Drinks

First, do you know what cold brewed tea is? By cold brewed tea, we mean steeping tea leaves in cold water, a method that upends traditional ways of brewing tea. It’s perfect for office workers, students, drivers, hikers, and anyone else on the go. As long as you can get your hands on a bottle of mineral water, you can enjoy a delicious and healthful cup of cold brewed tea anytime. The aroma and taste of cold brewed tea differ from those achieved by pouring hot water over tea leaves in a teapot. Generally, people find the flavor of cold brewed tea more natural than that of canned tea drinks. Unfermented green tea, lightly fermented wulong tea, lightly fermented white pekoe, and white peony are all suitable for cold brewing. The less the tea has been fermented, the sweeter and fresher its taste will be when cold brewed. However, remember not to leave the tea too long; after eight hours, it’s best not to drink it. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, you can opt for cold brewed tea in the evening. If you’re drinking tea to stay alert, however, we recommend brewing it with hot water. Not all types of…

In the movie "Pegasus 2," Yin Zheng, portraying Sun Yutang, brews tea for Factory Manager Jia Bing. The comical way Sun Yutang carefully adds "Gao Sui" has become a memorable scene in "Pegasus 2," provoking laughter from the audience. Everyone watching the film can see the awkwardness of Zhang Chi, played by Shen Teng, and Sun Yutang, played by Yin Zheng, as they try to maintain a dignified appearance. Similarly, everyone can tell that "Gao Sui" is not considered high-end. However, just as Zhang Chi and Yutang are not without talent, "Gao Sui" is certainly not a low-quality tea. "Gao Sui" is a term unfamiliar to many, and it is indeed rarely seen today. Even Beijing's Qinglin Chun and Wu Yutai no longer sell it; only the century-old Zhang Yiyuan offers it for sale for a few days each October. It's not uncommon for old Beijingers to queue up in the early morning hours to buy "Gao Sui." What is the charm of "Gao Sui"? Why is it so beloved? 01 "Gao Sui" Has a Wide Popularity Base Northerners love scented teas, one of which is "Gao Sui." Its name includes the character "Sui" (shard), indicating its affordability. "Gao Sui"…

Summer is hot, and many people are looking for drinks that can both cool them down and benefit their health. Tea is undoubtedly an excellent choice. Not only does it help the body cool down, but the various components in tea also help boost immunity and digestive function. Today, let's discuss which teas are best to drink in summer. 1. Green Tea Green tea is one of the most popular tea beverages in summer. It is rich in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals and enhance the body's self-healing ability. At the same time, green tea has a cooling effect. Whether it's Longjing, Biluochun, or Mao Feng, they all have a fresh aroma and a delicate taste, making them very suitable for drinking on hot summer days. Recommended Preparation: Do not steep for too long to avoid a too strong tea infusion. You can add some mint leaves to enhance the cooling sensation. 2. Chrysanthemum Tea Chrysanthemum tea has heat-clearing and detoxifying effects, as well as benefits for eye health, making it particularly suitable for summer consumption. Chrysanthemum tea not only tastes fragrant but also helps relieve eye fatigue, making it especially suitable for office workers who use computers for…

Many new tea enthusiasts face a dilemma when choosing among numerous brands. I’d like to offer some advice based on my personal experience for your reference. I am purely a tea enthusiast who only drinks tea and does not sell it, so this advice may not be useful for those in the business of selling tea. General rule: you get what you pay for, the seller is always more knowledgeable than the buyer, don’t seek small bargains, and remember that the most profitable goods are often fakes or low-quality products. Establish an initial impression and understanding of raw and ripe teas. Established brands like Dayi and Xiaguan serve as benchmarks without question. The benchmarks are meant to be surpassed; to improve, combine your taste preferences with a systematic approach by selecting one or a few brands that suit your palate and drinking their teas from lower to higher grades to determine which level suits you best (buying comfortably and enjoying the tea). There is no perfect tea in the world; if you like its strengths and can overlook its weaknesses, that’s enough. For example, my focus is on mouthfeel saturation and throat resonance (everyone has different preferences, feel free to…

When drinking Fuding white tea, have you ever paid attention to the temperature of the tea? Have you ever hesitated and wondered if you should drink it right after brewing? You might think: If I drink it now, will it scald my mouth? Should I let it sit for a while? But then, how long should I wait? Sometimes, you forget about it and by the time you remember, it's cold... Do you have similar experiences? Perhaps because of your fondness for it and desire for a better taste, you are hesitant to drink it; at the same time, you wonder whether drinking it immediately provides the highest nutrition or if letting it sit improves its flavor. When the tea is freshly brewed, steam rises from it. You take the first blow to disperse the steam on the surface of the tea to avoid burning your lips; the second blow disperses any floating particles; and finally, when the temperature is just right, you can enjoy the warm liquid flowing down your throat. The flavor is at its best right after brewing. Although the temperature is high at this point, it can retain the taste of the tea, allowing its aroma…

The start of Fu marks the entry into the period of the year with concentrated rainfall and the hottest days. The ancients believed this time to be characterized by high temperatures, high humidity, and long daylight hours, as well as a period when Yin energy begins to rise. As the saying goes, "The coldest time is in the three Nines, and the hottest is in the three Fux." "Fu" means to hide Yin energy within intense heat, serving as a warning. According to the ancient text "The Book of Flowers," "The heat has not yet reached its peak during this period." The "Book of Han: Notes on Suburban Sacrifices" explains, "Fu refers to the rising of Yin energy, which is suppressed by the remaining Yang energy and cannot ascend. Therefore, it hides, hence the name Fu period." In addition to sun protection and heat prevention, tea enthusiasts should also seize the opportunity to properly care for their bodies. There's a popular saying that "three Fux are for health preservation, and winter illnesses can be treated in summer." So how should one preserve health during the initial stage of Fu? During the three Fux, even light work or exercise can cause…

There are two types of teapot enthusiasts: those who love duanni, and those who do not. For those who dislike it, a moment's inattention can result in the pot looking grubby and even blackened in places. This instantly sours their appreciation, leaving them to rue their decision to purchase a duanni teapot.However, once a duanni teapot has been nurtured, its transformation is remarkable and exceptionally beautiful, evoking a deep sense of affection. This aesthetic pleasure and sense of achievement are likely only fully appreciated by those who adore duanni. As such, many teapot aficionados have a love-hate relationship with it.Duanni is essentially a coexisting deposit of green and purple clays. In the local dialect of Yixing, "duan" sounds like "tuan," hence why duanni is also called tuanni. Its light color means that improper care can lead to noticeable stains, which polarizes opinions—those who love it, love it deeply, while those who don't feel entirely indifferent.In "Seeing or Not Seeing" by Cangyang Jiacuo, he writes, "You see, or you do not see me; I am there, neither sad nor joyful." Similarly, duanni remains unchanged regardless of whether one likes it or not, unaffected by external preferences or personal emotions. The beauty…

Saffron and tea are common beverages in our daily lives, but many people may not know if they can be brewed together or what effects this combination might have. Today, we explore this question to give you a deeper understanding of these two drinks. (Image source: Internet, delete upon request) The Amazing Benefits of Saffron Saffron is a precious traditional Chinese medicine with various health benefits. It contains rich saffron acid, volatile oils, carotene, and other components that promote blood circulation, nourish the blood, calm the mind, relieve depression, and have antioxidant properties. It not only improves blood circulation and boosts metabolism but also helps regulate endocrine function and alleviate menstrual discomfort. Additionally, saffron is believed to enhance immunity and protect heart and brain health. The Multiple Benefits of Tea Tea is an indispensable beverage in our daily life, especially green tea, black tea, and oolong tea, which are rich in polyphenols, caffeine, amino acids, vitamins, and other components. The main benefits of tea include refreshing the mind, antioxidation, lowering cholesterol, weight loss, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Long-term tea drinking can help eliminate free radicals, delay aging, lower cholesterol levels, improve digestive function, and boost mental state and concentration. Can…

"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…

Tea is a constant presence in Chinese households, no matter where you are, there’s always a warm cup of tea waiting for you.Initially, I thought it was just for health and wellness, but I never imagined the incredible benefits it offers. In short, drinking tea is so rewarding that I can’t imagine my life without it. As a medium for emotional exchange, tea brings people closer and deepens connections. Understanding the significance of this cup of tea makes anywhere feel like home. Knowing about tea provides great conversation starters, allowing you to chat comfortably wherever you go. Tea encapsulates a lifetime of moments into its light and varied flavors, leaving a lingering fragrance in one’s heart. Though silent, tea speaks through its inviting aroma. One loves tea, hence drinks it; one drinks tea, hence loves it. The character of tea resonates with the character of those who drink it. Subtle and fragrant, tea has a lasting aftertaste, calmly engaging with the world without competition or rush. A true lover of tea can maintain rationality and kindness amidst the noise of the world. In the moment of drinking tea, what’s rare is leisure, letting go of distractions, and clarity of mind.…

Time falls like rain, pouring down. It's the hottest time of the year, when we welcome the last solar term of summer, Great Heat. As the saying goes, “The coldest time is the nine cold days, the hottest is the dog days.” Great Heat coincides with the middle of the dog days, the hottest period of the year. The Three Phases of Great Heat 01 First Phase: Withered grass turns into fireflies. In the height of summer, fireflies lay their eggs on withered grass, and when they hatch, they emerge from it. Ancient people mistakenly believed that fireflies were transformed from decaying grass. 02 Second Phase: The earth is moist and the heat is sultry. Sultriness refers to the humid atmosphere. The moisture in the earth's air makes it steamy and damp. During Great Heat, the world feels like a giant steamer. 03 Third Phase: Heavy rains occur frequently. Since the start of the dog days, thunderstorms have erupted periodically, and during Great Heat, they become more intense. However, as Great Heat progresses, after each thunderstorm, the oppressive heat seems to subtly diminish, transitioning towards the onset of autumn. Drinking Tea During Great Heat Hot tea is better than cold…

June brings the scent of summer. As temperatures rise and heat intensifies, what can rescue you from this sultry season is not just icy cold soda – while sweet and refreshing at first, such drinks are actually detrimental to our health. To spend a light and breezy summer, drinking Pu'er tea is an option. Besides choosing the right time and method of consumption, Pu'er tea can also be a "good helper" in other aspects of life. A Cup of Pu'er to Dissipate Heat In traditional thinking, one drinks green tea in summer and Pu'er in winter. However, Pu'er tea is also very suitable for summer consumption and has better health benefits than green tea. In hot summers, the body loses more water and minerals, leading to feelings of thirst and exhaustion. At such times, a cup of Pu'er tea, with its tea polyphenols, amino acids, water-soluble pectin, aromatic substances, etc., can stimulate oral mucosa and promote saliva secretion, thus quenching thirst and refreshing the mouth. The caffeine and other components in Pu'er tea can also help to invigorate and refresh your mind. Selecting the Right Type of Pu'er When choosing between raw and ripe Pu'er, it's best to drink raw…

Summer has arrived in the blink of an eye, and the hot weather can easily bring about symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, poor appetite, and even heatstroke. So how do you deal with them? You can do so by drinking tea, but it's important to drink the right kind of tea to avoid overdoing it and harming your health.Drink White Tea to Prevent Heatstroke Hot weather makes one prone to heatstroke, especially for those who often work or play outdoors. What you need to have on hand is white tea. White tea is a lightly fermented tea that goes through processes such as blanching and drying. It has a cool nature and contains abundant amino acids that have the effects of cooling and relieving summer heat, thus preventing heatstroke. Consumption Taboos: New white tea has a slightly cold nature, so people with a cold stomach should drink it in moderation and not on an empty stomach. They should choose aged tea at least five years old. Vine tea has a sweet and bland taste and a cool nature. It has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, reducing summer heat and stimulating saliva production, removing rheumatism, strengthening muscles and bones,…

Many people have eaten raspberries, the red berries that are sweet and delicious, also known as brambles. In Guangxi, the local people process the leaves of this plant to be consumed as tea. Because it tastes sweet, it is named “Sweet Tea.” Sweet tea, along with monk fruit, Hepu pearls, and Guangxi spices, are collectively known as the four famous products of Guangxi. Guangxi Sweet Tea is not a traditional tea; its plant belongs to the Rosaceae family, Rubus genus, and is a perennial shrub with thorns that sheds its leaves in autumn. Its leaves resemble those of maple trees. Sweet tea primarily grows in the Jinxiu Dayaoshan area of Guangxi at elevations between 800 and 1000 meters. This region is the second-largest kingdom of medicinal plants and animals in China and is a national nature reserve, with soil rich in selenium. Unlike other common Rubus plants, its leaves have a sweet taste, and every part of the plant is valuable—roots, stems, leaves, and fruits can all be used for tea or medicine. The sweetest time for the tea is during July and August each year. Nowadays, sweet tea is processed using the techniques for green tea, involving steps such…

The Spring Festival is over. I wonder how all you tea enthusiasts spent your holidays? I bet you enjoyed a lot of great food and drinks. However, during the Spring Festival, indulging in feasts, staying up all night, and other activities might have put quite a strain on your body. If you learn to brew some health-promoting teas, they can help you better adjust after the holiday period. Therefore, that first cup of tea after the festival is very important for us. 01 Say Goodbye to Gastrointestinal Stress Pu'er tea has the effects of nourishing the stomach, regulating the intestines, clearing turbidity, and removing greasiness. Mature Pu'er tea or aged raw tea has a relatively mild nature, which can nourish and protect the stomach, especially for people with stomach problems. After the three festivals, consuming a large amount of high-calorie foods can lead to indigestion. At this time, it's even more important to take care of your stomach. 02 Banish Spring Drowsiness and Fatigue Spring is a good season for health preservation. During spring, people often drink more floral teas, which can help improve physical fitness and enhance the constitution. If one takes good care of their body in spring,…

In the hustle and bustle of life, many people are seeking natural health drinks to relax and enhance their well-being. Lily flower tea is a highly recommended choice. Lilies are not only beautiful but also have rich medicinal value. So, can lilies be used to make tea? Let's find out. (Image source: Internet, delete if infringement) What is Lily Flower Tea? Lily flower tea is made by steeping dried lily petals. Lily flowers are widely cultivated in Asia, and after picking and drying the petals, they can be used for brewing tea. Lily flower tea has a light, slightly sweet taste with floral notes, making it ideal for those who don't enjoy strong flavors. Additionally, lily flower tea contains no caffeine, making it perfect for those sensitive to caffeine or looking to reduce their intake. The Health Benefits of Lily Flower Tea 1. Relieving Stress and Anxiety Lily flower tea has natural calming properties that help relieve stress and anxiety. This is mainly due to the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) contained in the tea, which regulates brain activity and promotes relaxation. Drinking a cup of lily flower tea can leave you feeling calmer and more content. (Image source: Internet, delete if…

A critically important chapter in the history of human civilization has been written by fragrances. Those invisible scents have established the closest and most mysterious connection between humans and nature. Humans, relying on this marvelous relationship, have experienced significant enhancement and progress in every aspect, from the material to the spiritual, from the sensory to the mental, from religion to politics, and from science to art. However, contemporary people, living in an extremely realistic yet virtual society, are constantly exposed to all kinds of informational "stimuli," making our inner space seem increasingly "powerful." Simultaneously, with our daily indulgence in flavorful foods and spicy drinks, our tastes seem to have become increasingly bold. Over time, many people have realized that their senses have regressed significantly, and there is a certain barrier between their sense of smell and fragrances… Nowadays, with the revival of Puer tea at the beginning of the new century, the era of Puer tea consumption is dawning, and identifying and appreciating its aroma has been elevated to unparalleled heights. Even in general tea evaluation, aroma alone accounts for 30% to 40% of the total score, demonstrating the crucial role and significance of smelling in the enjoyment of tea.…

On a hot summer day, inside the processing workshop of Guicha Tea Industry Co., Ltd., Tongren, Guizhou (hereafter referred to as Guicha Company), located at the foot of the World Natural Heritage site Fanjing Mountain, machines hum and the air is filled with the aroma of tea."Products such as matcha powder, matcha lattes, matcha cookies, matcha noodles, and matcha chocolates are being produced at an accelerated pace in the 'World-Class Matcha Mega Factory' workshop." According to Lan Fangqiang, Deputy General Manager of Guicha Company, the company's matcha production and sales exceeded 1,000 tons in 2023, with 40% exported overseas. Workers in the Guicha Company production workshop are busy in an orderly manner. On July 31st, the "Innovative Journey for Regional Coordination and Development" media tour visited the world's largest matcha production base – Guicha Tea Industry Co., Ltd., Tongren, Guizhou, to witness the grandeur of the "World-Class Matcha Mega Factory." Guicha Company was established in March 2017 as a modern enterprise that integrates planting, research and development, production, and marketing. The company has invested a total of 600 million RMB to build the Guicha Industrial Park covering 340 acres at the foot of the World Natural Heritage site "Fanjing Mountain."…

Hunan native Ye Dehui (1864-1927) wrote a poem about tea titled "A Poetic Response to Elder Wuyuan Ming's Sitting Session, in the Same Rhyme, Dedicated to Wei Zhai." From the title, we can infer that this poem was inspired by a tea session and chat with Elder Guyi. "Elder Guyi" refers to Li Guyi. Wei Zhai is Fei Shun, who comes from a prominent Suzhou family; his father-in-law is Wu Dajin, and his cousin-in-law is Liu Yazhi. His circle of friends includes Yunnan native Li Genyuan. "Who will drive away the demon of sleep? The tea god Lu Yu sends two mandarin ducks flying." These lines refer to using tea to stay alert and dispel drowsiness. "Two mandarin ducks" refer to a pair of waterfowl. "Flying mandarin ducks" alludes to Wang Qiao of the Han dynasty, who served as a county magistrate and was known for his magical abilities, including the ability to ride a pair of mandarin ducks to meet the emperor regularly. The phrase "flying mandarin ducks" is often used to describe a county magistrate taking office or leaving it. Mentioning the tea deity Lu Yu indicates the use of tea to ward off the demon of sleep.…

The scorching summer has arrived, and when it's hot, people often prefer to drink cold beverages to cool off. However, drinking tea can also help with cooling down, and drinking tea is more beneficial than drinking regular beverages. This is especially true for Anxi Tieguanyin, one of China’s top ten famous teas. On a sweltering summer day, brewing a cup of Anxi Tieguanyin allows the orchid fragrance to spread, letting you enjoy a leisurely summer time... The benefits of drinking tea in summer mainly include the following aspects: Tea is a natural beverage without additives. During the production of tea, no additives are added; its color, aroma, and taste are formed only by the quality of the raw materials and the manufacturing process. Many other beverages, in order to improve their sensory properties and enhance color, aroma, and taste, often need to add chemical substances such as pigments, flavorings, and sweeteners during the manufacturing process. Sometimes, depending on the function of the beverage, stimulants, anesthetics, or preservatives may also be added. There are currently over two hundred food additives used in China. Experts suggest drinking less beverages containing chemical additives and opting for more natural drinks, and tea is an…

Tea can be boiled, savored, drunk, or poured. The various actions associated with tea reflect the myriad facets of human life. It is said that a Japanese scholar approached Lin Qingxuan to seek his insights into China's profound tea culture, only to find him idly seated in a recliner, holding a delicate small pot and sipping directly from it, without using a cup, in an unboundedly relaxed manner. The scholar was surprised. Could it be done this way? Unfortunately, Lin Qingxuan did not tell him that there is a way of tea but no rigid rules. As long as the tea is willing and I am willing, what else is there that cannot be done? "Sipping alone," in my view, is the ultimate enjoyment of drinking tea. With flower shadows at the door and a cool breeze under the veranda, holding a pot of fine tea, pouring all kinds of emotions into one's heart. Cherishing oneself, drinking alone, and opening one's heart freely, without joy, without restraint, without hindrance—this is how a true scholar drinks. Drinking tea, in the end, is something that brings pleasure to oneself. From the same pot of tea, Buddhists see Zen, Daoists see qi, Confucians…

Basic Introduction to Nanjing HoneysuckleNanjing honeysuckle is a variety of the Chinese medicinal herb honeysuckle, a specialty of Nan County, Sichuan Province. Due to the county's unique geographical and climatic conditions that are particularly suitable for the growth of honeysuckle, the product has high effective components and good quality, making it very popular. The product has been included in the list of China's national geographic indication products for protection. Nutritional ValueCold in nature and sweet in taste; it enters the lung and stomach meridians; it clears heat and detoxifies, dispels wind-heat. It is used as the primary treatment for carbuncles and furuncles at their initial stages, redness, swelling, and pain, external contraction of wind-heat, onset of febrile diseases, heat-toxic bloody dysentery, summer heat and thirst, sore throat. Honeysuckle contains isochlorogenic acid, loganin, luteolin, chlorogenic acid, inositol, and other components, and is rich in volatile oils, with the main components of the oil being bisabolol and linalool. Product CharacteristicsNanjing honeysuckle is rich in chlorogenic acid, luteoloside, linalool, and more than 30 other volatile oils and triterpenoids, and over 10 kinds of inorganic elements. Tests have shown that the chlorogenic acid content in Nanjing honeysuckle is generally around 5.5%, reaching up to…

China is the birthplace of tea and the origin of its culture. Since the creation of the first cup of tea over 4,700 years ago, tea has become the most commonly consumed beverage globally after water. Both ancient texts and modern medical research suggest that drinking tea is beneficial to health. Although all teas originate from the same plant—the tea plant—different oxidation levels determine their variety. For example, green tea is an unfermented type, meaning it contains the richest concentration of polyphenolic compounds known as catechins, which are powerful antioxidants capable of neutralizing or preventing oxidative stress caused by oxygen free radicals in the body, thereby preventing damage to cells or DNA. As a result, green tea has anti-aging properties. However, a recent study published in Aging by researchers from the University of Jena in Germany, ETH Zurich in Switzerland, and Huazhong Agricultural University has reached a revolutionary conclusion: rather than inhibiting oxidative stress, the catechins in green tea actually promote it in the short term. Green tea enthusiasts, don't panic just yet—let's delve into what this means. Clinical trials and epidemiological studies have previously shown that drinking green tea is beneficial for health, including lowering blood pressure, blood sugar,…

Since ancient times, the Chinese people have had a profound connection with tea, evolving from consuming to drinking tea, and from cultivating, picking to processing it. The industrious and wise Chinese people, based on local conditions, have utilized core techniques such as fixation, withering, yellowing, oxidation, piling, fermentation, and scenting to develop six major types of tea - green, white, yellow, oolong, black, and dark teas - along with flower-scented teas and other processed teas, totaling thousands of varieties. In this deep-rooted relationship with tea, different tea-drinking and tea-meeting customs have been formed and passed down through generations. On November 29, 2022, China's "Traditional Chinese Tea Processing Techniques and Associated Customs" was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This entry encompasses 44 national-level intangible cultural heritage representative projects, including four traditional tea customs: Bai ethnic three-course tea, Yao ethnic oil tea, Tea Gathering Festival, and Jing Shan tea banquet. The Chinese tea culture is not only long-standing but also constantly renewed. To further enhance the recognition of Chinese tea customs and the entire Chinese tea culture, and to promote their protection, inheritance, development, and dissemination, the All-China Co-operative News·Tea Weekly has specially planned…