Infusion

Basic Introduction to Dobe Tea Dobe Tea, a local specialty and precious tribute sent to the imperial court since the Chongzhen era, is a fine product for the emperor's tasting. The original place of origin of Dobe Tea is in Dobe, Huachu Town, Puding County today. Dobe does not refer to the current village but is a region that produces coal, has less annual sunshine, and is often foggy, making it most suitable for tea growth. Although Lu Yu’s "Classic of Tea" does not record our Dobe Tea, the saying "In the South there are fine trees," and this Dobe Tea should be one of them. Nutritional Value Tests conducted by the Guizhou Tea Science Research Institute have shown that Dobe Tea is rich in polyphenols, amino acids, catechins, and other substances. Regular consumption has excellent health-preserving, anti-cancer, anti-aging, and blood sugar-lowering effects. Product Characteristics The product is characterized by its emerald green color, bright yellow-green infusion, rich aroma, and the absence of tea scale. Historical Folklore The history of Dobe Tea is indeed long. In the Dobe area of Huachu Town today, many ancient tea trees still survive. There is still a cluster on the Tribute Tea Slope behind…

Basic Introduction to Tongbai Jade Leaf TeaTongbai Jade Leaf is one of the specialties of Tongbai County, Nanyang City, Henan Province. It is a type of tea produced in an old tea-growing area on the eastern side of Taibai Peak, Tongbai Mountain. This area includes Jintai Temple, Water Curtain Cave, and Peach Blossom Cave. It's characterized by fertile soil, a mild climate, abundant rainfall, and frequent mists. The tea gardens are surrounded by mountains with significant temperature differences, and trees and wildflowers are common all year round, creating a unique microclimate. This tea is a new variety developed by the Tongbai Tea Research Field. Nutritional ValueChemical analysis has identified over 500 compounds within tea. Some of these compounds are essential components for human health, known as nutritional components, such as vitamins, proteins, amino acids, lipids, sugars, and mineral elements, which have high nutritional value for the body. There are also compounds that have health-preserving and medicinal effects, known as components with pharmacological value, such as polyphenols, caffeine, and polysaccharides. Product CharacteristicsThe tea is flat and smooth in shape, with hidden buds and fine hairs, a lustrous green color, a clear light-green infusion, a fresh and full-bodied taste, and a long-lasting…

Wilting is a fundamental and critical process in tea processing that directly affects the aroma, taste, and final quality of the tea. This article will explain the wilting process in detail and explore its application in the production of different types of tea and its impact on their quality. Basic Principles of the Wilting Process Wilting, also known as “water walking,” refers to the process where freshly picked tea leaves are subjected to natural evaporation or assisted methods under specific environmental conditions. This allows the moisture content within the leaves to gradually decrease, making them softer and promoting changes in their internal chemical composition. This process aids in the formation of the tea's aroma and improvement of its flavor. Application of Wilting in Different Types of Tea The wilting process plays a crucial role in the production of various teas, but the specific methods and duration vary depending on the type of tea and the desired quality: Green Tea: The wilting process for green tea is typically shorter, aimed at gently promoting changes in the tea’s internal chemical composition to maintain its green color and fresh aroma. Black Tea: In black tea production, the wilting period is longer, which is…

Many people find that the raw Pu'er tea becomes increasingly astringent with each infusion, why is this so? Why does the astringency increase with the number of infusions? The reasons for the strong astringency in raw Pu'er tea are multifaceted, including the rate at which the tea's compounds are released, the influence of catechins, the reinforcing effect of astringency, excessive leaf-to-water ratio, too high water temperature when brewing young raw Pu'er, incorrect brewing time, improper pouring technique, and the quality of the water used for brewing. These factors cause the drinker to experience an increase in astringency with each infusion. This explains why raw Pu'er tea becomes more astringent as it is repeatedly steeped. However, if the astringency is due to the natural release of compounds from the tea leaves and the tea is of good quality, the transformation happens quickly, allowing the astringency to convert into a sweet aftertaste before it can become overly pronounced, leaving the mouth feeling pleasantly moist. If the problem lies in the brewing method, then using the correct approach is essential to bring out the true flavors of raw Pu'er tea. The Rate at Which Compounds Are Released During brewing, amino acids, caffeine, and…

The liquor of black tea is bright red, and its taste is mellow, sweet, and pleasant. However, many friends find that black tea can be quite particular when brewing it; if the temperature isn’t right, the tea doesn’t taste as it should. To understand this issue of water temperature, we must first consider another question: the rate at which the internal components of the tea leaves are released. It’s easy to understand that the higher the water temperature, the faster these components will be released. If you want a cup of tea that is full-bodied in color, aroma, and flavor quickly, then boiling water is the way to go. There has always been a belief in the industry that tender teas can be scalded by boiling water. However, considering green tea is often processed at temperatures above 85°C during stir-frying, where does the idea of scalding come from? Black tea is not stir-fried but goes through drying or sun-drying processes, typically at temperatures below 85°C. This leads to an interesting question: stir-fried green tea cannot be brewed with boiling water, nor can fermented black tea, suggesting that black tea is even more delicate than green tea? When it comes to…

Nowadays, more and more people enjoy drinking tea, and they are very particular about their choice of tea. However, some aroma-enhanced teas still appear on the market, which can be hard to guard against. Some deceptive methods can even fool experienced tea drinkers. One such method is adding aromas to tea. Aroma-enhanced teas are generally priced lower; often, they are old or inferior teas that have been refreshed with added aromas and colorants, or teas of poor quality that require aromas to enhance their fragrance. Truly good tea would never be tainted by artificial aromas that could ruin its natural aroma and taste. Here are some methods to determine if tea contains added aromas. What is Aroma-Enhanced Tea? Aroma-enhanced teas are generally priced lower and are typically old or inferior teas that have been refreshed with added aromas and colorants, or teas of poor quality that have been enhanced with aromas. How to Identify If Tea Contains Added Aromas? If you have purchased tea and want to determine whether it has added aromas, there are methods you can use. XinXin Tea Art will illustrate this using Tieguanyin as an example. Firstly, due to the special processing technique of Tieguanyin, the…

Black tea is made from fully fermented (fermentation degree greater than 80%) tea leaves, using new buds and leaves suitable for making this type of tea as raw materials. It undergoes typical processes such as rolling, fermentation, and drying. Black tea contains various vitamins, and its leaves and infusion are red in color. It has the effects of invigorating the spirit, relieving fatigue, quenching thirst, cooling heat, and promoting diuresis. The Benefits and Effects of Black Tea 1. Elimination of Fatigue The caffeine contained in black tea stimulates the cerebral cortex and excites the central nervous system, thus having a refreshing and invigorating effect. It can also stimulate blood vessels and the heart, accelerating blood circulation, promoting metabolism, and facilitating the excretion of lactic acid (a substance that causes muscle fatigue), which helps to alleviate fatigue. 2. Prevention of Colds The flavonoids in black tea have the ability to kill toxic bacteria in food and render the influenza virus non-infectious. In addition to preventing colds, gargling with black tea can be beneficial when suffering from a sore throat due to a cold. 3. Prevention of Blood Clots The polyphenol antioxidants present in black tea exhibit clear anti-coagulant and fibrinolytic effects,…

Tea is born in the embrace of nature, gathered from the essence of heaven and earth, absorbing the vitality of the sun and moon. From green leaves to the final transformation into the "green" fragrance on one's palate, tea and its green origins are inseparable. To thoroughly explore the essence of Pu'er tea production processes such as killing the green and sun-drying, the transformation from fresh leaves to finished product is far more meticulous and sophisticated than one might imagine. Today, let's delve into the production process of Pu'er tea. Wilted Fresh Leaves In the morning mist of tea regions, just as the fog begins to dissipate, tea farmers are already busy in the fields. Red sunlight filters through the misty clouds, draping everything in a golden veil. The dewdrops on the green tea leaves wet the gloves of the pickers. The freshly picked leaves are bright green and very tender. They need to be set aside to air dry patiently. As time passes, the water content within the leaves is gradually evaporated by the scorching sun, and the once taut tea stems become limp and lie on the ground. This process is known as airing, the first step of…

Brewing tea is an art, especially when it comes to Yunnan ancient tree Pu'er tea. This type of tea is beloved by tea enthusiasts for its unique flavor and rich cultural heritage. So, how can you brew a cup of ancient tree Pu'er tea that is excellent in color, aroma, and taste? This article will detail the correct methods and some tips for brewing Yunnan ancient tree Pu'er tea, allowing you to easily enjoy this unique beverage at home. (Image source: network, delete upon infringement) What is Yunnan Ancient Tree Pu'er Tea? Yunnan ancient tree Pu'er tea refers to Pu'er tea made from the leaves of large-leaf tea trees grown in Yunnan. These tea trees are typically found in high-altitude regions of Yunnan, with some being hundreds of years old, resulting in superior-quality tea leaves. Due to the pure growth environment and unique picking process, ancient tree Pu'er tea has a distinctive aroma and flavor. Preparations for Brewing Ancient Tree Pu'er Tea The preparations before brewing are crucial and directly affect the quality of the final tea infusion. Selecting Suitable Tea Ware Firstly, choose suitable tea ware. It is recommended to use clay teapots, covered bowls, or glass tea ware.…

Basic Introduction to Habitable Maojian TeaHabitable area boasts deep layers of soil, which is sandy loam, with abundant rainfall, ample sunlight, and a humid climate, all of which are conducive to the growth of tea. The production of tea in Habitable has a long history. The town of Habitable in Youyang Autonomous County has long been known as a land of tea. As early as the Ming and Qing dynasties, high-grade green tea from Habitable was renowned for its bright green infusion and refreshing aroma, making it a tribute tea for the imperial court. Nutritional ValueMaojian tea is rich in protein, amino acids, alkaloids, tea polyphenols, sugars, organic acids, aromatic compounds, and vitamins A, B1, B2, C, K, P, PP, as well as water-soluble minerals. It has multiple functions, including quenching thirst, clearing the mind and brightening the eyes, invigorating the spirit, eliminating greasy food, inhibiting arteriosclerosis, preventing cancer, treating scurvy, and protecting against radiation. Regular consumption of Maojian tea can help lower blood pressure. The caffeine and catechins in tea can relax the walls of blood vessels and increase their effective diameter, maintaining elasticity and alleviating spasms. The amino acid GABA in Maojian tea has a particularly significant effect…

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…

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

The number of steepings and the duration of each steeping for Puerh tea can vary based on the quality of the tea and personal taste. Generally speaking, Puerh tea can be steeped three to five times, with each steeping lasting around 10-20 seconds. The specific method for steeping Puerh tea is as follows: For the first steeping, pour boiling water into the gaiwan and quickly discard it. This serves to awaken the tea. For the second steeping, pour boiling water into the gaiwan and let it steep for 10-20 seconds before pouring out the tea liquor. At this point, the tea liquor should have the best flavor. For the third, fourth, and fifth steepings, pour boiling water into the gaiwan. The steeping time can be extended slightly according to personal taste before pouring out the tea liquor. After each steeping, clean the gaiwan to maintain its cleanliness. Puerh tea is more resilient than most teas and can typically be steeped continuously over ten times until the liquor becomes very light. Puerh tea is usually steeped with boiling water at 95-100°C. High temperatures help release the aroma and facilitate a quicker infusion of the tea's flavors. When boiling pure or spring…

Brewing tea is an art that requires method. Even the finest tea cannot fully express its true flavor if brewed improperly. Only by following the correct brewing methods can one truly savor the authentic taste and enjoy a delicious cup of tea. So, how should white tea be brewed to bring out its best? How to Brew White Tea for Optimal Flavor? Techniques for Brewing White Tea! 1. Brewing Silver Needle: When brewing Silver Needle white tea, there are two key points to consider: First, the tea buds are long and delicate, so the water temperature should not be too high, around 90 degrees Celsius is ideal; second, this premium white tea is covered in fine white down, so when pouring hot water, avoid direct contact with the tea buds. Instead, pour the water along the side of the cup (or pot). This approach has two benefits: it protects the appearance of the tea buds and prevents the tea from becoming cloudy due to the release of too much down, which could affect the clarity and beauty of the tea's color. Although the Silver Needle tea leaves are slender and delicate, they are also plump and fleshy, allowing for a…

Green tea is one of the main types of tea in China, belonging to the category of non-fermented teas. It is made from fresh tea leaves through processes such as fixation, rolling, and drying. Notable varieties of green tea include Biluochun, Zhaopo tea, West Lake Longjing, Lushan Cloud Mist, Dawu green tea, and Jingu Luhao, among others. Green Tea Production Process The processing of green tea can be simply divided into three steps: fixation, rolling, and drying, with the key step being fixation. Fresh leaves undergo fixation, which deactivates enzymes, allowing the various chemical components within to undergo physical and chemical changes primarily due to heat, forming the characteristic qualities of green tea. 1. Fixation During withering and fixation, the internal moisture of the leaves evaporates, and the enzymatic activity is destroyed, preventing further oxidation. This allows for the evaporation of low-boiling-point aromatic compounds while preserving high-boiling-point aromatics, locking in the intrinsic aroma of the tea. As the temperature rises, high-boiling-point aromatic substances become more prominent. This process also evaporates moisture from the leaves, making them softer and preparing them for rolling. Shaking fixation involves lifting the leaves to facilitate moisture loss and the release of grassy odors, allowing a…

Aged Pu'er ripe tea is characterized by its sweetness, smoothness, richness, softness, and thickness. 1. The color of aged ripe tea is reddish-brown, and the aroma is more elevated, without any foul odors; 2. After brewing with boiling water, the tea liquor appears as amber-red, bright and clear, with a pure aroma, fine texture, sweet and mellow taste, good returning sweetness, and very evident salivation-inducing properties. The entrance is rich and sweet, with a very noticeable woody aroma. How to Brew Aged Pu'er Tea for Best Taste 1. Place the Pu'er tea leaves into a filter cup, about 10 grams, and pour freshly boiled water over them in the filter cup, covering the leaves. After a moment, remove the filter cup and discard the first infusion of tea water. Pour boiling water again, covering the leaves, put on the cup lid, and let it sit for around 20 seconds. Open the cup lid and invert it, take out the filter cup, and let a few drops of tea juice drip off, then place it inside the cup lid. 2. Pu'er tea is very durable in brewing. When you are about to finish the first infusion, you can place the filter…

Pu'er ripened tea is processed from Yunnan large-leaf sun-dried green tea through pile fermentation and other techniques, resulting in a mild tea with reduced bitterness and astringency, characterized by its smooth, rich, and mellow flavor. Ripened tea can be relatively difficult to brew; a misstep could result in weak flavor, thin mouthfeel, or unpleasant odors. Sometimes, it may even produce an unappealing soy sauce color. Even more perplexing, well-stored tea might yield a drying, harsh, and constricting sensation in the throat. So, how should ripened Pu'er tea be brewed? Point One: Pre-infusing the Tea Ripened tea, whether loose or compressed, may have varying degrees of tightness or clumping. Pre-infusing helps the tea to evenly expand, allowing it to better express its character. Note that pre-infusion time should not be too long. Pour boiling water over the tea and after 5 to 10 seconds, pour out the water. Immediately after pouring out the pre-infusion water, uncover the vessel to smell the aroma, indicating that the pre-infusion is complete. During pre-infusion, maintain a gentle and steady stream of water to avoid agitating the leaves violently; after pre-infusion, drain the tea leaves as thoroughly as possible. Point Two: Choosing the Right Brewing Utensil…

Some teas on the market smell very fragrant, but when brewed, they lack a genuine tea flavor. This raises suspicion that added flavoring might be the cause. How can one identify if tea has added flavoring? BubbleTea has heard that some unscrupulous merchants, in pursuit of profit, add flavoring to low-quality teas to pass them off as aged teas, and most people cannot tell the difference! With the advanced chemical industry today, almost anything can be created. BubbleTea never thought that even aged teas could be "fake." BubbleTea can only say: impressive! Sometimes, you pay a high price for what you think is "aged Pu'er," only to find out it's just "Pu'er flavored tea." Not only does this offer no health benefits, but these flavorings can also harm your body! The greed of merchants ultimately harms consumers! While we may not be able to stop fake teas from being sold, we can learn how to distinguish between real and fake teas to protect ourselves. Today, TeaBubble will provide you with tips on how to identify teas with added flavoring. What is Flavored Tea? Flavored teas are usually cheap, often consisting of old or leftover teas mixed with flavoring and coloring…

Tea enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the spring tea season. As a lover of Pu'er tea, how can you discern and select your favorite teas amidst the many offerings during this season? Characteristics of Spring Tea Spring tea is best able to effectively balance a rich array of intrinsic substances. The primary intrinsic substances in buds include water-soluble tannins, polyphenols, and amino acids. When tasting, a harmonious abundance of these intrinsic substances results in a more fragrant, sweet, and refreshing flavor. How to Determine if it's Spring Tea 1. Observe the Appearance: Spring tea leaves are generally tightly wrapped, plump, thick, and some have a lot of downy hair. They have a fresh and lustrous color and a strong, fresh aroma. Summer and autumn teas have loose leaves with a dull color and a mild aroma, which are significantly different from spring tea. 2. Observe the Liquor Color: During storage, some substances that contribute to the tea's color undergo slow decomposition or oxidation, causing green tea to lose its luster and become dull. The increase in tea-brown pigments in aged tea makes the green tea liquor yellowish-brown, losing its original fresh color. When brewing, spring tea leaves sink…

Wenshan Baozhong tea is a type of Oolong (or Qing) tea from the Taiwan region and is one of the most lightly oxidized fragrant Oolong teas, with an oxidation level of 8% to 12%. Due to its light baking and fermentation process, it exhibits a fresh and uplifting aroma, hence it's also known as "Qing Cha" or "Clear Tea." This tea is produced in the northern areas of Taipei City and New Taipei City, including Wenshan and Nangang in Taipei City, and Xindian, Pinglin, Shenkeng, Shiding, Pingxi, and Xizhi in New Taipei City. It has a history spanning over two hundred years. As a representative of northern Taiwan Oolong tea, Wenshan Baozhong is renowned alongside Dongding Oolong, enjoying the reputation of "North Wenshan, South Dongding." In 1869, Oolong tea from Taiwan was successfully exported to the United States by British merchant Tod and comprador Li Chunsheng. However, in 1873, due to poor sales, merchants sent unsold stocks of Oolong tea to Fuzhou where they were processed into fragrant Baozhong tea by adding floral scents, which unexpectedly received a positive response. In 1881, Fujianese tea merchant Wu Fuyuan (also known as Wu Fulao) crossed the sea to Taiwan and established the…

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…

Jinguagong tea is named for its resemblance to a golden squash. It has the benefits of lowering blood pressure and promoting fat metabolism, as well as being invigorating and helpful in sobering up from alcohol. It is a very high-quality tea, and many people are unsure how to brew Jinguagong tea. Below are the steps for brewing this tea. Steps to Brew Jinguagong Tea Step 1: First, steep the teacups with boiling water, which is known as warming the cups. This not only serves a high-temperature disinfection purpose but also raises the temperature of the cups, making it easier for the tea juice to seep out during subsequent brewing. Step 2: Place about 5 to 8 grams of Jinguagong tea in the teapot. The amount can be adjusted according to personal taste. Step 3: Pour boiling water into the teapot and, after letting it sit for 2 seconds, pour out the tea water to warm the cups. This step cleanses and awakens the tea leaves. Step 4: Pour boiling water over the rinsed tea in the teapot, cover it, and let it steep for around 5 seconds. This allows the tea juice to better seep out. Step 5: When pouring…

Guipa Tea is a specialty product of Xiangzhou County, Laibin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and is a Chinese National Geographical Indication product. The name “Guipa Tea” comes from Guipa Village nearby, where it is produced, and it is renowned for its sweet taste, beautiful shape, and fresh color. Name: Guipa Tea Year of Registration: 2020 Place of Origin: Xiangzhou County, Laibin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Quality Characteristics: tight and twisted with green color and downy appearance, strong aroma with floral notes, bright yellow-green infusion, sweet and mellow flavor, and light green leaf base. Product Introduction Guipa Tea has tight and twisted leaves with a green color and downy appearance, a strong aroma with floral notes, a bright yellow-green infusion, a sweet and mellow flavor, and a light green leaf base. Sensory Characteristics Guipa Tea has tight and twisted leaves with a green color and downy appearance, a strong aroma with floral notes, a bright yellow-green infusion, a sweet and mellow flavor, and a light green leaf base. Intrinsic Quality Indicators The main quality indicators of Guipa Tea are controlled within the following ranges: caffeine ≥2%, tea polyphenols ≥20%, water-soluble extracts ≥40%, total free amino acids ≥4%. Safety Requirements:…

In the previous article (Wilt: The Prelude to Transformation from Fresh Leaves to Tea), Lu Li provided an in-depth introduction to wilting. Next comes kneading, which involves the actions of "kneading" and "twisting" to roll the wilted leaves into a specific shape, reducing their surface area.   Purpose of Kneading in Pu'er Tea Most of the six major types of Chinese tea undergo a kneading process, but the shapes they are formed into vary. Examples include snail-shaped Biluochun, needle-shaped Nanjing Yuhua, flat-shaped West Lake Longjing, curled Anxi Tieguanyin, and pointed Taiping Houkui, among others. Yunnan large-leaf sun-dried green tea (the precursor to Pu'er tea) is categorized as a strip tea, characterized by its pursuit of being "tight, round, and straight," while avoiding being "loose, flat, and broken." When kneading by hand, it's important to maintain consistent movement direction for the leaves to avoid counter-twisting. For many types of tea, the primary purpose of kneading is to shape the leaves, enhancing their economic value. Therefore, the kneading time is short and the pressure light. However, this is not the case with Pu'er tea, because kneading serves another critical function: breaking down leaf cells. During kneading, significant pressure is applied to the…