Kettle

Basic Introduction to Jietan TeaJietan Tea is produced in Yuanling County, Hunan Province, mainly in the Jietan tea garden, which stands at an elevation of over 100 meters. To its south flows the mighty Yuan River, and to its north rise the Wuling Mountains. It lies within a subtropical monsoon humid climate zone, with abundant rainfall, an annual average temperature of 16.6 degrees Celsius, an annual precipitation of 1,440.9 millimeters, and a frost-free period of 272 days. The area is often shrouded in mist and clouds, with moderate sunlight, creating a unique environment described as "feeling like autumn during the hottest days of summer, with waves of mist all year round." The mild climate, ample light and heat, and high-quality water and soil resources are very suitable for growing tea. The tea produced here has deep roots and lush leaves, many buds, large leaves, and a soft texture, and it was already well-known as far back as the Han Dynasty. Product FeaturesThe quality of premium Jietan Tea is characterized by slender, tightly twisted, rounded, green and lustrous leaves that are evenly bright. Its aroma is fresh and long-lasting. The tea liquor is clear, green, and bright, with a pure, refreshing…

Yunnan Mei Zhan black tea is made from the fresh leaves of the Mei Zhan tea tree in Yunnan, which are fermented to produce a black tea. Genuine Yunnan Mei Zhan black tea has a relatively low yield; its appearance is robust and substantial, with a dark, lustrous color, visible tea tips, and a fragrant, rich flavor that is smooth, delicate, and full-bodied, with a high level of sweetness and good steepability. Brewing Yunnan Mei Zhan black tea can be done by following these steps. Brewing Steps for Yunnan Mei Zhan Black Tea 1. Boil Water Fill a kettle with fresh cold water and bring it to a boil. Fresh water that meets drinking standards contains air, which helps to fully release the aroma of black tea. Overnight water, re-boiled water, or hot water from a thermos should not be used for brewing black tea. 2. Warm the Utensils Pour boiling water into the teapot and teacups to raise their temperature, which aids in releasing the aroma when you brew the tea later. Pour the water in a gradual, intermittent manner to avoid significant changes in temperature. 3. Add the Tea To make a strong tea, use 1 teaspoon (about…

    Water is the mother of tea, and utensils are its father, serving as vessels that nurture and hold tea. Tea utensils are the medium through which we appreciate and savor tea, and "when utensils are exquisite and clean, they enhance the beauty of the tea." Therefore, the choice and arrangement of tea utensils play an indispensable role in the enjoyment of tea. With the development of modern society and changes in tea-drinking customs, tea utensils have evolved in terms of variety, form, and meaning, bringing not only delicious tea but also a sense of joy and comfort. ❃ Water Kettle and Stove A well-suited set of water-heating tools can inspire endless possibilities for tea lovers. The "Yushu Wei," one of the "Four Treasures of the Tea Room," refers to the water kettle, while the "Chaoshan Lu" is the stove used for boiling water. The Yushu Wei is a small, flat pot made of thin, reddish porcelain with a capacity of about 250 milliliters. When the water boils, the lid makes a bubbling sound, as if calling out to brew tea. Nowadays, this type of kettle is rarely used. In most teahouses, slightly larger purple clay pots from Yixing, often…

      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.

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…

Fengqing Yunnan black tea is a type of traditional Chinese black tea produced in Fengqing County, Lincang City, Yunnan Province. This region is located in the southern part of the Yunnan plateau, with a mild climate, abundant rainfall, and fertile soil, which are ideal for tea cultivation. Due to its unique growing environment and processing methods, Fengqing Yunnan black tea offers several benefits and effects: The Benefits and Effects of Fengqing Yunnan Black Tea 1. Stimulates Mental Alertness: Fengqing Yunnan black tea contains caffeine, which can stimulate the central nervous system, increasing alertness and focus, and enhancing cognitive reaction speed. 2. Aids Digestion: This tea contains various tannins that have astringent properties, which can alleviate discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract, promote the secretion of digestive juices, increase appetite, and assist in the digestion and absorption of food. 3. Reduces Fat and Aids Weight Loss: The polyphenols in Fengqing Yunnan black tea help inhibit fat synthesis and absorption, promote fat breakdown and burning, and have some effect in reducing body fat and aiding weight loss. 4. Antioxidant and Anti-Aging: This tea is rich in antioxidants that can eliminate free radicals, delay cellular aging, improve skin elasticity and luster, and reduce the…

Boiling tea can be seen as an advanced method compared to steeping. Typically, boiling is used when the full depth of flavor cannot be extracted by steeping alone, as boiling makes the tea more aromatic and robust. Generally, older teas are better suited for boiling because they are more resilient and have a richer and varied internal quality. Examples include aged white tea, aged Pu'er tea, and aged Tieguanyin oolong. Tea can be boiled directly or after initial steeping. Lighter teas like white tea are suitable for direct boiling in a pot, while stronger teas such as dark teas benefit from being steeped in a covered bowl for four to five rounds before boiling, preventing the resulting brew from being overly strong. What Kinds of Tea Can Be Boiled? Which Teas Are Best for Boiling? 1. Young White Tea Should Be Steeped; Aged White Tea Is Better Suited for BoilingWhite tea is a minimally processed tea that is sun-dried or gently oven-dried, giving it a distinctive silver color and "green with white" appearance. Its aroma is gentle, and its liquor is light. White tea is typically categorized into Silver Needle (pure buds), White Peony (one bud and one or two…

Rainforest Ancient Tree Tea, originating from Yunnan, China, is loved by tea enthusiasts for its unique aroma and taste. So, how do you properly brew this precious tea? Let’s explore together and learn the correct brewing method to enjoy the best flavor of the tea. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Select High-Quality Water Water is an important element in brewing tea, and choosing high-quality water can enhance the taste of the tea. Spring water, mineral water, or filtered tap water are typically recommended. Clear water without any odor can better bring out the aroma and flavor of the tea. Prepare Suitable Teaware Selecting suitable teaware is also important. Purple clay pots, porcelain gaiwans, or glass teaware are recommended. Purple clay pots can retain heat and have good breathability, suitable for savoring slowly; porcelain gaiwans preserve the original flavor of the tea; glass teaware allows you to appreciate the color changes of the tea infusion. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Control Water Temperature The brewing temperature for Rainforest Ancient Tree Tea is generally controlled between 90°C and 95°C. Too high a temperature can destroy the nutritional components and aroma of the tea, while too low a temperature fails to…

In China's culinary culture, the phrase "eat seasonally" holds great significance. These four words succinctly capture the close relationship between food and seasons. For tea culture, there are also many considerations when drinking in accordance with the time of year. According to traditional Chinese medicine: "In the midst of winter, when all life is dormant, the physiological activities of the human body are in a state of inhibition, the key to health preservation lies in keeping warm." Therefore, winter tea drinking emphasizes the concept of "warmth." Not only should the tea focus on warmth and nourishment, but the tea-drinking ritual itself should also strive to create a warm atmosphere. Snow Melting and Tea Boiling: The Poetic Warm Winter of the Ancients "The tea kettle startles at its boiling in the midnight hours, just as the snow on the bamboo outside the frosty window shines brightly." This line captures the elegant scene of the Tang Dynasty poet Sikong Tu boiling tea during winter. However, tea boiling did not begin in the Tang Dynasty; it started during the Western Han Dynasty. During the Han, Wei, and Six Dynasties periods, tea was "cooked together," resulting in a thick soup that was then consumed.…

White tea Gentleman's tea As the saying goes, tea needs to be brewed, and people need to think things through. Tea is also known as the trouble cleanser and the worry forgetter. In the summer and autumn seasons, a cup of white tea is most suitable. A great choice for cleansing troubles and forgetting worries. There are more brewing methods waiting to be discovered. Gaiwan Drink before the flowersbloom Faint aroma in a gaiwan. Brewing white tea with a gaiwan is the least likely to go wrong. Whether it’s the delicate Bai Hao Yin Zhen or the mature Shou Mei, whether it’s new tea or aged tea, brewing with a gaiwan is a method that accurately represents the color, fragrance, and taste of the tea. Kettle brewing Prosperity fades, far away from the southern river, Leisurely drawing mountain spring water to brew tea. Kettle brewing has a long history in China and is often mentioned in literary poetry. This method adds an air of antiquity and literary interest. It is more suitable for mature Gong Mei and Shou Mei, or aged Bai Mu Dan. The resulting tea soup is rich, smooth, and sweet. Often, it yields aromas of dates, wood,…

With the recent spell of high temperatures, the air has become stiflingly hot. Have you turned on your electric fan or perhaps the air conditioner to cool off in this sultry weather? The humid climate brought about by such heat can lead to an accumulation of dampness within the body. When dampness accumulates in the body, it can cause a lack of appetite and other issues. Excessive dampness can also lead to digestive problems, which are typically addressed through dietary adjustments. Chenpi is particularly helpful for those suffering from poor digestion and loss of appetite. The Benefits of Chenpi Chenpi is a type of Chinese medicinal herb that has a pungent and slightly bitter taste and is warm in nature. It can effectively dry dampness and transform phlegm, helping to remove excess dampness from the body. It is known for its ability to regulate qi and relieve pain, as well as to strengthen the spleen and harmonize the middle energizer. These properties make it useful for improving spleen and stomach weakness. For those who frequently consume greasy or cold foods or live in cold and damp environments, leading to excessive dampness in the body, chenpi can help regulate the spleen…

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…

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…

Black tea is a common type of tea in daily life, being a fully fermented tea. It has a dark brown and lustrous appearance with a rich, sweet fragrance, hence the name black tea. We recommend brewing black tea using a white porcelain gaiwan with water at 90 degrees Celsius, suitable for most types of black tea. Below, ChaYou Network introduces the brewing method. Steps for Brewing Black Tea 01 - Choice of Teaware White porcelain gaiwans can brew out the fresh and elegant flavor of black tea without overpowering its aroma. The white porcelain beautifully complements the red hue of the tea, making it easy to observe the color of the tea. It's simply beautiful. 02 - Tea-to-Water Ratio When brewing tea, it's important to get the right ratio of tea to water. Many tea enthusiasts rely on experience. Using too much tea is the main reason for overly bitter or astringent tea. When using a gaiwan to brew black tea, the amount of tea should be around 4 grams. If too little tea is used, even with less water, it will not fully bring out the fragrant and mellow flavor of the black tea. If you prefer a…

Since its inception during the Ming Dynasty and flourishing in the Qing Dynasty, the Zisha teapot has developed for hundreds of years, with countless shapes. The most classic teapots are not only appreciated for their beautiful designs but also for their unique cultural connotations that resonate with many enthusiasts. Among them, there are ten classic Zisha teapot shapes, each with its own story or symbolism, conveying profound and enduring truths that elucidate the philosophy of life. 【Stone Spout】— Temperance The Stone Spout is a traditional classic style of Zisha teapot, elegant and upright. It is said that the original name was Stone Kettle, but during the Republic of China period, Mr. Jingzhou suggested the meaning "Of all the water in the world, I will drink but one cup," renaming it the Stone Spout Teapot, which has been used ever since. The Stone Spout tells us to be content with what we have and not to be overly greedy. Material desires are never fully satisfied, "With a thousand acres of fertile land, one can eat no more than three bowls per meal. With ten thousand rooms, one can sleep in no more than one bed." Excessive possessions burden us. 【Imitation Ancient】—…

The Ming Dynasty was a period of innovation in tea processing and the creation of loose leaf teas, setting new trends for tea drinking. In the 24th year of Hongwu reign under Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang (1391), the production of compressed tea bricks was abolished, promoting the development of loose leaf teas. Many famous teas emerged as the method of brewing changed from whisking to steeping. The process of tea preparation became simpler, and fewer tea wares were needed. 1. Simplification and Reduction of Tea Wares The older tea cakes of the Tang Dynasty required the "boiled tea method." The finely processed dragon and phoenix compressed teas of the Song Dynasty necessitated the "whisked tea method." Both the "boiled tea method" and the "whisked tea method" involved complex procedures and a multitude of tea wares. The brewing of loose leaf teas in the Ming Dynasty was much simpler: a small amount of tea would be placed in a cup (or pot), and hot water poured over it, ready to drink. This method was also known as the "pinch tea method" during the Song Dynasty. At this point, only a kettle for boiling water and a cup (or pot) for brewing were…

As the birthplace of tea culture, in recent years, the revival of tea culture in China has extended to the world of collecting, leading to an increasing public recognition of Yixing clay teapots and tea leaves. Particularly, Yixing teapots have shown a strong upward trend at auctions. Worthy of note is that in this wave of collecting enthusiasm, vintage Japanese iron kettles have become sought-after items among some collectors. The Japanese tea ceremony originates from China, and in the past two years, Japanese iron kettles have become new favorites among Chinese collectors, especially those that are over a century old, which have become increasingly rare. Auction records show that in 2009, China Guardian offered several Japanese iron kettles at its "Guardian Seasons 20th Auction" in the "Celestial Celebrations - Timeless Classics: Aged Pu'er and Tea Utensils" session. One of these was a Japanese "Shunkodo-made Treasure Ship Birthday Wishing Iron Kettle," standing 23.5 cm tall, weighing 1,705 g, and with a capacity of 1.5 L. The kettle's design conveys the message of "Inheriting the Eight Treasures, Longevity and Birthday Wishes," showcasing the high level of casting craftsmanship of the Shunkodo period. This kettle is considered one of the classic works of…

Black tea is the most consumed type of tea worldwide, known for its gentle, mellow flavor that warms from throat to stomach. However, brewing a high-quality cup of black tea can be challenging for many beginners. Many tea enthusiasts often encounter a bitter and astringent taste when brewing black tea. How can we avoid these pitfalls? Today, Chaye Dan (Tea Egg) will share some tips on how to brew a delicious cup of black tea. 1. **Choice of Teaware** A white porcelain gaiwan brings out the fresh and elegant flavors of black tea without overpowering its aroma. The translucent white porcelain complements the reddish hue of the tea, making it easy to observe the color of the liquor, which is truly a beautiful sight. 2. **Ratio of Tea to Water** When brewing tea, it's important to get the right ratio of tea to water. Many tea enthusiasts rely on experience, but using too much tea is the primary cause of overly bitter and astringent tea. When using a gaiwan to brew black tea, the recommended amount of tea is about 4 grams. If you use too little tea, even with less water, you won't fully bring out the rich flavor…

Advantages of Brewing Tea in a Glass Kettle 1. Visual Enjoyment One of the greatest advantages of brewing tea in a glass kettle is the clear view it provides of the tea leaves unfurling in the water. As the tea leaves gradually unfurl and float, it’s like watching a dance performance of the leaves. Especially for those who enjoy appraising tea, observing the changes in the shape of the leaves and the color of the tea through a transparent glass kettle is a great pleasure. (Image source: network, delete upon request) 2. Preserves Original Flavor A glass kettle does not absorb the flavor of the tea like ceramic or purple clay pots do, preserving the original taste of the tea leaves. This is a significant advantage for those who prefer pure tea aroma. The material of the glass kettle does not react chemically with the tea, ensuring a purer taste of the brewed tea. 3. Easy to Clean The smooth surface of a glass kettle makes it very easy to clean. Simply rinse with warm water and wipe clean with a soft cloth. For those who don’t like to spend too much time cleaning teaware, a glass kettle is undoubtedly…

 When purchasing a purple clay pot, enthusiasts usually fear two things the most: first, buying a fake purple clay pot, and second, buying one made with chemical additives. So how do you choose a good purple clay pot? Look at the Texture Pure purple clay pots have a restrained luster, a texture like warm jade, a stable color, and an aged appearance. With high-quality clay, you can see the effects of use within half a month. Pots made from clay with chemical additives show little change no matter how much they are used; they remain dry. Although they can create a so-called mung bean paste effect, the surface glaze (due to the addition of wood shaving water, also known as quartz water) prevents the tea water from being absorbed, and oils from handling cannot penetrate the surface. Thus, such pots will not develop a patina. Check the Water Absorption Genuine purple clay pots, except for red clay and some dun clay varieties, generally have strong water absorption properties. This is why it's often said that tea brewed in a purple clay pot tastes better than in other types of teapots. Pots made from clay with chemical additives typically lack water…

Ancient warriors all had their unique weapons that, when revealed, made it clear who they were and how powerful. Today, while we no longer live in a world of sword fights and storms, having a unique tool can still give you an edge in modern life. A photography app can instantly enhance your beauty; a kitchen gadget makes chopping and mixing easy... And tea drinking is no different. To enjoy a cup of excellent tea, one tool – the kettle – becomes our tea-brewing magic, helping us bring out the best in the tea leaves and providing a unique experience. Additionally, the pursuit of different types of kettles has gradually evolved into a kettle culture, adding more joy to our tea lives. However, with so many types of tea kettles available on the market and differing preferences, let's explore how these magical kettles can become our brewing tools. To enjoy a cup of excellent tea, one tool – the kettle – becomes our tea-brewing magic, helping us bring out the best in the tea leaves and providing a unique experience. Additionally, the pursuit of different types of kettles has gradually evolved into a kettle culture, adding more joy to our…