Tie Guan Yin

Often people ask me which type of Tie Guan Yin is the best, what is traditional Tie Guan Yin? Which tea can be considered traditionally processed Tie Guan Yin? Recently, Nong Xiang Xing (Full Aroma) Tie Guan Yin has become very popular. What are its benefits? So, we have carefully prepared this feature, hoping you will like it!The traditionally semi-fermented Anxi Tie Guan Yin tea has been tasted by experienced tea enthusiasts in the early days. Its flavor is quite strong, and new tea enthusiasts may find it hard to appreciate at first. After roasting, the color of the tea becomes darker, turning yellow or black, but the taste is very pure. The deep golden-yellow broth is representative of the broth of full aroma type teas. The refined Tie Guan Yin needs to be made according to the standards required for traditionally semi-fermented Tie Guan Yin tea. Tie Guan Yin comes in Fresh Aroma and Full Aroma types. Depending on the degree of roasting, the Full Aroma type is further divided into lightly roasted, moderately roasted, and heavily roasted. Depending on the roasting material, it is also divided into charcoal-roasted and oven-roasted. Roasting is extremely important for full aroma type…

1. Drinking tea can eliminate fatigue. After a tiring day, have a cup of tea, and you will feel relieved, from its aroma to the water sensation, massaging your tense nerves both inside and out. 2. Drinking tea can enhance your appreciation of aesthetics. Set up a tea table, arrange the items, and pair them with flowers; your sense of beauty in life will improve over time. 3. Drinking tea can freshen your breath. If you’ve had garlic for lunch and just ran out of mints, how do you handle a client meeting later? Chew on two or three tea leaves for a few minutes, then rinse your mouth with water. You’re good to go for a kiss too — if you happen to be alone, swallow it with your saliva; that works as well… 4. Drinking tea can enrich your conversation starters. Use tea as your calling card. In appropriate settings, instead of introducing your name, tell others about your favorite tea, revealing aspects of your personality and areas of expertise, creating memorable connections. Being interesting means not following the script is actually the most distinctive approach. 5. Drinking tea can reduce damage from radiation. Browsing online shops, scrolling…

Why does the tea you brew always taste different from that of a tea artist? It turns out that every step, from boiling water, selecting utensils, preparing the tea leaves to brewing, can affect the infusion. Brewing tea is not only a technical skill but also requires meticulous attention. The details make or break the result. Whether the tea tastes good or not depends on whether you have paid attention to these details and methods. Boiling Water Boil water this way for better-tasting tea In his book, "The Classic of Tea," Lu Yu of the Tang Dynasty described three stages of boiling water: First Boil: When the water starts bubbling like fish eyes with a gentle sound; Second Boil: When bubbles rise like a spring of pearls; Third Boil: When the water surges and waves like a rushing tide. For modern people, boil water quickly over high heat instead of slowly over low heat. When the water continuously bubbles at the second or just into the third boil, its activity is best. If boiled too long, the oxygen content decreases, reducing its activity, which we often refer to as "over-boiled" water. This negatively impacts the infusion. If using tap water,…

Liubao tea, Anhua dark tea, raw Pu'er tea, ripe Pu'er tea, and Fuding white tea can be stored for a long time. These teas are post-fermented or aged over time. They contain abundant pectin, sugars, amino acids, etc., and require time for enzymatic reactions. As they age, their aroma becomes richer, making them suitable for long-term storage. Which Teas Are Suitable for Long-Term Storage? 1. White Tea White tea is often referred to as "a one-year tea, three-year medicine, seven-year treasure." Storing white tea helps transform its fresh, sweet flavor, increasing its sweetness and developing aromas like jujube and medicinal herbs, with a clear, sweet taste. White tea aged for more than three years has a gentler nature, making it very suitable for people with weaker spleen and stomachs to drink. 2. Pu'er Tea Both raw and ripe Pu'er tea can be stored for a long time, but raw tea has greater storage value. Stored in different environments, Pu'er tea undergoes changes in different directions, which is extremely intriguing. The longer the storage time, the richer the layers of taste and the stronger the flavor. 3. Dark Tea Storing dark tea benefits the further transformation by beneficial bacteria, making the…

White tea, the basic process includes withering, baking (or air-drying), sorting, and re-firing. Withering is the key step in forming the quality of white tea. Because its finished product is mostly buds covered with white down, it gets its name for looking like silver or snow. These ten points are all based on the characteristics of white tea, which are both its health benefits and what sets it apart from other types of tea. 【No Fire Taste】 In the "Small Treatise on Spring Water" by Tian Yiheng of the Ming Dynasty, it is written, “Tea processed with fire is second-rate; sun-dried tea is superior, closer to nature and free of any smoky taste.” Without frying or kneading, white tea, which is closest to natural flavors, does not contain a fire taste and is refreshingly cool. 【Full of Charm】 White tea is elegant, with a bright infusion color and a clear fragrance that is refreshing and moistening when sipped. Its character makes people like it. 【Lowers the Three Highs】 White tea contains essential active enzymes that can significantly increase the activity of lipase in the body, promoting fat metabolism, effectively controlling insulin secretion, delaying the absorption of glucose in the intestines,…

Some cities are rather awkward, being very cold in winter but not located in areas with central heating. Recently, temperatures have dropped significantly across most of the country, and this sudden temperature change can be detrimental to pots. Winter is a high-risk season for damage to purple clay pots. When using and drinking tea from your pot during the winter, please pay attention to the following points! The situations that usually lead to cracking are as follows: 1. Special clays and pot shapes: In purple clay pots, special attention should be paid to clays with high crystallinity and unevenly walled shapes (such as Gong Chun pots). Crystallinity, or the degree of vitrification during firing, is an inherent property of the clay, and different clays achieve varying degrees of crystallization when fired. Among purple clays, Zhu Ni has a higher crystallinity, followed by Zi Ni, then Lu Ni and Duan Ni. Clays such as Zhu Ni and Da Hong Pao in red clay pots have a high natural crystallinity after firing, resulting in a glassy surface. As a result, they are more prone to cracking than other clays when subjected to sudden changes in temperature during use. 2. The pot itself…

One, pouring tea over the pot. When brewing tea, some pour tea juice over the pot, believing that this allows the pot to absorb more nutrients, and they neither wipe nor scrub it. Over time, the pot is covered with a layer of tea scale, making its surface unsightly and dark. Two, dry wiping. While brewing tea, take advantage of the pot's heat to pour tea juice over it, and after pouring out the tea juice, use a dry towel to wipe it back and forth. Pots nurtured this way become shiny relatively quickly, but once they are polished, they are most afraid of human sweat and moisture. If the pot comes into contact with either, the luster easily fades, leading to uneven shine on the pot's surface. Three, wet wiping. When the pot is hot, use a towel dipped in tea water to wipe the pot, continuously rubbing it. This method is akin to polishing shoes, applying layers of tea juice onto the pot. Once it shines, if unused for more than six months, the luster gradually fades. Four, frequent brushing. Pour tea water over the pot while it's hot, taking advantage of its absorption, and frequently brush it…

As the saying goes, preparation is key, and the beginning of autumn signals that we should prepare for the fall season. After summer, one may feel weak even without illness. Cultivating yang in spring and summer, and yin in autumn and winter, the appropriate nourishment in autumn is the best time to restore and regulate the functions of various organs in the body. Reasonable "nourishing of autumn" involves replenishing the vital energy dissipated during the hot summer, preparing the body for the storage period. Drinking tea is the best daily method to cleanse the intestines; it can eliminate fat and grease, supplement vitamins and fiber, help the intestines detoxify and peristalsis, and expel toxins accumulated in the colon. 【Tea Can Prevent and Alleviate "Autumn Dryness"】 The first sign of autumn dryness is a sore throat upon waking up in the morning, accompanied by severe nasal sensitivity, skin dryness, dry hair, colds, coughs, and nosebleeds. Plain boiled water is clearly less effective than tea in hydrating and relieving dryness, and the beneficial components in tea water can effectively alleviate and "treat" the discomfort associated with autumn dryness. Ladies who hydrate their skin in autumn cannot rely solely on applying toner; they…

Green tea can be used for Kung Fu tea brewing, but it is not very suitable because green tea brewing is relatively simple, whereas Kung Fu tea brewing involves more intricate procedures. Generally, it is considered unsuitable, as the process of brewing green tea is straightforward and less demanding. The ideal water temperature for Kung Fu tea is 100 degrees Celsius, while green tea does not require such high temperatures. Green tea can be used for Kung Fu tea brewing, but it is not very suitable because green tea brewing is relatively simple, whereas Kung Fu tea brewing involves more intricate procedures. Generally, it is considered unsuitable, as the process of brewing green tea is straightforward and less demanding. The ideal water temperature for Kung Fu tea is 100 degrees Celsius, while green tea does not require such high temperatures, which creates a conflict. Green Tea Brewing Techniques 1. Water Temperature: Generally recommended between 80°C to 85°C. If the exact temperature is difficult to gauge, you can boil the water (1-2L) and let it cool for 1 to 2 minutes. 2. Pouring Water: Use a hanging water method to pour along the side of the cup, avoiding direct impact on…

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…

Tea lovers often keep a good stock of tea at home. Some store their tea in the fridge, or even buy a small fridge specifically for this purpose. However, this is a common misconception – whether tea should be stored in the fridge depends on the type. Here are some basics about storing tea in the fridge. Green tea, yellow tea, and some oolong teas need to be refrigerated, while Pu'er, white tea, dark tea, black tea, and oolong teas with higher fermentation levels should be stored at room temperature and sealed. When storing these teas, it's important to prevent odors, dampness, ensure airtight conditions, and avoid light. If you plan to consume the tea within two months, simply store it in a cool place at room temperature. Green tea, yellow tea, and lightly fermented oolong teas need to be refrigerated. These teas have low fermentation levels or are unfermented, making them highly active and susceptible to environmental factors and oxidation, which can alter their quality. To maintain their flavor and aroma, they should be properly sealed and refrigerated. Which Teas Need Refrigeration? The main types of tea that benefit from fridge storage are green tea and lightly oxidized oolong…

After the onset of autumn, the body's physiological activities change in accordance with the natural environment. Particular attention should be paid to regulating clothing, diet, living conditions, and physical activity. Clothing refers to the principle of “spring covering and autumn cooling.” Although it gets cooler in autumn, do not rush to add more clothes; allow your body to adapt within reasonable limits. Living conditions should include a reasonable sleep schedule. During the autumn, when the air is clear and dry, it is advisable to go to bed early and rise early. It is not recommended to stay indoors all day or sleep with your head covered at night. Windows should be kept open to ensure good indoor ventilation. Physical activity means that autumn is the golden season for strengthening your body through exercise. This helps improve joint and blood circulation flexibility and enhances the body’s resistance to disease. Additionally, cold resistance training can help the body adapt to changing weather conditions. A healthy lifestyle includes one tea, two fruits, three porridges, four soups, five vegetables, six meats, seven grains, and eight medicinal foods. Let's follow this order, starting with the first chapter on drinking tea in autumn. Traditional Chinese medicine…

Traditionally processed oolong teas, such as Wuyi rock tea, Phoenix Dancong, and baked Tie Guan Yin, have good stability after roasting. They do not need to be stored in the refrigerator but can be kept in a cool, dry place instead. Oolong teas are generally safe to store at room temperature since they are fully fermented, and this has little impact on their quality. Dark teas, white teas, Pu'er teas, and aged teas, especially Pu'er, rely on aging for their drinking value. Storing these types of tea in the refrigerator could cause dampness issues and also reduce the activity of beneficial enzymes and bacteria within the tea. It is these enzymes and bacteria that contribute to the tea's flavor development over time. Refrigerating these teas would significantly affect their aging process. These types of teas are best stored at room temperature in a dark, well-ventilated, dry area away from strong odors. Storing them in the refrigerator could lead to mold growth. Should Green Tea Be Refrigerated? Green tea is unique because it is meant to be enjoyed for its fresh and crisp taste. Typically, we only drink green tea from the first flush (before the Ming festival). The tea oxidizes…

Zhu Ni teapots are suitable for brewing Taiwanese high mountain tea, Fujian Tie Guan Yin, and other lightly fermented, aroma-rich green teas. They enhance the aroma, produce a tight and smooth tea soup, and offer a strong aftertaste with a long-lasting finish! Dicao Qing teapots have broad applicability and are suitable for Pu'er, green tea, black tea, floral tea, and more. They are mild and elegant, allowing the tea's natural fragrance to shine. Over time, the pot color changes from brown to liver-like hues. Qing Shi Ni teapots are suitable for similar types of tea as Dicao Qing. They have a strong affinity for various teas.

To brew a perfect cup of tea, you need to know the "three elements" of the tea: the amount of tea leaves, water temperature, and brewing time. The brewing methods vary for each of the six major types of tea. If you don’t pay attention to these details, you may not bring out the best flavor of your tea, and it could end up tasting bitter and astringent. | Green Tea Water Temperature: 80-85°C. For high-quality green teas, use 75-80°C. Brewing Time: 10-30 seconds, with each subsequent infusion increasing slightly in duration. Amount of Tea Leaves: Method 1: Water-to-tea ratio ≈ 1:50. This means using 1 gram of tea for every 50-60 grams (or milliliters) of water. Method 2: Fill the teaware about one-third full with dry tea leaves. Green tea is typically brewed in a glass teapot; for example, a 300ml glass teapot would use 6 grams of dry tea. | Yellow Tea Water Temperature: 80-90°C. For delicate yellow bud teas, use 80°C water; other yellow teas can be brewed at temperatures above 90°C. Brewing Time: 20-30 seconds, with each subsequent infusion increasing slightly in duration. Amount of Tea Leaves: Yellow tea is similar to green tea but undergoes…

Drinking tea is beneficial to health, and the practice of drinking tea for health maintenance, a tradition that has been passed down for thousands of years. The key to using tea for health maintenance lies in mastering the best time to drink tea. Drinking the right tea at the right time can produce twice the result with half the effort. But what kind of tea should we drink, and when during the day is the best time to do so? Morning Tea After a whole night's rest, the body loses a lot of water, and the concentration of blood increases. Drinking a cup of light tea not only quickly replenishes the body's water needs but also cleanses the intestines and stomach. It can lower blood pressure, dilute the blood, and be good for health. It can also play a role in preventing and treating constipation. However, note that you should not drink strong tea in the morning. It should be lighter than usual. What Tea to Drink in the Morning It's better to drink black tea in the morning, as it can promote blood circulation in the body and remove coldness from the body, ensuring adequate blood supply to the…

Purple clay pots are jewels among tea wares, cherished for their unique breathability and ability to absorb tea aromas. However, not all teas are ideal for brewing in these pots. So, which teas are best suited for purple clay pots? Let’s find out together. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Varieties and Characteristics of Purple Clay Pots Purple clay pots come in many varieties, each with its own unique characteristics suitable for different types of tea. Commonly found purple clay pots include Zini (purple clay), Hongni (red clay), and Duan Ni (segmented clay). Zini (Purple Clay) Pots Zini pots are the most common type of purple clay pot, with a deep color and excellent breathability that can retain the aroma of tea well. They are suitable for brewing oolong tea, Pu-erh tea, and black tea, which are heavily fermented. Hongni (Red Clay) Pots Hongni pots have a brighter color and high iron content, making them ideal for brewing teas with rich aromas, such as oolong tea and Pu-erh tea. Although they have slightly less breathability than zini pots, they can enhance the aroma of the tea even better. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Duan Ni (Segmented Clay) Pots Duan…

Although tea is the second-most popular beverage in the world after water, only 2% of the tea produced and consumed is oolong tea – despite its abundance of health benefits! Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea made from Camellia sinensis leaves, the same plant used to make green tea and black tea. The characteristics of oolong tea fall between green and black tea because of its unique processing method. But what exactly is oolong tea? Why is it “between” green and black tea? Find your answers here: the history, flavor, differences with other types of tea, caffeine content, health benefits, brewing methods, and where to find the best ones. The history of oolong tea There are several stories about how oolong tea was discovered. First, the “tribute tea” theory. This theory tells us that the name “oolong tea” is a tribute to its predecessor, Dragon-Phoenix tea cakes, a tea famous during the Song Dynasty era (960-1279 CE). The name “oolong” was used to replace the old term, as loose-leaf tea became more common. Since the tea is dark, long, and curly, it is called wūlóng (literally means dark dragon) tea – now known as oolong tea. The second theory…

If you like drinking tea, there must be one thought that comes up in your mind after you finish drinking your cup of tea — can I reuse these tea leaves? Seems too good to waste! The short answer is YES, you can reuse tea leaves, especially loose leaf tea! Reuse, in tea’s context, is re-steep. Resteeping tea leaves is a common practice in China. By using the gaiwan with gong fu approach of brewing tea (the one with gaiwan!), teas can be steeped multiple times — from 6 to 8 times, or even more. This method plays a big role in resteeping tea because it combines a lot of tea leaves with small amounts of water, allowing the tea to not lose its flavor easily. Hence, it is believed that the more you can resteep your tea without losing the flavor, the better your tea! Another reason why resteeping tea is common in China is that there are some teas that may taste better after the first steep, like pu-erh and oolong tea. Some teas, like Tie Guan Yin oolong tea, are tightly curled and one steep will not be enough to uncurl the tea leaves. Other teas, like  Da…

For many people, nothing beats greeting the morning with a nice cup of tea. Its refreshing, clean taste evokes a feeling of calmness and mindfulness. For more than four millennia, tea has delighted, inspired, and satisfied countless drinkers in all corners of the world. Olivia Yang, the author of The Art of Drinking Tea, said that “the Chinese are, without any doubt, the right people to understand everything about tea.” For thousands of years, the Chinese have practiced and maintained the art of tea cultivation, preparation, and consumption. As tea is deeply ingrained in Chinese culture, it is best to learn about it from them. Keep reading to know more about the utterly rich Chinese tea culture. Traditional Chinese Tea: The Basics There are several main types of Chinese tea, each one with distinct characteristics. Though all tea came from the same plant source - Camellia sinensis - they can be easily referred to as green tea, yellow tea, white tea, oolong tea, black tea, and dark tea. Here’s a brief description of each tea. Green Tea When you hear the word "tea," green tea is probably what first comes to your mind. After all, this is not just the oldest…