Gongfu tea

The main subject of Chinese tea culture is people, and tea exists as an object to serve humans—it is there for our enjoyment. Chinese tea culture is often referred to as a philosophy of beauty. It encompasses the Buddhist aesthetic of circular and ethereal beauty, the Taoist sense of profound and expansive beauty, as well as the Confucian elegance and subtlety. So, what tools should one prepare for brewing gongfu tea? 1. Tea Placement Tools ① Tea Scoop: A tool used to transfer tea from the tea canister into the teapot. ② Tea Spoon: Used to transfer tea leaves from the scoop into the teapot. ③ Tea Funnel: Placed over the teapot mouth to guide the tea in and prevent leaves from spilling outside. ④ Tea Presentation Dish: A multi-functional tool that not only serves the functions of the above three but also allows you to observe the shape of the tea, judge the quantity, and smell its dry aroma. ⑤ Tea Pestle: Used to break long tea leaves in the presentation dish to make them easier to put into the pot. ⑥ Tea Caddy: Small canisters for portioning out tea leaves. 2. Tea Management Tools ① Tea Tongs: Used…

Chaozhou Gongfu tea, the word "gongfu" being key, not only emphasizes the technique of brewing but also pays great attention to the craftsmanship of teaware. For the people of Chaozhou, drinking tea means using the four treasures of Gongfu tea: Zhuni teapot, Ruoshen cup, Hongni stove, and Shaqiao kettle, among which the Zhuni teapot is the jewel in the crown. Roundness is Not Uniform The Artistic Charm That Hits Just Right Chaozhou Zhuni teapots, commonly known as "chongguan," are made from Zhuni clay, which is soft and free of sand, making it highly malleable. The craft involves "hand-pulled forming," an ancient method using a potter's wheel. This process requires nearly 60 steps, including pulling, trimming, scraping, water application, glazing, and firing, all of which are intricate and meticulous. The shaping of Zhuni teapots relies on the ingenious rotation of the potter's wheel. In the course of inheriting teapot culture, potters infuse their creative ideas, unique designs, and exquisite skills into the teapots, endowing them with more cultural characteristics in terms of shape and decoration. They break free from the limitations of geometric roundness, displaying rich variations in curved forms that resemble fruits, bamboo sections, and wheels, creating a world of…

Often when watching others brew tea, you'll see them first scald the pot with hot water before adding the tea leaves. There's a term for this action in the trade known as “warming the pot.” Scalding the tea utensils with boiling water not only ensures hygiene but also serves a practical purpose. Warming the cups and pots is a habitual action that most people perform before brewing tea – even after cleaning the utensils, they are rinsed again with boiling water. Many believe that this ceremonial gesture disinfects the tea ware, making it more hygienic to drink from, and raises the temperature of the utensils, which improves the taste of the tea. However, few delve deeper into the underlying reasons. What other significant effects does warming the cups and pots have? I. Public Cleaning, Demonstrating EtiquetteIf we say that warming the cups and pots is for cleaning the tea ware, it doesn’t hold up to scrutiny. Tea is clean by nature, and thus requires a clean and hygienic environment and utensils. Before the tea ware is placed on the table, it should naturally be cleaned beforehand; why would one need to clean it again? The action of warming the cups…

Brewing tea is an art that can bring a moment of tranquility and comfort amidst a busy life. Whether it's green tea, black tea, oolong tea, or other varieties, the correct brewing method can fully release the aroma and flavor of the tea leaves. Here, we will detail how to brew the perfect cup of tea. (Image source: network, delete upon infringement) Select Suitable Tea Leaves The first step to brewing good tea is choosing high-quality tea leaves. Different types of tea have distinct flavors and health benefits. Green tea is refreshing and rich in antioxidants; black tea is robust and invigorating; oolong tea lies between green and black tea, with unique floral and fruity aromas. When purchasing tea, try to choose fresh loose leaf tea over tea bags, as loose leaf tea is generally of higher quality. Prepare Brewing Tools Good tools can help you better control every detail of the brewing process. You'll need a clean teapot or teacup, a strainer (if using loose leaf tea), a teaspoon, a timer, and a saucer. For certain teas, such as green tea, you may also need a thermometer to ensure the water temperature is appropriate. Select Suitable Water and Water…

Drinking tea has become a great way for people to pursue health and tranquility. Chinese tea ceremony is about cultivating the mind and seeking self-discovery; it emphasizes stillness as the foundation of health, much like the tea ceremony itself. However, dear tea enthusiasts, did you know that the use of teaware also involves feng shui? Using them well can bring benefits, but using them poorly can be detrimental. Below, we will explain in detail the feng shui aspects related to teaware. First The teaware you purchase must be intact and undamaged; do not buy flawed or broken pieces, especially those with damaged spouts. A damaged spout can invite disputes and is also impolite when entertaining guests. Second Gongfu tea typically includes an electric stove, so when the water boils, steam circulates. This should ideally be placed at a prosperous location according to the facing star, to stimulate the flow of auspicious energy, truly achieving the effect of "wind and water rising." Third When selecting a tea table for your living room, if there's a sofa, choose a table that doesn’t rise above knee level. In an office setting, select chairs with backs higher than the tea table, ensuring support. Fourth…

1. Gaiwan Ceramic Tea Set A gaiwan tea set is a type of tea ware that consists of a lid, a saucer, and a bowl. It is also known as the "Three Talents Bowl," with the lid representing heaven, the saucer representing earth, and the bowl representing humanity. Drinking gaiwan tea is full of flavor. If you want a stronger tea infusion, gently scrape the surface of the water with the lid, causing the tea to swirl around in the bowl. Light scraping results in a lighter infusion, while heavier scraping makes it stronger — this is its charm. 2. Aroma Cup The aroma cup is used for smelling the fragrance and is longer and thinner than a tasting cup. It is a unique piece of tea ware for oolong tea, often used when brewing highly fragrant Taiwanese oolongs. It is usually paired with a tasting cup of the same material, and adding a saucer creates a complete aroma cup set. Benefits include: one, good insulation which allows the heat to last longer, giving drinkers a chance to warm their hands by holding the cup's neck; two, slower release of aromas, allowing drinkers to fully appreciate and savor the scent.…

Introduction to Tanyang GongfuTanyang Gongfu originates from Tanyang Village at the foot of White Cloud Mountain in Fu'an. According to legend, during the reigns of Emperor Xianfeng and Tongzhi (1851-1874 AD), a villager named Hu Fusi (also known as Hu Jin Si) successfully produced black tea and exported it to Western Europe via Guangzhou, where it was very well received. Subsequently, many tea merchants flocked to the area to buy and sell the tea, and set up trading posts. Later, due to changes in tea production, the focus shifted from black to green teas, leaving only a few producers of Tanyang Gongfu. In recent years, through the efforts of relevant departments, Tanyang Gongfu has been restored and developed. Nutritional Value1. Refreshing and Fatigue Relieving: The caffeine in black tea stimulates the cerebral cortex and central nervous system, enhancing alertness, concentration, and memory. It also accelerates the excretion of lactic acid (the substance that causes muscle fatigue) and other waste products, effectively relieving fatigue.2. Moisturizing and Heat Clearing: Drinking black tea in summer can quench thirst and relieve heat because the polyphenols, sugars, amino acids, pectin, and other components in tea react chemically with saliva, stimulating its secretion, making the mouth…

After the start of the dog days, most regions in our country officially enter "grill mode." The dog days fall between Minor Heat and Start of Autumn, marking the hottest, most humid, and sultry period of the year. As the saying goes: "It's hot during the dog days." This can be interpreted as: "During the heat, it's better to stay still than to move around." So, how should one maintain health during this season? First Challenge: Nourishing the Heart As temperatures gradually rise, the body's consumption also increases. Once summer arrives, many people feel unwell and lethargic. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), "the summer qi is connected to the heart qi." During this time, nourishing the heart involves two aspects: caring for the blood vessels and adjusting sleep patterns. Caring for Blood Vessels: To care for your blood vessels, it is recommended to maintain a light diet. Eat more foods like onions, mushrooms, black fungus, milk, lotus seeds, and bean products. Try to maintain a calm state of mind and eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to increase fiber intake, vitamin B, and vitamin C, which helps prevent arteriosclerosis. Adjusting Sleep Patterns: Sleep nourishes essence and qi,…

Pu'er tea brewing is very particular; even the same tea can taste different depending on who brews it. We emphasize "brewing according to the tea," which means choosing a brewing method based on understanding the nature of the tea, a process that involves continuous learning and practice. This process is long and challenging. However, during this journey, we can start by learning about common mistakes to make the tea more enjoyable. Six Mistakes in Brewing Pu'er Tea 1. High and Fast Water Pouring The high and fast water pouring technique is suitable for Oolong tea, as it enhances its aroma. However, this method is not suitable for Pu'er tea. The rich contents of Pu'er tea can lead to an overly bitter and astringent initial infusion if the water is poured too quickly, resulting in a light and thin later infusion. The desired taste for Pu'er tea is characterized by a stable fragrance, soft and full-bodied flavor, and strong layering. The correct method is to pour water slowly and precisely, ensuring better coordination between the flavors of the early and later infusions. 2. Brutal Tea Cake Breaking If the tea cake is broken into pieces that are too small, too large,…

New white tea does not require rinsing, while aged white tea does. New white tea is processed through withering and drying, preserving natural substances that are delicate and fragrant. Rinsing would remove the core components of the tea, affecting its taste and aroma. On the other hand, aged white tea, having matured over time, has a more stable and mellow aroma and content. Rinsing helps to activate these qualities, allowing the flavor and aroma to be expressed to their fullest extent. The Correct Method for Brewing White Tea To brew white tea properly: 1. Cup brewing method. This is the simplest and quickest method. First, prepare a suitable clear glass cup. Before brewing, rinse the tea with boiling water. Once you can smell the warm fragrance, place it in the glass cup and directly pour boiling water over it. Note that you should not use too much tea, as overly concentrated white tea is not ideal. 2. Gaiwan method. This method is a bit more complicated. Place the tea in the gaiwan and rinse it, then brew using the Gongfu tea method. The first infusion should be about half a minute, with subsequent infusions decreasing in time. This method produces…

Jiangmen Tianlu Xianyuan Agricultural Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. was established on July 12, 2011, and is a key agricultural industrialization leader in Jiangmen City, Guangdong Province. The company adopts a development model of “Company + Cooperative + Base + Farmers,” with its tea plantations covering approximately 2,500 acres across the town. The company's tea plantation is located among the misty mountains and waters of Tianlu Mountain at an altitude of 350 to 600 meters. North of Tianlu Mountain lies Xinxiang, and to the south is Kaiping; it is the highest peak in central southern Guangdong, reaching 1,251 meters, making it the highest peak in southern Guangdong. Tianlu Mountain is the ancestral mountain of the Wuyi region. The mountain is shrouded in clouds year-round, dotted with peculiar rocks, and adorned with vibrant flowers. In the dense forests at high altitudes, the air contains up to 100,000 negative ions per cubic centimeter, creating a natural oxygen-rich environment. Relying on the foundation of native tea from Tianlu Mountain, the company has selected, improved, introduced, and cultivated over 20 premium tea varieties, including large-leaf Yunnan, JinXuan, HongYan, and BaiMao teas. In the same year, the company successfully registered the trademarks “Tianlu Xianyuan”…

Tea drinking, much like coffee drinking, can be addictive. Once you experience the joy, you might find yourself engrossed in certain behaviors without even realizing it. How many of these apply to you? Stockpiling tea The desire to stockpile tea is similar to the urge to stockpile groceries. When you finally manage to buy some, why not stock up a bit more? What if it becomes unavailable later on? Or what if the price goes up? And so, you end up with... more tea than you can drink. Buying various teaware A good horse deserves a good saddle, and fine tea deserves beautiful teaware. Longjing tea should be paired with a celadon porcelain cup, Houqiu with a simple Sung-style glass bottle, and Wuyi rock tea wouldn't be complete without a set of gongfu tea ware... Before you know it, your collection of cups and pots has grown exponentially. Your storage cabinet is filled with all sorts of teaware of different shapes, materials, and styles. In a way, these collections represent the various moods of the tea drinker. Feeling an itch to try new teas Chinese tea has strong regional characteristics, and the same leaf can produce countless flavors. For tea…

Believe it or not, both West Lake Longjing tea and Dahongpao are historic teas in China. Both are part of the top ten famous teas in China, with exceptional quality and unique flavors. Drinking them offers numerous benefits. But which is better: West Lake Longjing or Dahongpao? What are the differences between them? Let's explore further. Which is better, West Lake Longjing or Dahongpao? 1. West Lake Longjing Longjing tea is produced in the beautiful region of West Lake, Zhejiang Province. It is renowned for its green color, elegant shape, rich aroma, and mellow taste. Its unique qualities of being light yet far-reaching and fragrant yet clear distinguish it from other famous teas, making it the top among the top ten teas. The picking of West Lake Longjing has three characteristics: early picking, tender picking, and frequent picking. The tenderness of the tea leaves is the foundation for high-quality Longjing tea. Frequent picking means leaving larger leaves while picking smaller ones, with about 30 pickings per year. West Lake Longjing tea is traditionally crafted using a variety of techniques such as tossing, shaking, spreading, fanning, pressing, throwing, grabbing, pushing, snapping, and grinding. Different qualities require different handling methods. Due to…

Tea enthusiasts enjoy brewing tea to a certain level, making each session a delight in their daily lives. Brewing a good cup of tea requires more than just the right teaware and water quality; the brewing method is equally important. When brewing tea, there are two methods: dry brewing and wet brewing. Do you know what dry brewing and wet brewing mean? Wet Brewing The so-called wet brewing method is the most familiar way of brewing tea in everyday life. Washing the teaware and tea leaves on the tea table, pouring hot water over the teaware, and letting the water directly spill onto the tea table—this is known as wet brewing. The most direct way to determine if the wet brewing method is being used is whether the tea table has a large surface area or if water can be poured directly onto it. A large tea table serves the purpose of allowing the rinse water from cleaning teaware and tea leaves, as well as excess tea water, to be poured directly onto it. As a result, the tea table appears damp, hence the term "wet brewing." The modern wet brewing tea tray originated from Chaozhou Gongfu tea, where hot…

The 2024 Chaozhou Gongfu Tea Conference concluded in Guangzhou on the 19th. Over 60 high-quality tea companies from Chaozhou, Guangdong Province, showcased more than a thousand varieties of Phoenix singleton tea collectively, along with a dazzling array of tea utensils, tea foods, and tea-related cultural and creative products, fully demonstrating the achievements of Chaozhou’s tea industry and presenting a grand feast of gongfu tea to tea enthusiasts. In recent years, Chaozhou has made full use of its resource and brand advantages as the “World Capital of Gongfu Tea Culture” and the “Chinese Oolong Tea Capital,” vigorously promoting tea culture, improving tea technology, expanding the tea industry, and accelerating the standardized, branded, industrialized, and quality-oriented development of Phoenix singleton tea. The city is developing organic teas, green foods, selenium-rich products, and other items that meet market needs through multiple channels, striving to make Chaozhou gongfu tea and Phoenix singleton tea famous throughout China and the world. According to statistics, by the end of 2023, the tea planting area in Chaozhou had reached 276,900 mu (approximately 18,460 hectares), with an annual output of 32,600 tons and an annual value of 8.195 billion yuan. Chaozhou ranks second in tea planting area and first…

Depending on the type, age, and brewing vessel, the methods of brewing white tea vary. Let’s learn more! How to brew white tea for better taste Different Types, Different Brewing Methods: Gongmei or Shoumei are primarily made from tea leaves, with a coarse and rustic appearance. They have three remarkable qualities: their deep red and beautiful infusion, their rich and robust flavor, and their excellent health benefits. Therefore, when brewing white tea, boiling water can be used, and it can be steeped for a longer period to fully enjoy its best attributes. How to brew white tea for better taste Different Ages, Different Brewing Methods: New Tea Brewing Method: New teas tend to be tender, and the dry leaves look fresh and vibrant. It is best to use a shallow brewing method and pour out the water as quickly as possible to appreciate the pure beauty of new tea. How to brew white tea for better taste Old Tea Brewing Method: To enjoy aged white tea, a large-bellied purple clay teapot is ideal. Use water at 80 degrees Celsius and wait patiently for one and a half minutes before pouring out the infusion. If you can use Fuding spring water…

Tieguanyin—does the name sound a bit classical and mysterious to you? It is not just any tea, but also a legacy of history and culture. Tieguanyin belongs to the oolong category and is one of China’s top ten famous teas. It sits between green tea and black tea, being a partially fermented tea that combines the fresh fragrance of green tea with the rich flavor of black tea, making it a distinctive type of tea. The Origin of Tieguanyin The origins of Tieguanyin can be traced back to the Yongzheng period of the Qing Dynasty, around 1725 to 1735. Its birthplace is Xiping Town, Anxi County, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province. According to legend, local tea farmers discovered a tea tree with a unique aroma in Anxi. The leaves of this tea tree, after undergoing special tea-making processes, could emit an unforgettable fragrance. This fragrance was like the willow branch water held by the Bodhisattva Guanyin, fresh and sacred, hence the name “Tieguanyin” was given. Characteristics of Tieguanyin Tieguanyin belongs to the oolong category and is a partially fermented tea. It sits between green tea and black tea, combining the fresh fragrance of green tea with the mellow richness of black…

Basic Introduction to BiluochunDongting Biluochun tea is a famous specialty of Suzhou and one of the top ten teas in China. Biluochun is a world-renowned green tea that has been a prized delicacy since ancient times, even being listed as an imperial tribute tea during the Tang Dynasty. The Suzhou Dongting Biluochun tea is made entirely from tender shoots. Half a kilogram (500g) of Biluochun consists of about 60,000 "one flag and one spear" leaves, which is why it was also known as "gongfu tea" or "new blood tea." High-grade Biluochun requires 60,000 to 70,000 tea buds for half a kilogram of dry tea, demonstrating the fineness of the buds. The best Biluochun comes from the Dongting Mountains on the shores of Lake Taihu in Wuxian, Jiangsu Province.The Dongting Biluochun production area is a famous mixed tea and fruit cultivation region in China. Tea plants are interspersed with peach, plum, apricot, plum, persimmon, orange, white fruit, pomegranate, and other fruit trees. Rows of verdant tea bushes resemble green screens, while the shade of the fruit trees protects them from frost and the sun. The intertwined branches and roots of tea and fruit trees imbue Biluochun with its natural floral and…

Our country is characterized by its vast production of tea. Based on different manufacturing processes and degrees of fermentation, tea can be categorized into green tea, black tea, yellow tea, etc. Green tea has the most abundant production among all teas in our country. Mengding tea is a name often heard in the tea world, but does Mengding Ganlu tea belong to the category of green tea? Traditional Green Tea - Mengding Tea Mengding tea is a traditional green tea produced in the Mengding Mountain area of Mingshan District, Ya'an City, Sichuan Province. The region has an annual average temperature of 14.5°C, with annual rainfall ranging from 2000 to 2200 mm, and it is often shrouded in fine rain and mist. This ecological environment mitigates direct sunlight and increases diffused light, which is conducive to the formation of nitrogenous compounds in the tea leaves. According to ancient texts, ancient inscriptions, and the Qing Dynasty's "Sichuan Gazetteer," since the Western Han period, a tea farmer named Wu Lizhen planted seven tea trees at the peak of Mount Meng, which have a history of over two thousand years. These tea trees are "less than a foot tall, neither growing nor diminishing, distinctly…

For those who love tea, teapots are a must-have. They make brewing your favorite type of tea, whether it's loose leaf or in bags, super easy. With a teapot, you can get all the taste and smell from your tea just right. There are lots of different shapes and styles of teapots out there. Each one has something special about it that makes making tea even better. The way a teapot is made - like its body shape or what kind of tea it's best for - really matters when you're looking to brew the perfect cup. With a teapot on hand, you can make more than just one cup at a time which is great for sharing with others. Brewing together brings people closer and adds to the fun of drinking tea as well as allowing loose leaf teas enough room to spread out fully enhances their flavor. Teapots often have strainers or infusers built into them too; this means no mess when using loose leaves because they keep everything tidy inside while pouring your drink ensuring nothing but smooth sipping. As we move forward, we'll look into how designs have changed over time including why certain shapes mean…