Fermented tea

Pu'er tea is known for its lipid-lowering, stomach-nourishing, digestive-enhancing, and detoxifying effects. As a post-fermented tea, both raw and ripe Pu'er teas can, under favorable conditions, improve in quality and flavor through years to decades of subsequent maturation. This aging process imbues Pu'er tea with a distinctive character of becoming more fragrant over time and confers specific health benefits to the human body. The Health Benefits of Pu'er Tea 1. Lipid-Lowering and Weight Loss: Pu'er tea is closely involved in fat metabolism. Its unique fermentation process generates new chemical substances. Some of these contain lipase enzymes that can break down fat, thereby contributing to weight loss. 2. Lipid-Lowering, Blood Pressure Reduction, and Prevention of Atherosclerosis 3. Teeth Strengthening and Oral Health: Pu'er tea contains many bioactive components with antibacterial properties, which can eliminate oral odor and promote dental health. 4. Stomach Protection and Nourishment: At appropriate concentrations, mild Pu'er tea does not irritate the stomach. The viscous, smooth, and full-bodied Pu'er tea forms a protective layer on the stomach lining when ingested, benefiting the stomach over long-term consumption. This is why Pu'er tea is often referred to as "beauty tea" and "longevity tea" by consumers worldwide. 5. Anti-Aging: Research has…

Pu'er tea is a fermented tea, a representative type in Chinese tea culture. It offers various benefits, such as lowering blood lipids and pressure, aiding weight loss, and providing antioxidants. However, there are certain techniques and tips to consider when brewing and drinking Pu'er tea. Here are some recommended methods. Cleaning Tea Ware: Pu'er tea often has surface oils and dust, so it's important to clean the tea ware before brewing. Rinse the teapot or cup with boiling water once, then discard the water, rinse again with hot water, and finally, empty the pot or cup. Brewing Time: As a fermented tea, Pu'er generally requires longer brewing times. For the first infusion, aim for about 10 seconds, and increase by 5 seconds for each subsequent infusion. The tea is usually richest in flavor around the 5th to 6th infusions. Amount of Tea: The amount of tea used for brewing Pu'er differs from other teas. Typically, use 3 grams of tea per 100 milliliters of water. For a stronger flavor, you can adjust the amount accordingly. Water Temperature: Controlling the water temperature is crucial for Pu'er tea. A temperature of around 100°C is recommended for most Pu'ers, but for aged Pu'er,…

Black tea is a fully fermented tea and is the most consumed type of tea worldwide. Its mild nature makes it suitable for general consumption and is a popular recommendation among merchants. To fully appreciate the unique flavor of high-quality teas like ancient tree black tea, it must be brewed correctly. So how should one brew ancient tree black tea? Awakening the Tea: Use water at approximately 85°C for 10 seconds to awaken the tea. The resulting infusion will have a light apricot color that appears somewhat dull. When cooled, the tea has a rich, burnt aroma and a thin yet sweet taste with noticeable aftertaste. First Sipping (Third Infusion): Brew for about 5 seconds using water at around 85°C. The infusion turns a deep brownish red and emits a reddish glow in the cup. It tastes sweet right away, is rich and smooth, and leaves a lasting fragrance in the mouth. The sweetness remains in the mouth, encouraging continuous sipping. The lid of the cup has a faint burnt and sweet aroma mixed with a hint of milkiness. The bottom of the cup has a more pronounced milky aroma mixed with honey notes that linger. Fourth Infusion: The texture…

When storing tea, attention should be paid to avoiding light exposure, moisture, odors, and high temperatures. Exposure to sunlight can cause chlorophyll in the leaves to fade, darkening the color of the tea, so care should be taken to avoid light; in damp places, tea is prone to mold, so attention should be given to moisture control; tea has a strong adsorption capacity and can easily absorb odors from other objects, altering its aroma, so care should be taken to avoid odors; additionally, high temperatures can accelerate the degradation of tea, so it's important to avoid high temperatures. What Influences Should Be Noted During the Storage of Tea? I. Green Tea Storage Method: Refrigerate. If you need to store for a short period and want to drink it at any time, place green tea in the refrigerator and set the temperature to around 5°C. If the tea is unopened and you want to preserve it for over a year, then store it in the freezer. Best Time to Drink: Within 1-2 months after opening, or within one year if unopened. Points to Note: 1. You can use quicklime to absorb moisture from the tea, package it in an aluminum composite…

The question of whether dark tea is better steeped or boiled is one that often comes up. Opinions on this matter vary widely, with each side presenting their own arguments. This can be particularly confusing for those new to dark tea. In fact, both steeping and boiling are viable options for drinking dark tea, they're simply different ways of enjoying the beverage. However, there is a common misconception that dark tea should only be boiled, as this is how it is traditionally prepared by nomadic people on the frontier, be it in milk tea or butter tea. The suitability of steeping versus boiling dark tea really depends on the individual, the setting, the age of the tea, and the grade of the raw material used, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Historically, dark tea was primarily sold to provinces where ethnic minorities lived in the northwest border regions, hence the name "border tea." Nomads in these areas consume a diet rich in beef, mutton, and dairy products, which are high in fat and low in dietary fiber and vitamins. This makes dark tea a necessity for them. As such, dark tea has been an indispensable part of life for the people…

 Fermented tea is a type of tea production process, referring to tea made after the tea leaves have undergone withering, cutting, fermentation, and drying in the initial manufacturing steps to produce crude tea, which is then refined. Depending on the degree of fermentation of the tea leaves, fermented teas can be categorized into lightly fermented tea, semi-fermented tea, fully fermented tea, and post-fermented tea. Lightly Fermented Lightly fermented refers to teas that do not undergo a fermentation process, such as green tea. This category of tea has a natural aroma and a refreshing taste. However, it is relatively cooling in nature, and while it can help reduce internal heat, it should not be consumed regularly over long periods. Semi-Fermented Semi-fermented refers to the process where the chlorophyll in the tea leaves is destroyed during production, and the fermentation degree ranges from 20% to 70%. Examples include Tieguanyin and Wuyi tea, which are considered semi-fermented teas. Semi-fermented teas contain higher levels of polyphenols, aldehydes, and alcohols, making them more likely to induce stomach problems for people with poor gastrointestinal function. Additionally, they contain caffeine, active alkaloids, and various aromatic substances that can stimulate the central nervous system. People with neurasthenia, heart…

As a post-fermented tea, Puer tea's rich internal components change over time. Many Puer tea enthusiasts store substantial quantities at home. How long Puer tea can be stored depends on its storage conditions; it could be as little as a few years or as much as several decades. When storing Puer tea, it is essential to note: 1. Avoid direct sunlight exposure, as it can impart an unpleasant sour taste. 2. Prevent any external water intrusion, as this can lead to too rapid maturation and possibly microbial fermentation, causing undesirable changes in quality. 3. Keep the tea away from any foreign odors that might taint its flavor. 4. Store single varieties together to avoid complicating the monitoring of their condition. 5. When removing tea for use, take enough for your needs to minimize disturbance and make it easier to monitor the tea's condition. Puer tea is a post-fermented tea that becomes more fragrant with age when stored under suitable conditions. However, those who have stored loose Puer tea for a while may notice that the originally enjoyable flavor changes over time, becoming bland or even acquiring off-flavors, failing to develop the characteristic of improving with age. This is because loose…

Black tea is stored at room temperature and does not need to be kept in the fridge. As a fully fermented tea, its internal components are relatively stable and less affected by oxidation. Therefore, storage at room temperature is sufficient. When storing, place the tea in an aluminum bag and seal it, then put it in a tin can with a lid, and finally store it in a cool, dry, and shaded area. Can Black Tea Be Stored in the Fridge? Black tea can also be stored in the fridge, but this is not the optimal method of storage. Therefore, when storing black tea, using a suitable tea canister is preferable. Additionally, black tea should not be stored for long periods and should be consumed promptly. Black tea has a low moisture content and is prone to becoming damp or losing its aroma. During storage, avoid mixing different types of tea and use a tightly sealed, dry container, placed in a shaded area, which helps retain the original flavor of the black tea. Choice of Containers for Storing Black Tea While tea cans or bags are often provided with purchased tea, for long-term storage, it is best to use specialized…

Black tea has a shelf life of 2 to 3 years. Due to its high degree of fermentation and delicate texture, black tea is easier to preserve than other types of tea but should not be stored for more than three years. To store black tea, place the tea in an aluminum foil bag, fold it over to seal it properly, and then store it in a clean, odor-free refrigerator. Does black tea have a shelf life? How long can it typically be kept? Black tea is one of the six major types of tea and has a specific shelf life. If stored well, it can be preserved or remain fresh for 24 to 36 months. Black tea is a fully fermented tea, so the substances within the leaves are relatively stable, making it easier to preserve, with a longer shelf life compared to green tea. When storing, seal the black tea in an aluminum foil bag and metal tin, and store it in a cool, dry place away from odors. How to store black tea Method One: The moisture content of dried black tea leaves is low, so they are highly absorbent and easily lose their aroma. Therefore, a…

The Dog Days start on the third Geng day after the Summer Solstice, known as the Initial Dog Days (10 days); the fourth Geng day after the Summer Solstice is called the Middle Dog Days (10 days, but sometimes 20 days), while the first Geng day after the Start of Autumn marks the End Dog Days (10 days). Following this period, seasonal changes usher in autumn. 2024 Dog Days Schedule: Initial Dog Days: July 15, 2024 – July 24, 2024, a total of 10 days Middle Dog Days: July 25, 2024 – August 13, 2024, a total of 20 days End Dog Days: August 14, 2024 – August 21, 2024, a total of 8 days As early as the Tang Dynasty, “Medicine King” Sun Simiao advocated eating light and sweet foods during summer. It seems that tea is an excellent choice. During the Dog Days, are you drinking the right tea? Green Tea Green tea is the most common type of tea, and many famous teas in China are green teas. Drinking green tea in summer can help cool down and relieve heat. Green tea has a slightly bitter taste and is cold in nature, with the ability to detoxify,…

Pu'er, as a post-fermented tea, undergoes subtle changes in its aroma and flavor over time. The unique taste formed bit by bit, day after day, may be the most charming aspect of Pu'er. It is this transformation that endows Pu'er tea with collection value. So, what kind of Pu'er tea is worth collecting? Why hasn't my tea appreciated in value? What Kind of Pu'er Tea Is Suitable for Collection The infusion should be bright. For Pu'er tea, the infusion color of a new tea is golden yellow, and the older the tea cake, the more the infusion color will tend towards red. Pu'er tea stored in a dry warehouse generally has a clear and bright infusion. If the infusion is murky, it could indicate wet storage or that it has been stored in a damp environment. The aroma should be pure. Good Pu'er tea should have a pure aroma without any strange or pungent odors. Purity refers to an aroma that, when smelled with the nose or tasted with the mouth, produces only a pure tea scent. For example: camphor aroma, plum aroma, orchid aroma, jujube aroma, lotus aroma, etc. The storage should be proper. In general, the storage environment…

Black tea contains a large amount of phenolic substances. Despite their high molecular weight, these phenolic compounds are quite distinct from those found in green tea. Clinical trial results show that black tea also possesses antioxidant properties, helps lower blood lipids, inhibits arterial hardening, enhances capillary function, and has anti-mutagenic effects. Due to its polysaccharide content, drinking black tea can also help regulate blood sugar levels. Moreover, black tea has potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. As a fully fermented tea, during processing, the main chemical component in fresh black tea leaves, catechins, undergoes a series of enzymatic changes under the influence of enzymes. Catechins are oxidized and polymerize into large molecules known as theaflavins and thearubigins. Black tea is made from young tea leaves through complex processes including withering, rolling, fermentation, and drying, and it is typically produced in regions with a temperate climate (such as Keemun black tea, Yunnan black tea, and Zhenghe black tea). Black tea is warming in nature and has the effect of warming the stomach, strengthening the spleen, clearing heat, and reducing turbidity. People with a deficiency-cold constitution should prefer black tea, which increases blood flow to the kidneys, raises glomerular filtration rate, dilates renal…

When brewing white tea, the water temperature should be controlled between 90-100°C. Fresh white tea, with its tender texture, is suitable for brewing with boiling water above 90°C. For aged white tea, it requires boiling water at 100°C to awaken its inner qualities. Brewing Water Temperature for White Tea The water temperature for brewing white tea is 100°C. As a fermented tea, the use of boiling water helps extract the inner substances from the leaves, resulting in a more fragrant and flavorful infusion. If the water temperature is too low, the tea leaves will not fully open, leading to a bland taste. When brewing white tea, it is recommended to use a lidded bowl. First, place the dry tea leaves inside, then pour in boiling water to rinse the tea. After 5 seconds, discard the water. Then add boiling water again, do not cover, and after 1-2 minutes when the tea has expanded, it can be consumed. Brewing Time for White Tea The brewing time for white tea varies according to the number of infusions. The first infusion takes about 5 minutes, the second takes around 3 minutes, and subsequent infusions should also be kept around 3 minutes. Typically, white…

Black tea is made through a process of fermentation and roasting. The polyphenols undergo enzymatic oxidation due to oxidase, reducing their content and thus diminishing the stimulating effect on the stomach. Black tea does not harm the stomach but instead can nourish it. Regular consumption of black tea with sugar and milk can have anti-inflammatory effects, protect the gastric mucosa, and be effective in treating ulcers. Benefits of Drinking Black Tea for Your Stomach Over the Long Term Black tea is a “master” at nourishing the stomach. It has a warm nature and low polyphenol content, which means it gently stimulates the gastric mucosa. This is the most beneficial tea for the stomach. People with stomach problems can drink it regularly, as can those with cold constitutions and cold stomachs, as it provides protective benefits for the stomach. For individuals with stomach issues, drinking black tea can be beneficial. As a fermented tea, black tea helps regulate qi and soothe the stomach while having antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. After fermentation, some chemical substances are transformed, reducing the stimulation of the digestive tract. Its warmer temperature significantly enhances its ability to nourish and support the stomach. It can improve symptoms of…

Normally, when we drink tea, we do so at our leisure, not caring whether different types of tea require water of different temperatures or how much tea to put in. If you want a better tea drinking experience, these issues cannot be ignored. Different water temperatures and different amounts of tea can greatly affect the taste of the tea. 1. Water Temperature When boiling water for tea, use a strong fire to bring it to a rapid boil; do not use a slow fire to simmer the water. Water that has just boiled is ideal for brewing tea, producing a fragrant and tasty brew. If the water boils for too long, as the ancients called it, "old water." At this point, the carbon dioxide dissolved in the water has mostly evaporated, and the freshness and briskness of the tea are significantly reduced. In general, the water temperature used for brewing tea is positively related to the solubility of effective substances from the tea leaves in the water. The higher the water temperature, the greater the solubility and the stronger the tea soup; conversely, the lower the water temperature, the smaller the solubility and the lighter the tea soup. Generally, the…

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…

Compared to the cool and refreshing green tea, black tea is milder and warmer, making it great for warming up the body and stomach, thus many people enjoy drinking it. It's said that everything has two sides, and drinking black tea is no exception. Below, we will introduce the benefits and drawbacks of drinking black tea. There are no inherent drawbacks to drinking tea, but if there must be some, they are relative. Drinking tea during certain special periods can actually harm your health. What are the benefits and drawbacks of drinking black tea? Benefits of Drinking Black Tea: 1. Prevents Tooth Decay: When you drink black tea, it leaves a pleasant aroma in your mouth, which can help eliminate bad breath and prevent tooth decay. 2. Nourishes and Protects the Stomach: Being a fully fermented tea, black tea is mild and warm, so drinking it regularly can help nourish the stomach. 3. Boosts Appetite: Drinking black tea can also boost your appetite and aid digestion, preventing digestive issues. 5. Prevents Colds: Black tea has strong antibacterial properties. Rinsing your mouth with black tea can help prevent viral colds and food poisoning. 6. Strengthens Bones: With its mild flavor, black…

Black tea is a global category of tea, and Dianhong has become a famous flower among black teas due to its "high fragrance and rich flavor." Dianhong has excellent compatibility and can be enjoyed hot or cold. It can be traditionally brewed as a "clear drink," or various ingredients such as flowers and fruits can be added to the clear drink to create delicious beverages. Today, let's discuss what kind of purple clay pot is suitable for drinking Dianhong. What Kind of Purple Clay Pot Should Be Used for Drinking Dianhong? 1. Clay Type: Purple Clay and Red Clay The color of Dianhong tea is deep, so dark-colored purple clay pots made from purple clay (including bottom groove blue, clear purple clay, red skin dragon, etc.), red clay, and mixed mineral types (descending slope mud, peach blossom mud, agarwood mud) will match it more naturally. 2. Capacity Due to the fact that black tea is not compressed and is fragile when vacuumed, a purple clay pot with a capacity of around 200-250cc is suitable. If the capacity is too large, holding the pot will be strenuous, and the tea infusion will be bland. If the capacity is too small, the…

Today, I continue to discuss several issues to consider when choosing a tea for everyday consumption. In the previous issue, we covered five points to consider when selecting raw Pu'er tea. Now, let's continue and also cover the points to consider when choosing ripe Pu'er tea. The sixth point in selecting raw Pu'er tea is to try to avoid buying rainy season tea and instead opt for spring tea if possible, or autumn tea as an alternative. However, there is a difference in quality between spring and autumn teas, which can reflect in their prices, differing by 3 to 5 times. Rainy season tea has distinct characteristics: thin and long twigs, large inter-leaf spacing, thinner leaves, and larger leaf area compared to spring tea. Most of the leaves are opposite leaves. This might sound abstract, but with more observation and comparison of the leaf base, it's not hard to grasp these differences. The seventh point is to avoid teas where red twigs and red leaves make up more than 10% of the leaf base. Occasionally having a small number of red twigs and red leaves is normal. With these seven points, you should be able to select a high-quality and…

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…

Oolong tea, also known as Qingcha or semi-fermented tea, is a distinctive category among the major types of Chinese teas. Oolong tea is made through processes such as killing green, withering, shaking green, fermentation, and baking, resulting in a high-quality tea. Characteristic oolong tea has red edges on the leaves and a green center, with a yellowish-red infusion, rich flavor, and unique floral and fruity aromas that linger long after tasting. Famous oolong teas include: Fujian Tieguanyin, Phoenix Dancong tea, Dongding Oolong tea, and Wuyi Dahongpao. "The pot is the father of tea, water is the mother of tea, charcoal is the friend of tea," when it comes to brewing tea, the teapot is extremely important. So, what kind of purple clay pot is suitable for oolong tea? In terms of clay material: The infusion color of oolong tea is mostly orange-yellow or golden yellow. Based on this characteristic, suitable purple clay pot materials for oolong tea can be selected from duan clay, original green clay, zuni (red clay), and red clay. The taste of oolong tea is full-bodied and its aroma is rich, which is one of the most significant features of oolong tea: its high aroma. Therefore, you…

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,…

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 method for brewing ripened tea depends on whether it's compressed (such as cake tea), loose leaf, or a tea nugget. Raw Pu'er is not recommended for boiling, while ripened Pu'er can be brewed or boiled. Loose leaf teas vary in their durability for multiple infusions. Loose leaves release their flavor quickly and are less durable compared to compressed and tea nuggets. Thus, they can be brewed in larger cups, pots, or gaiwans. However, avoid steeping them for too long; instead, try to pour out the infusion quickly. Compressed teas, typically cakes, bricks, or tuos, are rarely made from a single grade of leaves but rather have a core and a surface layer. When brewing, it's best to break off pieces by hand for a more balanced taste, ensuring you get layers from the surface, middle, and bottom. For the first few infusions, you can allow a short steeping time to fully saturate the leaves. After rinsing and waking the tea, avoid steeping it further. Start with normal pouring after about three infusions, and ensure you empty all the water from the pot without leaving any of the previous infusion. Brewing Method for Pu'er Ripened Tea 1. Prepare and Warm…