Snow

In the busy modern society, the fast-paced lifestyle has made us miss out on many beauties and joys. The emergence of tea spaces with a focus on aesthetics provides us with an opportunity to slow down and explore and enjoy another way of life. Located in the Yun Valley Innovation Park in Baohe District, Eleven Tea House is such a tea space that combines tea and aesthetic living. It presents a natural setting amidst very modern architecture, integrating culture, refined gatherings, and tea events in one place. It infuses traditional culture and the concept of tea plus aesthetics into modern life, allowing more people to discover the beauty of life. The founder of the tea house, Guan Xiaobao, was once a landscape designer. He became involved with tea by chance. "Drinking tea is a way to enjoy life and should not be constrained by the environment. I hope to create a space where everyone interested in tea can brew tea in their own preferred way. Ten signifies completeness, from the very beginning." Speaking about the origin of Eleven Tea House, founder Guan Xiaobao said this. Upon entering Eleven Tea House, the words “Luzhou Light” illuminated by the lights catch your…

According to weather forecasts, from February 1st to 6th, Hubei Province will experience the most powerful cold wave of the winter, with low temperatures, rain, snow, and ice. The average temperature across the province is expected to drop by 6°C to 10°C. This severe freezing weather will pose a significant threat to the normal growth of tea plants, particularly young ones. Precautionary measures should be taken to minimize the impact of extreme freezing conditions on tea fields and ensure the production of spring tea next year. Influence of Low-Temperature Freezing Weather on Tea Production Severe freezing weather poses a significant threat to the normal growth of tea plants, especially young ones, potentially leading to reduced yields, decreased quality, and even plant death. Measures to Prevent Frost Damage in Tea Plants 1. Covering for Frost Protection For mature tea plants in high-altitude areas, non-woven fabrics, ground films, or shade nets can be used to directly cover the canopy, with better results achieved by erecting a shelter 10cm to 20cm above the canopy. Covering with rice straw or crop stalks provides even better protection against extreme cold. Covering materials should be removed when temperatures rise. 2. Spraying Anti-Freeze Agents For mature tea…

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…

"Burning incense, preparing tea, hanging paintings, arranging flowers— these four leisurely pursuits should not burden one's home." —Wu Zimu, Dream of the Liang Dynasty Readers who have watched the TV series Dreamy Song Dynasty will surely remember the scene where the main character Zhao Pan'er prepares tea with skillful and graceful movements, a sight that is pleasing to the eye. Tea became popular in the Tang Dynasty but flourished in the Song Dynasty. The custom of drinking tea was widespread in Song society, enjoyed by everyone from nobles and literati to merchants, gentry, and common folk, all of whom found pleasure in it, leading to the emergence of various tea-related activities. The method of drinking tea in the Song Dynasty differed from today's practice of steeping tea leaves in boiling water. In the Song Dynasty, tea was made from compressed cakes, which were ground into a fine powder before being mixed with boiling water. This process, known as "crushing the tea into powder, pouring hot water over it, and using a whisk to froth it," is referred to as "pointing tea." Song Dynasty people poured their hearts, filled with mountains and rivers, into their paintings and also into their tea.…

I. Poor Quality Manifestations The main manifestations of poor quality in albino tea include overgrowth of new shoots, distortion of buds and leaves, hindered recovery to green, and physiological disorders. 1. Overgrowth of New Shoots Overgrowth is the mildest manifestation of poor quality. When new shoots develop to have two or three leaves, they no longer produce new leaves but instead show a significant increase in stem length. The length of a one-bud-two-or-three-leaves shoot can reach over 10 cm, sometimes even exceeding 15 cm. These buds and leaves are well-albino, but due to their excessive length, they are unsuitable for flat or strip-shaped tea processing. However, there is still room for processing into coiled or curled teas. This phenomenon is more likely to occur in leaf-white type albino teas. Morphology of Overgrown Albino Shoots 2. Distortion of Buds and Leaves Distortion primarily occurs in tea buds that sprout later during lower temperatures. It is characterized by hooked bud shapes, hardened green stems, long and slender leaves resembling willow leaves, twisted leaf surfaces with asymmetric veins, irregular leaf margins, and snow-white coloration that is hard and thin. These buds and leaves cannot be processed into normal fresh leaf shapes, and the…

"Great is the abundance, and thus the snow reaches its peak." Today marks the third solar term of winter – Heavy Snow. Heavy Snow has officially arrived. The pages on the calendar are dwindling down. A sharp chill always greets you at dawn. Opening the window reveals a bleak and desolate landscape. Hot water is being heated on the stove. A teapot sits on the table. Draw the warmest future imaginable on the windowpane. This is the ritual of Heavy Snow in winter. During the "Heavy Snow" season in the north, snow and tea whisper to each other. You come quietly with a pot of hot tea. Wear a cotton jacket and have a snowball fight. Step into the snow and listen to the crunching sounds. When tired, retreat indoors. The fire crackles and pops. Heavy Snow is silent. The stories buried by the snow melt away in the warmth of tea. A snowfall, a cup of tea. You are in the heavy snow of a cold northern night. I am basking in the warmth under the bright southern sun. Brew a good pot of tea and enjoy the warmth of winter. After enjoying the sun during the day, the…

Since February 20, a new round of cold wave has arrived, with freezing rain covering a wide area and the lowest temperature dropping below zero degrees Celsius. To ensure that this year's spring tea sales are not affected, agricultural experts from the Agricultural Science Institute of Xiangyang City, Hubei Province, have actively carried out publicity, mobilization, technical guidance, and service work to ensure effective cold protection in tea gardens and minimize the impact of damage to tea gardens as much as possible. Covering tea trees (photo provided by correspondent) It is understood that Xiangyang currently has a tea garden area of 467,000 mu, with a newly built tea garden area of 70,000 mu. According to the current growth trend of tea trees, most of the old tea gardens can withstand low temperatures. However, high-altitude tea areas, early budding varieties, and clonal tea tree varieties still need special attention, especially as the altitude increases, the frost damage to tea trees will become more evident. In response to this cooling, agricultural experts recommend that tea growers take timely measures such as covering tea trees with shade nets and ground cloths; spraying freeze-resistant agents on tea leaves, such as brassinosteroids and foliar fertilizers,…

In recent years, there have been many white and yellow tea products on the market, known for their fresh and refreshing taste, they are very popular. So here comes the question: as a tea novice, I only know that they taste good, but I really don't know much else! These white and yellow teas, are they white tea and yellow tea respectively? Are the colors inherent in the tea buds, or do they change during processing? Why do they turn these colors? Do they have more health benefits?... No rush, let’s take a look at them one by one~ Whitened and yellowed varieties of tea plants are a rare type of tea plant germplasm resource. Influenced by genetic and environmental factors, the chlorophyll content in their buds and leaves is low, causing the new shoots to appear white, yellow, or golden-white. During the whitening and yellowing periods, the amino acid content in the buds and leaves is high, while the content of tea polyphenols and caffeine is moderate. The dry tea made from them has a high degree of freshness in taste, with the leaves turning white or golden-yellow when infused. They are not the traditional white tea and yellow…

Tea plants are leaf crops cultivated for the harvest of young leaves and buds. Spring tea is the season with the highest quality and most significant economic benefits in the annual tea production cycle. Currently, it is a critical period for implementing spring farming activities across the province. Promptly addressing spring tea production and implementing relevant tea garden management measures play a vital role in enhancing tea yield and quality, as well as increasing the economic benefits for tea farmers and tea enterprises. I. Early Application of Bud Stimulating Fertilizer The new shoots of tea plants in spring grow vigorously, at a rapid pace, and consume relatively large amounts of nutrients. The root system has strong absorption capabilities, and it is difficult to meet the growth needs solely relying on the base fertilizer applied in the previous autumn, which can result in a "disconnection" of soil nutrients in the tea garden. Studies have shown that applying bud stimulating fertilizers about 25 days before the emergence of tea buds not only helps increase spring tea yields (comparing tea gardens with and without spring fertilization, there is an overall increase of 10%-20% in the annual yield), but also plays a good role…

(1) Timely Pruning When pruning tea trees that have suffered from freezing, it is essential to tailor the approach based on local conditions and specific gardens. For tea gardens primarily focused on harvesting high-quality teas, different levels of pruning should be applied according to the severity of freezing damage. If only some tender leaves are affected, no pruning may be necessary; if parts of the branches and leaves lose vitality after freezing, pruning is required to encourage new shoots and develop a strong framework and picking surface. When most tea plants suffer damage to the foliage and branches 3-5 cm above the picking surface, light pruning is recommended; in cases of more severe damage where the main branches are also affected, heavy pruning should be performed; if the damage is extremely severe and the above-ground branches and leaves have lost vitality, coppicing (cutting back severely) is appropriate. Pruning should ideally be carried out in early spring when temperatures have stabilized and there is no risk of a late cold snap. For mechanical harvesting gardens focused on bulk tea production, pruning should follow the principle of "catering to the majority, consistency within the garden." Different depths of pruning should be used…

Liang Sicheng said: For the Chinese, having a courtyard of one’s own means the spirit truly has a place to settle. The Chinese have had a deep affection for courtyards since ancient times. Whether in the halls of power or far from officialdom, there was always a courtyard. A courtyard bears a way of life, a world different from the noise outside. A courtyard is the yearning many people have for their hometowns and homesteads; it hides a beautiful little world in our hearts. Bright flagstones, grey-tiled eaves, scattered flowers and trees, curling smoke from cooking fires, the scent of food wafting over from neighbors, and children playing in the courtyard unaware of the setting sun. Now that we have left the courtyards behind and moved into tall city buildings, we are gradually becoming estranged from the reassuring connection to the earth, gradually forgetting our old dreams of being at one with nature. Time is just right, life is stable. Having a courtyard, returning to nature and oneself, brewing tea and reading books, listening to the wind and rain lying down, has become a pursuit. Many people yearn for a garden of their own, a place where they can be…

The winter protection and management of tea gardens is a key focus of tea garden management, critical for ensuring the yield, quality, and profitability of spring tea in the following year. To guide this year's winter protection and management of tea gardens, the Haiqing Town has developed technical guidance for winter protection and management of tea gardens in Qingdao Haiqing. I. New (Renewed) Tea Gardens (1) Select Cold-Resistant Varieties. Suitable cold-resistant varieties for planting in Haiqing Town include: Fuding Dabai, Huangshan Variety, Jiukeng Variety, Longjing Changye, Zhongcha 108, Longjing 43, Maolu, Jiukeng Early, Echa No.1, Bixiang Early, Yellow Rose, Jin Xuan, Pingyang Special Early, etc. When establishing a tea garden, try to use cold-resistant varieties as much as possible. (2) Select Suitable Tea Garden Sites. Choose sites that are sheltered from wind and face the sun, with a thick layer of soil, acidic soil (pH value 4.5–6.5), and have irrigation facilities. The soil texture should be loam, sandy loam, or light clay loam. (3) Create Windbreak Forests. Plant windbreak forests around the tea gardens, along roads, by ditches, on steep slopes, at the tops of hills, and in front of prevailing winds. Common tree species include: Chinese Arborvitae, Juniperus chinensis,…

Recently, affected by a strong cold air front, temperatures in Guangdong have dropped significantly, with some areas experiencing snow, ice, and freezing conditions, especially in the northern tea regions of Renhua, Lechang, and Lianshan, where "icicles" have appeared. To minimize the impact of low temperatures on tea production, reporters from Nongcun Nanfang Daily and the Southern Tea Channel contacted experts from the Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences Tea Research Institute, the National Tea Industry Technology System Qingyuan Comprehensive Test Station, and the Guangdong Tea Industry Technology System to provide advice for tea farmers on how to implement effective frost protection measures for their tea plants, thus strengthening prevention and ensuring the safety of tea production. Impact of Frost Damage on Tea Plants After suffering from frost damage, tea plants may exhibit symptoms such as discolored and dried leaves, dead branches, and trunks. This can also delay the sprouting of spring tea, leading to reduced yield and quality, which affects economic benefits. Symptoms of frost damage in tea plants Care for Frost-Damaged Tea Plants 1. Care for Dormant Tea Plants Affected by Frost: For varieties with good cold resistance, timely drainage is needed to prevent repeated freeze-thaw cycles that can damage…

Recently, there has been a significant temperature drop in the tea-growing areas north of the Yangtze River, south of the Yangtze River, eastern parts of the southwestern region, and southern China. Some regions have experienced temperature drops exceeding 18°C. The province has seen the most extensive freezing weather since winter began, with minimum temperatures dropping below 0°C in all areas except parts of the Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture. Prolonged low temperatures, freezing conditions, and snowfall will cause varying degrees of damage to factories and seedling greenhouses in some tea-growing areas, adversely affecting young tea seedlings and mature tea plants, delaying harvesting times, and reducing tea production. Urgent action is needed to prevent and mitigate the impact of freezing weather. To cope with the cold snap and minimize freeze damage to tea gardens and facilities, based on technical guidance developed by the Department of Crop Management under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, together with the National Agricultural Technology Extension Service Center, the Expert Advisory Group on Tea of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and the Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and considering the actual situation in Guizhou, the following preventive…

Abstract: The historical origins and legends of white tea not only reflect its rich cultural heritage but also the aspirations for a better life. In modern society, white tea continues to be favored by consumers for its unique taste and health benefits. As public interest in healthy living increases, the market prospects for white tea will become even more promising. At the same time, we should delve deeper into the cultural essence of white tea and preserve and promote the charm of this traditional tea. This article discusses the history, techniques, market, and future outlook of Chinese white tea through an analysis of its origin and history, production techniques and characteristics, distribution, benefits and health effects, brands and market, issues, and prospects. (Level of expertise is limited, errors are inevitable; personal opinion; April 2024). I. Origin and Historical Culture of White Tea 1.1 Historical Origins and Legends of White Tea As one of China's traditional teas, the historical origins of white tea can be traced back to ancient times. According to historical records, white tea had already gained prominence during the Tang Dynasty, becoming a tribute to the imperial court. Numerous legends about the origin of white tea have been…

The tea regions of Guiyang City have been frequently impacted by extreme spring weather in recent years. According to meteorological forecasts, the city is expected to experience another cold wave soon. To cope with the upcoming temperature drops, thunderstorms, and late spring cold snaps, this document, "Preventive and Remedial Measures for Low-Temperature Freeze Damage (Late Spring Cold Snap) in Guiyang and Guian Tea Gardens," has been specially formulated for your reference. I. Preventive Measures (1) Pay Attention to Cold Wave Forecasts Strengthen forecasting and early warning systems for disastrous weather conditions, promptly issue cold wave information, and prepare in advance. After a cold wave forecast is released, tea gardens that are already open should mobilize manpower to harvest as much as possible to minimize losses from frost damage. (2) Cover Tea Gardens for Frost Protection Straw, bamboo leaves, and rice husks can be spread between rows of tea plants to keep them warm, ideally at a thickness of about 10 centimeters, which can generally increase temperatures by 1-2°C. In tea gardens on windward slopes prone to frost damage, cover the canopy with straw, weeds, or shade nets, not too tightly so that the tea plants are still visible. This will…

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…

Although tea trees have a certain ability to withstand adverse weather conditions during their growth and development, they can be harmed if the conditions exceed a certain limit. This can range from reduced yield and quality of the leaves to the death of the tree. So what are the effects of low temperatures on tea trees? I. Common types of frost damage in tea trees The common types of frost damage in tea trees include snow frost, frost, and dry cold wind frost. In tea-producing areas south of the Yangtze River, snow frost and frost are predominant, while all three types of frost occur in areas north of the river. After being affected by frost, tea trees typically exhibit red withering or green withering. In areas south of the Yangtze River, red withering is more common, while both forms occur in areas to the north. II. The sequence of frost damage development in tea trees Tea trees have a certain ability to resist low temperatures, but different organs have varying degrees of cold tolerance. Among leaves, stems, and roots, cold tolerance decreases in that order. However, under field cultivation conditions, leaves protect the stems, and the stems and leaves together…

Cangyuan Autonomous County's Nu-liang Township, Paipai Village, is where I am stationed. Paipai is renowned for its tea and is often referred to as the "Bingdao" of Cangyuan. Here, I have had the privilege of participating in village work and gaining a deep understanding of the knowledge surrounding ancient tea trees. May you learn from the old pine, striving to be evergreen leaves The first time I saw the ancient tea tree known as No. 1 in Paipai Village, I did not find it particularly remarkable at first glance. From afar, it looked no different from other tea trees. However, upon approaching the ancient tea tree, I couldn't help but marvel at the wonders of nature. The thousand-year-old tree stands tall like an ancient pine, resilient against frost and snow. To taste the tea of Paipai, one must first rinse the leaves, leaving a lingering fragrance in the cup, then pour the infusion. The tea is refreshingly sweet with a pure and natural flavor. While tasting the tea, the flavor of Paipai tea does not match its influence in Yunnan; it isn't as well-known as Pu'er or Dian Hong, yet it has its unique character. I think this might be…

After the rain, new buds sprout.Currently, it is the period of vigorous growth for new shoots on tea trees. Walking into the vast tea mountains in Guiting Town, Guiting County, tea farmers are scattered throughout the tea gardens picking tea leaves to supply summer and autumn tea production. Tea farmers from Niaowang Village, Guiting Town, Guiting County, picking fresh tea leaves in an ecological tea garden "Today is sunny, perfect weather for picking tea." On the morning of July 31st, Villager Lei Bangxiu from Niaowang Village, Guiting Town, and her granddaughter arrived at their family’s tea garden with baskets on their backs. They moved their hands swiftly among the tea bushes, quickly gathering a handful of fresh tea buds. "I’m old now, so I can only pick about two pounds of tea leaves a day," said Lei Bangxiu with a bright smile as she looked over at the nearby tea garden, adding, "My granddaughter can pick more than four pounds!" Residents of Niaowang Village, Guiting County, are delighted with their fresh tea leaf harvest. Taking advantage of the summer break, Lei Bangxiu's granddaughter Jin Lan came to help pick tea in the garden. "I started picking tea in the garden…

When brewing tea, a layer of foam may appear on the surface of the tea liquor, known as tea foam. Opinions about this foam have been divided throughout history. Tea sage Lu Yu believed that this layer of foam contained the essence of the tea, but not everyone appreciates this layer of foam. There is even a saying that "foam indicates high levels of pesticide residues." So what causes the foam? Is there any relationship between the foam in the tea and the quality of the tea? Image What is tea foam? The formation of foam in tea liquor is mainly due to the presence of a substance called tea saponin. Tea saponin, also known as tea sapogenin, is a fine columnar crystal found in the roots, stems, leaves, and seeds of tea plants. Its aqueous solution can produce persistent, soap-like foam when shaken. Tea saponins are a class of structurally complex glycoside compounds with a bitter and pungent taste. They have strong foaming properties and are not affected by the hardness of the water, so teas with abundant foam tend to have a relatively rich flavor. In the Wei-Jin era, Du Yu wrote in a poem: "The foam forms…

Basic Introduction to Keriyang Snow ChrysanthemumKeriyang Snow Chrysanthemum, under the brand name Yang Xueju Hai, originates from Keriyang Township in Pishan County, Hotan Prefecture, Xinjiang (located on the northern slope of the Karakoram Mountains), hence it is also known as "Keriyang Snow Chrysanthemum." Its average elevation is around 2,500 meters and it is recognized as the birthplace of authentic Kunlun Snow Chrysanthemum. The Keriyang Snow Chrysanthemum has large petals but a small stamen, with a vibrant golden yellow color, an inviting aroma, and a pure taste. Its tea broth is bright red, thick, clear, and has remarkable effects, making it the finest grade of Kunlun Snow Chrysanthemum. Nutritional Value1. Regulates High Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, and Blood SugarModern pharmacological experiments have proven that wild chrysanthemums contain Sophorae Flavescens-7-Rhamnose Glucose, wild chrysanthemum lipids, bitter substances, volatile oils, Vitamin A, and Vitamin B1, which have significant blood pressure-lowering effects and strong inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus, diphtheria bacilli, and dysentery bacilli.2. Nourishes Heart MuscleWild chrysanthemums contain inulin, wild chrysanthemum lipids, amino acids, trace elements, and other active ingredients. Their water extracts have obvious protective effects on the cardiovascular system, increasing cardiac output, enhancing oxygen supply to the heart, and protecting the normal physiological…

Pu'er tea has storage value mainly because it becomes more fragrant over time through natural transformation. For teas from the same mountain, the older the vintage, the higher the price. This has led to one of the chaotic phenomena in the tea market—age fraud. However, in reality, for a Pu'er tea that has been stored for many years, it is very difficult to determine the specific storage time by blind tasting; only an estimate can be made. This is because the moisture content of the dry tea at the time of production, the storage environment (dryness/humidity, temperature, light), etc., can cause varying degrees of transformation differences in the same cake of tea, with the differences becoming more pronounced over time. This is the change that time brings to the tea, and also the pleasure of storing tea. So, how do we determine the age of a tea cake? Criteria for Determining the Age of Pu'er Tea First, color: The clearer and more transparent the tea liquor, the older the vintage. Clear transparency refers not to the depth of the tea liquor but rather to a slightly oily luster. Second, taste: Considering the overall balance of taste, excluding storage issues, the…

The Start of Winter signifies the beginning of a period where all things enter a state of rest and storage. Plants wither, insects hibernate, and the activities of all things tend towards cessation. Before the courtyard, winter snow inspires poetry; around the hearth, so do wine and tea. Though the weather is cold, we are fortunate to have warm tea to nourish our bodies and provide solace. Living between heaven and earth, humans must strive for balance between yin and yang. An excess of yang brings heat, and one's diet should then include more yin-natured foods to balance the internal yin and yang. An excess of yin brings coldness, requiring the intake of yang-natured foods for the same purpose of achieving balance. This is also the rationale behind "eating warming tonics in autumn and winter." The demand for tea or the regulatory effect of tea on the body is, in essence, a manifestation of human respect for and adherence to nature. Therefore, it is crucial that we follow natural laws, adjust our habits according to seasonal changes, and drink tea scientifically in different seasons. Tea Should Be Warm-Natured in Autumn and Winter Due to global warming, the distinct characteristics of…