Steeping

Pu'er tea is made from large-leaf varieties in Yunnan and is known for becoming more fragrant with age. It is rich in theaflavins and thearubigins, which can help enhance immunity, boost metabolism, and improve gut motility when consumed regularly. Additionally, Pu'er tea contains higher levels of polyphenols and caffeine, which can help refresh the mind and alleviate fatigue. However, it's not advisable to drink strong or overnight infusions. What Are the Benefits of Drinking Pu'er Tea Regularly? 1. Quenching Thirst The most genuine benefit of drinking tea is quenching thirst, as it is pleasant to drink and enhances one’s comfort, allowing timely hydration and a boost in energy. 2. Warming and Heat Dispelling Among China's six major tea categories, Pu'er (specifically ripe Pu'er) is similar to black tea in its warming properties. It can warm the stomach and dispel cold, making it particularly suitable for those with a constitution that tends to be cold. Many people in the north often brew Pu'er tea, which is especially comforting during cold winters. 3. Boosting Immunity Regular consumption of Pu'er tea has anti-aging and immune-boosting effects. Ripe Pu'er tea contains higher levels of catechins, which effectively mitigate the side effects of caffeine in…

  1. Each type of tea has its own unique characteristics and benefits. Different types of teas require different amounts, water temperatures, steeping times, and can be steeped a varying number of times. Therefore, practically speaking, mixing different teas can be complicated. Moreover, mixing teas with different flavors and effects can result in negative interactions. Thus, it is generally not advisable to mix different types of tea. 2. Due to differences in variety and processing methods, teas have distinct flavors. Each type of tea has its unique aroma and taste. Mixing different teas can affect the appreciation of their individual qualities and diminish the enjoyment of tea tasting. Mixing different teas can also make the tea infusion cloudy and cause sedimentation; this can lead to impure flavors and may cause digestive issues or discomfort in the stomach and intestines. 3. Drinking several types of tea at once can lead to physical discomfort, which is likely due to excessive tea consumption causing low blood sugar and dizziness. If such physiological reactions occur, it could be a case of "tea intoxication." When mixing different teas, there is a higher risk of overconsumption, making it easier to become "intoxicated" by the tea. If…

Brewing Pu'er tea requires the right choice of purple clay pot and tea quantity. A 240cc purple clay pot is a common choice because of its moderate size, suitable for individual or small group consumption. This article will detail how to brew delicious Pu'er tea in a 240cc purple clay pot and explore the optimal tea quantity. (Image source: network, delete upon request) The Perfect Match: Purple Clay Pot and Pu'er Tea Purple clay pots are preferred for brewing Pu'er tea due to their unique material and breathability. They preserve the original aroma of the tea without absorbing its flavor, ensuring each brewing yields pure tea fragrance. The 240cc purple clay pot has a moderate capacity that prevents dilution due to excess water or over-concentration from too little water. Tea Quantity for Pu'er Tea For a 240cc purple clay pot, the tea quantity is generally between 8 and 10 grams. This range is relatively flexible and can be adjusted according to personal taste. If you prefer a stronger flavor, increase the tea quantity; conversely, reduce it for a milder taste. Specifically, beginners can start with 8 grams and gradually find their ideal tea quantity. Too much tea will make the…

Black tea is a fully fermented tea with a gentle nature. It contains a higher amount of caffeine and polyphenols. Those who are in poor health, have excessive internal heat, or are physically weak should not consume it. Those with sensitive stomachs should also avoid drinking large amounts of black tea as it may exacerbate gastrointestinal discomfort. Additionally, those with nervous system weaknesses or severe insomnia should refrain from drinking black tea as it could further impact their sleep. Who Should Avoid Drinking Black Tea? 1. Women should not drink strong black tea during the breastfeeding period. 2. Patients with ulcers should drink black tea with caution: black tea can stimulate gastric acid secretion. 3. Those suffering from malnutrition should avoid drinking black tea: black tea has the function of breaking down fat. 4. Individuals with a fever should avoid drinking black tea: the caffeine in black tea can increase body temperature and reduce the effectiveness of medication. 5. Patients with liver disease should avoid drinking black tea: most of the caffeine and other substances in black tea are metabolized by the liver. 6. Individuals with nerve weakness should drink black tea with caution: the caffeine in black tea can…

When selecting Pu'er tea, you can consider aspects such as appearance, infusion color, raw materials, origin, and storage conditions. Generally, Pu'er tea with a uniform shape, pure aroma, and bright, clear infusion color is of good quality. Different types of Pu'er tea have different selection methods, so it's best to follow the specific circumstances. Taking raw (sheng) and ripe (shou) Pu'er teas as examples: What Makes Good Pu'er Tea To determine the quality of Pu'er tea, consider the following: 1. Examine the Shape: High-quality Pu'er tea has a neat and regular shape, while lower-quality tea may have loose and incomplete strands. The best Pu'er tea has a uniform and regular shape, with neat edges, no missing corners, consistent thickness, moderate tightness, clear mold patterns, and glossy, clean strands. Lower-quality Pu'er tea will have loose and incomplete strands, dull colors without luster, and noticeable defects. 2. Smell the Aroma: High-quality Pu'er tea has a pure and lasting fragrance, free from any unusual or mixed odors. Even when the tea cools down, it still emits a pleasant aroma. Lower-quality Pu'er tea has noticeable and sometimes stimulating unusual odors. 3. Observe the Infusion Color: High-quality Pu'er tea produces a clear and bright infusion,…

Brewing tea is not only a pleasure but also an art. To brew the perfect cup of leaf tea, you need good quality tea leaves and the right brewing techniques. Today, we will discuss how to brew the best leaf tea at home so that every sip is filled with warmth and comfort. (Image source: Internet, delete if infringing) Selecting the Right Tea Leaves Before brewing, selecting the right tea leaves is crucial. There are many types of teas available on the market, including green tea, black tea, oolong tea, white tea, and Pu'er tea. Different types of tea have different characteristics and brewing methods. Green tea has a fresh fragrance, black tea is rich and full-bodied, oolong tea lies between these two in terms of flavor, white tea is more delicate, while Pu'er tea requires long-term aging. Preparing Necessary Utensils (Image source: Internet, delete if infringing) Brewing tea requires some basic utensils: teapot, teacup, tea strainer, thermometer, and timer. Different types of tea have different requirements for water temperature and brewing time, so these utensils help you better control the brewing process and ensure each cup of tea achieves its optimal taste. Mastering the Correct Water Temperature Water temperature…

Biluochun tea, one of China's top ten famous teas, is beloved by tea enthusiasts for its unique fragrance and sweet aftertaste. However, to truly bring out the deliciousness of Biluochun, it's crucial to master the correct brewing method. Today, we'll discuss how to brew a cup of fragrant and rich Biluochun tea using the simplest methods. (Image source: network, delete upon request) What is Biluochun Tea? Biluochun tea is produced in Dongting Mountain, Wuzhong District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China. This tea is named for its early picking time, tender leaves, and slender curled shape. Biluochun tea is known as "Terrifyingly Fragrant" because of the intense aroma it emits during the stir-frying process, which is intoxicating. Selecting High-Quality Biluochun Tea To brew good tea, you must first choose good tea leaves. High-quality Biluochun tea has tightly twisted, fine strands with visible white down and a bright green color. It should have a noticeable floral and fruity fragrance, and the tea liquor should be clear and bright. Purchasing from reputable brands and channels ensures the freshness and quality of the tea. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Preparing Tools and Water The tools for brewing tea can include glass cups, white…

Many people have been curious about whether a purple clay teapot will scald your hand when brewing tea, and they believe that a purple clay teapot does not get hot to the touch. Some even think that if a purple clay teapot does scald your hand when brewing tea, it might be a fake one. In fact, different people have different views on whether a purple clay teapot gets hot when brewing tea, and this is quite normal. If a purple clay teapot really does scald your hand when brewing tea, is that normal? A purple clay teapot does indeed conduct heat slowly, but compared to vessels made of materials like glass or ceramic, slow heat conduction doesn't mean it absorbs no heat. When water is poured in, the teapot won't scald your hand within a few seconds, but over time, the heat will certainly radiate out. After all, it's boiling water at 100 degrees Celsius; how could it not scald your hand? Saying it doesn't scald your hand might mean you have thick calluses on your hands or the water isn't hot enough. When brewing tea, the water fills the entire pot, and in the enclosed space, the evaporated…

Many tea enthusiasts have this dilemma: why does my tea not taste as good as others', even when using the same tea leaves, the same teaware, and the same water? Note Three Aspects Assuming there are no issues with the quality of the tea, brewing a great cup primarily depends on three factors: teaware, amount of tea used, and steeping time. These elements are interrelated. Teaware: The appearance of a gaiwan or teapot is secondary; what matters is its capacity, which directly affects the amount of tea used, the volume of water added, and steeping time. For example, a packet of rock tea contains 8 grams, and when brewed in a 100cc and a 130cc gaiwan, the volumes of water added will differ. With the same steeping time, the resulting flavors will vary, with the former being more concentrated. Amount of Tea Used: If you're brewing pre-packaged teas, it's convenient as rock tea is typically 8 grams per pack and black tea is 5 grams. For loose-leaf tea, if you're unsure how much to use, start by experimenting with an appropriate amount. If it's too weak or too strong, you'll know how to adjust for the next brewing session. Steeping…

01 Main Origin The communities of Wangjia in the Jinnajieling Subdistrict, Qiantengying and Dahedong in the Shazikou Subdistrict, Bijia in the Beizhai Subdistrict, and Tunsan and Xiaowang in the Wanggezhuang Subdistrict of Laoshan District, Qingdao City. 02 Quality Characteristics Laoshan Dragon's Beard is a type of green tea where buds and leaves are connected, fully spread out with short internodes and a pale yellow-green color. Its appearance features naturally spread-out buds and leaves in a uniform shape, with a fresh and lively green color. The infusion has a tender, bright green color, a fresh and high aroma; the taste is fresh, sweet, and mellow; the infused leaves are young, rich in buds, and brightly colored in a uniform manner. Laoshan Dragon's Beard contains 3.6% free amino acids, 2.17% theanine, 15.0% polyphenols, and 42.4% water-soluble extracts, all superior to reference values. Product Details 03 Environmental Advantages The production area for Laoshan Dragon's Beard is located in Laoshan District, where the soil is brown loam derived from weathered granite, with thick layers and an organic matter content greater than 1%, pH values between 5.5 and 6.5. The tea-growing areas have diverse topography, small plots, and lush surrounding vegetation (vegetation coverage rate of…

Can all teas be both steeped and boiled? Of course not. Some teas can become unpalatable when boiled. So, which teas are suitable for boiling, and which are best for steeping? Compared to steeping, boiling allows the full release of a tea’s contents, resulting in a sweeter and richer tasting tea. Which Teas Are Suitable for Boiling, and Which Are Best for Steeping? Green tea should not be boiled. It is an unfermented tea with delicate leaves. Boiling would destroy the vitamin C content and cause excessive caffeine to seep out, turning the tea yellow and making it taste bitter and astringent. Huang tea (yellow tea) should not be boiled. Yellow tea must never be boiled. Its appeal lies in its freshness. Boiling with high water temperatures would ruin the delicate green tea, causing too much caffeine to be released, resulting in a bitter and astringent flavor. Aged white tea can be boiled. New white tea cannot withstand boiling. The most suitable for boiling are aged Gongmei or Shoumei teas. White Peony and Silver Needle, especially those containing tender buds, are not recommended for boiling. Black tea can be steeped or boiled. Black tea is a fully fermented tea with…

Life is a rush, and what’s most precious is the joy that comes from within. Tea is a gentle touch of extraordinary in our ordinary days. Though it doesn’t speak, it quietly weaves a web of happiness in its unique way. Taking a sip of fragrant tea slows down the entire world. The lingering aroma not only nourishes the palate but also soothes the restless mind. The magic of tea lies in its rich aromas, which act as nature’s perfumers, gently sweeping away worries and leaving behind tranquility and peace. Theanine, the source of tea’s fresh and sweet taste, enhances the flavor of the tea while acting like a masseuse for the soul, helping us find serenity amidst busyness and restlessness. Brewing tea is a tender conversation with time. Preparing water, selecting tea, and steeping it—each step requires patience and should not be rushed. In “Four Lectures on Taste,” Jiang Xun discusses the aesthetics of life: “If you eat a meal hurriedly, you won’t love your life. But if you prepare and enjoy a meal carefully, you will love your life because you feel that you have spent time and effort on it, that you have prepared for it.” Tea…

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…

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…

Sheng Pu'er tea requires water at 100°C for brewing. Sheng Pu'er tea is a direct representation of Yunnan large-leaf sun-dried green tea. It is characterized by its rich inner quality, ample tea essence, and tightly rolled leaves. To fully release its aroma and inner qualities, it needs to be brewed with water at 100°C, making the tea soup fuller, crisper, and richer. The unique and full-bodied large-leaf sun-dried green tea has a strong character and ample tea essence, with tightly rolled leaves. Its excellent inherent qualities require water at 100°C to bring out its best. High-temperature water fully captures its rich flavor and aged aroma. High temperature complements the flavor and aroma perfectly. It is ideal for the quick extraction of tea flavors, and high temperature here means water above 95°C. Coarse and aged Pu'er brick teas, compressed teas, and aged Pu'ers are best brewed with boiling water. Brewing Techniques for Sheng Pu'er Tea 1. Tea Quantity The optimal tea-to-water ratio for Pu'er tea is 1: (20~30), but you can adjust according to your taste preferences. 2. Water Temperature Newly produced Sheng Pu'er tea has not been aged, so it contains abundant active substances. The water temperature for brewing should…

When it comes to tea, one often thinks of the complex flavors brought about by various manufacturing processes: green tea requires fixation, black tea needs fermentation, and Pu'er tea must undergo maturation before it can be consumed... But there is a type of tea that closely captures the natural taste of the leaves themselves: white tea. White tea is one of the six major types of tea and is renowned for its fresh, unroasted, and unrubbed character. If we liken tea production to cooking, some green teas would be stir-fried, black teas would be braised, while white tea would be blanched, preserving the most basic and original flavor of the tea. It's like human relationships – they don't need to be dramatic, just consistently warm and sincere. Some people say that white tea should not be brewed in a purple clay pot. They believe that white tea is delicate and easily spoiled by the heat retention of a purple clay pot; its fragrant aroma can also be partially absorbed by the dual-pore structure of the pot, affecting the overall flavor. Is this really the case? Can white tea be brewed using a purple clay pot? Absolutely. The distinctive feature of…

Brewing tea is an art that can bring a moment of tranquility and comfort amidst a busy life. Whether it's green tea, black tea, oolong tea, or other varieties, the correct brewing method can fully release the aroma and flavor of the tea leaves. Here, we will detail how to brew the perfect cup of tea. (Image source: network, delete upon infringement) Select Suitable Tea Leaves The first step to brewing good tea is choosing high-quality tea leaves. Different types of tea have distinct flavors and health benefits. Green tea is refreshing and rich in antioxidants; black tea is robust and invigorating; oolong tea lies between green and black tea, with unique floral and fruity aromas. When purchasing tea, try to choose fresh loose leaf tea over tea bags, as loose leaf tea is generally of higher quality. Prepare Brewing Tools Good tools can help you better control every detail of the brewing process. You'll need a clean teapot or teacup, a strainer (if using loose leaf tea), a teaspoon, a timer, and a saucer. For certain teas, such as green tea, you may also need a thermometer to ensure the water temperature is appropriate. Select Suitable Water and Water…

Yunnan Black, also known as Dian Hong, is a type of black tea from Yunnan. The recommended amount for brewing is 4 to 5 grams, which can be infused more than 10 times, depending on individual drinking habits. Use water at around 80 to 83 degrees Celsius (first boil the water to a full rolling boil, then let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly to about 80 degrees Celsius; do not add cold or unboiled water). The infusion should be quick, with the first to third infusions steeped for just one second. The first infusion is for rinsing the tea, and starting from the fourth infusion, gradually increase the steeping time to 3 seconds, 5 seconds, 8 seconds, etc., without covering the vessel. How Many Infusions Can Yunnan Black Tea Typically Stand? The number of infusions that Yunnan Black tea can stand depends on the age and processing method of the leaves. Generally speaking, when brewed in a gaiwan, Yunnan Black tea can withstand at least six infusions. High-quality Yunnan Black can withstand more than ten infusions. "Dian Hong," the black tea produced in Yunnan Province, features robust and tightly rolled dry leaves with prominent golden tips,…

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…

The Drum-bellied Handle Pot and the square seal on the bottom reading “Made by Shao Yunsi” Early purple clay pots were mostly handle pots, as they were not used for steeping tea, but rather as water-heating utensils. With a handle, it was convenient to place them over fire or on a stove. Purple clay handle pots have been excavated from Song Dynasty kiln sites in Yangjiaoshan, Yixing, and the earliest dated purple clay pot in the Nanjing Museum collection is also a handle pot. It is said that Zhao Liang, one of the four great masters of the Ming Dynasty, specialized in making purple clay handle pots, but actual examples are hard to find. Some may exist without his mark, leaving their attribution uncertain. After the late Ming Dynasty, purple clay pots began to be used directly for steeping tea, but the handle did not disappear. To this day, handle pots are preserved as traditional purple clay forms. The pot shown in the figure is a purple clay handle pot, measuring 13.4 cm tall overall, with a flush-fitting lid, a flattened round knob, and a three-curved spout. Its body is shaped like a drum, both the lid and the base…

Pu'er tea is a famous Chinese tea, divided into raw and ripened varieties. Ripened tea, having undergone fermentation, possesses a unique aged aroma and rich flavor. Many people enjoy its robust taste, but brewing a good pot of Pu'er ripened tea requires some skill. Today, we will share a detailed guide on how to perfectly brew Pu'er ripened tea. (Image source: internet, for deletion upon infringement) Preparation The first step in brewing Pu'er ripened tea is to prepare all the necessary tools and materials. This includes teaware, tea leaves, and water. Teaware: A teapot or gaiwan, a fairness cup, several tea cups, a tea strainer, and tea tongs. Tea Leaves: High-quality Pu'er ripened tea; it is recommended to choose leaves that have been stored for a long time, as their flavor will be richer and smoother. Water: Use mineral water or purified water, and ensure the water temperature reaches 95-100 degrees Celsius. Warming Cups and Washing the Tea Before officially brewing the tea, we need to warm the cups and wash the tea. This is to remove impurities and dust from the leaves and also to awaken their aroma. Warming Cups: Pour boiling water into the teapot, fairness cup, and…

White tea is known as a one-year tea, a three-year treasure, and a seven-year elixir—the older it gets, the better it becomes. It's not that time takes its toll on our appearance, but rather that we don't drink enough aged white tea. It's especially beneficial for those who often stay up late, have high liver heat leading to acne, bad breath, and irritability. Cooking or steeping a pot of aged white tea each day can be both comfortable and health-promoting. The Benefits of Drinking White Tea White tea is one of China’s traditional famous teas and belongs to the category of minimally processed teas. After harvesting, white tea is neither pan-fried nor rolled; instead, it is sun-dried or gently dried over low heat. Its appearance features intact buds covered in fine downy hairs. The infusion has a clear yellow-green color and a mild, sweet aftertaste. 1. Regulates Blood Sugar: White tea is rich in essential active enzymes. Long-term consumption can increase the activity of lipase in the body, accelerating the breakdown and metabolism of fats. It can also effectively control insulin secretion, reduce sugar absorption, and promote the excretion of excess sugars, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and maintain…

Tea contains various nutrients as well as caffeine, which has stimulating, diuretic, cardiostimulatory, muscle relaxation, and digestive aid effects. Drinking tea is an important part of many people's daily lives, but many may not be aware of the details and precautions involved. Here are ten key points to note when drinking tea, hoping to provide you with some assistance. A Few Taboos to Note When Drinking Tea 1. Avoid drinking moldy tea Does it even need saying if it’s already moldy? Moldy tea contains multiple mycotoxins that could seriously affect the functions of your internal organs, posing a significant risk to your health. Many tea enthusiasts, who have stored their aged Banzhang for years, find themselves in a dilemma when it goes moldy, feeling heartbroken over losing both the tea and the money. Some still drink it, leading to stomach troubles. Therefore, no matter how good or expensive the tea is, once it becomes moldy, it should be discarded; it’s not worth risking your health. 2. Avoid drinking tea left steeped for too long No type of tea should be left steeping in water for an extended period. Steeping for too long results in excessively concentrated tea, and substances that…

Raw Pu'er tea and ripe Pu'er tea are the two types of Pu'er. It is best to store raw Pu'er for a period before brewing, as this will make its taste smoother. A purple clay pot is recommended for brewing raw Pu'er. Two rinses are required when brewing, followed by a third steeping of 10 seconds. Afterward, pour the tea into a filter cup to remove the leaves, then evenly distribute it into small cups for serving. How to Brew Raw Pu'er Tea The last step that influences the quality of the tea before tasting is the brewing process. Each type of tea has its own brewing techniques, and each specific variety has its own nuances. Today, we'll introduce you to the key points of brewing raw Pu'er tea, hoping to provide some useful guidance. Choice of Tea Utensils 1. Main Brewing Vessels Covered Bowl (Porcelain Pot): The first choice for younger Pu'er teas or those with loose leaves. Purple Clay Pot/Silver Pot: The first choice for aged Pu'er with tightly compressed leaves. Pros and Cons: A covered bowl makes it easier to control the water flow and speed, effectively avoiding oversteeping, and allows for direct observation of the tea…