Tea drinking

Drinking tea has been a tradition in China since ancient times, yet not everyone knows the correct way to do so. Even fewer can present the entire tea ceremony with finesse. The tea ritual is a spiritual legacy left by our ancestors, and it would be a beautiful thing if we could carry it forward. Here are the thirteen steps of the tea ceremony: First Step: Clean Hands and Appreciate Utensils This involves washing hands, which is very important for hygiene. First, introduce the tea into a lotus leaf and invite guests to admire the tea. Then, appreciate the utensils: Jingdezhen porcelain or Yixing purple clay teapots are preferred for their suitability in enhancing the tea's flavor. This step helps set a relaxed mood before drinking the tea. Second Step: Warm Cups and Teapot Rinse all the tea utensils with boiling water. This ensures cleanliness and also preheats the utensils, which enhances the aroma of the tea. Pour boiling water into the purple clay teapot, fairness cup, aroma cup, and tasting cup. Some people refer to this as warming the utensils. Third Step: Dragon into the Palace Place the tea leaves into the teapot. This step, though simple, can be…

Slowly brew the years and gently cook the tea, enjoying half a day of casual family chat. In winter, sitting around a kettle, pouring your heart out in conversation, listening to the boiling water, and savoring the joy of cooking tea is an extremely poetic affair. Tea drinking methods are generally divided into two: cooking tea and brewing tea. Brewing offers rich flavors, pleasant broth colors, and allows one to experience the changing taste with each infusion, while cooking provides a stable flavor. Differences Between Cooking and Brewing Tea 01 Difference in Amount of Tea Used For brewing, about 3-6 grams of tea is usually sufficient; for aged dark teas or oolongs [aged Tieguanyin or aged Yancha], more can be used, approximately 7-10 grams. When cooking tea, the amount of tea should be reduced to about one-third of the usual brewing quantity. It's best not to use too much tea to achieve the optimal flavor. The specific ratio can be adjusted gradually based on the type of tea and the amount of water. The principle is to use less rather than more tea, as using too much can affect the taste. 02 Difference in Suitable Types of Tea Gaiwans are…

The 22nd World Cup Football Championship will be held in Qatar from November 21 to December 18, welcoming the quadrennial football feast for fans, who will stay up late watching matches, posing a challenge to both their physical and mental stamina. In many fans' eyes, this World Cup is truly "the twilight of the gods": Messi is 35 years old, Ronaldo is 37, Pepe is 39... even Neymar, the youngest among them, says that this might be his last World Cup. During every World Cup, many fans prepare beer and late-night snacks to stay up and watch the games. However, it's well known that staying up late is detrimental to liver detoxification and overall health. Consuming alcohol and meat while staying up late can exacerbate these effects! If you want to indulge fully during the World Cup, drinking tea may be the best companion. Passionate World Cup, Healthy with a Teacup While tea drinking cannot completely offset the toll of staying up late, its invigorating and detoxifying effects are certainly beneficial while watching the games. Here are our tea recommendations for different phases: 9:00 PM Match - Raw Tea to Energize and Get into the Zone The 9 PM match…

Autumn is here. What adjustments should we make to our tea-drinking habits? How can we drink tea for health in autumn? Tea drinking has been a part of Chinese tradition, and there are specific considerations for what types of tea to drink throughout the year: 01 Puer Tea Scientific evidence shows that Puer tea has multiple effects, including dissolving fats, regulating metabolism, and protecting against radiation. Long-term consumption of Puer tea can reduce cholesterol and triglycerides, making it useful for treating obesity. Drinking Puer tea also causes physiological effects such as vasodilation, reduced blood pressure, slowed heart rate, and increased cerebral blood flow, making it beneficial for hypertension and cerebral arteriosclerosis patients. 02 Chrysanthemum Tea Chrysanthemum has a slightly bitter and sweet taste and is slightly cold in nature. It can disperse wind and clear heat, improve liver function and eyesight, and detoxify and reduce inflammation. For dry mouth, heat in the body, eye strain, or conditions like limb pain and numbness caused by wind, cold, or dampness, Chrysanthemum tea can provide therapeutic benefits. It can be used to treat common colds, headaches, and other conditions. Due to the characteristics of the season, autumn can be dry, causing many office…

Drinking tea is a particularly healthy way to maintain health and is also a traditional dietary culture. Tea contains a very rich variety of vitamins, minerals, and other components that can play a certain health-preserving effect on human health. However, there should be moderation in drinking tea. So, how much tea should you drink? Can you drink tea left overnight? How Much Tea Should You Drink? Generally, for healthy adults, the daily tea consumption should be controlled around 12g, divided into 3-4 servings, with the specific amount varying from person to person. For those who are physically weak or have iron-deficiency anemia, tea drinking should generally be reduced, and they should try not to drink tea if possible. Additionally, tea contains polyphenols and rich minerals. Moderate consumption can supplement the alkaline minerals needed by the body and has effects such as refreshing the mind, clearing heat and promoting urination, lowering cholesterol, promoting blood circulation, and balancing bodily functions. Although there are many benefits to drinking tea, the following points should be noted: 1. Do not overconsume tea: especially strong tea, which can stimulate gastric acid secretion, causing stomach pain or even ulcers. For people with gastrointestinal issues, it is important…

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…

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…

   Tea is rich in polyphenols, minerals, and other nutrients. For most people, moderate consumption of light tea can play a supporting role in improving bodily functions and regulating metabolic processes. However, excessive tea drinking may cause discomfort or exacerbate conditions for certain groups of people, so it is recommended that these individuals avoid drinking tea where possible.    1. Allergy sufferers: Some individuals are allergic to the polyphenols and other components in tea, which can result in symptoms such as fever, skin rashes, and itching after consumption; therefore, it is not recommended to drink tea;    2. Patients with neurological disorders: Such as insomnia and neurasthenia, the caffeine in tea can increase nervous system excitability, worsening symptoms of insomnia and neurasthenia; thus, it is not recommended to drink tea;    3. Patients with cardiovascular diseases: Tea contains alkaloids and other components that can elevate blood pressure. Patients with hypertension, coronary heart disease, and similar conditions may experience discomfort after drinking tea; therefore, this group should avoid tea;    4. Patients with gastrointestinal diseases: The caffeine and other substances in tea stimulate gastric acid secretion. Patients with gastrointestinal ulcers and other gastrointestinal diseases may experience worsened symptoms after drinking tea.…

Basic Introduction to Puer Tea from YunnanPuer tea from Yunnan is produced from the unique large-leaf tea trees of Yunnan, and it is among Chinese famous teas that most emphasizes brewing techniques and the art of drinking. Its methods of consumption are exceptionally diverse; it can be drunk plain or mixed. Plain drinking refers to brewing without adding any additional ingredients, a practice more common among Han Chinese. Mixed drinking involves adding one's preferred ingredients to the tea, a practice more prevalent in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Durability in brewing is an advantage of Puer tea; when brewed with a lidded bowl or a purple clay pot, aged Puer tea can be infused over 20 times, with its flavor and color gradually diminishing with each infusion. Nutritional ValueSpring Tea Drinking for HealthIn spring, when the body is in a state of release, one may choose Puer tea with a certain degree of natural fermentation or a blend of raw and ripe Puer tea. Such tea has both warmth and vitality, which helps dissipate the cold accumulated in the body during winter, promoting the generation of yang energy, invigorating the spirit, alleviating spring fatigue, and enhancing resistance to disease.Summer Tea Drinking…

Nowadays, basic sustenance is no longer the biggest issue for a family. People pay more attention to the spiritual pursuits and aspirations of happiness and fulfillment in their homes. A family that loves tea: the father, as steady as tea, is the pillar of the home; the mother, like water, manages the household with tenderness; the children, like broth, are pure and innocent. A small habit—drinking tea—not only changes each person's life but is also one of the simplest ways for a family to find happiness. The Greatest Wealth of a Family: Health Sometimes the greatest wish we have for our loved ones is simply that they be healthy: that the elderly remain robust, parents stay energetic, and children grow up lively and adorable. Moderate tea drinking can reduce the risk of high blood pressure in seniors and effectively slow down aging. When coming back from work, young people should not rush to rest but instead brew a pot of hot tea to relieve the fatigue of the day. As parents, it's important to instill the habit of drinking tea in your children from a young age, which strengthens their immune systems and reduces the frequency of illnesses. Use the…

Famous nutritionist Yu Ruomu pointed out: "According to modern research in medicine, biology, and nutrition, most of the components that regulate human metabolism are also present in tea." Scientific analysis has identified over six or seven hundred substances in tea, including organic chemical components such as polyphenols, alkaloids, proteins, amino acids, vitamins, pectins, organic acids, polysaccharides, sugars, enzymes, pigments, etc. These can be summarized into several categories. I. Polyphenols Polyphenols are a collective term for phenolic organic compounds found in tea, making up 15% to 35% of its total weight. The primary component affecting taste is tannin, which imparts astringency. Catechins account for approximately 70% of the total polyphenol content and are crucial in determining the color, aroma, and flavor of the tea. Polyphenols are a significant class of compounds distinguishing tea from other plants and are the primary components responsible for tea's health benefits. The most notable function of polyphenols is their antioxidant properties, acting as a preservative for the human body. A well-known comparison of antioxidant capacities indicates: 2 cups of tea = 4 apples = 5 onions = 7 cups of orange juice. According to Professor Yang Xianqiang, a doctoral supervisor at Zhejiang University, polyphenols can inhibit…

Tea, by nature, is cold and can help clear the mind and soothe the spirit. Different people have different constitutions, which means they should drink different types of tea. Therefore, choosing the right tea and drinking it well starts with understanding the nature of the tea and the suitable groups of people for each type. Nature of Teas 01 Green Tea: The core process is "fixation," making its nature cold. People with a hot constitution, high stomach fire, or abundant energy can benefit from drinking green tea, as it has great effects in clearing heat, refreshing the mind, and boosting alertness. Green tea also has excellent radiation protection benefits, making it ideal for those who work on computers. White Tea: The core process involves "withering and sun drying" followed by natural storage, which transforms the tea's nature from cold to cool and then to mild. Fresh white teas share many properties with green tea, but the most significant difference is that while aged green tea becomes like grass, aged white tea becomes even more precious. As it ages, old white tea becomes even milder, making it suitable for a wider range of people. Oolong Tea (Blue Tea): The core process…

If conditions permit, consider the following types of purple clay teapots: Clay: Purple clay, red clay, slope mud, etc. Pot shape: Large belly (considering that Yunnan black tea leaves are relatively large) Capacity: Over 200 milliliters Black tea is a fully fermented tea made from new shoots of appropriate tea trees, processed through withering, rolling (cutting), fermentation, and drying. Drinking it regularly not only aids digestion but also nourishes and protects the stomach, making it very suitable for winter consumption. Some people are casual about their tea drinking and will brew black tea in any cup, while others are more particular and use a purple clay teapot to enhance the lingering aroma of the black tea. Not all purple clay teapots are suitable for brewing black tea. Firstly, black tea is named for the red color of its tea soup and leaf base when brewed. Due to the dark color of the tea soup, clays such as purple clay, bottom groove green, clear purple clay, and sky blue clay are suitable. You can choose darker colored clays. If using original green or duan mud, be sure to clean them promptly to avoid unsightly tea stains. The color of the purple…

Intelligence is a gift, kindness is a choice, and drinking tea is an investment. Some might argue that buying and storing tea is the real investment. To many, tea only holds investment value when it's traded as a commodity, and drinking tea is just a consumption process. In fact, storing tea can be an investment, but drinking tea is an even higher-level investment! Life is short, and the best investment you can make is in yourself. Drinking tea is one such investment that can increase your worth. Once you've been drinking tea for years and tasted its benefits, you'll truly understand. 1. Drinking tea increases our health value. Shennong tasted hundreds of herbs, encountering seventy-two poisons in a day, which were cured by tea. Tea, a miraculous leaf gifted to humanity by nature, has always been beneficial to human health. From its earliest use as medicine by Shennong to today’s various health supplements made from tea's unique components, the connection between tea and health is increasingly recognized. Tea provides undeniable health benefits. Regular tea drinking keeps us looking younger. The active ingredients in tea, such as polyphenols and theanine, have anti-aging and antioxidant properties. Regular tea drinking reduces illness. The…

Based on different manufacturing processes, Pu'er tea is divided into raw and ripe varieties. Ripe tea undergoes an additional pile-fermentation process compared to raw tea. Due to these differences in production methods, the nature of raw and ripe teas varies significantly. Raw tea has a relatively cool nature, while ripe tea is warmer. Traditional Chinese medicine categorizes human constitutions as: balanced, yin-deficient, yang-deficient, qi-deficient, damp-heat, phlegm-dampness, and qi-stagnation. We can choose the right Pu'er tea according to our constitution. How to Choose the Right Pu'er Tea for Yourself 1. Balanced Constitution This is a healthy constitution, suitable for both ripe and raw teas. You can choose different teas based on seasonal changes. In summer, you can drink raw tea for its cooling effects; in winter, enjoy ripe tea to warm your stomach and body. 2. Yin-Deficient Constitution People with this constitution tend to have excessive internal heat, difficulty sleeping, and hot, sweaty palms and soles, along with rough and dry skin. This is due to an imbalance between yin and yang, with yang being stronger than yin. Those with this constitution can drink raw tea after meals during the day and consume moderate amounts of ripe tea at night. 3.…

The Beauty of Harmony Harmony with all teas. Tea lovers know that green tea should be drunk from a glass cup and oolong tea from a lidded bowl, but the purple clay pot can be used for both green tea and the currently fashionable Pu'er tea. Since people's tea drinking habits changed in the Ming dynasty, the purple clay pot has become the best vessel for drinking tea. At that time, there was only green tea. It wasn't until the mid-Qing dynasty when fermentation techniques were developed and the variety of teas increased that people discovered that the purple clay pot is suitable for all types of tea and can brew the best results. Porcelain is ranked first among tea utensils, whether it is the noble Pu'er or Dragon Well, or even the Jasmine tea of country folk, when placed in a purple clay pot, it will emit the purest aroma and flow out the truest color. Harmony with all things under heaven. Fruits, pears, peaches, human figures, and creatures leap out of the hands of the pot maker, naturally bringing different emotions and wishes to the pot. There is a pot named Wave Spike, said to have been the…

After the start of the dog days, most regions in our country officially enter "grill mode." The dog days fall between Minor Heat and Start of Autumn, marking the hottest, most humid, and sultry period of the year. As the saying goes: "It's hot during the dog days." This can be interpreted as: "During the heat, it's better to stay still than to move around." So, how should one maintain health during this season? First Challenge: Nourishing the Heart As temperatures gradually rise, the body's consumption also increases. Once summer arrives, many people feel unwell and lethargic. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), "the summer qi is connected to the heart qi." During this time, nourishing the heart involves two aspects: caring for the blood vessels and adjusting sleep patterns. Caring for Blood Vessels: To care for your blood vessels, it is recommended to maintain a light diet. Eat more foods like onions, mushrooms, black fungus, milk, lotus seeds, and bean products. Try to maintain a calm state of mind and eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to increase fiber intake, vitamin B, and vitamin C, which helps prevent arteriosclerosis. Adjusting Sleep Patterns: Sleep nourishes essence and qi,…

No matter what kind of tea you drink, it should be appropriate for the occasion, time, and person. Drinking the right type of tea can maximize its effects and provide excellent health benefits. Traditional Chinese medicine recognizes that people have different constitutions, being either hot or cold in nature. Teas, after undergoing various processing methods, also have cool and warm properties. Therefore, it is important to consider one's constitution when choosing a tea to drink. A chart showing the properties of the six types of tea. What is your constitution? Which type of tea suits you best? A table matching the nine constitutions with the six types of tea. Cool green tea Dragon Well from West Lake, Anji White Tea, Biluochun from Dongting, Lu'an Guapian, etc. Suitable for those with a hot constitution, high stomach fire, and abundant energy. Drinking this tea on a hot day or when feeling agitated provides a refreshing and cooling sensation. Green tea has good radiation protection effects, making it very suitable for people who work frequently on computers. Contraindications: People with liver disease should avoid drinking green tea, as caffeine is metabolized by the liver, and excessive tea consumption can damage liver function. Pregnant…

Basic Introduction to Wushan Divine Tea Wushan Divine Tea is produced in the misty mountains of the Yangtze River's Three Gorges region. It is made from the leaves of a unique local tree called "Lin Qin." This tea grows wild in a pristine, pollution-free environment and contains multiple trace elements beneficial to human health. Nutritional Value Chemical analysis reveals that the tea contains over 300 substances beneficial to the human body. It has various health benefits, including aiding digestion, boosting energy, strengthening the body, reducing illnesses and preventing cancer, preventing arteriosclerosis, preventing coronary heart disease, lowering blood pressure, fighting aging, lowering blood sugar, inhibiting bacteria and reducing inflammation, alleviating the effects of smoking, reducing heavy metal toxicity, protecting against radiation, preventing tooth decay, improving eyesight, aiding digestion, detoxifying the body, preventing constipation, aiding weight loss and fat reduction, and helping to sober up after drinking alcohol. Product Characteristics The tea brews into an amber color, and its water remains fresh overnight even in summer, making it a natural thirst-quenching beverage. It can refresh and soothe the mind, and is known locally as "Longevity Tea." Regular consumption is beneficial for health. Historical and Folklore Background The origin of tea drinking in…

Due to the pandemic, our lives have undergone many changes, yet one thing that remains constant is the daily hustle and bustle. As concerns seem endless, health has increasingly become a topic of common concern. With the rise of health-conscious consumption and continuous consumption upgrades, tea is becoming more popular due to its natural and healthy attributes. Comprehensive health encompasses both physical and mental well-being, and traditional tea contributes to both aspects under the current pandemic situation. 1. Tea and Health Preservation - "Tea Is a Remedy for All Ills" An increasing number of people are falling in love with drinking tea, as it is both a health-preserving and enjoyable activity. The idea that tea can preserve health is supported by historical accounts of the medicinal benefits of tea. In fact, tea was commonly known as a medicinal herb in ancient times. It is said that Shen Nong tasted hundreds of herbs and encountered seventy-two poisons in a single day, but he was able to detoxify himself with tea. This speaks to the remarkable detoxifying properties of tea. The great Tang Dynasty physician Chen Cangqi wrote in his book Supplement to the Materia Medica: “All other medicines are remedies for…

Basic Introduction to Baoji TeaBaoji Tea, a specialty of Panzhou District, Guizhou Province, is renowned for its excellent quality, characterized by its rich fragrance and greenish luster. According to preliminary assessments by experts from the Guizhou Tea Research Institute, the ancient tea trees in Laochang, Panzhou have a history of over 500 years, confirming that Panzhou has been cultivating tea trees since ancient times, making it one of the original habitats for tea plants. On July 4, 2016, the former General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine approved geographical indication product protection for "Baoji Tea."The Panzhou District of Guizhou Province is located in a subtropical monsoon humid climate zone with low latitude and high altitude. It features mild winters and cool summers, with concurrent rainfall and warmth, abundant rainfall, and significant diurnal temperature variations. These environmental conditions are exceptional, conducive to producing high-quality fresh leaves and fulfilling the primary requirements for growing premium tea. Furthermore, all tea plants in Panzhou are grown in selenium-rich coal-bearing areas. Chemical analyses conducted by the Guiyang Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, on the tea and soil samples from Panzhou revealed an average selenium content of 0.376 micrograms per gram in the…

The Southern Song Dynasty: Zhou Jichang, Lin Tinggui, et al., “Arhats Drinking Tea” Have you watched the recent hit Song Dynasty drama, "Dream of the Red Chamber"? Actress Liu Yifei plays the lead character Zhao Pan'er, who is the owner of Zhao's Teahouse and stuns viewers with her fluid tea preparation skills in her first appearance. From a tea enthusiast's perspective, the most captivating aspect of "Dream of the Red Chamber" is its portrayal of "tea culture," filled with ancient charm and texture, with tea utensils and tea-making techniques largely true to Song Dynasty style. Let’s now appreciate the exquisite saucers used by ancient people for drinking tea. In the Song Dynasty, tea was prepared by "beating and stirring" using a tea whisk to stir and strike the tea broth; saucers were designed to prevent scalding hands. Southern Song to Yuan Dynasty: Gilt Silver Flower and Bird Patterned Tea Saucer and Saucer – The Metropolitan Museum of Art, USA Collection Ruyao Porcelain Northern Song Dynasty: Ruyao Sky Blue Glazed Paulownia Petal Shaped Saucer – British Museum Collection Guan Porcelain Song Dynasty: Guan Porcelain Celadon Saucer – Palace Museum Southern Song Dynasty Guan Porcelain Saucer - Excavated from the Southern Song…

Is it necessary to inaugurate a new purple clay teapot? A newly made purple clay teapot lacks luster. Inauguration is not mandatory, but it can help remove unwanted odors and clear any residual heat and dryness, so it is recommended. For good black tea, Pu'er tea, aged white tea, and oolong tea, one should pair them with a fine Yixing purple clay teapot, which enhances the ambiance and experience of tea drinking. Many newcomers to the world of teapots are often misled by various inauguration methods found online. In fact, a new purple clay teapot can be used directly after being cleaned with water; there is no need for a complicated inauguration process. Firstly, the master believes that whether inaugurating or nurturing the teapot, one should follow nature and use simple yet effective methods. There are two inauguration methods commonly found online: one involves using tofu placed inside the teapot and then simmered in a pot, while the other replaces tofu with sugarcane, both cooked in a similar manner. Neither method is advisable, in the master's opinion. How to properly inaugurate a teapot? The main purpose of inauguration is to address the residual earthy taste and kiln dust within the…

The Song Dynasty, a period of cultural prosperity in Chinese history, was particularly renowned for its advanced tea culture, with the pointing tea method playing a significant role. This article will guide you through the tea culture of the Song Dynasty, exploring the historical origins, technical characteristics, and modern inheritance of pointing tea. I. Historical Background of Song Dynasty Tea Culture The Song Dynasty (960-1279) was a period of remarkable development in culture, economy, and technology in Chinese history. During this time, tea was not only a daily beverage but also a cultural symbol and medium for social interaction. The literati of the Song Dynasty elevated tea drinking to an art form, creating a unique tea culture. II. Origins and Development of the Pointing Tea Method The pointing tea method originated during the Tang Dynasty but saw significant development and refinement in the Song Dynasty. The method involves grinding tea leaves into powder, then brewing them with hot water and stirring until frothy. This method of tea consumption emphasized not only the color, aroma, and taste of the tea but also the ceremonial and aesthetic aspects of the tea-drinking process. III. The Essence of Pointing Tea Techniques The pointing tea…