Flower

Tea is a combination of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Why so? The TV series "Chicken Feathers to the Sky" features a classic scene: "Tea, a fine tree of the south." The opening words of Lu Yu's "The Classic of Tea" are telling, indicating that tea belongs to wood. Here, when we refer to tea, we mean the tea plant, not the finished product. So, what is the relationship between tea and the five elements? How can the five elements achieve yin-yang harmony? What considerations should be given to how teaware is placed? 01 Tea has the Five Elements, the Way of Nourishing with Tea Metal: "Pan-fried to halt oxidation," it belongs to "metal." Fire: Tea is pan-fried using fire, which defines its character. Water: Tea is brewed with water, which unfolds its leaves and reveals its aroma. Earth: Brewing requires vessels, typically made of clay or porcelain teaware. "Harmony" is the soul of Chinese tea culture. Harmony adjusts yin and yang, harmony generates the five elements, harmony is the middle path, and harmony embodies "unity of heaven and humanity." According to traditional Chinese medicine, if a person's five elements are balanced and their generation and control are appropriate,…

Golden Bud tea should be brewed at a water temperature of 85 to 100°C. As a type of green tea, it is characterized by its unique freshness and tender aroma. There are mainly two ways to brew this tea in daily practice: using a lidded bowl or a glass cup. When brewing with a lidded bowl, the tea can be separated from the water, and boiling water can help release the tea's aroma. When using a glass cup, the tea cannot be removed from the water immediately, so a lower water temperature around 85°C is needed to avoid bitterness caused by prolonged steeping at high temperatures. Method of Brewing Golden Bud Tea 1. Cool boiled mineral water for three minutes until it reaches 90°C; 2. Take an appropriate amount of Golden Bud tea and place it in a glass cup; 3. Pour in 90°C water; a lower temperature will not allow the tea leaves to fully unfurl into their natural shape, while too high a temperature can destroy the amino acids in the tea; 4. As the dry tea slowly unfurls, gently rotate the glass cup to admire the golden, fresh appearance of the leaves as they slowly grow at…

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…

Tea is the best beverage for middle-aged and elderly people. Scientific analysis has shown that tea contains proteins, fats, over 10 types of vitamins, as well as nearly 300 components such as polyphenols, caffeine, and lipopolysaccharides, which can regulate physiological functions and play a variety of health-preserving and pharmacological roles. What are the greatest benefits of drinking tea? 1. Improves Muscle Endurance. There is an antioxidant in tea called "catechins," which can increase the body's ability to burn fat, improve muscle endurance, help fight fatigue, and increase the duration of physical exercise. Regular consumption of green tea shows the most significant effects. 2. Fights Ultraviolet Radiation. Tea polyphenols are water-soluble substances. Washing your face with tea water can remove facial grease, tighten pores, and have disinfecting, sterilizing, and anti-aging effects on the skin. It also helps reduce damage from ultraviolet rays in sunlight, acting as a natural "sunscreen." 3. Maintains Body Shape. The caffeine in tea can promote the secretion of gastric juice, aid digestion, and enhance the body’s ability to break down fat. Regular tea consumption can reduce waist circumference, lower body mass index (BMI), and thus help prevent diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. 4. Protects Against Radiation. Tea polyphenols…

Basic Introduction to Jingyang Fu Brick TeaJingyang Fu Brick Tea is a specialty product of Jingyang County, Shaanxi Province. Its raw materials are selected from dark tea leaves grown in southern Shaanxi, Hunan, and Sichuan. It is processed through more than ten steps: selection of raw materials → sifting → steaming the tea → fermentation → boiling the tea juice → stir-frying the tea → weighing → steaming the tea → packing into molds, etc. The Fu Brick Tea has a compact body with a pure and lasting aroma, clear color, black-brown luster, bright red liquor, abundant golden flowers, a long-lasting fragrance, an aged aroma, a thick, sweet aftertaste, and a smooth mouthfeel. It is known for its ability to "reduce the greasiness of meat and relieve the heat of barley" and is called the "mysterious tea" and "life-sustaining tea" of the ancient Silk Road.Jingyang, located north of the Ling Mountains, does not grow tea, but it is situated in the heart of Guanzhong Plain, downstream of the Jing River, and has been a famous district since ancient times. As a result, it has become a crucial hub for the northern transport of tea from the south. Since the Han…

Tea lovers likely have a few handy tea utensils in their possession. It may be love at first sight at a market, or its story has moved you. You purchase and play with them, carry them around, just to bring your own unique cup to the tea session and share it with like-minded people. However, no matter how careful one is, tea ware can still meet with misfortune. When broken, it loses its original function, yet it's a pity to throw it away. How could you bear to let your beloved item end up discarded? Why not fill it with soil and plant some succulents, turning it into a small potted plant that stays close by; or repurpose it as a vase for flower arrangements, trying to create your own style. Using tea ware as containers for flowers is not uncommon. Whether decorating an exquisite teapot with lush flowers or adorning an antique cup with verdant twigs, when cups blossom, the poetic mood is created within.

1. Minbei Narcissus The original name of Narcissus was "Zhuxian," originating from the "Zhuxian Cave" on Yanyi Mountain in Dahan Village, Xiaohu Town, Ouning County (now Dahan Village, Shuigil Township, Jianyang City). It started during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty (1821 AD), and due to the local pronunciation where "Zhu" sounds like "Shui," it gradually became known as "Narcissus" or "Minbei Narcissus." According to "Records of Unusual Fujian Products," "In Ouning County's Liuda Lake, there is a type of tea with coarse, long leaves named Narcissus because its flavor resembles that of the Narcissus flower..." The new chronicles of Chong'an County record: "The mother tree of Narcissus is located beneath the Zhuxian Cave in Taotzigang, Dahan, Shuigil County (now part of Jianyang City). During the Daoguang period, a farmer surnamed Su discovered it and propagated it widely." Additionally, according to the Daoguang "Ouning County Annals," "Narcissus tea comes from Dayi Village (today Xiaohu Town), Dahan. There is a mountain called Yan Cha Shan, with the Zhuxian Cave on top. A man surnamed Xi Gan from Xiqian Factory, who worked in the tea business, occasionally went to the cave and found a tree that resembled tea but had an…

Tea is one of the world's three major beverages. In addition to its fresh and fragrant taste, the rich substances it contains are also one of the reasons people enjoy drinking tea. As is well known, tea is rich in polyphenols. Polyphenols are antioxidants with excellent antioxidant functions that can eliminate harmful free radicals, fight aging, resist radiation, and have antibacterial properties. But does drinking tea regularly really slow down the process of brain aging? Chinese scholars provide the answer. Addressing existing issues, they conducted extensive data analysis to arrive at more reliable conclusions. On November 21, 2023, a research paper titled "Tea consumption and attenuation of biological aging: A longitudinal analysis from two cohort studies" by Professor Zhao Xing's team from the School of Public Health, West China Hospital, Sichuan University was published online in the prestigious international journal "The Lancet Regional Health-Western Pacific" (IF=7.1). The results show that regularly drinking tea can slow down the aging process, and drinking about 3 cups of tea or 6-8 grams of tea leaves per day may provide the most significant anti-aging effects. In this study, there were 13,929 participants, including 7,931 participants aged 30-79 from the China Multi-Ethnic Cohort (CMEC) and…

Flower tea is primarily made using black tea, green tea, or oolong tea as the base, complemented with fragrant flowers that can imbue their scent. It is produced through a process called scenting. Its aroma is rich and the tea liquor is dark in color, possessing benefits such as beautifying the skin, aiding digestion, and more. However, improper consumption of tea can also harm the body; therefore, it is important to drink tea in a healthy manner. Benefits of Drinking Flower Tea Long-Term 1. Improves Vision and Reduces Internal Heat Drinking flower teas like Huangshan tribute chrysanthemum, wild chrysanthemum, and Hangbai chrysanthemum can effectively alleviate dizziness and blurred vision caused by internal heat. 2. Nourishes the Stomach and Protects the Liver Flower teas made from calendula, osmanthus, luo han kuo, jasmine, and hibiscus have the effects of clearing and nourishing the liver, as well as strengthening and nurturing the stomach. 3. Lowers Blood Pressure and Lipids Drinking flower teas like ginkgo, notoginseng, and ginseng can soften blood vessel walls and improve circulation, helping to control blood pressure and regulate lipids. 4. Clears and Moistens the Lungs Flower teas made from violets, lilies, and other flowers have expectorant and lung-moistening properties,…

Before officially using the purple clay pot to steep tea, it is advisable to perform a simple treatment on the pot — one to clean its inside and outside, and two to remove any impurities absorbed during the manufacturing, storage, transportation, etc.A simpler method involves merely rinsing the pot repeatedly with boiling water before use. A more complex method involves placing the pot in a clean, oil-free pot with pure water to boil, or adding a small amount of tea to simmer the pot over low heat, then rinse and use. However, locals from Yixing generally just rinse the new pot clean and steep some tea in it before using it.If you buy a pot at a tea market, some pots may have already been used by the seller or even seasoned, and such pots can be used after a simple rinse and cleaning.Nourishing the PotRegardless of whether the pot is new or old, after steeping tea with boiling water, take advantage of the higher surface temperature of the pot to wipe it with a damp towel or clean damp cloth. Wipe away the water marks immediately, keeping the pot clean.In the process of nurturing the pot, most people do…

When buying Pu'er tea, it's essential to try it first, as you're purchasing something to enjoy drinking. As the saying goes, "what suits your taste is precious." Drinking it with pleasure makes you feel that your money is well spent. How to Choose Pu'er Tea Leaves? 1. Understand the Origin Pu'er tea refers to the large-leaf variety grown in Yunnan Province and processed into two categories: raw Pu'er, which is directly processed after sun-drying, and ripe Pu'er, which undergoes artificial fermentation. It comes in loose or compressed forms and continues to naturally age, developing a unique quality of improving over time. Yunnan is the original birthplace of Pu'er tea, with central areas including Simao, Xishuangbanna, parts of Lincang, and Dali. 2. Distinguish Between New and Aged Pu'er Tea New Pu'er tea, freshly made, appears green with white downy hairs and has a strong flavor. Aged Pu'er tea, having undergone extended post-fermentation, turns a date-like red color, with white down turning to brownish yellow. 3. Smell the Tea's Aroma Pu'er tea improves with age, but there's a significant difference between aged aroma and moldy smell. Poorly stored Pu'er can develop a moldy odor, and some merchants might add flowers like chrysanthemums…

Ten thousand jasmine blossoms for the tea bud, a thousand fragrances in one sip. Jasmine is a cultural calling card of China. "What a beautiful jasmine flower," this well-known folk song is almost universally known across China. China is abundant with jasmine flowers, but do you know which jasmine tea represents "China's National Tea"? In 1983, a national tea competition in Jinhua catapulted the small city of Hengzhou, Guangxi, to become the world's production center for jasmine flowers. Hengzhou's jasmine tea has a history of over a hundred years of cultivation. The jasmine here is large and plump with a rich fragrance, and over 80% of China's jasmine flowers come from this region. Today, we bring you the Jasmine Snowball, an intangible cultural heritage from Hengzhou, Guangxi, passed down through generations. Compared to ordinary jasmine flowers, the Jasmine Snowball is purer with a more intense floral aroma. As the capital of the world's jasmine flowers, Hengzhou enjoys both geographical and climatic advantages. Hengzhou jasmine has four main characteristics: Rich fragrance: Good sunlight conditions are conducive to the accumulation of aromatic substances in the jasmine flowers. Large buds: The buds of double-petal jasmine are generally quite large. Long-lasting fragrance: The jasmine…

Some say that Anhua black tea is one that breathes. When we open a box of preserved old tea, it's like opening a "door to time," telling the story of "aging brings fragrance." Airing the tea provides Anhua black tea with oxygen and moisture, endowing it with new life, like the key to the door of time, the prelude to a moving story~ It's crucial yet easily overlooked. Tea lovers who master the small technique of airing the tea will enjoy better black tea. I. What is Airing the Tea? Airing the tea involves letting stored tea ventilate for a period of time, awakening its aroma and flavor fully. The process of airing the tea commonly involves two stages: contact with air (dry airing) and contact with water (wet airing). Generally, the time from when black tea is removed from storage until brewing is called "dry airing." The process of quickly moistening the tea with boiling water during brewing, allowing the leaves to hydrate and expand, is known as "wet airing." II. How Long Should Airing Last? The duration of airing Anhua black tea is primarily determined by the degree of compression and the condition of the tea leaves. Generally,…

What precautions should be taken when drinking tea? Tea is closely related to our daily lives, and there are many benefits to drinking it, such as fat reduction and digestion aid. However, there are also several considerations to keep in mind to ensure that drinking tea truly promotes health. Here are some points worth noting. What to Consider When Drinking Tea Regularly 1. How Many Infusions Can a Cup of Tea Have? The number of times tea can be steeped depends not only on its tenderness but mainly on the processing method used. During initial processing, if the leaves are cut, the tea essence will be easier to extract. Conversely, coarser, older, and intact leaves release their flavors more slowly during steeping. For most green teas, the first infusion releases about 50% to 55% of the soluble substances; the second infusion typically extracts around 30%; the third yields about 10%; and the fourth provides only 1% to 3%. From a nutritional standpoint (considering vitamins and amino acids), 80% of these components are extracted in the first infusion, about 15% in the second, and by the third infusion, nearly all have been extracted. In general, black teas, green teas, and flower…

I have always loved tranquility: a book, a cup of tea, a moment of leisure that belongs to me. My heart finds peace in the quiet corners, filled with joys and sorrows alike. I do not feel lonely or regretful; only the faint hint of longing that inadvertently settles on my brow. I wish to become a blade of grass, growing under the sun and dancing with the breeze. To find contentment without desires, to exist in silence, cultivating a heart full of tolerance and openness. To embrace all the flavors of life and savor every emotion, living without disturbance, smiling at the world. I place my pen in the ebb and flow of time, entrusting my thoughts to the words that rise and fall. I seek warmth and lean on the soul, allowing kindness to grow within me, making my heart pure and beautiful. Life is like a speck of dust, sometimes flying high, sometimes settling down. Each day passes in toil and haste. To live happily, one must learn to please oneself. The road ahead may be thorny, but with confidence and determination, by being strong and brave, free from worry and fear, we can walk through any…

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…

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…

Liang Sicheng said: For the Chinese, having a courtyard of one’s own means the spirit truly has a place to settle. The Chinese have had a deep affection for courtyards since ancient times. Whether in the halls of power or far from officialdom, there was always a courtyard. A courtyard bears a way of life, a world different from the noise outside. A courtyard is the yearning many people have for their hometowns and homesteads; it hides a beautiful little world in our hearts. Bright flagstones, grey-tiled eaves, scattered flowers and trees, curling smoke from cooking fires, the scent of food wafting over from neighbors, and children playing in the courtyard unaware of the setting sun. Now that we have left the courtyards behind and moved into tall city buildings, we are gradually becoming estranged from the reassuring connection to the earth, gradually forgetting our old dreams of being at one with nature. Time is just right, life is stable. Having a courtyard, returning to nature and oneself, brewing tea and reading books, listening to the wind and rain lying down, has become a pursuit. Many people yearn for a garden of their own, a place where they can be…

Dark Tea Dark tea is a type of tea that regulates gastric motility in both directions. Regular consumption can effectively adjust the gastrointestinal tract and is particularly helpful for symptoms like poor appetite and abdominal distension caused by qi deficiency. Dark tea has a warm nature, making it very suitable for those with a qi-deficient constitution. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, individuals with qi deficiency should consume foods that replenish qi, which are also rich in nutrients and easy to digest. Dark tea is an excellent choice in this regard. Huangqi (Astragalus) Tea This tea is great for relieving fatigue, boosting energy, and stopping perspiration. It is effective for common symptoms of qi deficiency, such as fatigue, night sweats, and weariness. The main ingredient is Huangqi, a Chinese herb known for its ability to tonify qi, boost yang, nourish blood, and stop perspiration. It is particularly suitable for those with poor complexion or shortness of breath. To prepare the tea, first, get fresh Huangqi and red dates, then boil them together in water for about thirty minutes before serving. Note that the herbs should not be discarded after one use; instead, they should be boiled multiple times to extract all…

1. Do we feel joy when drinking tea? Dopamine, a term we are all familiar with, is a central neurotransmitter that activates brain nerve cells and its physiological activity is closely related to one's emotional state. Scientific experiments have proven that L-theanine in tea can significantly promote the release of dopamine in the brain’s central nervous system, enhancing the physiological activity of dopamine within the brain. (Reference: China National Knowledge Infrastructure - "Research on the Performance and Synthesis of L-Theanine" by Chen Yinxia) It must be admitted that tea is a very charming beverage. 2. Flower + Tea = Happiness > 2 Jasmine + Green Tea: Jasmine has a fresh and vivid aroma while green tea is refreshing. Through the skilled craftsmanship of tea artisans, the scent of jasmine is infused into the tea. The result is a jasmine green tea that is subtle yet fragrant, not too light nor too heavy. Sipping it releases the full fragrance of summer between your lips and teeth. Osmanthus + Black Tea: Osmanthus has a rich and intense fragrance, while black tea is sweet and mellow. The osmanthus black tea produced through this process has a soft and sweet liquor, with the scent…

First Stage: Learning and UnderstandingI believe this is a phase that every teapot enthusiast has gone through. All the teapots look great (depending on personal preferences, some prefer square-shaped pots, some like flower-adorned ones, some favor plain ones, and others like those with engravings). During this period, one tends to acquire teapots they like regardless of others' opinions. Due to individual economic differences, these pots can range from tens to thousands in price. Regardless of their cost, the best tea at home is used to honor them, sometimes even becoming an object of constant affection.If a friend says they're not good, one might argue vehemently. If the friend is inexperienced or cannot provide convincing reasons, there will be no regrets about one's choices, and this phase may last longer, with a period of self-indulgence in admiration.If the friend is knowledgeable, one will ponder their words after a debate. To prove who is right, one will read many relevant books and materials, and in doing so, the second stage begins!Of course, some people will immediately look up related information after buying a pot because the names of the styles—like "ancient imitation," "ball stack," "stone ladle," etc.—prompt a desire to know exactly…

Tea, like an elegant envoy stepping out of the depths of history, has traversed thousands of years and continues to exude its enchanting fragrance under the pens of literati and poets. It is more than just a simple beverage; it is a profound cultural symbol, an expression of deep affection for life and a unique attitude towards it. Before the delicate tea leaves even touch the lips, their lingering aroma already fills the surroundings, as if carrying the sediment of time and ancient wisdom, captivating the heart and soul. In tranquil nights, when all is quiet, only the gentle breeze softly caresses, bringing a hint of coolness. At such moments, humming a melodious ancient tune, one's thoughts can seemingly traverse through the tunnel of time, engaging in a spiritual dialogue with the ancients. Brewing a cup of fragrant tea elevates this tranquility and rustic ambiance to the utmost degree. Tea is not meant for guzzling. To simply raise the cup hastily and drain it is a desecration of its true essence, akin to the crude behavior of a boorish person. Tea should be sipped gently and savored slowly. Each mouthful of tea carries a unique and subtle flavor that lingers…

Believe it or not, most of us have had the experience of keeping pets from a young age. When we were little, our parents were usually the main caretakers, so our experience was more about having fun. Later on, when you became financially independent, you had more options for pets—cats, dogs, fish, birds, and so on—but how many successful experiences did you have in raising them? A tea lover's pet is an emotional bond, different from typical pets, as a tea pet can truly be kept without being discarded or abandoned. The pet of a tea lover is known as a tea pet. A tea pet, as its name suggests, is nurtured with tea water. It is actually a small handicraft made of purple clay or yellow mud, such as elephants, turtles, toads, Pixiu, pigs, and so on. Different tea pets carry different meanings; some symbolize wealth and contentment, while others represent happiness and good fortune. People collect them according to their preferences and place them on their tea tables. A beautiful tea pet is one that a tea lover spends time and effort slowly "cultivating." When drinking tea, a tea lover gently waters their pet with tea or brushes…

According to Hainan Duty-Free, with the summer vacation and the traditional Qixi Festival coinciding, Hainan Duty-Free has joined hands with Hainan Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Royal Tea, Hainan Wildlife Park, and other businesses from various sectors to plan and launch the “Joyful Takeoff, Cute Pets in Summer” theme event, injecting more vitality and excitement into the duty-free market during the summer. Customers shopping at Hainan Duty-Free. Photo provided by Hainan Duty-Free. As the “Golden Brand” of Hainan’s Free Trade Port, offshore duty-free shopping has become a must-visit destination for tourists visiting Hainan. To further attract off-island visitors, during this summer vacation, Hainan Duty-Free has teamed up with Hainan Airlines and China Southern Airlines to launch the “Use Your Air Ticket as Money” campaign, effectively linking the aviation and duty-free industries. Customers can redeem a 50 RMB discount voucher at Hainan Duty-Free stores using their Hainan Airlines or China Southern Airlines tickets. This promotion will continue until the end of 2024, and travelers can also enjoy special offers from the airlines when they visit the store. Since its launch, the “Use Your Air Ticket as Money” campaign has been well-received by tourists and customers alike. "This initiative adds value to our…