, remove the lid and add 5g of white tea to the pot. Boil again until it reaches boiling point, then turn off the heat. The boiling time should not be too long, generally around 3 to 5 minutes. There are two ways to boil white tea: one is to directly boil the dry tea, and the other is to first wake the tea with boiling water in a teacup…

When Pu'er Shengcha is aged for ten years and stored properly, it undergoes rich changes in taste, becoming more mellow with reduced bitterness and astringency turning into sweetness and smoothness. Its aroma may also transform. What are the Characteristics of Pu'er Shengcha Aged for 10 Years? This depends on where you store your tea. For example, if stored in Kunming, its surrounding areas, or northern regions like Beijing and Northeast China, the aroma of Pu'er tea aged for ten years will be very good, with high concentration. The later transformation of Pu'er tea in these places is relatively slow, so the bitterness and astringency decrease slowly, but the tea's energy remains very strong. If stored in regions like Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Guangdong, or Fujian, which have higher humidity and temperature, Pu'er tea aged for ten years will have a smoother and richer broth, but the aroma will be much weaker. Different storage locations bring out different characteristics, and it's not necessarily true that one is better than the other. Personally, I believe that the nature of Pu'er tea is best preserved in drier places, what we call dry-storage Pu'er, which can better reflect the personality of Pu'er tea. However, opinions may…

Black tea and milk can indeed be enjoyed together—think of the classic combination in milk tea. Some people say that milk should not be consumed with tea, as the calcium in milk can bind with oxalic acid in the tea, making it unabsorbable. This theory doesn’t hold up. Compared to vegetables, tea is not a major source of oxalic acid. A teabag contains 4-6 mg of oxalic acid per gram, and each molecule of oxalic acid can bind with two calcium ions. The molecular weight of oxalic acid and the atomic weight of two calcium ions are roughly in a 1:1 ratio. Brewing a cup of tea typically requires 1-2 grams of tea (for most people), which would contain no more than 12 mg of oxalic acid, resulting in a loss of only 12 mg of calcium. However, half a cup of milk (100 grams) contains 100-120 mg of calcium, so even if 12 mg were lost, it would only be one-tenth of the total, not something to worry about, and certainly not leading to osteoporosis. Can I Add Milk Directly to Black Tea? Milk can be added directly to black tea. Milk is rich in protein, calcium, and other…

Slight Cold, the twenty-third solar term of the year. From today onwards, we enter the coldest period of the year. Slight Cold marks the lowest temperatures, with only a few historical instances where Great Cold was colder than Slight Cold. Now that it's cold, brewing tea is probably what tea lovers look forward to every autumn and winter. In the freezing cold, gathering around a stove to brew tea with a few friends, whether discussing poetry and philosophy or not, the sound of boiling water and swirling tea leaves brings out the words that float from the teapot mouth. These are the words brewed by the tea maker all winter long. A gentle fire burns away to bring forth the next spring. Drinking tea, regardless of social status or wealth, is always part of people's leisure lives. Drinking Tea Selecting the right tea to drink should be based on the season and environment. Warming and heat-repelling fermented teas are typically black tea, dark tea, ripe Pu'er, Liubao tea, and aged white tea. Warming and Heat-Repelling Fermented Teas As a fully fermented tea, black tea undergoes enzymatic oxidation due to the action of oxidase on tea polyphenols, converting much of it…

Once Laba arrives, the New Year isn't far behind. This day was traditionally a time for ancient people to honor their ancestors and deities and pray for a bountiful harvest and good fortune. Ancient customs such as drinking Laba porridge and soaking garlic in vinegar are still widely practiced today. After Laba, it's the New Year Laba 2022/12/30 Today is Laba There’s a saying: On the seventh and eighth days of the twelfth lunar month, your jaw can freeze off. The weather during Laba remains bitterly cold, so it's important to stay protected from the wind and keep warm. A cup of hot, fragrant tea not only helps warm the body but also boosts immunity. So, what kind of tea is suitable for Laba Festival? Ripe Pu'er Ripe Pu'er has a sweet and warm nature, promoting yang energy, generating warmth, and warming the abdomen. In winter, when the weather is dry and cold, drinking ripe Pu'er regularly can warm the stomach and intestines, regulate internal circulation, and enhance the body's resistance. Modern research confirms that ripe Pu'er is particularly effective for nourishing and protecting the stomach, making it suitable for those who are weak or older. In the depths of…

  The charm of raw Pu'er tea lies in the fact that with the passage of time, its changes become even more remarkable. Each infusion offers a myriad of flavors, leaving a lasting aftertaste. Villages and regions each have their unique flavors, always bringing delightful surprises. Tasting Pu'er tea is an art; experienced tea connoisseurs can identify the origin, age, and storage duration of the tea from just one sip. For beginners, however, faced with the bewildering variety of Pu'er teas, they often feel lost and end up following trends blindly.   Tasting Pu'er Tea   1. First, observe the color of the tea leaves.   Dry tea should appear naturally lustrous, while the infused liquor should be clear and bright. After brewing, pay attention to the depth and brightness of the tea liquor. High-quality teas produce a rich and bright red liquor that forms a layer of tea mist on its surface, indicating a richer taste and higher content of fat-soluble substances. Poor-quality teas will yield a liquor that is red but not rich, lacking brightness and resembling soy sauce in color.   2. Next, smell the aroma.   Pu'er tea has dozens of different aromas, which are a…

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…

Kneading is a process in the production of Pu'er tea after the fresh leaves have been subjected to initial fixation. It involves using external force to shape the tea leaves into strips and breaking down the cellular structure of the fresh leaves, allowing the internal substances of the tea to adhere to the surface of the leaves. The significance of this process lies in rupturing cell walls to release tea juice, facilitating the polymerization of components such as polyphenols and catechins, preparing the tea for later fermentation, and curling loose tea leaves into strips, which helps with the even release of internal substances during brewing. The strength of kneading, duration, and cell breakage rate are closely related to the taste, aroma, and subsequent transformation of Pu'er tea. Cold Kneading vs. Hot Kneading The principle of kneading is to use hot kneading for older leaves and cold kneading for younger leaves, as well as heavy kneading for older leaves and gentle kneading for younger ones. Based on personal experience in tea production, Pu'er tea requires heavy kneading, which is not done in one go but rather through repeated kneading. The purpose of "repeated kneading" is essentially to supplement the first "natural…

Living in the moment with ease, life has tea. The material life is developing rapidly, and we are getting more affluent. However, when we specifically arrange to meet up for tea, it feels much more significant; those who join you for tea care more and cherish the moment. Being able to find someone to share a cup of tea with is itself a form of happiness. Drinking tea is one of life’s pleasures. Even if the tea is simple and the meal plain, the warmth brought by the people sitting around you will make that cup of tea warm, sweet, fragrant, and long-lasting. A person who can join you for tea is one who brings calmness to your heart. Only with inner peace and composure can one face the various challenges of life calmly. Finding comfort in despair, regaining confidence in hopelessness, rediscovering oneself in confusion, and seeing light in the cold—all these stem from the inner strength cultivated over cups of shared tea. The more tea you drink, the simpler the life you aspire to becomes. There is nothing more delightful than drinking tea. Brew a pot of fragrant tea, and the distance between people disappears immediately. How many…

Puer tea does not need to be stored in the fridge, as the high humidity and low temperature within a fridge, along with its sealed environment, make it more susceptible to dampness and odor absorption, which is detrimental to enzymatic activity. Puer tea is a post-fermentation tea that improves with age under proper storage conditions. Puer Tea: Should It Be Stored in the Fridge? Puer tea does not need to be stored in the fridge, as the high humidity and low temperature within a fridge, along with its sealed environment, make it more susceptible to dampness and odor absorption, which is detrimental to enzymatic activity. Furthermore, puer tea is a post-fermentation tea that requires air and temperature for its substance conversion. Therefore, under normal circumstances, storing it at room temperature, in a well-ventilated and dry environment is sufficient. What Types of Tea Need to Be Stored in the Fridge? Green tea, floral teas, yellow tea, and lightly fragrant oolong tea should be refrigerated. These types of tea undergo minimal or no fermentation, making their internal substances highly reactive to oxygen and environmental factors. Storing them in the fridge helps isolate them from external influences and maintains their stability. However, when…

Affecting a moderate-strength El Niño event and superimposed on the backdrop of global warming, the average global temperature in 2023 may break the record for the warmest year set in 2016. It is expected that most regions in China will have temperatures similar to or higher than the long-term average this winter through next spring, but with active cold air phases. Precipitation in southern regions will be above normal, increasing the risk of compound meteorological disasters. In response to complex climate changes, timely management of tea gardens during winter can help ensure their safe overwintering and lay the groundwork for high-quality and high-yield tea production and increased income for tea farmers in the coming year. So how can we properly manage tea gardens in winter? Follow along as we explore the winter-spring tea garden management guidelines developed by the Department of Plant Industry Management of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, in collaboration with the National Agricultural Technology Extension Service Center and the Expert Advisory Group on Tea of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. 1. Disaster Prevention 1.1 Freeze Prevention Closely monitor weather forecasts and implement protective measures such as mulching between rows and covering the canopy…

Pu'er tea, as a unique type of tea, has its quality and flavor significantly influenced by the way it is stored. Proper storage methods allow Pu'er tea to become richer and more alluring over time, while improper storage can lead to spoilage and loss of its inherent value. Firstly, the choice of environment is critical. The place where Pu'er tea is stored must be kept clean and dry. A damp environment can easily cause the tea to mold, affecting its quality. Ensure that the storage space is well-ventilated, allowing air to circulate freely, which helps remove excess moisture and odors. Additionally, keep the tea away from items with strong odors, as Pu'er tea has a strong ability to absorb smells, which can ruin its original aroma. Temperature control is also a key factor. An ideal temperature range is approximately between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. High temperatures may accelerate the oxidation and spoilage of the tea, while low temperatures might slow down the transformation process too much. Avoid placing Pu'er tea in areas with excessively high or low temperatures, such as near heaters, air conditioner vents, or cold windowsills. Avoiding direct sunlight is an important principle when storing Pu'er tea.…

How long is the shelf life of tea? How to store tea? Tea has a certain shelf life, so when purchasing, it's important to check the date. If buying loose tea, pay even more attention to its quality. Of course, proper storage later on is also very important; it should be placed in a well-ventilated, shaded, and dry area. Otherwise, even if it hasn't expired, the tea may become undrinkable due to spoilage. As a food product meant for consumption, tea naturally has a shelf life. This is indisputable, but different types of tea have varying shelf lives depending on their production methods and storage conditions. Green Tea When drinking green tea, freshness is key, so new tea can typically be consumed after being stored for half a month or a month. Green tea, being unfermented, has higher storage requirements. If not stored properly, it can turn yellow, significantly reducing its aroma and flavor. The shelf life of green tea is the shortest because it is not fermented and requires higher storage standards. Generally, at room temperature, the shelf life is about 1 year. If improperly stored, it may begin to wither and lose flavor within 8 to 9 months.…

Black tea and green tea are like two sides of the same coin. Green tea is unfermented, while black tea is fully fermented; green tea has a cool nature, whereas black tea is warm; green tea brews a clear, greenish infusion, while black tea produces a bright, reddish one. Speaking of preferences, Chinese people are naturally most accustomed to green tea, but this does not prevent black tea from consistently occupying the second place in sales among the six major types of tea. After green tea, black tea is the second favorite among Chinese people. Despite their distinct personalities, many people brew black tea in the same way as they would green tea. Actually, black tea offers more possibilities for brewing than green tea. How can you make your black tea taste better? Follow these tips! Image Brewing Black Tea in a Cup? No Problem The most traditional method of brewing green tea is in a cup, but can you do the same with black tea? Absolutely! Brewing black tea in a cup is similar to how you would brew green tea. First, add the tea leaves, then pour in water, and finally enjoy the drink. The specific method is…

Green tea can be brewed both cold and hot. Cold brewing is more suitable for hot weather, offering a refreshing taste that cools and quenches thirst. Hot brewing is part of many people's daily routine. Whether to choose hot or cold brewing ultimately depends on personal preference. Cold Brew or Hot Brew for Green Tea? While boiling water can quickly extract many nutrients from the tea leaves, the temperature of the hot water and the duration of boiling can affect the taste and color of the tea, which is why some people find their tea bitter. Cold brewing solves this issue by not only preserving the vitamins in the tea but also ensuring that other nutrients such as polyphenols and catechins maintain their antioxidant activity, similar to that achieved through boiling water. Overall, in certain aspects, cold-brewed tea is more convenient, releases less caffeine, and can help lower blood sugar levels. Convenient and Quick: You can use purified water, mineral water, or cold boiled water. The brewing time can range from half an hour to six hours. Reduce "Tea Drunkenness": Tea contains caffeine, which has stimulating effects. Some people may experience insomnia after drinking tea. Cold brewing reduces the release…

Ripened tea is an important type of tea in Chinese tea culture, traditionally possessing high artistic value and preciousness. Therefore, the storage of ripened tea is very important. Below are some methods for storing ripened tea. Ripened Tea Storage Methods 1. Aerated Storage Ripened tea contains fermented aromas and other substances. If stored too airtight, it can become damp and moldy. Therefore, when storing ripened tea, it is important to maintain air circulation and prevent moisture intrusion. It is best to store ripened tea in a dry and well-ventilated place, such as a low-humidity attic, cabinet, or room. 2. Lightproof Storage Light is the enemy of ripened tea, as it can destroy the effective components in the tea, causing it to deteriorate. Therefore, when storing ripened tea, avoid exposing it to sunlight and keep it in a cool, dry place. 3. Clean Storage Container The container used for storing ripened tea should be dry, odorless, and free from any peculiar smells, preferably ceramic or glass. Before storing the ripened tea, clean the storage container to avoid any unwanted odors during storage. If the container is old, make sure to dry and clean it thoroughly before use. 4. Periodic Ventilation Regular…

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…

Different teas serve different purposes for your body, so it's important to choose carefully. Here are some specific teas suitable for summer: 1 Flower Tea Flower tea is often regarded as a natural health drink and is very suitable for consumption in the summer. Drinking flower tea in summer can help cool you down and quench thirst. Additionally, it can aid digestion, improve complexion, treat colds, and relieve irritability. In summer, it's best to choose cooling and heat-relieving flower teas, but if you have a weak spleen and stomach, you should consume them in moderation or avoid them altogether. If you have a weak spleen and stomach and still want to drink tea, it's better to choose warmer or neutral flower teas. 2 Ginger Tea According to traditional Chinese medicine, even though we feel hot in summer, our bodies are actually in a state of being externally hot and internally cold. Many people like to stay in cool places and eat cold foods in summer, which can be quite damaging to the spleen and stomach, potentially causing stomach pain or diarrhea. Therefore, when deciding what to drink in summer, it's best to choose warming foods or teas to regulate the…

Due to the frequent temperature changes in spring, various physiological functions of the human body tend to decline, and resistance weakens, making it easier for the body to be attacked by viruses. Here are some teas that can help maintain health. Black Tea 1. Keep Warm and Protect the Stomach The winter climate is in a low humidity state, and the human body is inevitably invaded by dampness and cold, causing discomfort in the stomach. Black tea has a sweet and gentle nature, nourishing the body's yang energy, enhancing its ability to resist the cold, and having the benefits of warming and protecting the stomach. 2. Prevent Cardiovascular Diseases and Protect Elderly Health Winter is a high-risk period for heart disease and stroke, with cardiovascular activity weakened due to factors such as temperature, which can trigger cardiovascular diseases. American medical research has found that heart disease patients who drink four cups of black tea daily see their blood vessel dilation increase from 6% to 10%. After brewing, 70% of potassium in black tea dissolves in the tea water, which helps enhance cardiac circulation. In the cold winter, the elderly can drink more black tea to combat the cold and prevent…

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…