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White tea actually cools the body. It is a minimally processed type of tea. White tea's nature is inherently cool, and during its production, it is merely sun-dried or gently dried over low heat without undergoing any other processes like steaming or rolling. Therefore, its inherent properties remain intact, making it particularly effective for reducing fever and cooling the body. If you experience symptoms such as swollen gums or canker sores due to heatiness, drinking some white tea may help alleviate these issues. Does White Tea Cool the Body or Cause Heatiness? In the "Compendium of Materia Medica," Li Shizhen recorded that "white tea is cool in nature, similar to rhino horn." Traditional Chinese medicine has proven that white tea has a slightly warm, yet cool nature, and is effective for reducing fever, cooling the body, and eliminating dampness and toxins. For a long time, in white tea-producing areas like Fuding, a concoction of white tea and rock sugar has been used to cool the body, relieve dryness, treat toothaches, constipation, and discomfort from being out of one's element. Aged white tea is even used to treat illnesses like measles and fevers in children. Moreover, drinking white tea can alleviate…

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…

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

Tea does have an expiration date, which varies depending on the type of tea. If stored properly, tea not only remains fresh but can even improve in quality. Different types of tea require different storage methods. Green tea is best stored in cans with sealed refrigeration; black tea should be kept in airtight and dry containers; Oolong tea can be stored at room temperature in double-lidded containers such as tin or iron cans. How should tea be stored? During the process of storing tea, enthusiasts try every possible method to preserve its quality for as long as possible. Today, we will briefly introduce some tea storage methods that may be helpful to you. 1. Refrigerator Storage Place the tea in a container that is both dry and odor-free, then seal it and put it in the refrigerator's chill compartment. If the amount of tea is small and very dry, it can also be directly packaged and sealed using two layers of moisture-resistant film bags before being stored in the refrigerator. 2. Canning Storage Fill a double-lidded tin can with tea, ideally to capacity so there is little air inside, which helps prevent spoilage. Ensure both lids are tightly closed and…

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…

Photography by Donghua Huang China Tea Capital - Anxi Upon entering the China Tea Capital in Anxi, one is greeted by rows of tea shops, the air filled with the aroma of tea, and a dazzling array of teas including Tieguanyin, Dahongpao, Pu'er, Longjing, white tea, dark tea, and more—making it a true "Capital of a Hundred Teas Trade." Anxi, the birthplace of Chinese Oolong tea and the origin of the world-famous Tieguanyin, has leveraged its strengths to develop its tea industry, setting national records for tea plantation area, tea production, and per capita tea income, shedding its title as the "largest state-designated impoverished county." Photography by Guoping Chen However, this major tea-producing county once lacked a large-scale trading market, preventing farmers from directly connecting with domestic and overseas buyers, making it difficult to sell their tea. Photography by Donghua Huang In 2000, with the assistance of the provincial government, Anxi County raised 120 million RMB through auctions and leases, primarily from domestic and overseas sources, to build the China Tea Capital – Anxi National Tea Wholesale Market. After the market was established, transactions became active, and farmers' incomes increased. Photography by Ying Lin On the evening of October 15,…

"I would rather abstain from alcohol all my life than go a single meal without tea." China’s tea culture has a long and rich history, and drinking tea has always been an essential part of maintaining health. However, there is a right way to drink tea. If you don't do it correctly, you may end up harming your stomach. The Tea Editor will now list some harmful tea-drinking habits that can severely damage your stomach. Let's see if you fall into any of these categories? 1 Habit of Drinking Tea on an Empty Stomach Stomach-Damage Rating: ★★★★★ Drinking tea on an empty stomach is one of the most damaging tea-drinking habits! On an empty stomach, some active compounds in tea can bind with proteins in the stomach, stimulating it and easily causing harm. In addition to stimulating the stomach and intestines, drinking tea on an empty stomach dilutes digestive juices, affecting digestion. Symptoms may include palpitations, dizziness, weakness in the limbs, mental confusion, and nausea. For those who do not regularly drink tea, especially when drinking strong tea on an empty stomach in the morning, these symptoms are more likely to occur. This phenomenon is medically referred to as "tea…

It is now the hottest time of the year, and most regions in the south have entered a hot and humid state. At this time, tea enthusiasts who have tea in their possession will face a severe challenge of storing tea during the summer. As we all know, tea leaves are very susceptible to environmental influences, and the requirements for storing tea are extremely strict. Especially with Pu'er tea, if stored well, it can become more fragrant over time and have collection value; if not stored properly, the tea can spoil, losing its drinking value and causing significant economic losses for individuals or businesses. Understanding the principles of tea transformation before storing tea is crucial for scientific storage. Factors Affecting Tea Transformation or Spoilage In fact, the transformation of tea leaves is directly related to temperature, humidity, oxygen, and light. Generally, the higher the temperature, the greater the humidity, the more sufficient the oxygen, and the stronger the light, the faster the oxidation, hydrolysis, polymerization, and other chemical reactions of the substances within the tea leaves will occur, resulting in a quicker change in taste components. Temperatures that are too high or too low are not conducive to the transformation…

      1. Try to avoid dry burning. Do not heat the kettle when there is no water in it. Repeated and continuous dry burning will shorten the lifespan of the iron kettle and may even cause it to crack. 2. Prevent large temperature differences. A large temperature difference refers to a significant difference between the temperature of the kettle body and the water temperature. For example, adding hot water to a cold kettle or pouring cold water into a hot kettle. In such cases, there is a risk of cracking the kettle. A better approach is to alternate the use of two or more iron kettles. When you only have one kettle, you can replenish the water inside by adding hot water. 3. Keep the iron kettle dry. If there is still moisture left inside the kettle after use, it can easily rust. Therefore, you should use the residual heat from the kettle and stove to evaporate any remaining water inside, ensuring that the kettle stays dry.

Litchi, also known as lychee, is loved for its sweet and fragrant flesh. The entire fruit is a treasure trove of medicinal value. For instance, litchi seeds can help regulate qi flow, dispel cold and stagnation, and relieve pain. Litchi shells are known to alleviate heatiness in the body to some extent. A lady's laughter through a cloud of red dust; none would know it was due to litchis coming—Du Mu, "Passing by Huaqing Palace (Three Quatrains, First)" Eat three hundred litchis daily, I would not mind being a southerner forever—Su Shi, "Eating Litchis" In May in the south, litchis are as red as cinnabar, each one round like a dragon's pearl—Liu Zuman, "Litchi" Many tea enthusiasts also love litchis but may wonder which teas pair well with them. In fact, litchis have a strong compatibility and can be paired with many foods, producing unique effects. With tea, you can try pairing litchis with black, white, or green tea—all of which work well. Here are the benefits of combining litchis with tea: Litchi Black Tea—Beauty and Detoxification Litchis contain vitamins A, B1, and C, as well as pectin, free amino acids, proteins, and elements such as iron, phosphorus, and calcium.…

Black tea is fully fermented, and during the fermentation process, polyphenols in the tea leaves oxidize continuously. Originally hidden within the leaves, nutrients move to the surface and dissolve easily in water. Therefore, brewing black tea is very skill-dependent. Key to brewing great black tea, aside from the amount of tea, water temperature, and steeping time, is having a good purple clay pot. So what kind of pot allows even a beginner tea enthusiast to brew delicious black tea? The rich aroma of black tea and the warmth of a purple clay pot have an inherent connection, blending together to create a cup of tea that lingers in the memory. When using a purple clay pot to brew black tea, it's important to understand these aspects to bring out the best flavor. Purple clay pots have strong adsorption properties and retain the tea's fragrance. Purple clay pots have a unique dual-pore structure, with both chain pores and closed pores coexisting. Chain pores allow the tea's aroma to pass through the pores, but because they are winding and tortuous, some residue remains on the pore walls. This is the primary reason why purple clay pots retain the tea's fragrance. Black tea…

Drinking tea daily can promote metabolism, aid digestion, and enhance intestinal peristalsis. It can also alleviate fatigue and drowsiness, with effects such as quenching thirst and relieving summer heat. Additionally, it can improve appetite and digestion. Furthermore, it can strengthen the immune system and resistance, contributing to better health and alleviating visual fatigue. Long-term consumption helps maintain bodily balance and promotes microcirculation. What are the effects of drinking tea daily on the body? Drinking tea is beneficial to the body; it can invigorate the mind and enhance cognitive and memory functions. Tea can alleviate fatigue and help maintain normal functions of the heart, blood vessels, and gastrointestinal tract. It contains a variety of trace elements beneficial to human health. Drinking tea can inhibit cellular aging, promoting longevity. It has excellent weight-loss and beautifying effects and can prevent senile cataracts. Benefits of drinking tea daily: 1. Hydration: Drinking tea can replenish the body's water needs and promote metabolism. It can quench thirst and encourage urination. For those suffering from constipation, increasing fluid intake through tea can stimulate bowel movements and help alleviate symptoms; 2. Nutrient supplementation: Tea contains various vitamins, amino acids, and minerals like phosphorus, sodium, iron, and potassium that…

Metal utensils are among the oldest in China, made from materials such as gold, silver, copper, iron, and tin. Before Qin Shi Huang unified China, bronze vessels were already widely used, both for alcohol and for holding tea or water. As tea became a beverage, tea ware gradually separated from other types of utensils. Around the Northern and Southern Dynasties, China saw the emergence of silver and gold tea ware. During the Sui and Tang dynasties, the production of silver and gold utensils reached its peak. From the Song Dynasty onwards, opinions on metal tea ware were mixed. After the Yuan Dynasty, especially starting from the Ming Dynasty, with innovations in tea varieties, changes in tea-drinking methods, and the rise of ceramic tea ware, metal tea ware, including those made of silver, gradually disappeared. Particularly, tea ware made of tin, iron, and lead was believed to alter the taste of tea, leading to their rare usage. Silver and gold tea ware can be classified by material: those made of silver are called silver tea ware, while those made of gold are called gold tea ware. Silverware decorated with gold foil or gilded is referred to as gilded tea ware. Due…

Black tea and milk can indeed be enjoyed together—think of the classic combination in milk tea. Some people say that milk should not be consumed with tea, as the calcium in milk can bind with oxalic acid in the tea, making it unabsorbable. This theory doesn’t hold up. Compared to vegetables, tea is not a major source of oxalic acid. A teabag contains 4-6 mg of oxalic acid per gram, and each molecule of oxalic acid can bind with two calcium ions. The molecular weight of oxalic acid and the atomic weight of two calcium ions are roughly in a 1:1 ratio. Brewing a cup of tea typically requires 1-2 grams of tea (for most people), which would contain no more than 12 mg of oxalic acid, resulting in a loss of only 12 mg of calcium. However, half a cup of milk (100 grams) contains 100-120 mg of calcium, so even if 12 mg were lost, it would only be one-tenth of the total, not something to worry about, and certainly not leading to osteoporosis. Can I Add Milk Directly to Black Tea? Milk can be added directly to black tea. Milk is rich in protein, calcium, and other…

Tea enthusiasts often keep a substantial amount of tea at home. Some may even store their tea in the fridge, or purchase a small fridge specifically for this purpose.However, this is a common misconception. Whether tea should be stored in the fridge depends on the type of tea. Here are some general guidelines for storing tea in the fridge: 1. Suitable for Refrigeration Green tea and lightly oxidized Oolong tea. Among the six major types of tea, green tea is the most prone to spoilage and requires extra care during storage. You can place the tea in a sealed tea tin, put it in a sealed bag, and then store it in the fridge. Lightly oxidized Tieguanyin (Iron Goddess) and Phoenix Dancong tea that has been dehumidified can also be stored in the fridge. 2. Not Suitable for Refrigeration Dark tea, Pu'er tea, traditionally processed Oolong tea, aged teas, and white tea. Pu'er tea, white tea, and dark tea emphasize the value derived from aging. Storing these teas in the fridge not only risks dampness but also reduces the activity of biological enzymes within the tea, which affects the tea's transformation efficiency. Traditionally processed Oolong teas, such as Wuyi Rock…

China is the birthplace of tea, and the habit of drinking tea among its people dates back thousands of years, with virtually every household keeping a selection of teas on hand. Tea, one of the most popular daily beverages, serves more than just to quench thirst. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that tea is rich in various medicinal components, such as tea polyphenols, tea polysaccharides, alkaloids, vitamins, and so forth, which offer excellent health benefits to the human body. This is especially true for those suffering from the three highs (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar) and cardiovascular diseases, who can experience surprising benefits from long-term tea consumption. Drinking More Tea Helps Control the Three Highs and Protects Blood Vessels 1. Catechins Can Help Lower Blood Pressure The American College of Cardiology compiled 21 valid studies involving 1,323 participants and found that compared to non-tea drinkers, tea drinkers had an average systolic blood pressure reduction of 1.8 mmHg and a diastolic blood pressure reduction of 1.4 mmHg. The blood pressure-lowering effects were even more pronounced after 12 weeks of tea consumption. The secret lies in the antioxidant catechins contained within tea, which open protein channels on the membranes…

Fujian Anxi is the birthplace of Oolong tea and the origin of the famous Tieguanyin variety. The people of Anxi have capitalized on their strengths by developing the tea industry, ranking among the top in the country in terms of tea plantation area, tea production, and per capita tea income. However, this major tea-producing county once lacked a large-scale trading market, preventing direct transactions between tea farmers and buyers from home and abroad, making it difficult to sell tea.In 2000, with assistance from the Fujian provincial government, Anxi County raised 120 million RMB through auctions and leasing, primarily from domestic and overseas sources, to build the China Tea Capital – Anxi National Tea Wholesale Market. After its construction, trading activity increased, and tea farmers' incomes rose as well. Tea farmers picking tea. Photograph by Chen Guoping The key to industrialization is marketization. To that end, Anxi not only built the China Tea Capital but also established other national and regional wholesale markets and trading centers like the China Specialty City and China Tea Expo, which have been designated as “designated markets” by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and awarded titles such as “key tea market” and “capital of…

"Tea grown in the crevices of rocks not only contains rich organic matter but also essential trace elements such as calcium, magnesium, and iron for the human body..." Mr. Yang in the live stream enthusiastically introduces this to netizens. Guodazhai Township, a place where the Yi and Bai ethnic groups reside, is located in the southwestern part of Fengqing County, over 80 kilometers away from the county center. It is a town with prominent karst topography, dotted with peculiar peaks and strange rock formations. The highest peak is Mount Wanming at an elevation of 2,905 meters. Here, winters are mild and summers are cool, with an average temperature of 16.5°C and annual precipitation of 1,506 millimeters. Fifteen rivers, including the Yalang River, Qiongying Stream, Yanfeng Mountain River, and Shuimuo River, as well as five reservoirs like Guodazhai Reservoir, Jinchangba Reservoir, and Ganlongtang Reservoir, together form the veins of this land. The Yalang River runs through the township, dividing its 11 villages into eastern and western regions. From the river valley to the mountainous areas, the land is suitable for tea cultivation. There are nearly 30,000 mu (approximately 2,000 hectares) of tea gardens in the township, producing almost 2,000 tons annually.…

How to prevent tea from aging and deteriorating: Do well in preventing pressure, dampness, sealing, avoiding light, and preventing odor. Green tea is suitable for canning and sealed refrigeration; black tea needs to be stored in a tightly closed and dry container; Oolong tea can be stored at room temperature using double-lid cans such as iron or tin cans; white tea requires a well-sealed tin or iron can for storage; Pu'er tea should be stored with cotton paper in a normal temperature environment without any odor. How to Better Prevent Tea from Aging? 1. Control of moisture content in tea: The safe moisture limit for tea is below 5%. For coarse tea, if it undergoes one short-term high-temperature drying, it may not achieve complete and sufficient drying, so two-stage drying is more ideal. Freshly dried tea needs to cool down before being bagged, but this cooling time should not be too long to avoid re-moistening; after the coarse processing, picking out stems and dust, the tea must be dried again to ensure that the moisture content is less than 5%. 2. Avoid light exposure. Experiments have shown that light is the most intense and rapid factor leading to deterioration of…

Puer Tea · Storage If starting to drink Puer tea and incorporating it as an essential part of daily drinking habits marks the beginning of understanding Puer tea, then with the deepening of our affection for Puer tea, we cannot avoid facing the issue of Puer tea storage. This is because the concept of "the older, the more fragrant" always tantalizes the hearts of tea enthusiasts, and the allure of aged teas in the legends of the Puer tea world is mysteriously enchanting. In the eyes of experienced tea expert Mr. Huang Gang, "Puer tea storage is the key to understanding Puer tea." This detailed long article aims to answer questions such as "What is the 'storage' of Puer tea? What is good 'storage'? For Puer tea enthusiasts, solving this problem can save them from taking many detours in their journey to understand Puer tea. How do we understand the "storage" of Puer tea? Puer tea is a post-fermented tea, and both raw and ripe teas go through a process of storage and aging after being pressed into shape (even if they are loose). Therefore, we can say that the "storage" of Puer tea is produced during the later stages…

In 2022, a study involving half a million people published in the Annals of Internal Medicine showed that, compared to those who don't drink tea, drinking 2 to 3 cups daily is associated with a 13% lower risk of all-cause mortality. It Helps with Antioxidation Tea contains a high amount of polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties and can eliminate excess free radicals in the body. Studies have found that the antioxidant effect of tea polyphenols is stronger than that of vitamin E. Reduces Risk of Cardiovascular Disease A study published by Professor Gu Dongfeng, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and former Vice President of Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology showed: Regular tea drinking can reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality, with more significant health benefits for those who maintain a long-term habit of drinking tea, men, and those who drink green tea. Reduces Risk of Diabetes Research has found: drinking green tea daily can prevent type 2 diabetes; individuals with diabetes who regularly drink green tea can significantly lower their risk of all-cause mortality. Compared to those who never drink tea, daily tea drinkers have an…

Seven Essential Precautions Women Should Observe When Drinking Tea While drinking tea regularly is generally beneficial to health, choosing the right type of tea according to one's condition can enhance its health benefits. Women, in particular, should be aware of their constitution and the nature of the tea they consume. What are the key points women should keep in mind when drinking tea? Precaution One: Choose Tea According to Your Constitution and Its Nature Chinese tea is divided into six categories: green tea, black tea (red tea), yellow tea, white tea, oolong tea (bluish-green tea), and dark tea (black tea). Each category has a different nature that affects the body differently, so it’s important to select the appropriate type based on your constitution. Oolong tea is neutral and suitable for most people. Dark tea (Pu'er tea) is warming, aids in fat digestion, and reduces cholesterol levels; it is best enjoyed after some aging. Black tea is also warming and recommended for those with a cold constitution, cold limbs, or weakened health, as well as for older individuals. Green tea is cooling and ideal for those with a hot constitution, high stomach fire, and abundant energy; it also provides excellent protection…

As tea culture continues to evolve, people’s requirements for tea ware have become increasingly higher. Not only is there a demand for its functionality, but also for its aesthetic value. It can be said that the more exquisite the tea ware, the more pleasant the tea tasting experience becomes. Therefore, fine tea ware often adds much enjoyment to tea drinking. Due to their different materials used in production, tea wares can be categorized into earthenware tea ware, porcelain tea ware, metal tea ware, glass tea ware, and bamboo & wood tea ware. Each type has its own unique charm and brings a different kind of enjoyment during tea tasting. 1. Earthenware Tea Ware Earthenware tea ware is the earliest type of tea ware in China. As early as the initial period of Northern Song Dynasty, earthenware tea ware had already taken shape. Since it is fired at high temperatures and densely sintered, it is both leak-proof and has microscopic pores invisible to the naked eye. This means it neither heats up too quickly nor gets too hot to handle. Furthermore, the shapes of earthenware tea ware are often simple yet elegant with various forms and colors that are rustic and…

In early winter 2018, we held a tea gathering in front of the Mogao Caves, titled "Glimmering Light - A Visionary Experience." The tea practitioners scooped up the sand from Mogao and placed it into a glass hourglass. As the hourglass was turned over, the tea ceremony began. Water was poured, tea liquor extracted, served, and sipped. We did not invite many people; just a few tea lovers who had traveled far to sit with us in the desert. The transparent glass frames held tea notes, with sand and wind swirling outside, and the corners of the tea practitioners' robes and their footsteps. The tea wasn't scalding hot, but it still warmed us. Thinking about this tea, I returned again. Yangguan – Flickering Fires in the Wind I've been to Yangguan several times, each time bringing tea and a pot of wine. Zhao Wen carried her zither, saying she would play "Three Stanzas of Yangguan" there. On a clear winter day, the wooden walkway on the Gobi Desert was empty. The brown-red Gobi was protected by the boardwalk, the sandy and gravel ground layered deep and shallow, extending all the way to the horizon. Within these layers, air currents made…