Tea Knowledge

Ming-Qian tea refers to the tea harvested before the Qingming Festival. It is less affected by pests, with tender buds and leaves that are bright green in color, delicate in fragrance, mellow in taste, and beautiful in form, making it a premium quality tea. At the same time, since the temperature is generally lower before Qingming, the number of sprouts is limited, and their growth rate is slow, very little of it reaches the standards for picking, hence the saying "Ming-Qian tea is as precious as gold." Ming-Qian tea refers to the tea harvested before the Qingming Festival. It is less affected by pests, with tender buds and leaves that are bright green in color, delicate in fragrance, mellow in taste, and beautiful in form, making it a premium quality tea. At the same time, since the temperature is generally lower before Qingming, the number of sprouts is limited, and their growth rate is slow, very little of it reaches the standards for picking, hence the saying "Ming-Qian tea is as precious as gold." Characteristics of Ming-Qian Spring Tea Ming-Qian tea (spring tea) is better than summer or autumn tea. Due to the moderate spring temperatures and ample rainfall, along…

Ripened tea is an important type of tea in Chinese tea culture, traditionally possessing high artistic value and preciousness. Therefore, the storage of ripened tea is very important. Below are some methods for storing ripened tea. Ripened Tea Storage Methods 1. Aerated Storage Ripened tea contains fermented aromas and other substances. If stored too airtight, it can become damp and moldy. Therefore, when storing ripened tea, it is important to maintain air circulation and prevent moisture intrusion. It is best to store ripened tea in a dry and well-ventilated place, such as a low-humidity attic, cabinet, or room. 2. Lightproof Storage Light is the enemy of ripened tea, as it can destroy the effective components in the tea, causing it to deteriorate. Therefore, when storing ripened tea, avoid exposing it to sunlight and keep it in a cool, dry place. 3. Clean Storage Container The container used for storing ripened tea should be dry, odorless, and free from any peculiar smells, preferably ceramic or glass. Before storing the ripened tea, clean the storage container to avoid any unwanted odors during storage. If the container is old, make sure to dry and clean it thoroughly before use. 4. Periodic Ventilation Regular…

 There’s a saying: good water brews good tea. To brew a pot of good tea, one cannot do without good water, illustrating how crucial the quality of water is for tea brewing. Many people are unaware that boiled water used for brewing tea actually has an expiration date. Using water beyond its expiration date to brew tea can not only affect the taste of the tea but also impact health. The Lifespan of a Glass of Water is Up to 16 Hours The shelf life of boiled water in the air is only 16 hours; expired water may contain significantly high levels of E. coli! For healthy individuals, drinking water with bacterial overgrowth over long periods can have a subtle effect on the body, and the longer this continues, the more apparent the impact on health becomes. According to Water Quality Experts, Drinking Stale Water Continuously Is Like Continuously Consuming Food with Additives. If you don't pay attention to the details of drinking water daily, your body's healthy environment can be gradually damaged, potentially leading to poorer health. So when you experience fatigue or a weakened immune system, while paying attention to food hygiene, also check if your drinking habits…

The shelf life of Pre-Ming Longjing tea is 12 months. Pre-Ming Longjing tea is harvested early, and it is rich in quality with a high degree of freshness and briskness, suitable for brewing and drinking as soon as possible. It is not recommended for long-term storage. Under normal circumstances, Pre-Ming Longjing tea can be stored for 12 months. When storing, it should be placed in a cool place and attention should be paid to keeping it dry, preventing dampness, avoiding sunlight, avoiding exposure to light, and preventing odors. How to store Pre-Ming Longjing tea 1. Lime storage method To store Longjing tea using lime, first lay out block lime at the bottom of a lime jar, then wrap it in paper. Store the tea in 0.5 kg packages in the jar, cover it, and seal it for storage. The aroma of the Longjing tea will become increasingly fresh and fragrant. 2. Metal canister storage method When storing Longjing tea in a metal canister, place some tea wood in the canister and shake it while covering it or roast it with fire to remove any odors. Then put the Longjing tea leaves into the metal canister and seal the lid with…

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…

There are six main types of tea, and the storage time after opening varies depending on the type. Green and yellow teas can typically be stored for about 2 to 3 months after opening. These types of tea are particularly susceptible to oxidation and should be consumed as soon as possible. Black and Oolong teas can be stored for 6 to 12 months after opening. Dark teas and Pu'er teas can be stored long-term if properly preserved after opening. How Long Can Opened Tea Be Stored? If tea is left unsealed after opening, it can be stored for around 3 months. The key to preserving tea is keeping it dry, sealed, away from light, and free from odors. Leaving opened tea unsealed makes it susceptible to external influences, accelerating the oxidation of its internal components and shortening its shelf life (to around 3 months). If you seal the tea in an aluminum bag and place it in a metal tin, then cover the tin with a plastic bag and tie it securely, you can store it in the refrigerator. How to Store Opened Tea: After opening, store the tea in containers or bags with high airtightness at room temperature. To…

The differences between raw and ripe Pu'er tea: 1. Raw tea is mainly green or dark green in color; ripe tea is black or reddish-brown. 2. After picking, raw tea goes through processes such as withering, fixation, etc.; ripe tea also goes through fixation, kneading, etc. after picking. 3. After brewing, the infusion of raw tea is light green or golden yellow; the infusion of ripe tea is chestnut red or dark red. 4. The water temperature for brewing raw tea is slightly lower; ripe tea can be brewed with boiling water. The differences between raw and ripe Pu'er tea: 1. Process differences Raw Pu'er tea is made from fresh leaves that undergo withering, fixation, kneading, sun-drying, steaming, and pressing. Ripe Pu'er tea is made from fresh leaves that undergo withering, fixation, kneading, sun-drying, and pile fermentation. In other words, ripe Pu'er tea is made through pile fermentation based on sun-dried green tea. However, there are no loose teas for raw Pu'er; only compressed teas exist. Teas before steaming and pressing are just sun-dried green teas, which belong to a type of green tea. Only ripe Pu'er tea has both loose and compressed forms. Tea cakes, brick teas, and tuo…

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…

When mentioning Yiwu tea, many tea enthusiasts immediately associate it with the term “aromatic and smooth,” primarily highlighting the extremely fine texture of the tea soup and its high-aroma. In addition to this, Yiwu tea has these three major characteristics. Tea enthusiasts can use these three features to identify Yiwu tea when purchasing or tasting it. What are the characteristics of Yiwu tea? How can they be quickly distinguished? 1. Appearance Characteristics The main tea tree variety for Yiwu tea is the Yiwu green bud tea. The dry tea has thick, plump strands, prominent white down, and longer-than-average tea stalks. 2. Taste Characteristics The aroma of the tea is mainly floral, honey-like, and wild. The tea soup is smooth and delicate, with mild bitterness and a light astringency. The aftertaste and salivation are gentle and long-lasting, unlike the more intense experience from Menghai teas. The taste is soft yet powerful, often characterized as “gentle with strength.” New teas have a slightly mellow taste that becomes more restrained and substantial over time as the tea ages. 3. Aging and Transformation Properly stored Yiwu Pu'er tea becomes delicately smooth, with a rich and varied taste and aroma. After about 2-3 years, the…

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…

  1. Each type of tea has its own unique characteristics and benefits. Different types of teas require different amounts, water temperatures, steeping times, and can be steeped a varying number of times. Therefore, practically speaking, mixing different teas can be complicated. Moreover, mixing teas with different flavors and effects can result in negative interactions. Thus, it is generally not advisable to mix different types of tea. 2. Due to differences in variety and processing methods, teas have distinct flavors. Each type of tea has its unique aroma and taste. Mixing different teas can affect the appreciation of their individual qualities and diminish the enjoyment of tea tasting. Mixing different teas can also make the tea infusion cloudy and cause sedimentation; this can lead to impure flavors and may cause digestive issues or discomfort in the stomach and intestines. 3. Drinking several types of tea at once can lead to physical discomfort, which is likely due to excessive tea consumption causing low blood sugar and dizziness. If such physiological reactions occur, it could be a case of "tea intoxication." When mixing different teas, there is a higher risk of overconsumption, making it easier to become "intoxicated" by the tea. If…

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…

When selecting Pu'er tea, you can consider aspects such as appearance, infusion color, raw materials, origin, and storage conditions. Generally, Pu'er tea with a uniform shape, pure aroma, and bright, clear infusion color is of good quality. Different types of Pu'er tea have different selection methods, so it's best to follow the specific circumstances. Taking raw (sheng) and ripe (shou) Pu'er teas as examples: What Makes Good Pu'er Tea To determine the quality of Pu'er tea, consider the following: 1. Examine the Shape: High-quality Pu'er tea has a neat and regular shape, while lower-quality tea may have loose and incomplete strands. The best Pu'er tea has a uniform and regular shape, with neat edges, no missing corners, consistent thickness, moderate tightness, clear mold patterns, and glossy, clean strands. Lower-quality Pu'er tea will have loose and incomplete strands, dull colors without luster, and noticeable defects. 2. Smell the Aroma: High-quality Pu'er tea has a pure and lasting fragrance, free from any unusual or mixed odors. Even when the tea cools down, it still emits a pleasant aroma. Lower-quality Pu'er tea has noticeable and sometimes stimulating unusual odors. 3. Observe the Infusion Color: High-quality Pu'er tea produces a clear and bright infusion,…

Aged tea refers to tea that has been processed from leaves harvested in the previous year or even earlier. Even if stored properly and well-preserved, it is collectively known as aged tea. New tea, by convention, refers to tea made from fresh leaves picked around the Qingming Festival in the same year. What is the difference between new tea and aged tea? 1. Different moisture content New tea generally has a lower moisture content, so the tea leaves are tightly rolled, feel dry to the touch, hard and brittle, and can be easily ground into powder with your fingers. Aged tea, due to long-term storage, has higher moisture content, making the tea wet and heavy. It cannot be crushed into powder with your fingers, and the tea stems are not easy to break. 2. Different colors New tea has a lustrous and vibrant color, clearly green, appearing in shades of light green or dark green. When brewed, the tea has a bright green color that gradually turns slightly yellow, with clear broth and glossy leaves. Aged tea loses its freshness in color and appears dull and less lustrous due to the oxidation of unsaturated components and the slow automatic decomposition…

What is blended Dahongpao?Pure Dahongpao comes from the asexual propagation of cuttings from the mother tree, processed separately. Blended Dahongpao is a commercial product different from pure Dahongpao, created to meet market demand for Dahongpao by blending different varieties from Wuyi Mountain in certain proportions. It has distinct quality characteristics that differ from its blending ingredients. The Origin of Blended Dahongpao The blending of Dahongpao has ancient roots. The six mother trees growing above the Nine Dragon Gullies are not of a single variety but come from different lineages, with differing leaf shapes and budding periods, as well as different picking times. During the harvest period, they are picked in two to three batches, then refined and roasted together to produce the final product known as "Mother Tree Dahongpao." In 1985, technology personnel at the Wuyi Mountain Tea Research Institute blended "Dahongpao" using high-quality Wuyi rock teas like Rougui and Shuixian along with pure Dahongpao. The resulting tea had excellent aroma, liquor color, and taste, with a strong rock tea character, quickly gaining consumer approval. With advances in technology and increased innovation, various high-quality blends of Dahongpao have emerged according to market demand, and blended Dahongpao has become an important…

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…

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…

Pu'er tea has storage value mainly because it becomes more fragrant over time through natural transformation. For teas from the same mountain, the older the vintage, the higher the price. This has led to one of the chaotic phenomena in the tea market—age fraud. However, in reality, for a Pu'er tea that has been stored for many years, it is very difficult to determine the specific storage time by blind tasting; only an estimate can be made. This is because the moisture content of the dry tea at the time of production, the storage environment (dryness/humidity, temperature, light), etc., can cause varying degrees of transformation differences in the same cake of tea, with the differences becoming more pronounced over time. This is the change that time brings to the tea, and also the pleasure of storing tea. So, how do we determine the age of a tea cake? Criteria for Determining the Age of Pu'er Tea First, color: The clearer and more transparent the tea liquor, the older the vintage. Clear transparency refers not to the depth of the tea liquor but rather to a slightly oily luster. Second, taste: Considering the overall balance of taste, excluding storage issues, the…

There was a rumor that someone would collect used tea leaves, dry them, and sell them as tea to diners. I don’t believe such rumors. What do you think about the possibility? While it's unlikely that used tea leaves could be resold as tea, they are not entirely useless. With proper collection and utilization, they can indeed be turned into something useful. Today, let’s discuss what uses spent tea leaves have. Let’s see if you can turn waste into treasure. 1. Eliminate Spicy and Unpleasant Odors If you eat something particularly spicy during a meal, try chewing on some steeped tea leaves and rinse your mouth with tea. This will quickly alleviate the spiciness. Similarly, if you consume garlic, onions, or other foods with strong odors that leave your breath unpleasant, you can chew on tea leaves and rinse your mouth with tea or water to freshen your breath and eliminate the odor. 2. Remove Kitchen Grease and Fishy Smells In the kitchen, many utensils inevitably get greasy when cooking. Used tea leaves can be used to wipe surfaces and effectively remove grease. Especially for stubborn grease on stoves, wiping several times with damp tea leaves works very well. When…

Phoenix oolong tea is characterized by its warm and spicy nature, sweet and mellow taste, and extraordinary aroma. It is renowned for its unique qualities such as "solitary and high fragrance," "drinkable perfume," "aromatic, sweet, and lively," and "distinctive mountain character." For tea enthusiasts, the primary concern is often how to select, which aspects to focus on, and how to identify quality before delving into the nuances of aroma and flavor. Evaluating Dry Tea for Quality The appearance of dry Phoenix oolong tea can be assessed in terms of shape, color, uniformity, and cleanliness across four aspects. The tightness of the leaves can indicate whether they come from high-altitude or low-altitude areas, were picked young or mature, or harvested during different seasons. The shape can also reveal any flaws in processing that led to loose and flat leaves. The luster and freshness or dullness of the color can help determine the aroma quality. Teas with a glossy and vivid color generally have purer and higher aromas, while those with a dull color have lower, mixed aromas. Dull colors are usually due to old leaves, excessive bruising, delayed killing of the green, or too low or high temperatures during drying. The…

Pu'er spring tea, harvested in spring, boasts a rich and flavorful infusion, a strong aftertaste, and is generally of high quality throughout the year. Now is the season when Pu'er spring tea hits the market, and many tea enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting their chance to taste it. However, when purchasing Pu'er spring tea, enthusiasts should be careful to select the right product to ensure they are getting genuine spring tea from the current season. The correct methods for selecting Pu'er spring tea involve two steps: dry evaluation and wet evaluation. Dry evaluation involves observing the shape, color, and aroma of the dry leaves before brewing. Wet evaluation involves smelling, tasting, and examining the infused leaves after brewing. The characteristics of ancient tree Pu'er spring tea include the following: During the autumn and winter seasons, all living organisms are in a state of storage and accumulation. The spring tea, having rested and conserved energy, accumulates abundant nutrients. Additionally, due to the persistently low temperatures during the spring, the consumption of these nutrients is minimal, allowing the tea to retain a higher concentration of nourishment. Spring tea has the highest protein content, which significantly enhances the flavor of the tea infusion. In…

Enthusiasts of Pu'er tea who have been enjoying it for some time will undoubtedly have a fine collection at home, ready to be savored over time. It's crucial to properly manage humidity and odors to preserve your beloved teas. Here, we discuss the four don'ts and do's of storing Pu'er tea. The Four Taboos of Storing Pu'er Tea at Home Taboo One: Avoid High Temperatures High temperatures accelerate the degradation of chlorophyll in Pu'er tea, causing it to convert into de-magnified chlorophyll, changing its fresh green color to dark brown. The auto-oxidation of polyphenols and other substances also accelerates under high temperatures. Research shows that for every 10°C increase in temperature, the rate of browning in Pu'er tea accelerates, affecting its quality and aging process. Taboo Two: Avoid Direct Sunlight The plant pigments and lipids in Pu'er tea are susceptible to photochemical reactions, which can produce sun-dried and other off-flavors. Pu'er tea is particularly sensitive to light, so it should be stored away from direct sunlight. Taboo Three: Avoid Strong Odors Tea leaves are porous and easily absorb odors. Therefore, avoid storing Pu'er tea in places with strong odors, as these can taint the tea's natural flavor. Taboo Four: Avoid…

Mount Mengding in Ya'an, located in the southwest of the Sichuan Basin, is one of the birthplaces of world tea culture and a historic tea-producing region in China. The tea produced on Mount Mengding in Ya'an, Sichuan, is a traditionally renowned historical tea and also a high-quality green tea. It is tightly curled with many fine hairs, has a fragrant aroma, and is known as "fairy tea." Drinking it regularly has excellent health benefits. So, what kinds of tea does Mount Mengding in Ya'an have? Varieties of Mount Mengding Tea: 1. Mengding Sweet Dew Mengding Sweet Dew, also known as Sweet Dew tea, is one of the most famous teas from Mount Mengding. It was listed as a tribute during the Tang Dynasty and is a precious green tea. The Mengding Sweet Dew tea is tightly curled, tender, and lustrous green, with a clear and bright infusion, fresh and refreshing taste, rich fragrance, and long-lasting aftertaste. Due to its unique production process and excellent ecological environment, Mengding Sweet Dew has extremely high nutritional value and health benefits. 2. Mengding Yellow Bud Mengding Yellow Bud, also known as Yellow Bud tea, is one of the famous teas from Mount Mengding in…

Pu'er tea is primarily divided into raw and ripe varieties. How do you choose an affordable yet delicious raw Pu'er tea? How to Select Raw Pu'er Tea? 1. Start by examining the tea cake. Look for signs that it's spring tea, which usually has some yellowish leaves on its surface. Check for "hoof prints," as spring tea buds and leaves are slightly fatter than those of autumn tea. The texture of autumn tea appears smoother and more linear compared to spring tea, with longer and finer strands. Autumn tea doesn't have yellowish leaves and looks very clean. 2. Smell the tea cake. Good tea should have a dry aroma and no off odors. If there are any unusual smells, immediately discuss this with the seller to determine the cause. Be cautious when tasting the tea later. 3. After rinsing the tea, pay attention to the clarity of the infusion in the teapot. A good infusion should be very clear, with a light yellow color for new teas. 4. When tasting, judge your initial impression. If the tea is very astringent, see if there is a subsequent production of saliva that mitigates the astringency. If, after swallowing the tea and then…