Longan

Good Pu'er ripened tea has a brownish-red color, resembling the color of pig liver, with robust and tightly bound leaves. When smelling it, there are subtle scents of longan, rose, camphor, jujube, and a unique aged aroma. Let's use Pu'er loose tea as an example for introduction. How to Distinguish the Quality of Pu'er Ripened Tea Look at the appearance: High-quality Pu'er tea has robust and tightly bound leaves with a lustrous color; otherwise, it is inferior. Look at the liquor color: High-quality Pu'er tea has a bright red-brown liquor (commonly known as "pig liver color"); if the liquor is dark and murky, it is inferior. Smell the aroma: High-quality Pu'er tea, after brewing, not only has a unique aged aroma but also subtle scents of longan, rose, camphor, and jujube; if there is a musty smell, sourness, or other unpleasant odors, it is inferior. Taste the flavor: High-quality Pu'er tea has a rich and fresh taste with a returning sweetness; if it has a strong musty taste upon entry, it is inferior. Examine the infused leaves: High-quality Pu'er tea has even and clean infused leaves without impurities. If the infused leaves are broken and mixed with other impurities, it…

Pu'er tea is made from the unique large-leaf species native to Yunnan Province. Although many textbooks classify it as part of the six major types of tea known as dark tea, there is some controversy within the industry. This is because Pu'er tea is divided into raw and ripe varieties, each having significantly different production processes. The classification of ripe Pu'er tea as a type of dark tea is generally uncontroversial. However, where does raw Pu'er tea fit? Is it dark tea or green tea? Or should it be classified as its own category? The reason for this controversy mainly lies in the significant differences between raw and ripe teas. So, what are these specific differences? Let's discuss this topic today. I. Definitions of Raw and Ripe Pu'er Tea The general process of making Pu'er tea is as follows: freshly picked tea leaves undergo fixation, rolling, and drying to become raw tea (Dian Qing). At this stage, the tea has a strong and dominant flavor, which is not palatable for most people. Depending on how the raw tea is processed further, Pu'er tea is divided into two main categories: raw and ripe (there are also semi-raw and semi-ripe blends). Ripe…

Compared to Pu'er tea, black tea is less variable in flavor. For newcomers to the world of tea, how should they choose among different types and grades of black teas? The rule that you get what you pay for doesn't always hold true. For instance, when drinking Zhengshan Xiaozhong, one might find that the cheaper varieties are sweeter than the more expensive ones. In the case of Qimen, despite its high price, it may not be as fragrant as legend suggests. How can these differences be distinguished? Today, we will discuss some of the most prominent black teas: Zhengshan Xiaozhong, Yunnan Black, and Qimen. "Sweet Aroma" of Xiaozhong Xiaozhong is the sweetest and most fragrant, with a substantial body. It's also an excellent choice for beginners. Judging by price, the cheaper varieties tend to be heavier and more complex in taste, while the more expensive ones are smoother and softer. Newcomers may not immediately appreciate this difference, as they often prefer the direct sweetness of the cheaper Xiaozhong. If you haven't tried Zhengshan Xiaozhong, you're probably not yet initiated into the world of tea. This group includes many who are just starting or have recently started their journey. They may…

Longan and goji berries are both precious ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine, holding significant roles in the culture of health preservation. When combined to make tea, not only is it sweet and flavorful, but it also offers numerous health benefits. Let's explore the various effects and advantages of longan and goji berry tea, as well as how to prepare this delicious and healthy beverage. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Nutritional Value of Longan and Goji Berry Tea Longan, also known as dragon eye, is rich in various vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, B vitamins, calcium, iron, and magnesium. It helps enhance immunity, improve blood circulation, and sleep quality. Goji berries are another nutrient-rich ingredient containing abundant vitamin A, C, iron, calcium, and antioxidants. They help protect eye health, boost immunity, and fight aging. Health Benefits of Longan and Goji Berry Tea The blend of longan and goji berries combines their nutritional strengths, offering many health benefits. Here are some of the primary effects: Boosting Immunity Both longan and goji berries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which help strengthen the immune system and assist the body in fighting off various infections and diseases. (Image source: network,…

Basic Introduction to Wuyi Black TeaWuyi Black Tea is a specialty of Wuyishan City, Fujian Province, and is a product marked by China's national geographical indication. Wuyi Black Tea is a fully fermented tea that has a unique flavor, floral and fruity scents, or the aroma of dried longan. Throughout the year, Tongmu Pass in Wuyi is shrouded in mist and clouds, with abundant rainfall and a warm climate. During spring tea season, it often rains continuously, with very little sunshine, so most of the fresh leaves picked from this area need to be withered using artificial heating. Additionally, there are many pine trees in the area, and pine wood is used for fuel, so the fresh leaves absorb the scent of pine resin while withering. During the drying process, the fermented tea leaves are spread on bamboo trays and placed on racks to air-dry or bake, with pine wood still being used below for baking, allowing the tea leaves to absorb even more of the pine resin scent. The finished Zhengshan Xiaozhong tea has the characteristic appearance of thick, tightly bound, straight strands with a lustrous black color. The tea soup is reddish-brown and has a rich, mellow taste…

When creating a beautiful piece, the more variables involved, the weaker the human control becomes. However, luck always stands by every craftsman who truly invests their life and wisdom in it. As long as you have sufficient accumulation and patience, fine works will naturally emerge. Shoe firing ceramics are both man-made and reliant on nature, a collaboration between heaven and humanity, with its wonders lying within. Shoe firing refers to the production of ceramic wares using wood as fuel. This is an ancient technique with a high degree of difficulty, where the success or failure of the work depends on the relationship between clay, fire, wood, and kiln. Returning to nature, the fusion of fire, earth, and ash gives rise to a natural, thick, and primitive beauty. Shoe firing seeks the natural combination of wood ashes and earth, not bound by formal aesthetics, but rather without any artificial embellishment. The beauty of simplicity is attached to everything, and only in the formless yet shaped shoe-fired ware can one touch the soul. Shoe firing is mainly divided into two categories: glazed (base glaze) and unglazed (natural glaze). For example, Song Dynasty Tenmoku bowls and celadon glazes are glazed, while Bizen-yaki from…

Health Benefits of Longan Flesh Tea Longan flesh, also known as dragon eye flesh, is the fruit pulp inside longan fruit. Longans are renowned for their sweet and juicy taste and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Modern scientific research supports a variety of health benefits associated with them. Here are some of the primary health benefits of drinking longan flesh tea: (Image source: network, delete if infringing) Supplementing Qi and Nourishing Blood Longan flesh is rich in iron and B vitamins, which can help supplement qi and nourish blood. For those who often feel tired, are anemic, or have insufficient qi and blood, longan flesh tea is a great choice. Drinking a cup of longan flesh tea can quickly boost energy levels and improve complexion. Promoting Calmness and Assisting Sleep Longan flesh has a calming effect and is particularly helpful for those suffering from insomnia or anxiety. Drinking a warm cup of longan flesh tea before bed can help you relax and enter a peaceful sleep. Boosting Immunity Longan flesh is rich in vitamin C and various antioxidants, which can help strengthen the immune system and prevent colds and other illnesses. Especially during seasonal changes and…

Understanding Longans Longans, also known as dragon eyes, are sweet-tasting, nutrient-rich fruits. They can be enjoyed directly or used as a great ingredient for brewing tea. Longan tea is beneficial for nourishing the blood, calming the mind, improving sleep quality, and boosting immunity, making it an excellent choice for daily health maintenance. Want to know what pairs best with longans in tea? Below, we explore several classic combinations of longan tea, offering you more options and inspiration. (Image source: Internet, delete if infringement) Longan and Red Date Tea The combination of longans and red dates is truly a classic among classics. Red dates have the effects of replenishing energy, nourishing the blood, and moisturizing dryness. Together, they create a sweet taste and rich nutritional value. This blend is especially suitable for women, effectively relieving fatigue and regulating vital energy and blood. (Image source: Internet, delete if infringement) Preparation Method: 1. Take an appropriate amount of dried longan flesh and dried red dates. 2. Wash the red dates, remove the pits, and slice them. 3. Place the longan flesh and red date slices together in a cup, pour boiling water over them. 4. Cover the cup and steep for 10 minutes…