Winter

Puer tea has the characteristic of becoming more fragrant with age, and its true value is best realized during post-fermentation transformation. This is why aged Puer teas are highly favored. What are the precautions for collecting Puer tea? Puer Tea Collection Precautions Firstly, some people blindly pursue Puer teas that are 30 to 50 years old, even seeking rare aromas like camphor or lotus. In reality, Puer teas over 20 years old are already quite scarce, and those over 30 to 40 years old are exceedingly rare. Some so-called "aged teas" sold on the market for hundreds of yuan are actually produced by merchants using teas that are only one to two years (or even a few months) old, compressed at a cost of just tens of yuan. Secondly, many believe that they can make substantial profits from collecting and aging Puer tea. However, there are significant challenges in personally collecting Puer tea at home. The aging process of Puer tea is influenced by factors such as time, temperature, air, humidity, and environment. Different storage environments and temperatures can result in significant differences in the quality of the tea. One characteristic of tea is its ability to absorb odors; therefore,…

I. Poor Quality Manifestations The main manifestations of poor quality in albino tea include overgrowth of new shoots, distortion of buds and leaves, hindered recovery to green, and physiological disorders. 1. Overgrowth of New Shoots Overgrowth is the mildest manifestation of poor quality. When new shoots develop to have two or three leaves, they no longer produce new leaves but instead show a significant increase in stem length. The length of a one-bud-two-or-three-leaves shoot can reach over 10 cm, sometimes even exceeding 15 cm. These buds and leaves are well-albino, but due to their excessive length, they are unsuitable for flat or strip-shaped tea processing. However, there is still room for processing into coiled or curled teas. This phenomenon is more likely to occur in leaf-white type albino teas. Morphology of Overgrown Albino Shoots 2. Distortion of Buds and Leaves Distortion primarily occurs in tea buds that sprout later during lower temperatures. It is characterized by hooked bud shapes, hardened green stems, long and slender leaves resembling willow leaves, twisted leaf surfaces with asymmetric veins, irregular leaf margins, and snow-white coloration that is hard and thin. These buds and leaves cannot be processed into normal fresh leaf shapes, and the…

Impacted by a moderate-strength El Niño event, and superimposed on the backdrop of global warming, the global average temperature in 2023 may break the record for the warmest year set in 2016. It is expected that temperatures in most regions of China will be close to or higher than the long-term average this winter through to next spring, but with active cold air phases. Precipitation in southern regions is expected to be above normal, increasing the risk of compound meteorological disasters. Given these complex climate changes, timely management of tea gardens during winter can help them safely overwinter and lay a foundation for high-quality tea production and increased income for tea farmers in the coming year. So how should we manage tea gardens in winter? Follow along as we look at the winter and spring tea garden management technical guidelines developed jointly by the Department of Plant Industry Management of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the National Agricultural Technology Extension Service Center, and the Expert Advisory Group for Tea of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. 1. Disaster Prevention 1.1 Preventing Frost Damage Monitor weather forecasts closely. Before a cold wave, implement frost protection measures such as…

"Throughout history, poets have been tea connoisseurs, toasting their friends with a cup of clear tea." In China's thousands of years of history, the humble tea leaf has played an indispensable role. Among the seven refined pursuits of life—music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, wine, and tea—one cannot do without tea! The tea mountains are filled with verdant green after a whole winter of rest and accumulation. It seems that the fragrance of tea wafts from the tenderest and most vibrant branches among the leaves, its subtle aroma enchanting and intoxicating. Spring breezes are delightful, but nothing compares to sipping a cup of spring tea, lost in its floral splendor. What is Pre-Ming Tea? "Pre-Ming Tea" and "Pre-Rain Tea" are terms used in the Jiangnan tea region along the Yangtze River to refer to different stages of spring tea based on seasonal divisions. Due to the climate in the Jiangnan area, some early-emerging tea varieties begin sprouting around the Awakening of Insects and Spring Equinox. Thus, tea harvested before the Qingming Festival is called "Pre-Ming Tea." The appeal of "Pre-Ming Tea" has always been due to its high quality and relative scarcity. Its excellence lies in the tenderness of its buds…

Black tea and milk can indeed be enjoyed together—think of the classic combination in milk tea. Some people say that milk should not be consumed with tea, as the calcium in milk can bind with oxalic acid in the tea, making it unabsorbable. This theory doesn’t hold up. Compared to vegetables, tea is not a major source of oxalic acid. A teabag contains 4-6 mg of oxalic acid per gram, and each molecule of oxalic acid can bind with two calcium ions. The molecular weight of oxalic acid and the atomic weight of two calcium ions are roughly in a 1:1 ratio. Brewing a cup of tea typically requires 1-2 grams of tea (for most people), which would contain no more than 12 mg of oxalic acid, resulting in a loss of only 12 mg of calcium. However, half a cup of milk (100 grams) contains 100-120 mg of calcium, so even if 12 mg were lost, it would only be one-tenth of the total, not something to worry about, and certainly not leading to osteoporosis. Can I Add Milk Directly to Black Tea? Milk can be added directly to black tea. Milk is rich in protein, calcium, and other…

Slight Cold, the twenty-third solar term of the year. From today onwards, we enter the coldest period of the year. Slight Cold marks the lowest temperatures, with only a few historical instances where Great Cold was colder than Slight Cold. Now that it's cold, brewing tea is probably what tea lovers look forward to every autumn and winter. In the freezing cold, gathering around a stove to brew tea with a few friends, whether discussing poetry and philosophy or not, the sound of boiling water and swirling tea leaves brings out the words that float from the teapot mouth. These are the words brewed by the tea maker all winter long. A gentle fire burns away to bring forth the next spring. Drinking tea, regardless of social status or wealth, is always part of people's leisure lives. Drinking Tea Selecting the right tea to drink should be based on the season and environment. Warming and heat-repelling fermented teas are typically black tea, dark tea, ripe Pu'er, Liubao tea, and aged white tea. Warming and Heat-Repelling Fermented Teas As a fully fermented tea, black tea undergoes enzymatic oxidation due to the action of oxidase on tea polyphenols, converting much of it…

Once Laba arrives, the New Year isn't far behind. This day was traditionally a time for ancient people to honor their ancestors and deities and pray for a bountiful harvest and good fortune. Ancient customs such as drinking Laba porridge and soaking garlic in vinegar are still widely practiced today. After Laba, it's the New Year Laba 2022/12/30 Today is Laba There’s a saying: On the seventh and eighth days of the twelfth lunar month, your jaw can freeze off. The weather during Laba remains bitterly cold, so it's important to stay protected from the wind and keep warm. A cup of hot, fragrant tea not only helps warm the body but also boosts immunity. So, what kind of tea is suitable for Laba Festival? Ripe Pu'er Ripe Pu'er has a sweet and warm nature, promoting yang energy, generating warmth, and warming the abdomen. In winter, when the weather is dry and cold, drinking ripe Pu'er regularly can warm the stomach and intestines, regulate internal circulation, and enhance the body's resistance. Modern research confirms that ripe Pu'er is particularly effective for nourishing and protecting the stomach, making it suitable for those who are weak or older. In the depths of…

Those who love tea know that drinking raw Pu'er tea is good for health, but do you know how to drink it correctly? Below is an introduction on the proper way to consume raw Pu'er tea. 1. Many women hope to lose weight by drinking Pu'er tea. If you want to lose weight, remember to drink raw Pu'er tea half an hour after a meal. This is because after eating oily food, Pu'er tea can help eliminate the grease and promptly remove excess fat from your body. 2. Drinking raw Pu'er tea half an hour after a meal is most suitable; drinking it before a meal is not recommended as tannins in the tea can cause stones. However, if your digestion is good, you can drink it half an hour after eating. 3. Pu'er tea becomes more fragrant and better tasting with age. For some new raw Pu'er teas, they taste better after being stored for one or two years compared to drinking them immediately. However, it's important to store them under appropriate conditions to achieve the "better with age" effect. 4. Raw Pu'er tea has a cooling nature and is more suitable to drink during summer, providing a cooling…

Never keep the tea sealed all the time; airtight storage is fatal to the transformation of the tea. It's important to emphasize "sealed," but it also needs appropriate ventilation. For example, if the weather clears up after being sealed for some time, we can open the self-sealing bag to ventilate after one or two clear days, and then seal it again after 7-8 hours. Once the rainy season has passed and humidity decreases, we can open the self-sealing bag and store the tea naturally. Puer tea must not be stored airtight all the time. Puer tea cannot be stored airtight, and the warehouse where the tea is stored needs appropriate ventilation. It's essential to keep the room clean and not to store the tea with other objects that have a strong smell, as Puer tea is highly absorbent and can easily pick up odors over time. The best way to store Puer tea is in a purple clay jar, not in airtight glass containers. The method of storing Puer tea is simple: just place the tea in a cool, ventilated area without any strange smells. Generally, avoid direct sunlight, do not store it in the refrigerator, do not place it…

Pu'er tea values its vintage, and many enthusiasts are passionate about collecting and drinking aged teas. When it comes to the vintage of Pu'er tea, storage is a natural topic of discussion. Besides raw materials and processing techniques, proper storage is crucial in determining the quality of Pu'er tea, ensuring it improves with age. Some tea merchants can establish professional facilities to store Pu'er tea, controlling factors such as humidity and temperature to ensure optimal aging conditions. However, for most merchants and enthusiasts, such professional storage is not feasible, and they must rely on natural conditions. Under these circumstances, the transformation and quality of Pu'er tea are largely determined by the natural climate. Natural storage of Pu'er tea essentially means dry storage. By "dry storage," we mean a clean and relatively dry environment. Cleanliness is the priority, with moderate dryness! The aging process of Pu'er tea requires both humidity and temperature. Extensive practice and scientific research have shown that the transformation of Pu'er tea involves enzymatic reactions and microbial fermentation, leading to changes in taste. Microorganisms, referred to as beneficial bacteria, play a key role in this transformation. These beneficial bacteria and enzymatic reactions thrive best at temperatures around 20°C…

Pu'er tea is produced using two methods: artificial heap fermentation (ripe tea) and natural fermentation (raw tea). Artificial fermentation is a modern tea-making technique invented in Yunnan, involving the rapid fermentation of sun-dried green tea through heap fermentation, followed by steaming and pressing into solid shapes or left loose. Natural fermentation is a traditional method that involves steaming and pressing sun-dried green tea into solid shapes to preserve its aging potential. Pu'er Ripe Tea: Heap Fermentation Heap fermentation is a process used in making Pu'er ripe tea and is critical in determining the quality of the tea. A certain amount of sun-dried green tea is piled up to maintain a stable temperature within the pile, then the piled tea is moistened to initiate fermentation. The height of the heap can be adjusted as needed, usually reaching around one meter. As fermentation begins, the pile needs to be turned to manage temperature and fermentation conditions. Each master has their own judgment, but the core principle is to create an environment conducive to the activity of microorganisms in the tea while inhibiting the growth of unwanted bacteria, ensuring even and smooth fermentation. During turning, if moisture levels are insufficient, they need to…

01Hong Kong Storage (HK)When it comes to Hong Kong storage, many Pu'er tea enthusiasts and merchants often equate it with damp storage. Damp storage refers to the aging process being somewhat out of control due to excessive humidity or light mold and spoilage. However, Hong Kong storage is simply a term and does not necessarily mean damp storage. The term only represents a concept of storage. Similarly, many tea enthusiasts in the north misunderstand Guangdong storage, assuming it has a storeroom flavor. It's important to emphasize that most of the high-priced old teas, including those from the mark-level and imprint-level categories, have been stored in Hong Kong. This has contributed a large number of quality aged teas. Decades of accumulated experience and techniques in storage have also created a unique quality of aged teas from Hong Kong storage that is difficult for other storages to replicate. This is very much worth learning from by Pu'er tea merchants. Early Hong Kong storage typically had two types: ground storage and dry storage. Ground storage was natural storage, building warehouses. It is said that when Hong Kong tea merchants built tea warehouses, they had specific requirements, choosing locations on the hillside facing southeast,…

Affecting a moderate-strength El Niño event and superimposed on the backdrop of global warming, the average global temperature in 2023 may break the record for the warmest year set in 2016. It is expected that most regions in China will have temperatures similar to or higher than the long-term average this winter through next spring, but with active cold air phases. Precipitation in southern regions will be above normal, increasing the risk of compound meteorological disasters. In response to complex climate changes, timely management of tea gardens during winter can help ensure their safe overwintering and lay the groundwork for high-quality and high-yield tea production and increased income for tea farmers in the coming year. So how can we properly manage tea gardens in winter? Follow along as we explore the winter-spring tea garden management guidelines developed by the Department of Plant Industry Management of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, in collaboration with the National Agricultural Technology Extension Service Center and the Expert Advisory Group on Tea of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. 1. Disaster Prevention 1.1 Freeze Prevention Closely monitor weather forecasts and implement protective measures such as mulching between rows and covering the canopy…

How long is the shelf life of tea? How to store tea? Tea has a certain shelf life, so when purchasing, it's important to check the date. If buying loose tea, pay even more attention to its quality. Of course, proper storage later on is also very important; it should be placed in a well-ventilated, shaded, and dry area. Otherwise, even if it hasn't expired, the tea may become undrinkable due to spoilage. As a food product meant for consumption, tea naturally has a shelf life. This is indisputable, but different types of tea have varying shelf lives depending on their production methods and storage conditions. Green Tea When drinking green tea, freshness is key, so new tea can typically be consumed after being stored for half a month or a month. Green tea, being unfermented, has higher storage requirements. If not stored properly, it can turn yellow, significantly reducing its aroma and flavor. The shelf life of green tea is the shortest because it is not fermented and requires higher storage standards. Generally, at room temperature, the shelf life is about 1 year. If improperly stored, it may begin to wither and lose flavor within 8 to 9 months.…

Spring brings warmth, and all things come back to life. After a winter of dormancy, tea trees sprout fresh green buds, and spring tea takes center stage. However, newly harvested tea still carries some "fiery" and "green" flavors, making it slightly astringent. If the new tea is left for a period to naturally age, its taste will become even more delightful. For Puer tea, which is renowned for getting better with age, the storage process is crucial as long as the raw materials and production methods are sound. Storage Methods for Puer Spring Tea Maintain Dryness: Puer spring tea should be stored in a dry environment to avoid dampness. Desiccants or dehumidifiers can be used to absorb moisture from the air. Avoid Direct Sunlight: Puer spring tea should be kept in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause the loss of nutrients in the tea, affecting its quality and taste. Sealed Storage: Puer spring tea should be stored in sealed containers to prevent air exposure. Sealed bags or jars can be used to store the tea. Avoid Odd Odors: Puer spring tea should be stored in a clean area free from any odors. Use sealed bags…

Recently, there has been frequent rainfall in South China, posing a challenge for storing Pu'er tea. Proper handling can lead to better transformation of the tea, while improper handling can cause issues such as mold. Storage has become a challenge, as different regions have varying climates, so is there a difference in storage methods? Don't worry, after reading this article, you will find answers to these questions. The Four Factors Affecting Pu'er Tea Storage When the same Pu'er tea is stored in different environments, the final aged quality will vary. The four factors that significantly influence the quality of Pu'er tea storage are "temperature," "humidity," "light protection," and "air." These play the most significant role in the transformation process of Pu'er tea during storage. 1. Temperature: Temperature plays a crucial role in the transformation of Pu'er tea. Excessively high temperatures can cause the tea to develop off-flavors; in excessively low temperatures, the transformation process slows down or even stops. Therefore, a relatively suitable temperature is essential for storing Pu'er tea. The temperature for storing Pu'er tea should not be too high or too low, and it is recommended to maintain it around 25°C ± 3°C. 2. Humidity: Humidity is also…

As spring returns to the earth, early spring green tea is being harvested in many places, and tea lovers can't wait to buy and taste the new batches. So why is early spring green tea considered good? 1. As temperatures gradually rise in spring, rainfall is relatively abundant. Additionally, after a period of rest during winter, tea plants produce lush shoots with vibrant green color, soft leaves, and a rich content of natural compounds. 2. With relatively low spring temperatures, there's an increased synthesis and accumulation of nitrogen-containing compounds. At the beginning of spring, amino acids gather in large quantities at the tips of young shoots, which results in a strong aroma and fresh, pleasant taste that also offers health benefits. 3. The low temperatures in spring slow down metabolism and reduce the presence of tea polyphenols, anthocyanins, and alcohols, aldehydes, and acids, thus making the tea less bitter. 4. Due to the low temperatures and fewer pests and diseases, farmers generally do not use pesticides on early spring teas, ensuring they are minimally contaminated with chemicals. While early spring tea is excellent, please be aware of the following precautions: 1. Although early spring tea is delicious, don't rush to…

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…

Pu'er tea is known for becoming more fragrant with age, and enthusiasts often store and collect Pu'er teas they enjoy. However, improper storage can easily lead to moldy or flavor-deteriorated cakes. Here are four key storage tips recommended by ChaYouWang: 1. Circulating Air. Tea leaves are rich in microorganisms, and circulating air contains ample oxygen, which aids their proliferation and accelerates the transformation of the tea. However, hanging Pu'er tea in a place like a balcony can disperse its aroma, making it taste bland when brewed. Therefore, there should be moderate air circulation, but not too much exposure to wind. Additionally, ensure that the surrounding environment does not have any odors, as these can affect the natural scent of the tea. 2. Stable Temperature. The temperature at which Pu'er tea is stored should generally match room temperature, with 20-30 degrees Celsius being ideal. Temperatures that are too high can accelerate fermentation and cause the tea to become sour. Furthermore, during spring, summer, and autumn, changes in the tea will occur faster than in winter. Store the tea away from direct sunlight in a cool place. 3. Appropriate Humidity. The storage conditions for Pu'er tea should include some moisture, as a…

Due to the frequent temperature changes in spring, various physiological functions of the human body tend to decline, and resistance weakens, making it easier for the body to be attacked by viruses. Here are some teas that can help maintain health. Black Tea 1. Keep Warm and Protect the Stomach The winter climate is in a low humidity state, and the human body is inevitably invaded by dampness and cold, causing discomfort in the stomach. Black tea has a sweet and gentle nature, nourishing the body's yang energy, enhancing its ability to resist the cold, and having the benefits of warming and protecting the stomach. 2. Prevent Cardiovascular Diseases and Protect Elderly Health Winter is a high-risk period for heart disease and stroke, with cardiovascular activity weakened due to factors such as temperature, which can trigger cardiovascular diseases. American medical research has found that heart disease patients who drink four cups of black tea daily see their blood vessel dilation increase from 6% to 10%. After brewing, 70% of potassium in black tea dissolves in the tea water, which helps enhance cardiac circulation. In the cold winter, the elderly can drink more black tea to combat the cold and prevent…

In order to effectively ensure the safe overwintering of tea plants and the high-quality production of Guyu tea next year, on December 19, Professor Ding Zhaotang, a Taishan Scholar and Chief Expert of the Provincial Tea Industry Technology System, led his team to Feixian County to conduct a survey on winter tea garden management and cold resistance technology trials and demonstrations. Experts from the Tea Research Institute of Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Liaocheng University, Shandong Agricultural University, the Municipal Agricultural Technology Center, and the Feixian Fruit and Tea Service Center, as well as technical personnel from tea companies, totaling more than 20 people, participated. The winter management of tea gardens is an important part of annual tea production and is also key to increasing the yield of spring tea and improving the quality of fresh leaves. The Provincial Tea Industry Technology System continues to increase its research efforts on winter tea garden management. Chief Expert Ding Zhaotang's team surveyed the basic situation of winter management, ecological environment, and overwintering of tea plants at the tea gardens of Shandong Chunxi Tea Co., Ltd. They analyzed and discussed factors that might cause frost damage in the tea gardens…

Wuyi Rock Tea is a traditional Chinese tea renowned for its unique rock aroma and flavor, growing in the crevices of rocks. It is a semi-fermented green tea, with Dahongpao being one of its famous varieties. This article outlines the basic operational techniques and key points of each step in the refining process of Wuyi Rock Tea, aiming to provide guidance for production practice. Refining Techniques for Wuyi Rock Tea The refining of Wuyi Rock Tea involves processing raw tea into finished tea. The primary focus is to remove stems, fragments, and foreign matter, improve the uniformity and purity of the tea's appearance, and enhance its quality. The refining process comprises 13 steps: grading and sorting, preliminary sorting, sifting, cutting and shaping, winnowing (air selection), secondary sorting, blending, baking, cooling, packing (into boxes or barrels), storage, blending, additional baking, and packaging. Flow Chart of Wuyi Rock Tea Refining Process Grading and Sorting Grading and sorting are primarily for preparing raw tea for blending. Based on sensory evaluation results using the national standard samples or trade samples of Wuyi Rock Tea, raw teas are sorted according to their origin, variety, season, and quality. Specific steps for sorting raw tea: Samples are…

Pu'er tea can be stored for a long time in a suitable environment, without a definitive expiration date; it can be kept for decades or even centuries. If the storage environment is damp and sealed, the tea leaves may mold and rot. Therefore, when storing Pu'er tea, choose a well-ventilated and dry environment, which will facilitate better aging of the Pu'er tea. How long is the shelf life of Pu'er tea? Pu'er tea does not have an expiration date and can be stored for extended periods. During storage, avoid high temperatures and odors, and prevent direct sunlight. Ensure that the storage environment is temperate, humid, oxygenated, and free from odors. Only by scientifically storing the tea can you ensure its quality improves over time. In a suitable environment, Pu'er tea can be stored for a long time without an expiration date. However, if improperly stored, it can spoil and become undrinkable. Under proper storage conditions, Pu'er tea has the characteristic of improving with age. Secondly, to scientifically store Pu'er tea, avoid high temperatures and odors, as well as direct sunlight. Tea is sensitive to light and odors, and direct sunlight can produce a sun-dried flavor. It should not be placed…

The three major hotspots for Pu'er tea storage are Guangzhou, Kunming, and Menghai. These locations have significant climatic differences, leading to distinct transformations in the stored Pu'er tea, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Today, let's delve into the world of Kunming-stored Pu'er tea. Introduction to Kunming-Stored Pu'er Tea Kunming is known as the "City of Eternal Spring," located on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. The temperature varies little throughout the year, making it a high-altitude humid city with relatively dry air during winter and spring. However, looking at macro data, Kunming cannot be considered a dry city, with an average annual temperature of 15 degrees Celsius and humidity of 71%. This is only 8 percentage points lower than Guangzhou. Yet, Kunming cannot be classified as having a humid climate; despite moderate humidity, the evaporation rate is higher, making it relatively dry. The transformation of Pu'er tea relies on fermentation, which requires temperature and humidity. Kunming's relatively dry climate, low air humidity, and stable temperature fluctuations create a suitable environment for Pu'er tea fermentation. The aging process primarily involves enzymatic reactions catalyzed by oxidases, leading to a relatively pure and singular transformation. Although the maturation period is longer, the conversion led…