Plum

According to information from the Zhejiang Meteorological Bureau, "Plum Girl" is expected to persist for a while. On June 25-26, there will be heavy rains and possibly severe convective weather in parts of Hangzhou, Jiaxing, Huzhou, northern Shaoxing, and northern Quzhou. Recently, the central and northern regions of Zhejiang have experienced continuous rainfall with significant cumulative precipitation. Image Source: Central Meteorological Observatory For tea farmers, while tea plants thrive in moisture, they are not tolerant of waterlogging. Prolonged waterlogging can lead to root damage, increased incidence of pests and diseases, reduced tea production, and decreased quality and yield of tea leaves. Will the consecutive heavy rains affect the growth of tea plants? What protective measures should be taken? Chao News interviewed Lu Debiao, the chief tea expert at the Zhejiang Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and researcher, for insights. On June 21, Lu Debiao (right) inspected the condition of tea plants after consecutive heavy rains in Liandu District, Lishui City, together with local stakeholders. "The current weather conditions have had little overall impact on tea gardens and tea production," emphasized Lu Debiao. In dealing with the upcoming prolonged rainy period, the most critical protective measure is to promptly inspect…

Green tea is the most diverse category of tea in China, produced in many regions. Examples include Longjing and Anji White Tea from Zhejiang, Guyu Purple Bud from Huzhou; Biluochun and Yangxian Snow Bud from Jiangsu; Huangshan Maofeng and Taiping Houkui from Anhui, among others. Due to its long-standing tradition, nearly every tea-producing region in the country has its own renowned high-quality green tea. The production of green tea does not involve fermentation, which means that it retains more of its original nutrients, thus having prominent health benefits. However, green tea also has a stronger stimulating effect on the human body, and people who are prone to insomnia or have weak digestive systems should drink less. Which Kinds of Green Tea Have a Stronger Flavor? Longjing: The taste is fresh and mellow, with an elegant aroma. The tea liquor is bright green and clear, and the leaves at the bottom are delicate and intact. Anji White Tea: The taste is light and refreshing, leaving a lingering fragrance in the mouth and a sweet aftertaste. The aroma is fragrant and lasts for a long time. The leaves at the bottom are bright green and the buds can be clearly distinguished. Lushan…

Puer tea has the characteristic of becoming more fragrant with age, and its true value is best realized during post-fermentation transformation. This is why aged Puer teas are highly favored. What are the precautions for collecting Puer tea? Puer Tea Collection Precautions Firstly, some people blindly pursue Puer teas that are 30 to 50 years old, even seeking rare aromas like camphor or lotus. In reality, Puer teas over 20 years old are already quite scarce, and those over 30 to 40 years old are exceedingly rare. Some so-called "aged teas" sold on the market for hundreds of yuan are actually produced by merchants using teas that are only one to two years (or even a few months) old, compressed at a cost of just tens of yuan. Secondly, many believe that they can make substantial profits from collecting and aging Puer tea. However, there are significant challenges in personally collecting Puer tea at home. The aging process of Puer tea is influenced by factors such as time, temperature, air, humidity, and environment. Different storage environments and temperatures can result in significant differences in the quality of the tea. One characteristic of tea is its ability to absorb odors; therefore,…

Timely perform summer pruning on tea bushes According to weather forecasts, Hangzhou will see the end of its plum rains around July 9th this year, and summer pruning can be conducted in the first and second decades of July. For those tea bushes that underwent heavy pruning after spring tea harvest and have shown vigorous growth with new shoots exceeding 50 centimeters in height, summer pruning is necessary. The purpose of summer pruning on tea bushes: First, it controls the height of the tea canopy; second, it increases the density and quality of autumn shoots while reducing branching; third, it decreases flowering and fruiting in the autumn. By performing summer pruning, high-quality autumn shoots are cultivated, ensuring a high yield of quality spring tea in the following year. Specific operations for summer pruning: Fertilize before pruning. 1. Trench application of top dressing: Open shallow trenches 10-15 centimeters deep along the rows of tea bushes, apply 30-50 kilograms per mu of high-nitrogen compound fertilizer, and cover with soil afterward. 2. Use a motorized double-person pruner or an electric single-person pruner to trim approximately 20 centimeters above the previous cut (leaving 3-5 leaves on the new branches grown after spring tea harvest).…

Banpen ancient tree tea features:full-bodied dry leaves, with an appearance of glossy, fat, and downy strands. Taste: sweet and fragrant upon entry, with a slight bitterness when swallowed, followed by a lingering sensation of sweetness and comfort throughout the mouth. Qi (energy): restrained, subtle, and not showy. Bitterness and Astringency: the bitterness is mild, and the astringency is weak. Aftertaste: the return to sweetness is slow but more enduring, profound, and enduring. Introduction to Banpen Ancient Tree Tea The Banpen tea mountain is located in Menghai County, Menghun Town, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, and is a Laohu ethnic village. It is about 3 kilometers away from the Ban Zhang Village, at an altitude of 1760 meters, just 100 meters lower than Old Ban Zhang. Its ancient tea garden is tightly connected to the Ban Zhang ancient tea garden. Banpen was originally considered only a companion to Ban Zhang. However, in recent years, Banpen has gained a reputation that makes it a sought-after destination for tea lovers, elevating its status significantly! The old Banpen Village sits at an altitude of 1760 meters, with yellow-brown soil, clouds and mist, abundant rainfall, and a dense canopy of primary forest providing moderate…

There are several methods for storing Pu'er tea at home, such as in ceramic jars, tin cans, leather paper bags, cardboard boxes, purple clay pots, aluminum foil bags, or in their original packaging. When storing, it's important to ensure they are sealed, kept dry, out of direct sunlight, and away from odors. For single cakes of Pu'er tea, you can use aluminum foil bags to seal them. For multiple cakes, pack them in leather paper bags and place them in a cardboard box, then seal the box. How to Store Pu'er Tea at Home? 1. Tea easily absorbs odors, so store it away from kitchens, bathrooms, and areas where cosmetics or medicines are kept. 2. Choose a location that is not prone to dampness. Once tea becomes damp, it can easily develop mold. In mild cases, this may result in a storage flavor that alters the taste; in severe cases, it can produce an unpleasant musty odor, rendering the tea undrinkable. If the tea gets damp and you catch it early, you can air it out in a well-ventilated area or sun-dry it until it is dry. However, if the tea has already developed significant mold, no matter how good…

Never keep the tea sealed all the time; airtight storage is fatal to the transformation of the tea. It's important to emphasize "sealed," but it also needs appropriate ventilation. For example, if the weather clears up after being sealed for some time, we can open the self-sealing bag to ventilate after one or two clear days, and then seal it again after 7-8 hours. Once the rainy season has passed and humidity decreases, we can open the self-sealing bag and store the tea naturally. Puer tea must not be stored airtight all the time. Puer tea cannot be stored airtight, and the warehouse where the tea is stored needs appropriate ventilation. It's essential to keep the room clean and not to store the tea with other objects that have a strong smell, as Puer tea is highly absorbent and can easily pick up odors over time. The best way to store Puer tea is in a purple clay jar, not in airtight glass containers. The method of storing Puer tea is simple: just place the tea in a cool, ventilated area without any strange smells. Generally, avoid direct sunlight, do not store it in the refrigerator, do not place it…

We have learned a lot about how to store Pu'er tea, mostly focusing on the storage methods for whole cakes. But how should we store opened Pu'er tea? How to Store an Opened Pu'er Tea Cake 1. If you only pry off a small portion to drink and haven’t fully opened the cake, you can use the original cotton paper to wrap up the remaining tea cake and store it in a dry place away from light, keeping an eye on any changes in the environment. Once opened, the tea cake cannot be stored for a long time and should be consumed gradually afterwards. 2. If the Pu'er tea cake has been completely opened, you can store it in a clean purple clay jar or ceramic jar, taking care to prevent dampness and sunlight. Do not seal the lid tightly; instead, place a bamboo charcoal bag at the opening, which can absorb moisture and is very beneficial for preventing dampness. 3. When storing Pu'er tea cakes, it’s essential to keep them away from dampness, light, and strong odors. However, don’t completely seal the container to avoid light; ensure there is some ventilation, as this is conducive to the aging of…

Pu'er tea values its vintage, and many enthusiasts are passionate about collecting and drinking aged teas. When it comes to the vintage of Pu'er tea, storage is a natural topic of discussion. Besides raw materials and processing techniques, proper storage is crucial in determining the quality of Pu'er tea, ensuring it improves with age. Some tea merchants can establish professional facilities to store Pu'er tea, controlling factors such as humidity and temperature to ensure optimal aging conditions. However, for most merchants and enthusiasts, such professional storage is not feasible, and they must rely on natural conditions. Under these circumstances, the transformation and quality of Pu'er tea are largely determined by the natural climate. Natural storage of Pu'er tea essentially means dry storage. By "dry storage," we mean a clean and relatively dry environment. Cleanliness is the priority, with moderate dryness! The aging process of Pu'er tea requires both humidity and temperature. Extensive practice and scientific research have shown that the transformation of Pu'er tea involves enzymatic reactions and microbial fermentation, leading to changes in taste. Microorganisms, referred to as beneficial bacteria, play a key role in this transformation. These beneficial bacteria and enzymatic reactions thrive best at temperatures around 20°C…

Pu'er tea has a shelf life of 10 to 20 years. Made from unique large-leaf varieties, Pu'er tea is categorized into raw and ripe types based on its processing method. Its thick and robust leaves are rich in flavor and have the potential for aging, hence there isn't a fixed expiration date. It is generally believed that Pu'er tea can be stored for 15 to 20 years. According to the national standard GBT22111-2008, under proper storage conditions, Pu'er tea can be preserved for an extended period. How does the national standard define the shelf life of Pu'er tea?From the definition of Pu'er tea itself: Pu'er tea is made from sun-dried tea leaves produced in specific regions of Yunnan, which undergo post-fermentation and can be processed as loose or compressed tea. Therefore, the national standard provides a guideline for the shelf life, stating that under the conditions specified in GBT22111-2008, Pu'er tea can be stored long-term. However, long-term storage ≠ permanent storageIn 1963, during the disposal of Qing dynasty tribute teas at the Forbidden City in Beijing, over two tons of aged teas were discovered, including some Pu'er teas. In Wang Yufeng's article "Pu'er Tea and the Qing Dynasty," he mentioned:…

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…

Pu'er tea is most intriguing due to its transformation, from raw to ripe, from new to aged, constantly evolving and painting a rich landscape of the Pu'er world. We often see the results of this transformation easily, such as the change in infusion color to orange-red or the emergence of plum, fruity, and woody aromas. But where do these flavors come from? What changes are occurring within the Pu'er tea? Let’s take a look together. 1 Dry Matter Loss During storage, there are many reasons for dry matter loss in Pu'er tea. Pu'er tea consumes oxygen and releases carbon dioxide; some proteins and amino acids deaminate and release ammonia; pectic substances decompose and release methanol; certain organic acids are oxidized and release carbon dioxide, among other reactions. In the storage process, hydrophilic colloids in Pu'er tea undergo decomposition. The water that was originally bound with the colloidal substances becomes free, leading to a “self-moistening” phenomenon in stored Pu'er tea. As this self-moistening occurs, water-soluble colloidal substances in the tea may undergo hygroscopic dissolution (this is particularly noticeable when storing Pu'er tea with low maturity). All of these factors contribute to dry matter loss. During storage, the amount of dry matter…

According to the Zhejiang Meteorological Bureau, starting from July 4th, the subtropical high will shift northward and control Zhejiang Province, marking the end of the plum rains season and the arrival of scorching summer days! The forecast for the next seven days in Zhejiang Province shows no widespread heavy rainfall. Most areas will experience sunny and hot weather with daily maximum temperatures reaching 36-39°C, and some regions may exceed 40°C. Afternoons will often see scattered thunderstorms. Since entering the plum rains period on June 9th, many areas in Zhejiang have experienced heavy precipitation. Prior to June 18th, the heavy rainfall was concentrated in central and southern Zhejiang, but it shifted to northern Zhejiang thereafter. Statistics show that by June 28th, the total rainfall over 18 days approached the average amount for the entire 30-day plum rains period, exceeding nearly twice the total rainfall for 2023. Multiple tea-producing areas in Zhejiang have suffered varying degrees of damage due to continuous widespread heavy rainstorms. Heavy rain can wash away soil in tea gardens, which can lead to exposed root systems, making tea plants susceptible to toppling in strong winds. Additionally, mud and debris can flow into tea gardens, potentially carrying pathogens and…

In life, there are ups and downs, and storms follow, but what we seek is nothing more than inner peace and tranquility. A small courtyard home lacks the complexity of gongs, drums, and fine dining, but it has the simplicity of a meal. It does not boast of grand halls, yet it offers the joy of having a humble abode and courtyard. Sunlight through a flower in clear weather, a painting under the rain; not thinking about the future nor dwelling on the past, but being present and cherishing the moment. In this small courtyard, objects create a serene landscape: a pond as a stream to linger by, a rock as a mountain to gaze upon from afar, and flowers and grass as fields to roam one's eyes over. All year round, it provides a temporary escape from the world. In this courtyard, one can bask in the morning sun and bathe in the evening moonlight, accompanied by books and tea, amidst the company of fish and birds. Hiding away here, focusing on oneself, watching the sunlight filter through branches and dance on the water. Resting in this courtyard, reading and drinking tea, living a simple and comfortable life. Planting…

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

The plum rain is a concentrated period of rainfall that occurs annually from June to July in the mid-lower reaches of the Yangtze River, including tea areas in southern China, as well as subsequent mountain floods often accompanied by typhoons in August and September. Experience has shown that improper disaster prevention or neglect during the plum rain and mountain flood season can pose significant threats and losses to tea production, particularly in mountainous tea areas in southern China. To minimize the adverse effects of plum rain and subsequent mountain floods on tea production, especially in southern China, we have compiled measures for disaster prevention and mitigation in tea production for your reference. 1. Pay Attention to Plum Rain and Mountain Flood Forecast and Warning Information After June each year, tea areas, particularly those in mountainous regions of southern China, should promptly monitor the latest weather forecasts and mountain flood warnings. Be vigilant against the risk of mountain floods due to continuous rainfall or short-term heavy downpours and strong convection weather. Closely watch changes in weather conditions and rainfall levels. Once there is a forecast or warning of significant rainfall, it's better to be overly cautious and enter a state of…

It's often said that a woman who drinks tea has a certain charm. And a woman who enjoys drinking tea from a Yixing clay pot possesses a natural, refreshing, and perfectly balanced beauty. Today, I'll introduce ten styles of teapots that are particularly favored by women. 01 Xi Shi (Doll) Teapot The Xi Shi teapot has a plump and adorable shape with graceful curves. The flush-fitting lid makes the entire form appear unified, making it perfect for handling. As one of the four great beauties of ancient China, the name Xi Shi naturally evokes associations of beauty, elegance, and nobility. As the saying goes: Beautiful is the Xi Shi, but the most wonderful is the Xi Shi teapot. 02 Beauty's Shoulder Teapot The Beauty's Shoulder teapot resembles an elegant and lovely ancient Chinese woman, exuding imperial splendor while also possessing the grace of a young lady. The design is full and dignified, with the main focus on the roundness of the body. The lid blends seamlessly with the body, and the teapot feels warm and smooth to the touch. 03 Smiling Cherry Teapot The Smiling Cherry teapot, originally named the Three-Line teapot, draws inspiration from ancient ceramic tea storage jars…

Pu'er tea is known for becoming more fragrant with age, and enthusiasts often store and collect Pu'er teas they enjoy. However, improper storage can easily lead to moldy or flavor-deteriorated cakes. Here are four key storage tips recommended by ChaYouWang: 1. Circulating Air. Tea leaves are rich in microorganisms, and circulating air contains ample oxygen, which aids their proliferation and accelerates the transformation of the tea. However, hanging Pu'er tea in a place like a balcony can disperse its aroma, making it taste bland when brewed. Therefore, there should be moderate air circulation, but not too much exposure to wind. Additionally, ensure that the surrounding environment does not have any odors, as these can affect the natural scent of the tea. 2. Stable Temperature. The temperature at which Pu'er tea is stored should generally match room temperature, with 20-30 degrees Celsius being ideal. Temperatures that are too high can accelerate fermentation and cause the tea to become sour. Furthermore, during spring, summer, and autumn, changes in the tea will occur faster than in winter. Store the tea away from direct sunlight in a cool place. 3. Appropriate Humidity. The storage conditions for Pu'er tea should include some moisture, as a…

Dongting Mountain Biluochun tea is one of the top ten famous teas in China, ranking alongside Longjing tea from West Lake. It is produced in Dongting Mountain (now Dongshan Town, Wuzhong District, Suzhou) and Xidongting Mountain (now Jinjing Town, Wuzhong District, on the West Hill Island of Taihu Lake, Suzhou). The tea groves and orchards are integrated, with tea plants interplanted among peach, plum, apricot, and loquat trees, representing a typical intercropping model of tea and fruit. The manufacturing process for Dongting Mountain Biluochun requires high standards, with premium-quality tea leaves needing to be handcrafted. The raw materials consist of the tender buds from a single bud and leaf at the initial stage of development from the local tea variety. Producing one pound of Dongting Mountain Biluochun requires 65,000 such buds, which are carefully processed through five steps: spreading, fixation, rolling, shaping, and baking. The finished Dongting Mountain Biluochun has a slender, tightly rolled shape resembling a snail, with visible bee legs, densely covered in white down, and a silvery-green hue with a hint of emerald. The infusion is bright yellowish-green, with a fresh aroma and prominent fruity fragrance. The taste is fresh and strong, with a noticeable fruity flavor.…

In daily life, to know how to preserve tea, one must first understand what damages it. Only then can one know how to store it to avoid such damage. Different types of tea have different characteristics and are damaged in different ways and to varying degrees, so the methods and requirements for their storage also differ. Many people do not know how to store green tea after opening it, which can lead to the tea going bad or losing its flavor. Under normal circumstances, green tea can be stored at room temperature for about a year; however, once opened, it should be transferred into an airtight container and used within two months if possible. Since green tea is prone to absorbing moisture, even unopened tea stored for too long will lose its aroma, so it should be brewed while fresh. Here are some key taboos to remember when storing green tea: The Five Taboos of Storing Green Tea 1. Avoid Moisture Firstly, one must be very careful to avoid moisture when storing green tea, as most tea enthusiasts know. Most teas have a strong tendency to absorb moisture and humidity. A relative humidity of 60% is suitable for storage, but…

The aroma and taste of Pu'er tea after brewing are determined by the raw materials, processing techniques, and storage conditions. Due to different storage environments in various places, the same tea can develop completely different flavor profiles after a few years of aging. When selecting mid-aged and older teas, in addition to considering factors such as brand, price, and vintage, where the tea has been stored and aged is also very important. Many tea enthusiasts enjoy drinking Pu'er tea from the Kunming warehouse. What are the distinctive features of these teas? Kunming is located on the Yunnan plateau at a high altitude, with relatively small annual temperature fluctuations and a climate that is moderately warm and humid. These conditions make it very suitable for storing Pu'er tea. Compared to lower-altitude warehouses with higher temperatures and humidity, Pu'er tea stored in Kunming may undergo slower overall transformation, but it enjoys high recognition among tea enthusiasts and often commands better prices for the same vintage. Characteristics of Pu'er Tea Stored in the Kunming Warehouse First, Aroma: The aroma changes are relatively noticeable, often featuring honey-like notes, but undesirable aromas such as smoky, burnt, or moldy scents are more difficult to dissipate. Second,…

Puer tea has no expiration date and should be stored in a dry and ventilated environment, with the flavor becoming richer over time. Raw Puer tea requires 5 to 10 years of storage, while ripe tea needs 3 to 5 years. There is a significant difference in storage times between the north and south due to the warm and humid climate in the south, which accelerates transformation but also increases the risk of mold. Many tea enthusiasts know that Puer tea improves with age, but does the same apply to Puer loose tea? Why does some Puer loose tea become less enjoyable after a few years? Is Puer Loose Tea Suitable for Long-Term Storage? Puer loose tea isn’t ideal for long-term storage due to its structure not being conducive to slow oxidation. Firstly: Puer loose tea has too much exposure to air, accelerating oxidation and gradually losing its aroma. Secondly: The rapid oxidation rate robs Puer tea of the delightful changes and surprises at different stages. Thirdly: Puer tea benefits from being tightly packed, which facilitates the transformation of substances, something that loose tea doesn’t have. Fourthly: Compressed tea undergoes an additional watering process, which is more favorable for the…

Sour tea is an important component of the tea culture of Yunnan's ethnic minorities. Many ethnic minorities have a history of making sour tea. The Bulang people living in Lancang Lahu Autonomous County, in Hemin Town on Jingmai Mountain, are no exception. ▼ When wild tea has not been “tamed,” its taste is relatively bitter and astringent; processing it into sour tea can alleviate this bitterness and astringency. After picking fresh tea leaves, they go through the processes of steaming and killing the green, then are naturally cooled. They are placed layer by layer into bamboo tubes until they are full and tightly packed without any gaps. Then, the opening of the bamboo tube is sealed with banana leaves and buried in the ground to ferment for about two months... In Pu'er's Jingmai Mountain, during the spring tea harvest activities in 2024, we captured the complete process of sour tea production by the Bulang people. ▼ △ Using hot water to kill the green; once the tea buds are bent, they are ready (the water here is not boiling). △ Removing the tea. △ Straining the tea. △ Drying after straining. △ Drying. △ Drying in the sun for one…