White Tea

As the moon rises above the willows, the Qixi Festival arrives once more, with the Milky Way gently pouring down and starlight shimmering, illuminating a millennia-old love story.On this romantic night, tea is not just a beverage; it becomes a bridge connecting hearts, much like the magpie bridge in the ancient legend of the Cowherd and the Weaving Maid, allowing love to flow endlessly. White tea, elegant and refined, grows on mist-enveloped mountain peaks, drawing the essence of heaven and earth, carrying the spirit of the ages. It is not as fresh as green tea or as rich as black tea, but it has its own serenity and composure, much like the purest form of love—no need for grand words, only quiet companionship through the ordinary days, growing stronger with time. On the Qixi night, brew a pot of aged white tea, and in its amber-colored infusion lies the tenderness of time and the aroma of years gone by. Taking a sip, one can almost hear the gentle footsteps of time, leaving a subtle aftertaste in the mouth, much like the unspoken understanding and harmony between lovers. White tea tells its own story of how "companionship is the longest confession…

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…

Recently, aged white tea has been very popular. Many tea enthusiasts say that they brew several pots of aged white tea at home every day. After drinking it, they feel warm and comfortable, especially in their throats, which can be particularly soothing when dealing with a persistent cough after being ill. Why is aged white tea so popular in winter? There are probably three reasons: First, it has a unique color, aroma, and flavor: Over time, the aroma of aged white tea transforms from the fresh, floral notes of young tea to richer, more mature scents of dates, medicine, and lotus leaves, while its taste becomes more robust; Second, aged white tea has certain health benefits, helping to boost our immune system and prevent colds to some extent. This is based on the experiences shared by many tea enthusiasts. Third, aged white tea can be steeped, brewed, or boiled, making it perfect for the current trend of stove-top brewing that's sweeping across various platforms. However, because white tea undergoes transformation during storage, we should pay extra attention to how we store it. Otherwise, the aged white tea we've worked hard to preserve might end up as a pile of flavorless…

The eighth day of the twelfth lunar month is known as Laba Festival in China. As the saying goes, "Little children, don’t be greedy; once Laba has passed, Chinese New Year will soon follow." By this time, all agricultural work has been completed, and with the approach of the Spring Festival, the customs of Laba take on many festive colors. Soaking garlic in vinegar, eating Laba porridge, and enjoying a fragrant cup of tea are all part of these traditions. They not only help warm the body but also imbue the air with a strong sense of the upcoming New Year. What teas are suitable for drinking during this cold month? Black Tea (Red Tea) In the depths of winter, black tea is an excellent choice. There are many varieties of black tea in China, the most famous being Qimen black tea. The number of black tea enthusiasts in China is growing, and the range of products available is becoming increasingly diverse. Black tea is mild in nature and particularly suitable for consumption during the winter months. Aged White Tea Aged white tea is very suitable for brewing during the winter. In accordance with the natural laws of dormancy, it…

Over several hundred years, the family of white tea tree species has seen the addition of many new members. Do you know which species your white tea comes from?Theoretically, fresh leaves from any tea tree can be processed into different types of tea using various techniques. However, due to differences in species, some are better suited for specific types of tea. Traditional white tea requires a tea tree with abundant downy hairs, prominent white hairs, and high amino acid content. White tea made from such trees is covered in white hairs, with a pronounced hairy aroma and a fresh, refreshing taste.In the beginning, white tea was made from the fresh leaves of vegetable tea. Later, the range of tea tree species expanded, and varieties like Fuding Dahao, Fuding Dahao, Zhenghe Dahao, and Narcissus gradually entered the scene.Superior National Cultivars The most well-known are Hua Cha No. 1 (Fuding Dahao) and Hua Cha No. 2 (Fuding Dahao). These two species can be considered the two leading members of the white tea family, strong and at the peak of their popularity.Fuding Dahao is also known locally as "white-haired tea." It originated in Baiqiu Village, Nodding Town, Fuding. It is clonal, a small…

Tea lovers often keep a large amount of tea at home. Many people store their tea in the refrigerator, and some even purchase a small fridge specifically for this purpose. However, this is a misconception – whether or not to place tea in the refrigerator should be considered on a case-by-case basis. 1. Teas Suitable for Refrigeration Green tea, lightly fragrant Oolong tea, and dehumidified tea. Among the six major types of tea, green tea is the most prone to spoilage and requires extra attention during storage. You can place the tea in a sealed tea canister, then put it inside a sealed bag before refrigerating it. Lightly fragrant Tieguanyin and dehumidified Oolong, which have gained popularity, can also be stored in the refrigerator. Green tea, lightly fragrant Oolong tea, and dehumidified tea are suitable for refrigeration. 2. Teas Unsuitable for Refrigeration Dark tea, aged Tieguanyin, Pu'er tea, and white tea are not suitable for refrigeration due to their need for post-production transformation, especially Pu'er tea, where aging significantly affects its drinking value. Storing these teas in the refrigerator can lead to moisture issues. Additionally, in the low-temperature environment of the fridge, the activity of biological enzymes within the tea…

Many think that brewing green tea simply involves adding hot water, but there are actually specific techniques. When brewing green tea, should you put the leaves in first or pour the water first? Those who know about tea understand that green tea has specific requirements for water temperature. However, many tea enthusiasts tend to use the bottom placement method when brewing green tea. Some may not be familiar with this term. Today, let’s learn about the three placement methods and which one is best for commonly consumed green teas. The Three Placement Methods for Brewing Tea 1. The order of placing tea matters When brewing tea, do you put the leaves in first or pour the water first? Or do you pour some water, add the leaves, and then pour more water? These questions might seem trivial, but different types of green tea require different placement methods. 2. Top Placement Method: Pour water first, then add the tea, letting it slowly sink This method is suitable for heavier-bodied, bud-rich teas like Biluochun and Xinyang Maojian. Due to their weight, the leaves will naturally sink after being added to the water, gradually releasing their flavor components. The tea fuzz on the…

"Before the spring rains after Qingming, we pick the fragrant smoke with our hands. The tender green barely fills the baskets, and the clear and harmonious days easily turn to dusk." From Qingming to Guyu, it's a season of rejuvenation for all things, and also the busiest time for picking spring tea. The tea trees, which have accumulated their essence throughout the winter, transform the breath of spring into wisps of fragrance, as if countless flowers are blooming across the mountains. The scenery on Nino Mountain, known as a "famous mountain" for tea in Changning, is becoming increasingly verdant. In the mist-like green rows of tea bushes, it's common to see tea farmers wearing straw hats and carrying bamboo baskets, their fingers moving swiftly as they carefully pick fresh spring tea shoots. "Most of the tea on Nino Mountain was planted around 1986, when Changning was named one of the first four major high-quality tea base counties in China. The varieties are all seedlings of the Mengku large-leaf tea, transplanted and grown as a population. Located at the boundary where cool mountain areas and subtropical climates meet, creating a unique climate suitable for tea cultivation, this has resulted in its…

The weather is cold, and winter is a season where illnesses are more prevalent. Drinking tea can not only replenish fluids and reduce internal heat but also strengthen the body and promote health. Drinking more tea in winter can help eliminate fatigue, kill bacteria, relieve inflammation, and promote urination. White tea is also one of the most suitable types of tea to drink during this season. Why should you drink more white tea in winter? 1. White tea can prevent colds. The cold winter weather makes it easy to catch a cold if you're not careful, and white tea can help prevent colds. White tea has strong antibacterial properties, and using it to rinse your mouth can filter out viruses and prevent colds, as well as cavities and food poisoning. It can also lower blood sugar levels and high blood pressure. White tea is sweet and warm, containing abundant proteins and sugars that can enhance the body's resistance. Rinsing your mouth with white tea or drinking it directly can help prevent influenza. 2. White tea can warm the body and fight the cold. In the depths of winter, the body's yang energy weakens, and it requires more energy and nutrients.…

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…

In the height of summer, we've entered the dog days. The weather is both sultry and humid. When we take out some tea stored at home to tidy up, we often find that much of it has molded and can no longer be consumed – a great pity. Nowadays, more and more people enjoy tea, but many don't know the best methods for storing it. Some even keep their tea in basements, garages, or even in the refrigerator with food – all very incorrect practices. Tea leaves have strong hygroscopic and odor-absorbing properties, making them easily susceptible to absorbing moisture and odors from the air. This is especially true in the hot, humid weather of summer when they are more prone to microbial growth. How should you store tea at home? Most teas purchased by households come in cans or as loose tea. Since you won’t use it all at once, you’ll face the issue of storage. Here are some common household tea storage methods. Let’s learn them together. Sealed Bag and Foil Bag Storage Method Select bags with sealable closures designed for food, or professional sealable bags. Choose those made from thicker, higher-density materials and avoid using scented or…

White tea, often referred to as "one-year tea, three-year medicine, seven-year treasure." It embodies the principle of moderation in taste, featuring the floral fragrance of oolong tea, the sweet richness of black tea, the fresh aroma of green tea, and the medicinal scent and jujube fragrance of aged white tea. How should you brew it? Here are four methods for brewing white tea. To brew white tea well, first master these three key factors: the grade, age, and form of the tea. For new loose leaf white tea and Silver Needle, start at 85°C; adjust the water temperature by 3-5 degrees based on the coarseness of the leaves. When brewing new tea or tea buds, avoid pouring the water directly onto the leaves; instead, pour along the sides of the cup. For aged teas, compressed cakes, and bricks, boiling water can be used for brewing or cooking the tea. The Brewing Methods for White Tea: 1. Gaiwan Brewing Method for White Tea Suitable for: Silver Needle, White Peony, and new white tea. Tea-to-Water Ratio: 1:30. Water Temperature: 85-90°C. Steps: Warm the cups and utensils, add the tea, pour hot water along the edges of the gaiwan, after 10 seconds, quickly…

White tea can typically be boiled, and by doing so with clear water, the nutrients within the leaves are released, making them easier for the body to absorb. Drinking white tea can also help in managing blood pressure and sugar levels, so it is beneficial to consume it in moderation as part of your daily routine. Is White Tea Best Enjoyed Boiled? White tea is a slightly fermented tea and a traditional type of Chinese tea, rich in nutrients such as polyphenols and vitamins. Boiling white tea is relatively simple; take an appropriate amount of white tea leaves and place them in a glass container. Then, use clear water to brew and boil the leaves for about three minutes before drinking. Moderate consumption can promote blood circulation and help lower cholesterol levels in the blood, which is beneficial for controlling blood pressure. Additionally, white tea contains active enzymes that can aid in fat metabolism when consumed in moderation, helping with the breakdown of sugars and assisting in regulating blood sugar levels. It can also help with lowering blood sugar. Furthermore, white tea contains flavonoids, which can assist in eliminating free radicals from the body. However, it is recommended to drink…

A commonly used method to store white tea is the "three-layer packaging method," which involves preparing a cardboard box, an aluminum bag, and a plastic bag. First, take out the white tea and put the tea leaves into the aluminum bag, squeezing out the air and sealing it. Then place an outer layer of plastic bag over it and tie the bag’s opening securely. Take a five-layer corrugated cardboard box, put the tea inside, and seal it with tape. Finally, store the tea in a dry, cool room free from odors, keeping it off the floor and away from walls. White Tea Storage Methods 1. Hot Water Bottle Storage Method Hot water bottles are common tools with good airtightness and stable temperatures, making them ideal for storing white tea. To store white tea using a hot water bottle, simply place the tea leaves into a new hot water bottle and seal it. 2. Refrigerated Storage Method Storing tea in the refrigerator is a common method. Seal the tea in bags or tea cans and store them in the refrigerator, ideally at 5°C. For home storage, first, seal the white tea in a tin foil bag and then place it in…

Water pouring is the only step in tea brewing that requires complete manual control. The speed of pouring, the intensity of the water flow, the direction, height, and thickness of the water stream are all manually controlled but have a significant impact on the quality of the tea. Common methods of water pouring include: spiral pouring, circular pouring, single-point pouring on one side, and central point pouring. Common techniques for pouring water include: high pouring, high suspension, low pouring, and low suspension. Let’s take a look at these four methods and techniques to see how they work and what their characteristics are. The Four Methods of Water Pouring in Tea Brewing 01. Spiral Pouring This method ensures that the edges and the surface of the tea leaves in the gaiwan come into direct contact with the poured water, increasing the blend of tea and water at the moment of pouring. This pouring technique is suitable for black tea, green tea, and white tea. Or, when brewing later infusions where the flavor has become lighter, using spiral pouring can help the tea essence to release more quickly. 02. Circular Pouring As the name suggests, this involves pouring water in a circle…

Kneading is a very important step in the production process of Pu'er tea, following the initial steaming. Kneading involves the actions of "kneading" and "twisting," transforming the steamed leaves, which are close to their natural state, into a specific shape through either "hand" or "mechanical" methods. The purpose of this process is to break the cell walls and release the tea juices, allowing for the polymerization of tea polyphenols, catechins, and other active components, preparing the tea for later fermentation. Additionally, it helps to curl the loose leaves into strips, facilitating an even release of the tea's contents during brewing. The strength of the kneading, duration, and degree of cell wall rupture are closely related to the taste, aroma, and aging potential of the Pu'er tea. The Characteristics of Kneading in Pu'er Tea Among the six major types of Chinese teas, all except traditional white tea undergo a kneading process. However, in many types of tea, the kneading process is primarily for shaping, often using a "light kneading" approach, which is essentially completed without pressure and with very short kneading times. The goal is to achieve a high rate of leaf formation, low breakage, and maintain the original color of…

Chenpi, or tangerine peel, is widely used in daily life. It can be combined with various teas, adjust flavors in dishes, and even harmonize different medicines. In Guangdong Province, its importance is even more pronounced as it is commonly used for infusing water, making tea, and preparing soups. As the saying goes, “An ounce of chenpi is worth an ounce of gold.” When purchasing chenpi, do you know how to properly infuse it? After all, only by using the correct method can its full benefits be released, allowing us to better appreciate its taste. Here, we will share a few detailed methods for infusing chenpi, which are very simple: Infusing Tea Method For chenpi aged less than five years, this method is suitable. Once the water boils, rinse the tea utensils first to increase their temperature. Then place the chenpi into a lidded bowl and pour boiling water over it. The first infusion should last three minutes to allow the aroma of the chenpi to permeate the tea. The subsequent infusions can be for one minute each, and then 30 seconds thereafter. Remember to cover the bowl while infusing to retain the aroma and ensure a sweet and smooth flavor.…

Methods for brewing new white tea include: brewing with a white porcelain lidded bowl, brewing with a glass cup. For aged and old teas, there are more options available; in addition to the white porcelain lidded bowl and glass cup, you can also use a method of cooking the tea. Brewing Methods for White Tea: 1. Cold Brew Method for White Tea Suitable for: Silver Needle, White Peony. Water: Cold boiled water or mineral water Amount of tea: 1-3g, less than when brewing hot Steps: Place the white tea in mineral water and let it steep for 1-2 hours. Advantages: Clear and sweet taste, lighter than when served hot, but more natural than bottled tea drinks. Disadvantages: Difficult to bring out the true flavor of white tea, requires a longer time. 2. Lidded Bowl Brewing Method for White Tea Suitable for: Silver Needle, White Peony, new white tea Tea-to-water ratio: 1:30 Water temperature: 85-90°C Steps: Warm the cup and clean the utensils, add the tea, pour water along the edge of the lidded bowl, after 10 seconds, quickly pour out the infusion, increase by 5 seconds for each subsequent infusion, generally brewable about ten times. Advantages: The most common brewing…

This is a true conversation that took place between a tea maker with over a decade of experience and a connoisseur who has been storing white tea for the same amount of time, at a white tea factory. Eventually, a rapid moisture analyzer was used to test the controversial batch of white tea, revealing that its moisture content (the percentage of water in the tea leaves) had reached 6.4%. The tea maker's family sourced their tea leaves from a local core area and did a decent job with the white tea production process. Crucially, they never had trouble selling their tea each year, so he didn't have much of an awareness about storing white tea. The oldest teas they could find in the factory were no more than four to five years old, and there wasn't much of it.Why had the moisture content increased from less than 5% when the tea was first made to over 6% now? He couldn't figure it out and didn't seem too worried. In a thriving market, he didn't need to think too much about it.On the other hand, the connoisseur had started learning how to store white tea back in 2009 because he loved…

The tea of the Song Dynasty favored white, while the tea wares were revered for their black-glazed bowls, unique in history. Silver-threaded hare's fur, shimmering with brilliance; paper-cut decorations, vivid and lifelike; partridge splashed, with spots that change in light. The clear black and white contrast between the black-glazed bowl and the tea highlights the beauty of the foam. The Song Dynasty revered Daoism, and the white tea in black vessels embodied the principles of Yin and Yang. The Jian kiln, located in the area of Houjing and Chizhong Village, Shuigai Town, Jianyang County, Fujian Province, is renowned for its production of black porcelain. The Jian kiln was one of the major kilns during the Song Dynasty, initially established in the late Tang and Five Dynasties period, primarily producing celadon. By the Song Dynasty, a cluster of kilns emerged in Jianyang, with 99 long dragon kilns, producing a large quantity of black porcelain. Jian ware can be categorized into six main types based on the glaze patterns: Ujim (dark blue-black), hare's fur, oil spot, partridge, iridescent, and miscellaneous colors. Hare's Fur Bowl A hare's fur bowl features fine brownish-yellow or rust-colored thread-like streaks on a black glaze surface, resembling hare's…

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…

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…

White tea is best brewed with water at 80-85 degrees Celsius. As a slightly fermented tea, using moderately hot water can better activate the aroma and flavor of white tea. If boiling water (100 degrees Celsius) is used, it may damage the tea leaves to some extent, affecting both the taste and nutritional value of the tea. Therefore, it is recommended to use water heated to 80-85 degrees Celsius when brewing white tea. Brewing Temperature for New White Tea The ideal brewing temperature for new white tea is around 80 degrees Celsius, ensuring the freshness and crispness of the tea while not compromising its taste. If the water is too hot, it can destroy the vitamins in the tea leaves, reducing the nutritional value of the tea. The higher the water temperature, the stronger the taste of the tea infusion. Generally, the optimal brewing temperature for new white tea is around 80 degrees Celsius, which ensures the freshness and crispness of the tea without compromising its taste. If the water is too hot, it can destroy the vitamins in the tea leaves, reducing the nutritional value of the tea. Additionally, because the tea infusion color is darker, care should be…

Different teas serve different purposes for your body, so it's important to choose carefully. Here are some specific teas suitable for summer: 1 Flower Tea Flower tea is often regarded as a natural health drink and is very suitable for consumption in the summer. Drinking flower tea in summer can help cool you down and quench thirst. Additionally, it can aid digestion, improve complexion, treat colds, and relieve irritability. In summer, it's best to choose cooling and heat-relieving flower teas, but if you have a weak spleen and stomach, you should consume them in moderation or avoid them altogether. If you have a weak spleen and stomach and still want to drink tea, it's better to choose warmer or neutral flower teas. 2 Ginger Tea According to traditional Chinese medicine, even though we feel hot in summer, our bodies are actually in a state of being externally hot and internally cold. Many people like to stay in cool places and eat cold foods in summer, which can be quite damaging to the spleen and stomach, potentially causing stomach pain or diarrhea. Therefore, when deciding what to drink in summer, it's best to choose warming foods or teas to regulate the…