White Tea

Gathering around a teapot, having heartfelt conversations, and listening to the sound of boiling water can be an extremely cozy experience. However, many people still have misconceptions about cooking tea. Let's take a look at some things to avoid so that your tea drinking doesn't turn into an embarrassing situation. 01 Cooking Tea Directly in an Iron Teapot Generally, iron teapots have pores and are "breathable." When cooking tea leaves, iron reacts with tannic acid in the tea, forming ferric tannate, which is also a component of blue-black ink. As a result, the tea broth turns bluish-black. While not toxic, it can irritate the stomach lining, causing nausea, vomiting, and digestive issues. Suggestion: Iron teapots are suitable for boiling water, but for cooking tea leaves, clay or glass teapots are recommended for better taste. 02 Any Type of Tea Can Be Cooked There are generally two types of tea suitable for cooking. The first is heavily fermented teas like ripe Pu'er, Liu Bao tea, old tea heads, old tea leaves, aged white tea, and aged Tieguanyin. The second type is aged teas, such as aged white tea, aged Pu'er, aged Wuyi rock tea, and aged Tieguanyin. On the other hand,…

Wilting is a fundamental and critical process in tea processing that directly affects the aroma, taste, and final quality of the tea. This article will explain the wilting process in detail and explore its application in the production of different types of tea and its impact on their quality. Basic Principles of the Wilting Process Wilting, also known as “water walking,” refers to the process where freshly picked tea leaves are subjected to natural evaporation or assisted methods under specific environmental conditions. This allows the moisture content within the leaves to gradually decrease, making them softer and promoting changes in their internal chemical composition. This process aids in the formation of the tea's aroma and improvement of its flavor. Application of Wilting in Different Types of Tea The wilting process plays a crucial role in the production of various teas, but the specific methods and duration vary depending on the type of tea and the desired quality: Green Tea: The wilting process for green tea is typically shorter, aimed at gently promoting changes in the tea’s internal chemical composition to maintain its green color and fresh aroma. Black Tea: In black tea production, the wilting period is longer, which is…

White tea actually cools the body. It is a minimally processed type of tea. White tea's nature is inherently cool, and during its production, it is merely sun-dried or gently dried over low heat without undergoing any other processes like steaming or rolling. Therefore, its inherent properties remain intact, making it particularly effective for reducing fever and cooling the body. If you experience symptoms such as swollen gums or canker sores due to heatiness, drinking some white tea may help alleviate these issues. Does White Tea Cool the Body or Cause Heatiness? In the "Compendium of Materia Medica," Li Shizhen recorded that "white tea is cool in nature, similar to rhino horn." Traditional Chinese medicine has proven that white tea has a slightly warm, yet cool nature, and is effective for reducing fever, cooling the body, and eliminating dampness and toxins. For a long time, in white tea-producing areas like Fuding, a concoction of white tea and rock sugar has been used to cool the body, relieve dryness, treat toothaches, constipation, and discomfort from being out of one's element. Aged white tea is even used to treat illnesses like measles and fevers in children. Moreover, drinking white tea can alleviate…

Basic Introduction to Anji White TeaAnji County is located in the northern part of Zhejiang Province, where the mountains are beautiful and the waters flow green. It is a famous bamboo land in China. Anji White Tea is a rising star among the famous teas of Zhejiang. Although white tea is one of the six major types of tea, Anji White Tea is processed using green tea production techniques, thus belonging to the green tea category. Its whiteness comes from the young leaves of a specific type of tea tree that are entirely white. Nutritional Value1. Protects nerve cells and may help with brain injuries and dementia: Anji White Tea contains a complex of various amino acids and dibenamine in its tea lipids, which can protect the liver and stomach, promote the synthesis of coagulation factors in the liver, and have anti-aging effects.2. Regulates the concentration of neurotransmitters in the brain, helping to lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients: Anji White Tea is rich in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which can lower blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood sugar.3. Relieves nervous tension and has a calming effect;4. Enhances learning ability and memory: Anji White Tea contains trace elements such as manganese,…

Summer is a good time to expel the cold and dampness from your body. As temperatures rise, so does the humidity in the air. For those with high levels of dampness, this can be even more harmful. Do you know how to get rid of dampness? Here are some recommended teas for summer to help. Tea is not medicine, but it's a great health drink. Although tea is not medicine, different people with different constitutions should make different choices. For those with high levels of dampness, there should also be different considerations when choosing tea... What are the harms of having high levels of dampness? 1. When dampness meets cold, it becomes cold-dampness; when it meets heat, it becomes damp-heat; when it meets wind, it becomes wind-dampness. Under the skin, it causes obesity; 2. If dampness remains in the body and isn't eliminated, one may experience loose stools and unformed feces. The tongue may appear yellowish and greasy; 3. Those with high levels of dampness feel lethargic throughout the day, affecting digestive functions. They may feel heavy-headed, with limbs and waist feeling weighed down by something, making them reluctant to move; 4. Those with high levels of dampness tend to…

Brewing tea is an art that requires method. Even the finest tea cannot fully express its true flavor if brewed improperly. Only by following the correct brewing methods can one truly savor the authentic taste and enjoy a delicious cup of tea. So, how should white tea be brewed to bring out its best? How to Brew White Tea for Optimal Flavor? Techniques for Brewing White Tea! 1. Brewing Silver Needle: When brewing Silver Needle white tea, there are two key points to consider: First, the tea buds are long and delicate, so the water temperature should not be too high, around 90 degrees Celsius is ideal; second, this premium white tea is covered in fine white down, so when pouring hot water, avoid direct contact with the tea buds. Instead, pour the water along the side of the cup (or pot). This approach has two benefits: it protects the appearance of the tea buds and prevents the tea from becoming cloudy due to the release of too much down, which could affect the clarity and beauty of the tea's color. Although the Silver Needle tea leaves are slender and delicate, they are also plump and fleshy, allowing for a…

The floral-scented Bai Mudan tea is made from suitable raw materials for white tea production, processed through a combination of withering, shaking the green, stacking after merging sieves, baking, and sorting. The processing of floral-scented Bai Mudan tea mainly includes the following steps: 1. First combined withering: indoor natural withering, indoor heated withering, and sun withering are combined. Sun withering should be done during the morning or evening when the sunlight is weak. 2. Shaking the green: this is done once, shaking 40 to 60 times. 3. Second combined withering: it starts with indoor heated withering at a temperature of 15 to 25°C and relative humidity of 40% to 50%, lasting 3 to 6 hours. If the moisture content of the withered leaves reaches 18% to 22%, they can then be transferred to indoor natural withering, which lasts 2 to 5 hours to complete. 4. Stacking after merging sieves: after the second combined withering, the sieves are merged, and the tea is piled up to a thickness of 15 to 35 cm. The stacking process lasts 1 to 7 days. 5. Initial baking: at a temperature of 50 to 60°C, lasting 60 to 100 minutes. 6. Sorting: after the initial…

When storing tea, attention should be paid to avoiding light exposure, moisture, odors, and high temperatures. Exposure to sunlight can cause chlorophyll in the leaves to fade, darkening the color of the tea, so care should be taken to avoid light; in damp places, tea is prone to mold, so attention should be given to moisture control; tea has a strong adsorption capacity and can easily absorb odors from other objects, altering its aroma, so care should be taken to avoid odors; additionally, high temperatures can accelerate the degradation of tea, so it's important to avoid high temperatures. What Influences Should Be Noted During the Storage of Tea? I. Green Tea Storage Method: Refrigerate. If you need to store for a short period and want to drink it at any time, place green tea in the refrigerator and set the temperature to around 5°C. If the tea is unopened and you want to preserve it for over a year, then store it in the freezer. Best Time to Drink: Within 1-2 months after opening, or within one year if unopened. Points to Note: 1. You can use quicklime to absorb moisture from the tea, package it in an aluminum composite…

A large number of spring teas, accompanied by their rich aroma, are gradually coming to market. Many people enjoy drinking tea, not only because it replenishes fluids but also because it aids in digestion, cuts through grease, refreshes the mind, and helps dispel cold from the body. Did you know that there are many nuances to consider when selecting tea, and with just five points in mind, you can pick out good quality tea. How to Choose the Right Tea for You: 5 Tips to Help You Tell Good from Bad 1. Observe the Dry Tea Here, it is important to emphasize that beautiful dry tea does not necessarily mean good tea; however, if the dry tea looks of poor quality, it is likely not a high-quality tea. Generally speaking, good tea appears bright in color with uniform texture. While there may be differences in appearance due to grade, if the tea shows darkened colors, uneven texture, and an excessive amount of broken leaves, it is probably of average quality. 2. Observe the Tea Infusion When observing the tea infusion, the most critical aspect is its clarity. Different types of tea will have varying colors, but when selecting tea, the…

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…

Green tea is the most diverse category of tea in China, produced in many regions. Examples include Longjing and Anji White Tea from Zhejiang, Guyu Purple Bud from Huzhou; Biluochun and Yangxian Snow Bud from Jiangsu; Huangshan Maofeng and Taiping Houkui from Anhui, among others. Due to its long-standing tradition, nearly every tea-producing region in the country has its own renowned high-quality green tea. The production of green tea does not involve fermentation, which means that it retains more of its original nutrients, thus having prominent health benefits. However, green tea also has a stronger stimulating effect on the human body, and people who are prone to insomnia or have weak digestive systems should drink less. Which Kinds of Green Tea Have a Stronger Flavor? Longjing: The taste is fresh and mellow, with an elegant aroma. The tea liquor is bright green and clear, and the leaves at the bottom are delicate and intact. Anji White Tea: The taste is light and refreshing, leaving a lingering fragrance in the mouth and a sweet aftertaste. The aroma is fragrant and lasts for a long time. The leaves at the bottom are bright green and the buds can be clearly distinguished. Lushan…

Almost all pot enthusiasts are tea lovers. Because they enjoy drinking tea, they are particular about the utensils used for brewing, which is why they choose the brewing tool, the purple clay pot. However, to obtain a good tea-drinking experience, brewing is undoubtedly an important step, but storing the tea also has a significant impact. Many pot enthusiasts use purple clay pots for brewing and purple clay cans for storing tea, which shows how meticulous they are. But just as there are rules for nurturing a purple clay pot when using it for brewing, there are also several considerations when using a purple clay can for storing tea. Today, I will talk about how to store tea in a purple clay can, so your tea can be stored better. 1. Characteristics of Various Tea Cans Tea is a dried product that can absorb moisture and become damp, causing a change in quality. It has a strong affinity for water and odors, while its aroma is easily volatile. (Therefore, tea can also be used as a deodorizer, placed in the refrigerator to absorb odors.) If tea is not stored properly, it can deteriorate. Therefore, the type of container used and where…

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,…

Accompanied by the morning mist, Wang Wanguo and his fellow villagers weed and pick tea in the tea garden, with the verdant and towering Wuzhishan not far away, its main peak appearing and disappearing in the clouds and fog. The ecologically friendly organic tea garden in Wuzhishan's Shuiman Township. Photo by Niu Liangyu, People's Daily Online High mountains and cloud-covered mist produce fine tea. The Wuzhishan large-leaf tea hidden in Hainan's tropical rainforest has long been a local calling card and a vivid testament to Wuzhishan's practice of "industrialization of ecology" and "ecologization of industry." Focusing on ecology to grow good tea, how is the quality of this "ecological tea" from Wuzhishan? Recently, reporters went "into the mountains" to investigate. Core Competitiveness Lies in Ecology Following the winding mountain road, the reporters arrived at the Wu Zhai Organic Ecological Tea Garden in Wuzhishan's Shuiman Township. What caught the eye were tea plants, ground cover film on the soil, and insect traps between the tea plants. Tea farmers picking tea in an organic tea garden in Wuzhishan. Photo by Niu Liangyu, People's Daily Online "We are going 'organic.'" Wang Wanguo is a resident of Fanghao Village, Shuiman Township, Wuzhishan City, Hainan…

The shelf life of tea refers to its optimal tasting period. However, each type of tea has different appreciation angles; for green tea, it's all about its freshness and briskness. Therefore, the back of most green tea packaging will indicate a shelf life of 18 months. This means that, under normal circumstances, after 18 months, its freshness and briskness are virtually gone. However, this does not mean that drinking it after the expiration date is unsafe. On the contrary, if stored properly, the transformation of tea over the years may pleasantly surprise you. How Long is the Shelf Life of the Six Types of Tea? Green Tea (1 year) Green tea is not fermented, making it the freshest among teas, and it is prone to oxidation upon exposure to sunlight and air. The optimal tasting period for green tea is generally 12 months, which can be extended to 18 months with sealed refrigeration. Huang Tea (2 years) Huang tea undergoes an additional "yellowing" process compared to green tea, experiencing mild fermentation. It is a unique category that finds beauty in its yellow hue. Its optimal tasting period is 2 years. White Tea (Long-term Storage) White tea is neither stir-fried nor…

Summer is a good season to expel cold dampness from the body. As temperatures rise, the humidity in the air also increases. This can be more harmful for people with high levels of dampness. Do you know how to eliminate dampness? Here are some recommended teas for removing dampness during summer.Tea isn't medicine, but it's a great health drink. Although tea isn't medicine, different body types should choose different types of tea. For those with high levels of dampness, the choice of tea should also vary... What Are the Dangers of High Levels of Dampness? 1. When dampness in the body meets cold, it becomes cold-dampness; when it meets heat, it becomes damp-heat; and when it meets wind, it becomes wind-dampness. Under the skin, it leads to obesity. 2. If dampness remains in the body, one may experience loose stools and unformed feces regularly. The tongue will appear yellow with a greasy coating. 3. People with high levels of dampness feel lethargic all day, which affects their digestive function. They feel heavy in their head, limbs, and waist, as if something is wrapping around their body, making them lazy to move. 4. Those with high levels of dampness tend to…

Photography by Donghua Huang China Tea Capital - Anxi Upon entering the China Tea Capital in Anxi, one is greeted by rows of tea shops, the air filled with the aroma of tea, and a dazzling array of teas including Tieguanyin, Dahongpao, Pu'er, Longjing, white tea, dark tea, and more—making it a true "Capital of a Hundred Teas Trade." Anxi, the birthplace of Chinese Oolong tea and the origin of the world-famous Tieguanyin, has leveraged its strengths to develop its tea industry, setting national records for tea plantation area, tea production, and per capita tea income, shedding its title as the "largest state-designated impoverished county." Photography by Guoping Chen However, this major tea-producing county once lacked a large-scale trading market, preventing farmers from directly connecting with domestic and overseas buyers, making it difficult to sell their tea. Photography by Donghua Huang In 2000, with the assistance of the provincial government, Anxi County raised 120 million RMB through auctions and leases, primarily from domestic and overseas sources, to build the China Tea Capital – Anxi National Tea Wholesale Market. After the market was established, transactions became active, and farmers' incomes increased. Photography by Ying Lin On the evening of October 15,…

Tea is one of the world's three major beverages. In addition to its fresh and fragrant taste, the rich substances it contains are also one of the reasons people enjoy drinking tea. As is well known, tea is rich in polyphenols. Polyphenols are antioxidants with excellent antioxidant functions that can eliminate harmful free radicals, fight aging, resist radiation, and have antibacterial properties. But does drinking tea regularly really slow down the process of brain aging? Chinese scholars provide the answer. Addressing existing issues, they conducted extensive data analysis to arrive at more reliable conclusions. On November 21, 2023, a research paper titled "Tea consumption and attenuation of biological aging: A longitudinal analysis from two cohort studies" by Professor Zhao Xing's team from the School of Public Health, West China Hospital, Sichuan University was published online in the prestigious international journal "The Lancet Regional Health-Western Pacific" (IF=7.1). The results show that regularly drinking tea can slow down the aging process, and drinking about 3 cups of tea or 6-8 grams of tea leaves per day may provide the most significant anti-aging effects. In this study, there were 13,929 participants, including 7,931 participants aged 30-79 from the China Multi-Ethnic Cohort (CMEC) and…

Basic Introduction to Huangshan White TeaHuangshan White Tea, also known as Huizhou White Tea, is produced in the Phoenix Bay of Qingshan Village, Fugang Town, She County, and Wugongling Village, Huantian Township, and Tiantang Village around Mount Huang, Anhui Province. It has been known since the Song Dynasty and was favored by Emperor Huizong of Song, becoming a tribute tea that enjoyed great popularity at the time. Since 2008, with the concern and support of various departments in Anhui Province and the continuous efforts of local tea brokers, the selection, propagation, demonstration planting, and large-scale promotion of Huangshan White Tea have been accelerated, and brand building is being strengthened. The "Ganbaixiang" brand Huangshan White Tea produced by the Huangshan Ganbaixiang White Tea Ecological Park won the Grand Gold Prize in the "Zhongcha Cup" competition in 2009. Huangshan White Tea now has a certain market presence and recognition in cities such as Shanghai, Hefei, Beijing, Suzhou, and more. As an extraordinary addition to the tea industry, the fragrance of Huangshan White Tea will continue to be cherished.In 2009, samples of the "Ganbaixiang" brand Huangshan White Tea were sent for testing at the China Agricultural Products Testing Center. The results showed that…

Bai Mudan tea, as a premium variety of Chinese white tea, is renowned for its unique flavor and health benefits. The correct brewing method not only maximally showcases its aroma and taste but also preserves its rich nutritional content. Today, we will take an in-depth look at the brewing time and techniques for Bai Mudan tea. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Characteristics of Bai Mudan Tea Bai Mudan tea originates from Fujian Province. The tea leaves consist of two leaves and a bud, with green leaves and silver-white buds, resembling a blooming peony flower, hence the name "Bai Mudan." The tea-making process is simple, mainly involving natural withering and slight fermentation, preserving the natural form and nutritional components of the leaves. Basic Steps for Brewing Bai Mudan Tea To enjoy the best taste of Bai Mudan tea, brewing time and water temperature are crucial. Here are the detailed steps: Prepare the Teaware Bai Mudan tea is suitable for glass cups or transparent covered bowls, allowing you to appreciate the beautiful unfolding of the leaves in the water. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Select Water Quality Pure or mineral water is recommended to avoid the impact of chlorine and…

In recent years, Duyun City has thoroughly implemented the important instructions of President Xi Jinping on "promoting the Duyun Maojian brand" and the concept of integrating tea culture, tea industry, and tea technology (the "three teas"). By focusing on Duyun Maojian as its core industry, the city has adopted a comprehensive approach that includes year-round harvesting, full utilization of the tea plant, and development of the entire industrial chain. This approach focuses on infrastructure construction, cultivation of market entities, marketing strategies, and brand promotion. As a result, sales and the reputation of Duyun Maojian tea have steadily increased each year. Strengthening Production Foundations and Enhancing Raw Materials Focusing on key tea-producing areas such as Tuan Mountain, Snail Shell Mountain, Doupeng Mountain, and Guilan Mountain, a total of 50,000 mu of tea gardens have been designated. The city has integrated efforts from various levels of government, enterprises, and farmers to rehabilitate neglected tea gardens, replant in aging tea gardens, and improve those already in production. A total of 71,600 mu of tea gardens have been managed, leading to a significant increase in tea yield year after year. Based on the principle of connecting points and maximizing service radius, 35 tea industry…

The Winter Solstice is the longest night of the year in our country and also the day when yin energy is at its peak. After the Winter Solstice, sunlight gradually increases, yin energy slowly decreases, and the daytime becomes progressively longer. Therefore, the Winter Solstice is a very special day. It is an important solar term in the Chinese lunar calendar and a traditional Chinese festival, commonly known as "Winter Festival," "Festival of the Longest Night," and "Sub New Year," among others. In ancient China, great importance was placed on the Winter Solstice, which was considered a significant holiday, with the most emphasis on winter tonics. Thus, many people would eat and drink well on this day. People believe that after the Winter Solstice, daylight hours become longer each day, yang energy begins to rise, marking the start of a new seasonal cycle and a lucky day that should be celebrated. Winter Solstice Health Preservation Since "Qi begins at the Winter Solstice," from winter onwards, vital activities transition from flourishing to waning and from dynamic to static. Scientific health preservation can help ensure vigorous vitality while preventing premature aging, contributing to longevity. During the Winter Solstice period, your diet should…

Aged white tea was not well known to many in the past, but now it has become a highly sought-after tea among connoisseurs. White tea, without rolling or stir-frying, transforms from new to aged over time, with time serving as the best witness. Often, guests ask how to distinguish an aged white tea. We generally describe a high-quality aged white tea using the terms “aromatic, sweet, rich, thick, and smooth,” which can be felt through its thickness, smoothness, moistness, sweetness, purity, and aroma. 1. Full Thickness The thickness of the tea soup is different from its concentration. The thickness of aged white tea is related to its texture, giving a very comfortable feeling – when the tea soup slides into your mouth, you feel a rich and viscous sensation, which is the thickness of aged white tea. When the tea soup has a certain strength, there are more substances dissolved in the water, which will manifest in this way in terms of taste. 2. Silky Smoothness Often, a very smooth aged white tea leaves a feeling as if "a layer of oil" has been left behind after drinking, similar to drinking soy milk or rice gruel. The more full-bodied the…

Drinking tea is primarily about ingesting the nutrients in the leaves, but its rich and dynamic flavors have captivated many. However, even though they are all teas, the sensations they produce can vary greatly; some are mild, while others can instantly invigorate the senses. A tea with excellent mouthfeel manifests itself in various aspects, such as freshness, body, astringency, and balance. Today, we will focus on one crucial aspect—the “concentration”—to evaluate the infusion of a tea. How can you enjoy a cup of tea with the perfect concentration? Let’s use white tea as an example. 01First, it's important to clarify that there are two different interpretations of the term "concentration" when it comes to white tea infusions: The first interpretation is conceptual: the concentration of the tea infusion is the amount of soluble substances present in a given volume of tea. The more soluble substances released, the more concentrated the tea. The second interpretation is based on the taster’s subjective experience: the stronger the taste sensation, the more concentrated the tea is perceived to be. If someone says, “the more bitter and astringent the tea, the higher its concentration,” this would align more with the second interpretation. However, the primary…