Tea Knowledge

       For most people, choosing good tea can be quite a challenge. China has a rich variety of teas, and with so many different types, shapes, and flavors, which ones qualify as good tea? People naturally pursue what is beautiful, and this applies to tea as well. No one wants to be at a disadvantage by purchasing inferior quality tea.        Is there a standard for what constitutes good tea, and can we judge the quality of tea based on that standard? For most people, there is indeed a simple method: judging the quality of tea by observing its appearance and intrinsic qualities. Although not entirely accurate, it generally meets the judgment needs of most people. What Constitutes Good Tea?        1. Appearance        Regardless of the type of tea, good tea should have a fresh and tender color, a rounded shape, tightly rolled leaves, and plump buds, without any broken fragments. In contrast, poor-quality tea appears dull in color, with broken dry leaves and mixed with other substances.        2. Aroma        After the tea is processed, it emits a faint aroma. Before brewing, take a sniff…

Every spring, all things revive, and after a winter of rest, tea trees vie with each other to stretch out their plump buds. "When the spring breeze arrives in February or March, it's time to light the stone stove and try the new tea." Without exception, the aroma of spring tea fills the air across the country. One: What is Spring Tea? Spring tea generally refers to the tea made from the shoots and leaves that sprout from the tea tree after its winter dormancy in the spring. Spring tea can be considered the first tea harvested in the year. Some people believe that "the earlier the better" for spring tea, but this concept is not entirely correct. The time for picking high-quality teas varies each year. For example, the first spring tea can be harvested from February to March, with Yibin, Sichuan starting around mid-February, and the Wenzhou area starting in the second half of February. The Jiangbei tea region typically harvests around the Qingming Festival. Therefore, it cannot be said that the earlier the spring tea, the better. In summary, based on specific harvesting periods, spring tea can be divided into four categories: the first picking tea, the…

The diverse and ever-changing scents of tea are one of the main motivators for many new tea enthusiasts to get started, and a source of enjoyment for seasoned tea connoisseurs. For example, green teas have a "roasted chestnut" or "fried bean" aroma, while black teas tend towards a "sweet fruit" or "flower honey" scent. The variety of aromas in Pu'er tea is even richer, with raw Pu'er offering lotus, orchid, and fruity scents, as well as apricot aroma, while ripe Pu'er has glutinous rice, jujube, woody notes, and more. Many of these aromas can overlap. Where do all these aromas come from? Why do so many of them only approximate rather than perfectly match the descriptions they're given? In this article, Lu Li will guide tea enthusiasts through the different layers of tea aromas and where the various types of Pu'er tea aromas originate. Sources of Pu'er Tea Aromas In earlier times, Taiwanese tea expert Deng Shihai summarized four types of Pu'er tea aromas: camphor, lotus, orchid, and green (fresh) aromas. Later, the industry continued to summarize the rules of changes in Pu'er tea aromas, adding more descriptive terms that contributed to the development of the Pu'er tea aroma system.…

Nowadays, basic sustenance is no longer the biggest issue for a family. People pay more attention to the spiritual pursuits and aspirations of happiness and fulfillment in their homes. A family that loves tea: the father, as steady as tea, is the pillar of the home; the mother, like water, manages the household with tenderness; the children, like broth, are pure and innocent. A small habit—drinking tea—not only changes each person's life but is also one of the simplest ways for a family to find happiness. The Greatest Wealth of a Family: Health Sometimes the greatest wish we have for our loved ones is simply that they be healthy: that the elderly remain robust, parents stay energetic, and children grow up lively and adorable. Moderate tea drinking can reduce the risk of high blood pressure in seniors and effectively slow down aging. When coming back from work, young people should not rush to rest but instead brew a pot of hot tea to relieve the fatigue of the day. As parents, it's important to instill the habit of drinking tea in your children from a young age, which strengthens their immune systems and reduces the frequency of illnesses. Use the…

Pu'er tea has a long history in Chinese culture, being a type of tea that stands the test of time or gains value with age. People believe in its excellence because it is considered "the most natural and ecological healthy drink of contemporary times," as well as "an antique tea that can be consumed."A typical cake of tea weighs 357 grams, so why are there cakes priced at over ten thousand that still find buyers! At this price, it's quite expensive. Many people ask, what justifies such high prices for Pu'er tea? When choosing Pu'er tea, should one opt for the right tea or the expensive one? Two common mistakes made by beginners when buying tea Mistake 1: Buying only the expensive, not the suitable The first extreme when buying tea is to purchase based solely on a high price, regardless of personal taste preferences. Buying Pu'er tea with the mindset of choosing only the expensive without considering your own palate is not ideal. While a 9.9 yuan per kilogram Laobanzhang is certainly fake, even teas bought at a high price may have a production cost of just dozens of yuan. Therefore, when purchasing and consuming tea, there's no need…

       How to store tea? Many people are troubled by this question. Loving tea, they purchase countless quantities of it, originally intending to savor it slowly, only to often find the tea has gone bad due to improper storage, leading to significant waste. So, how exactly should tea be stored?        Four methods for storing tea        1. Refrigerator Storage        Storing tea in the refrigerator is common and simple, but it has its pros and cons. Let’s take a look:        Teas that are typically stored in the refrigerator include green tea, black tea, and processed white teas (like Anji White Tea and Tianmu Lake White Tea, not Fuding White Tea). Why can these types of tea be stored in the fridge?        This is because we tend to consume green and black teas quickly, and they are usually packaged in small quantities—ranging from 200 grams to as little as 50 grams. Since the storage volume is small and can be consumed within a month, storing them in the refrigerator for preservation is not an issue.        However, white tea and Pu'er tea are not…

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…

Black tea, as one of the world's three major black teas, is renowned globally for its rich flavor and abundant aroma. From ancient times to the present, black tea has always been deeply loved by people, becoming an indispensable part of daily life. However, faced with the myriad varieties of black tea available on the market, many tea enthusiasts suffer from choice paralysis: which black tea tastes the best? Today, we will delve into this question and guide you through the diverse world of black tea. Black Tea Varieties: Diverse and Unique in Their Own Way The production process for black tea is largely similar, but due to differences in origin, tea tree variety, picking season, and processing methods, a wide range of black tea varieties have emerged. Among them, the following are the most representative: Keemun Black Tea: Produced in Qimen County, Anhui Province, it is famous for its "Qimen fragrance." Keemun black tea has a tight, fine, and uniform appearance, a dark lustrous color, a clear and fragrant aroma with a hint of honey, a bright red liquor, and a sweet, fresh, and full-bodied taste. Zhengshan Xiaozhong: Produced in Wuyi Mountain, Fujian Province, it is one of the…

Mengding Yellow Bud is a type of yellow bud tea among tribute teas, and it is one of the most famous tribute teas in Chinese history. It is produced in Meng Mountain, Sichuan, and is known for its reputation as "In music, the only clear water I know; in tea, the old friend is Meng Mountain." Mengding Yellow Bud has the quality characteristics of "yellow leaves and yellow infusion." The picking standards are extremely strict, usually carried out around the Spring Equinox, selecting round and plump single buds and the initial opening of one bud with one leaf. When picking, the principle of "five nots" is followed: no purple buds, no diseased or insect-damaged buds, no dew-covered buds, no thin buds, and no hollow buds. It is made through a complex production process. 1. Tea Appreciation (1) In terms of appearance, the finished Mengding Yellow Bud tea has uniform strips, neat buds, tender green leaves, prominent downy tips, flat and straight, with a fresh yellow and lustrous color. (2) Observing the infused leaves, the infused leaves of Mengding Yellow Bud tea are entirely buds, with vibrant, bright yellow colors, evenly arranged, straight and flat. (3) Looking at the infusion color…

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…

Hello everyone, today we will talk about Mengding Ganlu, a famous tea produced in Sichuan, China. This is a tea with a long history and superior quality. So, what kind of tea is Mengding Ganlu? What are its unique features and attractions? We will discuss these from three main aspects. Exploring the Origin Mengding Ganlu is produced in Mingshan District, Ya'an City, Sichuan Province, where the mountains are green, the waters clear, and the climate suitable, providing ideal conditions for tea growth. The origin of Mengding Ganlu is even hailed as the "birthplace of world tea culture," a place rich in historical and cultural heritage. Taste Appreciation The leaves of Mengding Ganlu are bright green, with a rich aroma and a clear, bright infusion color. Its taste is fresh and sweet, with a full-bodied flavor and astringency. Tasting Mengding Ganlu, one can almost feel the tea aroma spreading in the mouth, lifting the spirits. Historical and Cultural Value Mengding Ganlu has always been one of the famous teas, with a long history. According to historical records, Mengding Ganlu originated during the Western Han Dynasty, with a history spanning over two thousand years. It is a traditional Chinese famous tea and…

 "All medicines are for specific ailments, tea is the remedy for myriad diseases." For a long time, tea has had medicinal and health-preserving properties. Nowadays, the health benefits of tea have gained increased attention, with more and more research being conducted on its therapeutic and health-preserving effects. What exactly can tea prevent or combat? Cancer Prevention More than four thousand authoritative papers on the topic of "tea and cancer" demonstrate that the main component of tea polyphenols, EGCG, is virtually the nemesis of all cancers, particularly effective against uterine, skin, lung, colon, prostate, liver, kidney, and breast cancers. The scientific researchers at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that various types of tea inhibit the synthesis of cancer cells by an average rate of 65%, indicating their anti-cancer properties. Regular consumption of green tea reduces the risk of cancer by over 60% Data from studies conducted by institutions such as Japan's National Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University in the United States, and Curtin University in Australia indicate that men who regularly drink green tea have a 60% lower incidence of prostate cancer compared to those who do not drink it regularly. Drinking two cups of tea…

Puer tea has no expiration date and should be stored in a dry and ventilated environment, with the flavor becoming richer over time. Raw Puer tea requires 5 to 10 years of storage, while ripe tea needs 3 to 5 years. There is a significant difference in storage times between the north and south due to the warm and humid climate in the south, which accelerates transformation but also increases the risk of mold. Many tea enthusiasts know that Puer tea improves with age, but does the same apply to Puer loose tea? Why does some Puer loose tea become less enjoyable after a few years? Is Puer Loose Tea Suitable for Long-Term Storage? Puer loose tea isn’t ideal for long-term storage due to its structure not being conducive to slow oxidation. Firstly: Puer loose tea has too much exposure to air, accelerating oxidation and gradually losing its aroma. Secondly: The rapid oxidation rate robs Puer tea of the delightful changes and surprises at different stages. Thirdly: Puer tea benefits from being tightly packed, which facilitates the transformation of substances, something that loose tea doesn’t have. Fourthly: Compressed tea undergoes an additional watering process, which is more favorable for the…

Our country is characterized by its vast production of tea. Based on different manufacturing processes and degrees of fermentation, tea can be categorized into green tea, black tea, yellow tea, etc. Green tea has the most abundant production among all teas in our country. Mengding tea is a name often heard in the tea world, but does Mengding Ganlu tea belong to the category of green tea? Traditional Green Tea - Mengding Tea Mengding tea is a traditional green tea produced in the Mengding Mountain area of Mingshan District, Ya'an City, Sichuan Province. The region has an annual average temperature of 14.5°C, with annual rainfall ranging from 2000 to 2200 mm, and it is often shrouded in fine rain and mist. This ecological environment mitigates direct sunlight and increases diffused light, which is conducive to the formation of nitrogenous compounds in the tea leaves. According to ancient texts, ancient inscriptions, and the Qing Dynasty's "Sichuan Gazetteer," since the Western Han period, a tea farmer named Wu Lizhen planted seven tea trees at the peak of Mount Meng, which have a history of over two thousand years. These tea trees are "less than a foot tall, neither growing nor diminishing, distinctly…

For Pu'er tea, many friends find it complex, especially those who are just starting to explore the world of Pu'er tea. The diverse flavors from different regions and the concept that Pu'er tea improves with age can be confusing. Additionally, seeing a wide range of prices in the market makes it even harder to know where to start, often leaving buyers guessing. In this article, we will discuss how a high-quality Pu'er tea should look, smell, taste, and appear, providing useful information for tea enthusiasts when selecting their teas. Five Quality Standards for Premium Pu'er Tea 1. Dry Leaf Appearance: The compressed tea leaves should have an appropriate level of tightness and uniformity; they should have a smooth and lustrous color. For ripe Pu'er tea, the color should be dark brown with a glossy sheen and visible golden tips. For raw Pu'er tea, the color should be dark and lustrous. 2. Aroma: Assess the purity and longevity of the tea's fragrance A standard-quality Pu'er tea should have a pure aroma, free from any off-flavors, impurities, or unpleasant moldy odors. Pu'er tea is known for its ability to improve with age, and its fragrance develops through microbial and enzymatic activities during…

How can one buy good tea? This is a question that tea enthusiasts tirelessly discuss. Here are the two most important points you need to know about buying quality tea. First, look at the source; understand where the tea "comes from." To ensure good tea, the raw materials must be of high quality. When the source is reliable, the tea will be as well. Products with a good origin meet ecological and organic management standards throughout their entire process of cultivation, production, and maintenance. When purchasing tea, opt for those from their place of origin and check for geographical indications of the original production area. If the origin is guaranteed, so is the quality of the tea. Check for inspection reports from authoritative organizations Ensure that the tea you plan to buy comes with a formal inspection report issued by reputable organizations like the National Tea Quality Supervision and Testing Center. If there is no such report, be cautious. Look for a QR code on the packaging that can trace the product back to the State Farm Administration. If present, this acts as the tea's identification card, allowing you to scan it with your phone to track its journey from…

Locust flower tea, with its unique aroma and health benefits, is much loved by tea enthusiasts. This article will detail the preparation method of locust flower tea, from traditional handcrafting to modern mechanized production, guiding you through the charm of this traditional beverage. The History and Culture of Locust Flower Tea Locust flower tea has a long history in China, dating back to the Tang Dynasty. Locust flowers are not only beautiful ornamental plants, but their blossoms also have medicinal properties, including heat-clearing and detoxifying effects as well as cooling and blood-stanching benefits. In ancient times, locust flower tea was often consumed as a refreshing summer drink. Over time, the preparation techniques for locust flower tea have evolved, gradually forming a complete process. Selection of Raw Materials for Locust Flower Tea To make locust flower tea, one must first choose high-quality locust flowers. Generally, the best time to pick locust flowers is between May and June when the buds are about to bloom and the aroma is most intense. When selecting, choose bright-colored flowers free from disease, pests, and impurities. Traditional Handcrafted Preparation Process of Locust Flower Tea The traditional preparation process of locust flower tea includes the following steps:…

In daily life, to know how to preserve tea, one must first understand what damages it. Only then can one know how to store it to avoid such damage. Different types of tea have different characteristics and are damaged in different ways and to varying degrees, so the methods and requirements for their storage also differ. Many people do not know how to store green tea after opening it, which can lead to the tea going bad or losing its flavor. Under normal circumstances, green tea can be stored at room temperature for about a year; however, once opened, it should be transferred into an airtight container and used within two months if possible. Since green tea is prone to absorbing moisture, even unopened tea stored for too long will lose its aroma, so it should be brewed while fresh. Here are some key taboos to remember when storing green tea: The Five Taboos of Storing Green Tea 1. Avoid Moisture Firstly, one must be very careful to avoid moisture when storing green tea, as most tea enthusiasts know. Most teas have a strong tendency to absorb moisture and humidity. A relative humidity of 60% is suitable for storage, but…

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…

The quality of Zhengshan XiaoZhong is particularly excellent. Its overall quality characteristics are divided into four categories: 1. Leaf Tea: A type of traditional broken black tea, with tight and uniform strips, a lustrous dark color, an aromatic fragrance, a bright red infusion, a rich taste, and a red and bright leaf base with many tender stems. 2. Broken Tea: With heavy and uniform granules in appearance, a lustrous dark or brownish color, a fragrant aroma, a bright red infusion, a strong, fresh, and refreshing taste, and a uniformly red leaf base. 3. Shredded Tea: Entirely in the form of ear-shaped shreds or wrinkled angular pieces, with a dark brown color, a relatively pure aroma, a somewhat red infusion, a somewhat strong and slightly astringent taste, and a uniformly red leaf base. 4. Cai Tea: One of the earliest varieties in Wuyi Mountain. Its bushes are very small, and its branches are relatively thin. It is a variety propagated sexually through seeds. It has abundant flowers and seeds, suitable for sowing.

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…

Pu'er raw tea can be selected in a manner similar to green tea. Pu'er ripe tea is more special, so let's focus on that. In terms of appearance, it should have a reddish-brown color and stout, thick strands. If it’s in the form of cakes, bricks, or tuos, the shape should be uniform without excessive broken leaves and not overly compacted. If the surface of the tea lacks luster or appears grayish-white and contains foreign objects, it indicates poor quality or deterioration. The infusion should have a color akin to red wine, being both dark and rich yet clear and bright. If the tea liquor is dark brown and murky, it is typically not a good tea. If the aroma is low and musty, it is best not to consume it. In terms of taste, Pu'er tea should be full-bodied, sweet, and smooth. If it is bland with no aftertaste, it is not a good tea. The infused leaves should still retain some elasticity and a reddish-brown color. If the leaves are black, lack elasticity, or are completely rotten, this indicates poor quality. Things to Know When Buying Pu'er Tea:1. Choose based on your financial situation; there is no need…

Mengding Ganlu is a renowned tea produced in Sichuan, China, with a long history and excellent quality. So, what type of tea is Mengding Ganlu? What are its unique characteristics and appeals? Let’s explore this from three main aspects. 1. Origin of Mengding Ganlu: Mengding Ganlu is produced in Mingshan District, Ya’an City, Sichuan. The area is blessed with picturesque mountains and clear waters, and a climate suitable for tea cultivation. The origin of Mengding Ganlu is known as the “Birthplace of World Tea Culture,” a place rich in historical and cultural heritage. 2. Taste of Mengding Ganlu: The leaves of Mengding Ganlu are bright green, with a rich aroma and a clear infusion color. Its taste is fresh and sweet with a lingering aftertaste, full-bodied yet slightly astringent. Tasting Mengding Ganlu, one can feel the tea’s fragrance spreading throughout the mouth, providing a refreshing experience. 3. Historical and Cultural Value of Mengding Ganlu: Mengding Ganlu has been a famous tea since ancient times, with a long history. According to historical records, it dates back to the Western Han Dynasty, over 2,000 years ago. Mengding Ganlu is not only a traditional Chinese famous tea but also a treasure of world…

With the arrival of spring, many tea regions have already started harvesting their spring teas, which will soon be available on the market. After a whole winter of rest and rejuvenation, tea plants have accumulated rich internal substances. During this period, the tea has a full flavor, is strong in taste, and is relatively more durable when steeped, making spring tea the best of the year in the minds of many tea enthusiasts. The first spring tea is the first batch of tea leaves picked in spring. As long as it is the first harvest of the year, it is called the first flush spring tea. This is also the first batch of tea to sprout each year. These leaves are smaller with larger, more abundant buds, good aroma, and a full-bodied, rich taste. What is the first flush spring tea? The spring tea, as the name suggests, is tea harvested and processed during the spring season, that is, tea picked and processed between the beginning of spring and the beginning of summer. Puer spring tea can be divided into “first flush,” “second flush,” and “end-of-spring” teas. “First flush” tea is made from the first tender shoots and leaves harvested…