Tea Knowledge

You may have heard of cold-brew coffee, but have you ever heard of cold-brew tea? Yes, that thing exists! Cold-brew tea has actually been around for a while, but its popularity is not as high as its hot-brew counterparts. In this article, you will find out more about the history of cold-brew tea, the innovative ways of cold-brewing teas, the caffeine level of cold-brew tea, the differences between cold-brew tea and iced tea and hot-brew tea, and of course, the health benefits of cold-brew tea! Interested? Read more to find out! Traditional way of Cold-brew Cold-brew tea is not a new innovation. The Japanese have long believed that hot-brewing tea destroys the tea’s natural benefits as it burns the tea, which gave rise to the traditional way of cold-brewing teas: steeping tea in cold water for hours. However, this process may take a long time to finish – from 6 to 24 hours. Our way of Cold-brew In this fast-moving world, it is always convenient to have the instant option for our everyday necessities – and that includes cold-brew teas! If you are looking for the natural benefits and low caffeine level of cold-brew tea but steeping your tea for…

Yancha, the pinnacle of Chinese Oolong teas, is renowned worldwide for its unique character marked by the "rocky韵" (rock bone and floral fragrance). However, why is it called "Yancha"? To understand this, we need to delve into the distinctive natural environment of its origin – Mount Wuyi. Mount Wuyi, located in northern Fujian Province, is often referred to as the "Kingdom of Tea." Here, peaks rise and valleys stretch, with the Nine-Bend Stream winding through them, creating a unique Danxia landscape. The exposed rocks in the mountains have weathered into mineral-rich soil, providing ideal conditions for tea plants to thrive. It is precisely within this unique rocky environment that exceptional Yancha is nurtured. The tea plants grow in rock crevices and stone gaps, with roots deeply embedded in the rocky soil, absorbing the essence of minerals from the rocks. Additionally, the sunlight reflected off the rock faces intensifies photosynthesis in the leaves, leading to the production of rich aromatic compounds. The production process of Yancha is also meticulous, involving withering, shaking, stir-frying, rolling, and baking. Among these steps, shaking is a critical process that allows the tea leaves to fully absorb the essence of the rock walls, forming the unique…

Some people prefer raw tea, while others prefer ripe tea—it's a matter of personal preference. Since its inception, ripe tea has always held a lower status. Deng Shi Hai says, "Store raw tea, drink ripe tea, savor aged tea." While he doesn't directly exclude ripe tea, the word used for raw tea is "store," which suggests treasuring it, and for aged tea, the serious "savor" is employed, whereas ripe tea is dismissed with the ordinary "drink." This indicates that in his view, ripe tea was never considered a tea fit for formal settings. However, there are many who enjoy drinking ripe tea—why is this so? The Taste of Pu'er Ripe Tea Most tea enthusiasts might find the taste of ripe tea strange upon their first sip, but "strange" doesn't necessarily mean unpleasant; it just doesn't conform to the traditional tastes of other teas. The reason ripe tea was created was to replace the rich and mellow old raw tea. During a specific historical period, it did fulfill this mission. However, fresh ripe tea often carries an indelible pile flavor, which is a significant drawback that makes it difficult for many enthusiasts to approach. Clearly, such ripe tea isn't a suitable…

Pu'er tea, in terms of its appearance when made into tea, comes in different forms such as tea cakes, tuocha, brick tea, and loose tea. Among these, tea cakes are the most common. Pu'er tea is favored by tea enthusiasts for its unique taste and health benefits. So, how should Pu'er tea cakes be stored for the long term? How to Store Pu'er Tea Cakes for the Long Term To store Pu'er tea for the long term: 1. A professional warehouse must be established. When Pu'er tea is placed in a professional warehouse, it will not mold but will slowly age. This ensures that the tea does not spoil and maintains its authenticity. If stored properly, it can last for a very long time. 2. It's best to wrap the Pu'er tea in bamboo leaves before storing it in the warehouse. This promotes fermentation without absorbing too much odor. When storing Pu'er tea for the long term, it's important to provide a relatively clean environment since the tea has strong adsorption properties. Do not store items with strong or pungent odors near the tea, as this can cause the tea to absorb unwanted flavors during storage. 3. Storing Pu'er tea…

Tea has a multitude of health benefits, including the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, lowering cholesterol levels, boosting immunity, enhancing antibacterial properties, and aiding in weight loss. Although regular tea consumption is beneficial to the body, choosing the right type of tea based on one's condition can maximize its health effects. When drinking tea, female friends should especially be aware of their constitution and the nature of the tea they are consuming. So what should women pay attention to when drinking tea? Note 1: Drink Tea According to Constitution and Nature of the Tea Chinese tea is divided into six categories: Green Tea, Black Tea (note: this term refers to what is known as 'red tea' in Western cultures), Yellow Tea, White Tea, Oolong Tea, Pu'er Tea. Each category of tea has different properties and thus affects the body differently, so it is important to choose a suitable type of tea based on one's constitution. Oolong tea (also known as greenish-black tea) is neutral in nature and suitable for most people. Pu'er tea is warm in nature and helps eliminate grease, detoxify meat products, and lower cholesterol levels; it is best enjoyed after being stored for some time, which enhances both…

I often teach my friends: if you want to taste the tea, you need to savor it. The word “taste” has three mouths in its character, and “flavor” has one mouth, adding up to four mouths. So when you taste a mouthful of tea, you should sip it in four parts, and thus you will have taste. When you lift the cup of tea to drink, do not down it all at once; drink slowly, telling yourself to enjoy this cup of tea. Because you will never again taste another cup of tea exactly like this one. Once you think about it, you will sip the tea very slowly. Then you will find the tea particularly delicious, because your whole being is immersed in the tea. Being very focused, calm, tranquil, and simple, you can savor the tea. There is a saying in tea ceremony: "A lifetime encounter, a parting at the door." You may only meet once in a lifetime with someone over tea. So every cup of tea is a once-in-a-thousand-years opportunity, having been brought together through a long span of time and space. After drinking the tea, when you see off your friend or are seen off…

When buying tea, the variety can be overwhelming, often making it difficult for people to know where to start. Selecting tea has become a real challenge for tea enthusiasts. To buy suitable tea, in addition to following the steps of "Observation, Smelling, Inquiry, and Brewing," it's also important to avoid common pitfalls when purchasing tea. ObservationObservation means looking at the shape of the tea: whether it is uniform, and how shiny its color is. Evaluate the quality of various teas based on their uniformity, luster, and the amount of broken leaves and twigs they contain. For example, green tea should have a fresh green color with visible white downy hairs (better if it does), while yellow or even reddish, dull colors indicate lower quality. A clear tea infusion is better. Some famous teas have unique shapes: West Lake Longjing is usually smooth, flat, and straight with a rice-like yellow hue and no visible downy hairs; Huangshan Maofeng has many downy hairs and a peak-like appearance; Xinyang Maojian is fine, straight, and round with many downy hairs; Biluochun has slender, tightly curled leaves resembling snails. If the tea doesn't look good visually, trust your instincts and don't be swayed by the…

The purple clay teapot, with its unique clay material, exquisite craftsmanship, and rich cultural heritage, is a cherished piece of tea ware among tea enthusiasts. However, before using a newly purchased purple clay teapot, it needs to go through an essential step—seasoning. Seasoning not only removes the earthy taste and impurities from the teapot but also awakens its tea-absorbing properties, allowing it to better absorb the aroma of the tea leaves and enhance the flavor of the tea. The Importance of Seasoning a Purple Clay Teapot Seasoning a purple clay teapot is more than just a simple preparation step before use; it is a cultural tradition and a sign of respect for the art of tea. Through seasoning, impurities and residual heat can be removed from the pot, making its pore structure more uniform, which helps improve the aroma and taste when brewing tea. Additionally, seasoning is a way of "awakening" the teapot, preparing it for future use. Methods of Seasoning a Purple Clay Teapot There are various methods for seasoning a purple clay teapot, but they all share a common principle: gently awakening the pot's essence. Here are some common seasoning methods: 1. Water Rinse – Rinse the newly…

Storing Pu'er tea requires attention to sealing, avoiding light, preventing dampness and off-flavors, while also considering humidity and temperature. When storing, you can use a cardboard box; find a clean cardboard box, put the Pu'er tea inside, and store it in a tea room away from walls and the floor. For individual Pu'er tea cakes, you can use kraft paper bags or aluminum foil bags for storage, seal them well, and then place them in a ventilated area free of moisture. How to Store Pu'er Tea Cakes 1. Pu'er tea cakes are compressed from Pu'er tea leaves. Initially, they were made for convenience in transportation, so the shape and production method of Pu'er tea cakes determine their ability to be stored for a long time. For storing Pu'er tea cakes, you can choose clay jars, as they have good breathability and naturally provide ventilation. Clay jars do not need to be sealed; simply cover them with a layer of kraft paper to prevent dust. 2. When you first bring new Pu'er tea cakes home, avoid sealing them immediately for storage. Instead, let them air out in a dry place to get rid of any warehouse flavor. New Pu'er tea cakes…

When we talk about drinks that a lot of people like, coffee usually gets all the attention because it has caffeine. But don't forget about tea. Tea also has caffeine, but how much can be different depending on the kind you're drinking. It's really important to know this stuff, especially if you're trying to watch how much caffeine you have. In this blog post, we'll look into how much caffeine is in various teas and see how it stacks up against coffee. For ages, people around the world have loved drinking tea; it's only second to water in popularity! The leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant are what make your cup of tea; they grow all over the planet. How these leaves are processed and brewed plays a big role in changing not just taste and smell but also how much caffeine ends up in your drink. Plus, there are so many types of tea—like black, green white or oolong—and each one comes with its own level of buzz. Knowing about caffeine content matters for lots of reasons: maybe someone needs less caffeine intake due to health issues or personal choice? Or perhaps some folks find themselves jittery after too…

Tea-making is both an art and a science. Frying tea leaves at home not only allows you to experience the joy of this ancient craft but also lets you enjoy the unique aroma of tea made by your own hands. Whether you're a tea enthusiast or simply want to try DIY, this guide will take you through the process of making tea at home step by step. Picking Fresh Tea Leaves The first step in frying tea leaves is selecting and picking suitable leaves. Generally, spring is the best season for picking tea leaves as they are at their freshest and most fragrant. When picking, choose buds and tender leaves for the highest quality tea after frying. Withering After picking, the tea leaves need to be spread out in a cool, well-ventilated area to naturally wither and lose some of their moisture. This process takes about 1-2 hours, during which the leaves become softer and ready for frying. Fixation (Killing the Green) Fixation is a crucial step in making green tea, aimed at removing some of the moisture and enzyme activity in the leaves to preserve their green color. Place freshly picked tea leaves into a preheated pan and quickly…

When storing Pu'er tea, it's important to ensure it is sealed, protected from light, free of odd odors, well-ventilated, and kept at a moderate temperature and humidity. Generally speaking, there are three methods for storing Pu'er tea. The first method involves placing the tea in a Kraft paper bag, squeezing out excess air, sealing the bag, and keeping it in a study or tea room. The second method is suitable for frequently accessed or opened Pu'er tea, which can be wrapped in cotton paper and stored in a jar. The third method is for whole bundles of Pu'er tea, which should be stored in their original packaging and sealed in a cardboard box. Three Methods for Storing Pu'er Tea Method One: Kraft Paper Bag For individual cakes or small quantities of Pu'er tea, Kraft paper bags can be used. 1. Take a clean Kraft paper bag, place the Pu'er tea inside, squeeze out any excess air, and seal the bag. Most bags have zip closures for convenience. 2. If you have several cakes, package them individually and store them in a dry area such as a study or tea room, ensuring good ventilation. For areas with excessive moisture, it's best…

Tea culture is profound and extensive, and tea leaves come in a myriad of varieties. Each type of tea has its own aroma and taste, with professional terms used in evaluation. This also applies to white tea. Today, let's discuss the professional terms related to the aroma of white tea. 1. Hairy Aroma: A special aroma of Fuding white tea, referring to the scent of young, downy white hairs, such as the hairy honey-like aroma of Baihao Yinzhen (White Hair Silver Needle). 2. Fresh and Intense: An aroma that is both intense and refreshingly pleasant, lasting for a long time. 3. Fresh and Delicate: An aroma that is pure, delicate, and fresh, pleasing to the nose. It is a special aroma of tender buds and leaves, similar to the hairy aroma. 4. Clear and Fresh: An aroma that is clear and gentle, not overpowering but gradually released, giving a sense of pleasure. 5. Clear and High: An aroma that is clear and refreshing, lingering in the nose, indicating relatively young and fresh tea leaves. 6. Sweet and Lasting: An aroma that is clear and high, with a sweet sensation that lingers. 7. Fresh and Crisp: An aroma that is fresh…

To achieve the status of being more fragrant, valuable, and desirable with age, Pu'er tea must meet three criteria: good raw materials, good processing techniques, and proper storage conditions. Generally, the optimal period for ripe Pu'er is around 10 years, while that for raw Pu'er is around 20 years. However, it's important to remember that tea is meant to be consumed, not just stored. The Foundation for Pu'er Tea Increasing in Value with Age Not all Pu'er tea improves with age to become "more fragrant and valuable." In addition to the quality of the raw materials and the processing methods used, the storage environment during aging significantly impacts its overall transformation. If the raw materials are of poor quality or if improper processing leads to premature consumption of the internal substances, such Pu'er tea does not possess the potential for beneficial aging. Similarly, inadequate storage can ruin the tea. Pu'er tea that has aged without an improvement in quality, or even becomes less enjoyable than fresh tea, cannot be expected to increase in value. What Kind of Pu'er Tea Is Worth Storing 1. Brand. There are many old teas circulating in the market today, but almost all mainstream, well-known, and…

Summer tea preservation can be divided into two types: one includes green tea, yellow tea, and lightly fragrant oolong tea, which should be sealed in aluminum foil bags, placed in a tin can, and stored in the refrigerator. The second type, including white tea, Pu'er tea, dark tea, and oolong tea with a high charcoal roast level, is suitable for storage at room temperature. When storing these teas, avoid direct sunlight, dampness, and strong odors; they can be kept in cool places such as bookshelves or tea rooms. How to Best Preserve Tea in Summer 1. Room Temperature Storage During the hot summer months, white tea, black tea, Pu'er tea, and oolong tea with high roasting temperatures can be directly stored at room temperature, such as on indoor bookshelves or in cabinets. When storing tea, avoid direct sunlight, dampness, and strong odors to prevent spoilage. 2. Tin Can Storage Prepare a tin can with a double-layered lid and place dried tea leaves inside, pressing them down as you fill it. Try to fill the can as much as possible to minimize air inside. After filling the can, seal the lids and use tape to secure any gaps. Finally, place the…

Tea, as an integral part of Chinese traditional culture, is not just a beverage but also a representation of a way of life. From green tea to black tea and Pu'er tea, each type has its unique flavor and brewing method. In this article, we will delve into the varieties of tea, methods of brewing, and how to select appropriate tea ware. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Green Tea: The Representative of Freshness and Elegance Green tea is an unfermented tea known for its fresh taste and rich nutritional value. Common types include Longjing, Biluochun, and Mao Feng. Brewing Method: The brewing of green tea requires attention to water temperature and time. Generally, use water around 80°C, with a brewing time of 1-2 minutes. Higher temperatures or longer times can destroy the fragrance and taste of the green tea. Tea Ware Selection: Glass cups or porcelain cups are suitable, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of the leaves unfolding in the water. Black Tea: Rich and Smooth Flavor Black tea is a fully fermented tea renowned for its strong aroma and sweet taste. Notable black teas include Keemun, Darjeeling, and Ceylon. Brewing Method: Black tea requires hot water at…

Zhangjia Third Team is affiliated with Zhangjia Village Committee in Bulang Mountain Township and is located in a mountainous area. It is situated to the south of Bulang Mountain Township at an altitude of 1,100 meters, characterized by a subtropical monsoon climate. The average annual temperature ranges from 18-21°C, with an annual precipitation of 1,374 millimeters, making it suitable for growing crops such as rice and tea. In the bustling market for ancient tree Pu'er tea, ecological tea gardens are often labeled as "inferior tea." However, thanks to its superior geographical environment and ancient tea-making techniques, Zhangjia Third Team's high-mountain ecological tea garden model stands out as an exception. The tea trees in Zhangjia Third Team grow on mountains without any barriers or obstructions, enjoying long hours of sunlight and ample cloud mist nourishment. The soil is rich and fertile. Due to the excellent environment, the local residents do not excessively prune the tea leaves but allow them to grow naturally, resulting in a tea quality that can compete with ancient tree teas. As a result, the tea garden has earned the reputation as the "King of Ecological Teas." "Little Lao Banzhang" in Bulang Mountain Zhangjia Third Team is only…

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…

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…

Tieguanyin is the pinnacle of Oolong tea, characterized by: tightly coiled, robust, round, and evenly heavy leaves with a sand-green color. The overall shape resembles the head of a dragonfly, a spiral, or a frog's leg. When brewed, the liquor is a bright amber hue, with a natural and rich orchid fragrance. The taste is full-bodied, fresh, and sweet with a long-lasting aftertaste, commonly referred to as having a “sound of music.” The aroma of Tieguanyin is high and persistent, often described as having a lingering fragrance even after seven infusions. Modern Tieguanyin, influenced by the preferences of tea enthusiasts in green tea regions, increasingly emphasizes its fragrant qualities, with a lower degree of fermentation and a greener appearance. To enjoy this fragrant type of Tieguanyin, you must use a porcelain gaiwan and freshly boiled 100°C water. Quickly rinse the tea and discard the water. For the first infusion, steep for about 20 seconds, ensuring that no tea liquor remains in the gaiwan to avoid bitterness. Afterward, lift the lid of the gaiwan and savor the unique aroma of Tieguanyin. If the tea is of good quality, it should have a milky or fruity scent (such as peach). The liquor…

Some marketing gurus have summarized four essentials for successful companies. First, a unique cultural system; second, authoritative certifications and certificates; third, numerous success stories and positive reviews; fourth, the ability to innovate and develop continuously. These four points are theoretically universal, but Chinese ingenuity transcends the norm. Now, when you visit many marketing-oriented companies, from the corporate culture displayed at the entrance to case presentations, authoritative certificates, and innovative research and development, all are seamlessly integrated into the decor. It's so perfect that all you need to do is pay. Even TikTok live streams use the same narratives. Regardless of the product being just over a dozen dollars, what you see and hear always makes it seem like a great value. The tea industry takes this marketing theory to new heights. If you doubt this, open TikTok; no other industry sells products with as much cultural flair and convincing performances. Various masters and famous mountain teas are constantly introduced, and the key point is that they're often cheap, frequently available for $19.90 per pound with free shipping. And yes, there are beautiful women in exotic costumes to catch your eye. You wouldn't feel ripped off even if you were to…

Tea is a fine tree, nurturing the spirit. “Yin-Yang and Five Elements” is an embryonic ancient philosophy concerning the origin of the world. Compared to the “atomic theory” of ancient Greece and the “four elements theory” of ancient India from the same period, China’s Yin-Yang and Five Elements doctrine surpasses them in content richness, systematic completeness, and logical rigor. Although it was later misused by charlatans who muddied the waters and tarnished its reputation, we cannot simply dismiss the profound wisdom of our ancestors. A small tea leaf also contains this ancient and mysterious philosophy. Let’s explore it today. “Tea is a fine tree,” naturally belongs to wood. This wood is a gentle living wood, absorbing the essence of the sun and moon, receiving the spirit of mountains and rivers, nourished by water and soil, flourishing in spring and dormant in winter. Its direction is the Eastern Azure Dragon, corresponding to the Zhen position in the Eight Trigrams. The tea leaves (young leaves) are subjected to “fixation” in a hot iron pan after picking, then slowly baked into dry tea after rolling. Wood is overcome by metal and drained by fire, greatly changing its nature. The union of Yi and…

Do you prefer iron cakes or bubble cakes? Is there really a comparison to be made here? Iron cakes are sports equipment used for throwing, while bubble cakes are something you eat! No, no! The iron cakes and bubble cakes we are referring to here are not what you might think. They refer to two different forms of Pu'er tea cakes that result from different pressing methods. "Steamed and formed into tight cakes." Why do Pu'er teas need to be pressed instead of stored loose? This is a basic question. Pressing Pu'er tea into cakes, bricks, and tuos initially served to make storage and transportation more convenient. By compressing the tea, it takes up less space, significantly reducing transportation difficulties, while also preserving the flavor and aroma of the Pu'er tea to the maximum extent possible. Within the category of tea cakes, there are iron cakes and bubble cakes. But why is this so? What are iron cakes and bubble cakes? Famous essayist Yu Qiuyu is a loyal supporter of Pu'er tea and an expert in tasting aged Pu'er teas. His article "Tasting Pu'er Tea" expresses his understanding and appreciation of Pu'er tea from a literary perspective. Based on his…

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