Green Tea

"Washing the tea" is more accurately referred to as "awakening the tea." This process is meant to awaken the tea leaves and stimulate their aroma, ensuring they are at their best for brewing so that the taster can experience the best possible fragrance and taste. Some aged Pu'er teas require two rounds of "awakening." Green tea, being a non-fermented tea, retains rich vitamins and amino acids, with the first infusion containing the highest nutritional value. Why Don't We Wash Green Tea? In fact, green tea does not need to be washed due to its distinct production process compared to other types of tea. During the making of green tea, the freshly picked young leaves undergo processes such as fixation, rolling, and drying, which intensify the flavor and aroma of the tea. Other teas, however, require fermentation and thus benefit from an initial rinse with hot water to remove any off-flavors. As for green tea, since it is not fermented, it has not been exposed to air or moisture during production, making a rinse unnecessary. If you enjoy drinking green tea, you can simply pour boiling water over it in your brewing vessel. However, if you want to better appreciate the…

The world of a teapot is vast, and the life of tea is long! Whether you're new to the world of purple clay teapots or an experienced aficionado, there are always questions that need answers! Here we have collected some frequently asked questions from enthusiasts and provided detailed answers. 1. Why does my new purple clay teapot have an unusual smell? Answer: The reason why tea brewed in a purple clay teapot tastes particularly good is due to its unique double-pore structure, which can absorb the aroma of tea. Naturally, it can also absorb other odors. A newly made purple clay teapot may have some earthy smell or a slight burnt odor, which are normal kiln-related scents. 2. Is purple clay exclusive to Yixing? Answer: Purple clay is a unique mineral found in Yixing. In May 2006, Yixing purple clay was included in the first batch of China's Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection List. To date, no one has discovered anywhere else in the world with the same type of ore as Yixing's purple clay. Clay from other mountains often contains a lot of sand and impurities. Purple clay from other regions can be considered purple clay pottery, but the finished…

Recently, there has been frequent rainfall in South China, posing a challenge for storing Pu'er tea. Proper handling can lead to better transformation of the tea, while improper handling can cause issues such as mold. Storage has become a challenge, as different regions have varying climates, so is there a difference in storage methods? Don't worry, after reading this article, you will find answers to these questions. The Four Factors Affecting Pu'er Tea Storage When the same Pu'er tea is stored in different environments, the final aged quality will vary. The four factors that significantly influence the quality of Pu'er tea storage are "temperature," "humidity," "light protection," and "air." These play the most significant role in the transformation process of Pu'er tea during storage. 1. Temperature: Temperature plays a crucial role in the transformation of Pu'er tea. Excessively high temperatures can cause the tea to develop off-flavors; in excessively low temperatures, the transformation process slows down or even stops. Therefore, a relatively suitable temperature is essential for storing Pu'er tea. The temperature for storing Pu'er tea should not be too high or too low, and it is recommended to maintain it around 25°C ± 3°C. 2. Humidity: Humidity is also…

Firstly, everyone understands the severe harm smoking does to the body—it's all bad and no good. Let’s look at the benefits of drinking tea: First, the polyphenols in tea can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system and invigorate the spirit. Polyphenols can lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, prevent clot formation, and maintain cardiovascular health. Second, moderate consumption can promote gastric acid secretion, increase appetite, and improve symptoms of indigestion. Third, tea has antioxidant properties that delay aging, help prevent tumor formation, and boost the immune system. It’s worth noting that people with chronic insomnia or digestive issues should avoid tea as it may exacerbate their conditions. So what happens to those who smoke long-term but persist in drinking tea? Doctors have an answer: For long-term smokers, there are some benefits from drinking tea, primarily due to its diuretic and detoxifying effects, which promote the excretion of toxins from smoking. This reduces the time toxic substances remain in the body, thus alleviating the damage caused by these toxins. Some compounds in tobacco can lead to thickening of the arterial intima and reduced gastric acid secretion, while catechins in tea can prevent cholesterol deposition on vessel walls, lessening the harms of smoking.…

On November 29, 2022, the project "Traditional Chinese Tea Processing Skills and Related Customs" submitted by our country was reviewed and approved by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO and has been included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of UNESCO. To enhance public awareness of traditional tea processing skills and related customs, increase understanding of the importance of protecting intangible cultural heritage related to tea, boost national pride, and strengthen cultural confidence, we will be sharing 44 items of intangible cultural heritage (including 39 traditional tea processing skills and 5 items of folk-related intangible cultural heritage) with you in due course. The Green Tea chapter of traditional Chinese tea processing skills has already concluded. Today, the editor will begin explaining the production techniques of black tea, starting with Qimen Black Tea. Qimen Black Tea, also known as "Qi Hong," is one of the top ten traditional Chinese teas and one of the world's three most fragrant black teas. It is named after its place of origin, Qimen County in Anhui Province. In the first year of the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty (1875), Qimen Black Tea…

As the moon rises above the willows, the Qixi Festival arrives once more, with the Milky Way gently pouring down and starlight shimmering, illuminating a millennia-old love story.On this romantic night, tea is not just a beverage; it becomes a bridge connecting hearts, much like the magpie bridge in the ancient legend of the Cowherd and the Weaving Maid, allowing love to flow endlessly. White tea, elegant and refined, grows on mist-enveloped mountain peaks, drawing the essence of heaven and earth, carrying the spirit of the ages. It is not as fresh as green tea or as rich as black tea, but it has its own serenity and composure, much like the purest form of love—no need for grand words, only quiet companionship through the ordinary days, growing stronger with time. On the Qixi night, brew a pot of aged white tea, and in its amber-colored infusion lies the tenderness of time and the aroma of years gone by. Taking a sip, one can almost hear the gentle footsteps of time, leaving a subtle aftertaste in the mouth, much like the unspoken understanding and harmony between lovers. White tea tells its own story of how "companionship is the longest confession…

The differences between raw and ripe Pu'er tea: 1. Raw tea is mainly green or dark green in color; ripe tea is black or reddish-brown. 2. After picking, raw tea goes through processes such as withering, fixation, etc.; ripe tea also goes through fixation, kneading, etc. after picking. 3. After brewing, the infusion of raw tea is light green or golden yellow; the infusion of ripe tea is chestnut red or dark red. 4. The water temperature for brewing raw tea is slightly lower; ripe tea can be brewed with boiling water. The differences between raw and ripe Pu'er tea: 1. Process differences Raw Pu'er tea is made from fresh leaves that undergo withering, fixation, kneading, sun-drying, steaming, and pressing. Ripe Pu'er tea is made from fresh leaves that undergo withering, fixation, kneading, sun-drying, and pile fermentation. In other words, ripe Pu'er tea is made through pile fermentation based on sun-dried green tea. However, there are no loose teas for raw Pu'er; only compressed teas exist. Teas before steaming and pressing are just sun-dried green teas, which belong to a type of green tea. Only ripe Pu'er tea has both loose and compressed forms. Tea cakes, brick teas, and tuo…

Pu'er tea is made from large-leaf varieties in Yunnan and is known for becoming more fragrant with age. It is rich in theaflavins and thearubigins, which can help enhance immunity, boost metabolism, and improve gut motility when consumed regularly. Additionally, Pu'er tea contains higher levels of polyphenols and caffeine, which can help refresh the mind and alleviate fatigue. However, it's not advisable to drink strong or overnight infusions. What Are the Benefits of Drinking Pu'er Tea Regularly? 1. Quenching Thirst The most genuine benefit of drinking tea is quenching thirst, as it is pleasant to drink and enhances one’s comfort, allowing timely hydration and a boost in energy. 2. Warming and Heat Dispelling Among China's six major tea categories, Pu'er (specifically ripe Pu'er) is similar to black tea in its warming properties. It can warm the stomach and dispel cold, making it particularly suitable for those with a constitution that tends to be cold. Many people in the north often brew Pu'er tea, which is especially comforting during cold winters. 3. Boosting Immunity Regular consumption of Pu'er tea has anti-aging and immune-boosting effects. Ripe Pu'er tea contains higher levels of catechins, which effectively mitigate the side effects of caffeine in…

Black tea, a fully fermented tea, is made from new shoots and leaves of suitable tea trees. It undergoes processes such as withering, rolling (cutting), fermentation, and drying. Withering is an important process in the initial production of black tea, which is called "wu tea" at this stage. The name "black tea" comes from the red color of the brewed tea and the infused leaves. Black tea can help digestion, stimulate appetite, promote diuresis, reduce edema, and strengthen heart function. It contains flavonoids that eliminate free radicals and have antioxidant properties, reducing the risk of myocardial infarction. According to traditional Chinese medicine, teas vary in their thermal nature; for example, green tea is cold and bitter, suitable for summer consumption (depending on individual constitution) to relieve heat. Black tea and Pu'er tea are warmer and more suitable for winter drinking. What Are the Benefits of Drinking Black Tea Long-Term? 1. Warming the Stomach and Dispelling Cold: Because black tea tends to be warm in nature, it can benefit those experiencing cold pain, poor appetite, indigestion, abdominal pain, or bloating due to a cold stomach by warming the stomach and dispelling cold; 2. Refreshing and Energizing: The polyphenols in black tea…

Slowly brew the years and gently cook the tea, enjoying half a day of casual family chat. In winter, sitting around a kettle, pouring your heart out in conversation, listening to the boiling water, and savoring the joy of cooking tea is an extremely poetic affair. Tea drinking methods are generally divided into two: cooking tea and brewing tea. Brewing offers rich flavors, pleasant broth colors, and allows one to experience the changing taste with each infusion, while cooking provides a stable flavor. Differences Between Cooking and Brewing Tea 01 Difference in Amount of Tea Used For brewing, about 3-6 grams of tea is usually sufficient; for aged dark teas or oolongs [aged Tieguanyin or aged Yancha], more can be used, approximately 7-10 grams. When cooking tea, the amount of tea should be reduced to about one-third of the usual brewing quantity. It's best not to use too much tea to achieve the optimal flavor. The specific ratio can be adjusted gradually based on the type of tea and the amount of water. The principle is to use less rather than more tea, as using too much can affect the taste. 02 Difference in Suitable Types of Tea Gaiwans are…

As spring returns to the earth, early spring green tea is being harvested in many places, and tea lovers can't wait to buy and taste the new batches. So why is early spring green tea considered good? 1. As temperatures gradually rise in spring, rainfall is relatively abundant. Additionally, after a period of rest during winter, tea plants produce lush shoots with vibrant green color, soft leaves, and a rich content of natural compounds. 2. With relatively low spring temperatures, there's an increased synthesis and accumulation of nitrogen-containing compounds. At the beginning of spring, amino acids gather in large quantities at the tips of young shoots, which results in a strong aroma and fresh, pleasant taste that also offers health benefits. 3. The low temperatures in spring slow down metabolism and reduce the presence of tea polyphenols, anthocyanins, and alcohols, aldehydes, and acids, thus making the tea less bitter. 4. Due to the low temperatures and fewer pests and diseases, farmers generally do not use pesticides on early spring teas, ensuring they are minimally contaminated with chemicals. While early spring tea is excellent, please be aware of the following precautions: 1. Although early spring tea is delicious, don't rush to…

The eighth day of the twelfth lunar month is known as Laba Festival in China. As the saying goes, "Little children, don’t be greedy; once Laba has passed, Chinese New Year will soon follow." By this time, all agricultural work has been completed, and with the approach of the Spring Festival, the customs of Laba take on many festive colors. Soaking garlic in vinegar, eating Laba porridge, and enjoying a fragrant cup of tea are all part of these traditions. They not only help warm the body but also imbue the air with a strong sense of the upcoming New Year. What teas are suitable for drinking during this cold month? Black Tea (Red Tea) In the depths of winter, black tea is an excellent choice. There are many varieties of black tea in China, the most famous being Qimen black tea. The number of black tea enthusiasts in China is growing, and the range of products available is becoming increasingly diverse. Black tea is mild in nature and particularly suitable for consumption during the winter months. Aged White Tea Aged white tea is very suitable for brewing during the winter. In accordance with the natural laws of dormancy, it…

Over several hundred years, the family of white tea tree species has seen the addition of many new members. Do you know which species your white tea comes from?Theoretically, fresh leaves from any tea tree can be processed into different types of tea using various techniques. However, due to differences in species, some are better suited for specific types of tea. Traditional white tea requires a tea tree with abundant downy hairs, prominent white hairs, and high amino acid content. White tea made from such trees is covered in white hairs, with a pronounced hairy aroma and a fresh, refreshing taste.In the beginning, white tea was made from the fresh leaves of vegetable tea. Later, the range of tea tree species expanded, and varieties like Fuding Dahao, Fuding Dahao, Zhenghe Dahao, and Narcissus gradually entered the scene.Superior National Cultivars The most well-known are Hua Cha No. 1 (Fuding Dahao) and Hua Cha No. 2 (Fuding Dahao). These two species can be considered the two leading members of the white tea family, strong and at the peak of their popularity.Fuding Dahao is also known locally as "white-haired tea." It originated in Baiqiu Village, Nodding Town, Fuding. It is clonal, a small…

Tea lovers often keep a large amount of tea at home. Many people store their tea in the refrigerator, and some even purchase a small fridge specifically for this purpose. However, this is a misconception – whether or not to place tea in the refrigerator should be considered on a case-by-case basis. 1. Teas Suitable for Refrigeration Green tea, lightly fragrant Oolong tea, and dehumidified tea. Among the six major types of tea, green tea is the most prone to spoilage and requires extra attention during storage. You can place the tea in a sealed tea canister, then put it inside a sealed bag before refrigerating it. Lightly fragrant Tieguanyin and dehumidified Oolong, which have gained popularity, can also be stored in the refrigerator. Green tea, lightly fragrant Oolong tea, and dehumidified tea are suitable for refrigeration. 2. Teas Unsuitable for Refrigeration Dark tea, aged Tieguanyin, Pu'er tea, and white tea are not suitable for refrigeration due to their need for post-production transformation, especially Pu'er tea, where aging significantly affects its drinking value. Storing these teas in the refrigerator can lead to moisture issues. Additionally, in the low-temperature environment of the fridge, the activity of biological enzymes within the tea…

Why do many people like to brew tea with a gaiwan? A gaiwan, as the name suggests, is a teacup with a lid. Most of the gaiwans we see today typically consist of three parts: the lid, the teacup, and the saucer. These three parts are metaphorically referred to as heaven, earth, and human, hence the gaiwan is also known as the Three Talents Cup representing harmony among heaven, earth, and humanity. Benefits of Brewing Tea with a Gaiwan One, a gaiwan is suitable for brewing any type of tea. There is no tea that cannot be brewed with a gaiwan, unlike a glass cup which is only suitable for green tea and not other teas. Purple clay teapots are not ideal for brewing green tea or oolong tea. Additionally, due to the double-pore structure of purple clay teapots, they tend to absorb the flavor of the tea, so if you enjoy drinking a variety of teas, you would need a different teapot for each one. On the other hand, if you use a gaiwan, the porcelain does not absorb flavors. With just one gaiwan at home, you can adjust the brewing process slightly according to the nature of the…

Many think that brewing green tea simply involves adding hot water, but there are actually specific techniques. When brewing green tea, should you put the leaves in first or pour the water first? Those who know about tea understand that green tea has specific requirements for water temperature. However, many tea enthusiasts tend to use the bottom placement method when brewing green tea. Some may not be familiar with this term. Today, let’s learn about the three placement methods and which one is best for commonly consumed green teas. The Three Placement Methods for Brewing Tea 1. The order of placing tea matters When brewing tea, do you put the leaves in first or pour the water first? Or do you pour some water, add the leaves, and then pour more water? These questions might seem trivial, but different types of green tea require different placement methods. 2. Top Placement Method: Pour water first, then add the tea, letting it slowly sink This method is suitable for heavier-bodied, bud-rich teas like Biluochun and Xinyang Maojian. Due to their weight, the leaves will naturally sink after being added to the water, gradually releasing their flavor components. The tea fuzz on the…

"Before the spring rains after Qingming, we pick the fragrant smoke with our hands. The tender green barely fills the baskets, and the clear and harmonious days easily turn to dusk." From Qingming to Guyu, it's a season of rejuvenation for all things, and also the busiest time for picking spring tea. The tea trees, which have accumulated their essence throughout the winter, transform the breath of spring into wisps of fragrance, as if countless flowers are blooming across the mountains. The scenery on Nino Mountain, known as a "famous mountain" for tea in Changning, is becoming increasingly verdant. In the mist-like green rows of tea bushes, it's common to see tea farmers wearing straw hats and carrying bamboo baskets, their fingers moving swiftly as they carefully pick fresh spring tea shoots. "Most of the tea on Nino Mountain was planted around 1986, when Changning was named one of the first four major high-quality tea base counties in China. The varieties are all seedlings of the Mengku large-leaf tea, transplanted and grown as a population. Located at the boundary where cool mountain areas and subtropical climates meet, creating a unique climate suitable for tea cultivation, this has resulted in its…

    China's tea culture has a long history, and Pu'er tea is one of the most unique among all teas. It forms its own distinct category and has specific requirements for brewing techniques. So what is the method of brewing Pu'er tea? Let's explore this together. Brewing Pu'er Tea     1. New Sheng Tea     In terms of character, it is very similar to green tea. During brewing, it is essential to avoid a cooked taste, so the water temperature should be slightly lower, and the tea should be poured out quickly. The key is to grasp the characteristics of the raw materials, such as the type of tea tree, the tea region, the age of the tree, and the ecosystem. In principle, teas with strong flavors should use a slightly lower water temperature and have a shorter infusion time, while those with lighter flavors do the opposite.     2. New Shou (Ripe) Tea     Compared to older teas, new shou teas often have some shortcomings, such as less clear tea liquor, less pure aroma, and less mellow taste. They may also have some unpleasant characteristics like a "pile" flavor and a heavier bitterness and astringency. The water-soluble substances in new shou teas dissolve quickly,…

Aged tea refers to tea that has been processed from leaves harvested in the previous year or even earlier. Even if stored properly and well-preserved, it is collectively known as aged tea. New tea, by convention, refers to tea made from fresh leaves picked around the Qingming Festival in the same year. What is the difference between new tea and aged tea? 1. Different moisture content New tea generally has a lower moisture content, so the tea leaves are tightly rolled, feel dry to the touch, hard and brittle, and can be easily ground into powder with your fingers. Aged tea, due to long-term storage, has higher moisture content, making the tea wet and heavy. It cannot be crushed into powder with your fingers, and the tea stems are not easy to break. 2. Different colors New tea has a lustrous and vibrant color, clearly green, appearing in shades of light green or dark green. When brewed, the tea has a bright green color that gradually turns slightly yellow, with clear broth and glossy leaves. Aged tea loses its freshness in color and appears dull and less lustrous due to the oxidation of unsaturated components and the slow automatic decomposition…

Basic Introduction to Hengxian Jasmine TeaHengxian County produces over 70% of China's jasmine flowers and more than 50% of the world's total production, making it the largest jasmine flower base, tea processing base, and wholesale trading center in the country. Hengxian jasmine flowers are renowned worldwide, and the jasmine tea combines the flavor of tea leaves with the fragrance of fresh flowers, offering a delightful experience akin to savoring a work of art. Nutritional Value1. Calming and UpliftingThe volatile oils in jasmine flowers have the effect of relieving pain, lifting the mood, and dispersing stagnation, alleviating symptoms such as chest and abdominal distension and pain, as well as diarrhea. It is an excellent food therapy for pain relief.2. Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatoryJasmine flowers can inhibit various bacteria, both internally and externally, and can be used to treat eye inflammation, sores, and skin ulcers.3. EnergizingJasmine tea can help uplift the spirit, calm the mind, and relieve depression. Product Features(1) Large Buds: The weight of one hundred flower buds is about 23 grams in spring, 30 to 35 grams during the hot summer months, and about 26 grams in autumn.(2) Intense Fragrance: The depth of its aroma is high. History and FolkloreHengxian County…

Brewing tea is not only a pleasure but also an art. To brew the perfect cup of leaf tea, you need good quality tea leaves and the right brewing techniques. Today, we will discuss how to brew the best leaf tea at home so that every sip is filled with warmth and comfort. (Image source: Internet, delete if infringing) Selecting the Right Tea Leaves Before brewing, selecting the right tea leaves is crucial. There are many types of teas available on the market, including green tea, black tea, oolong tea, white tea, and Pu'er tea. Different types of tea have different characteristics and brewing methods. Green tea has a fresh fragrance, black tea is rich and full-bodied, oolong tea lies between these two in terms of flavor, white tea is more delicate, while Pu'er tea requires long-term aging. Preparing Necessary Utensils (Image source: Internet, delete if infringing) Brewing tea requires some basic utensils: teapot, teacup, tea strainer, thermometer, and timer. Different types of tea have different requirements for water temperature and brewing time, so these utensils help you better control the brewing process and ensure each cup of tea achieves its optimal taste. Mastering the Correct Water Temperature Water temperature…

In the height of summer, we've entered the dog days. The weather is both sultry and humid. When we take out some tea stored at home to tidy up, we often find that much of it has molded and can no longer be consumed – a great pity. Nowadays, more and more people enjoy tea, but many don't know the best methods for storing it. Some even keep their tea in basements, garages, or even in the refrigerator with food – all very incorrect practices. Tea leaves have strong hygroscopic and odor-absorbing properties, making them easily susceptible to absorbing moisture and odors from the air. This is especially true in the hot, humid weather of summer when they are more prone to microbial growth. How should you store tea at home? Most teas purchased by households come in cans or as loose tea. Since you won’t use it all at once, you’ll face the issue of storage. Here are some common household tea storage methods. Let’s learn them together. Sealed Bag and Foil Bag Storage Method Select bags with sealable closures designed for food, or professional sealable bags. Choose those made from thicker, higher-density materials and avoid using scented or…

The techniques for making Puer tea and tribute tea, as shining gems in the list of China's traditional tea-making intangible cultural heritage, not only carry profound historical tea culture but are also a vital force driving local economic and cultural development.The Yunnan province's Ning'er county, known for its intangible cultural heritage, has been dedicated to the inheritance, protection, and innovation of these techniques. Through systematic work and meticulous efforts, it actively promotes the diversity and exchange of tea culture, infusing new vitality into the sustainable development of the tea industry. It is currently the season of tea harvest, and in Ning'er's vast tea gardens, tea farmers move through the emerald green tea bushes, skillfully gathering the tender leaves filled with the essence of spring into their baskets. In the organic tea garden of Wulushan in Puyi Township, Ning'er County, the spring breeze blows gently, bringing vibrant life. Zhou Ming, the production workshop director of the tea factory, leads the tea farmers in their busy work. They strictly adhere to standards while picking spring tea, with each leaf carrying their respect for and commitment to traditional techniques. Under the harmonious cooperation between Zhou Ming and his technical partners, the tea-making processes…

White tea, often referred to as "one-year tea, three-year medicine, seven-year treasure." It embodies the principle of moderation in taste, featuring the floral fragrance of oolong tea, the sweet richness of black tea, the fresh aroma of green tea, and the medicinal scent and jujube fragrance of aged white tea. How should you brew it? Here are four methods for brewing white tea. To brew white tea well, first master these three key factors: the grade, age, and form of the tea. For new loose leaf white tea and Silver Needle, start at 85°C; adjust the water temperature by 3-5 degrees based on the coarseness of the leaves. When brewing new tea or tea buds, avoid pouring the water directly onto the leaves; instead, pour along the sides of the cup. For aged teas, compressed cakes, and bricks, boiling water can be used for brewing or cooking the tea. The Brewing Methods for White Tea: 1. Gaiwan Brewing Method for White Tea Suitable for: Silver Needle, White Peony, and new white tea. Tea-to-Water Ratio: 1:30. Water Temperature: 85-90°C. Steps: Warm the cups and utensils, add the tea, pour hot water along the edges of the gaiwan, after 10 seconds, quickly…