Tea Knowledge

Liubao tea, named after Liubao Town in Cangwu County, Wuzhou City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, is unique as a low-temperature fermented tea stored in bamboo baskets, cellars, caves, or wooden dry warehouses (other dark teas are typically border trade teas). Its distinctive taste has garnered many fans.Historically, there was not only the Tea Horse Road but also a Tea Ship Ancient Route, which started right here in Liubao, Guangxi. The people of Wuzhou used inland waterways to transport goods such as tea and porcelain to all corners of the world, establishing extensive trade relations with the outside world, forming a profound historical legacy known as the “Ancient Tea Ship Route.” The route began in Dabao, Guangxi, followed the Liubao River, proceeded along the Dong'an River, passed through the Hejiang River, entered the Xijiang River, and reached Guangzhou, connecting to the maritime Silk Road for tea shipments. This route was unique in linking Guangxi, Guangdong, Hong Kong, and directly reaching Southeast Asia. Through this ancient tea ship route, Liubao tea emerged from the mountains, crossed oceans, and became one of the key commodities on the maritime Silk Road. The history of tea production and processing in Liubao can be traced back…

The selection of Puer tea raw materials, when observing the appearance of the leaves, a uniform consistency in color, size, and length is indicative of good quality. If the lengths vary and shapes differ, it may indicate careless processing or adulteration with inferior tea leaves. Especially if there are impurities in the tea, such as tea fruits (as small as green beans), twigs, sand, stone chips, etc., this suggests that the tea is not clean. A good Puer tea possesses a refreshing and pleasant aroma, which can be delicate or intense, and smelling it brings a sense of relaxation and tranquility. Tea enthusiasts believe that the fragrance of tea surpasses that of flowers and plants. A good tea’s aroma should have rich variations, an elegant and refined character, deep and substantive content, and harmonious layers. If these requirements are met, then regardless of the type of aroma, it has value for appreciation and savoring. To purchase Puer tea raw materials, one should look, smell, and taste. Look at the color of the tea leaves; good tea has a lustrous sheen. If the processing and storage are improper, the color will inevitably be dull. Smell to ensure the aroma is pure;…

Pu'er tea is primarily tasted for its flavor, which should be sweet, smooth, substantial, and have a mature fragrance. Sweetness refers to the obvious aftertaste that should be present upon sipping; smoothness means the tea broth should be soft and smooth with a pure taste and not overly stimulating; substantiality means the tea broth should be thick and not watery, with a rich flavor in the mouth. The mature fragrance is a unique aroma of Pu'er tea, revealing its profound historical character, highlighting its return to simplicity and natural authenticity, and its fruity aroma exhibits a characteristic of sincerity and warmth, offering an irresistible allure. How to Determine the Quality of Aged Pu'er Tea 1. Scent the Tea Aged Pu'er tea, after long-term maturation, develops a natural mature fragrance, or even aromas reminiscent of old wood or ginseng, without any impurities. The older and better the Pu'er tea, the fewer odd or foreign odors it will have. 2. Examine the Dry Leaves Good aged Pu'er tea has leaves that are a lustrous brown-red color, uniformly so. When gently pinched between the fingers, they feel slightly puffed due to oxidation and fermentation. Early teas were often hand-picked, with less rolling during…

Huzhuliangzi Tea Mountain is located in Mengsong Township, Menghai County, Xishuangbanna Prefecture. It is the highest peak within Xishuangbanna, with an altitude of 2,429 meters, and is known as the "Roof of Xishuangbanna" and the "Peak of Xishuangbanna." The name "Huzhuliangzi" has its origins. There is a vast bamboo forest on the mountain, where the wild bamboo is as thick as a wine cup, with long joints that are smooth and devoid of thorns. This wild bamboo is referred to as "slippery bamboo." Locals refer to the highest mountains as "liangzi," hence the name "Huzhuliangzi." While it is named after bamboo, it is famous for its tea. The 2024 Pu'er spring tea harvest season has begun. The price of spring tea depends on many factors, such as origin, tea tree variety, picking season, and processing methods. The following reference prices for raw materials of Mengsong Huzhuliangzi 2024 spring tea provided here are for informational purposes only, and actual transaction prices may fluctuate. Reference Prices for Raw Materials of 2024 Mengsong Huzhuliangzi Spring Tea: Ancient Tree Spring Tea: 1,600-2,800 yuan/kg Middle-Aged Tree Spring Tea: 1,100-1,500 yuan/kg Young Tree Spring Tea: 600-900 yuan/kg Pure First Flush Pre-Sales of 2024 Huzhuliangzi Spring Tea…

       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…

When cooking beef, in addition to adding various seasonings, you can also add a bag of tea. This will not only help the beef cook faster but also give it a fragrant aroma. After eating extremely spicy peppers, if the spiciness in your mouth is unbearable, rinse your mouth with water first, then chew on some tea leaves to eliminate the spiciness. If you place meat in a 5% tea solution for a short while before refrigerating it, it will be better preserved and less likely to spoil. To remove fishy odors from utensils, boil them with used tea leaves for a few minutes. Place a small amount of tea in a thermos, fill it with boiling water, and secure the lid. After 20 minutes, the water can be drunk. The scale inside the thermos will gradually come off due to the action of the tea alkali. Repeat this process several times to completely remove the scale. Place 50 grams of scented tea in a cheesecloth and put it in the refrigerator to eliminate unpleasant odors. To clean greasy cookware, rub it with fresh wet tea dregs a few times to remove the grease. If painted doors, windows, or furniture…

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…

Silver Shard Tea, a name that sounds quite special, right? It's not just any tea but also a witness to history. Today, let’s delve deeper into Silver Shard Tea, explore its uniqueness, and understand why it has such high discussion among tea enthusiasts. Origin and History of Silver Shard Tea Silver Shard Tea is actually a type of ripe Pu'er tea, categorized as old tea nuggets. Old tea nuggets form during the fermentation process when the tea leaves stick together to create large clumps. After further processing, these large clumps are broken down into small particles. These particles resemble ancient silver shards in appearance, hence the name “Silver Shard”. Some say that it was once used as currency along the ancient Tea Horse Road, replacing silver in transactions. Although this is a beautiful legend, it reflects how much people cherished and valued it. Appearance and Characteristics of Silver Shard Tea The appearance of Silver Shard Tea is highly distinctive. It typically consists of small black or brown particles that are smooth on the outside and compact on the inside, with a certain weight to them. Due to its high density, the tea does not disintegrate or expand even after multiple…

Pure Silver Tea Infuser's Health Benefits Natural Antibacterial Properties Pure silver possesses natural antibacterial properties that few other materials can match. When silver comes into contact with water, it releases silver ions that can kill a variety of bacteria and microorganisms. This means that brewing tea with a pure silver infuser can reduce the risk of bacterial growth in your teaware, allowing you to enjoy healthier and purer tea. Improves Water Quality Pure silver significantly improves water quality. Many people find that tea brewed with a pure silver infuser has a fresher and purer taste. This is because silver effectively removes impurities and odors from the water, enhancing its quality and allowing the true flavor of the tea to shine through. Preserves Nutritional Components of Tea Leaves Tea leaves are rich in antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients, and a pure silver infuser helps preserve these components better. The good thermal conductivity of silver ensures that the tea leaves heat evenly during the brewing process without being damaged by localized overheating. This allows you to get the maximum nutritional and health benefits from every cup of tea. The Experience of Using a Pure Silver Tea Infuser Unique Visual and Tactile Enjoyment…

Dark tea, known as the black gold among teas, improves in quality and flavor over time. During its transformation, storage conditions are of utmost importance; even a slight oversight can cause the dark tea to spoil, especially during the humid season. The humid season occurs in March and April each year when the southern regions experience a sudden increase in temperature and humidity. During this time, everything feels damp both indoors and outdoors, making the air seem saturated with water, which is quite uncomfortable. For tea enthusiasts, the humid season is particularly challenging as it increases the risk of their cherished teas becoming damp and moldy. When storing dark tea during the humid season, controlling indoor humidity is key. Here’s a guide on how to prevent moisture from affecting your dark tea. It’s recommended that you save this information for future reference. 1. Preventing Moisture from Entering the Room During the humid season, the outdoor air is extremely humid. It's important to keep all windows and doors closed to prevent warm, moist air from entering. Even if the sun is shining brightly at noon, do not open the windows to ventilate. Ventilation during this period can sometimes lead to more…

Most of the Pu'er tea that tea enthusiasts drink daily is stored in the form of cake tea. However, for a single serving, only about 7 to 8 grams of dry tea are used. Once the package has been opened, how should the remaining tea be stored? Should it be wrapped back up in the same cotton paper used before? Furthermore, can unwrapped Pu'er tea continue to improve with age? How long can it be preserved? Today, let's answer these questions together: How to Store Unwrapped Pu'er Tea Cakes1. If only a small portion has been removed and consumed, and the tea cake has not been entirely unwrapped, you can use the original cotton paper to rewrap the remaining tea cake. Store it in a dry place away from light, monitoring any changes in the environment. An opened tea cake cannot be stored for an extended period; it is recommended to consume the rest gradually.2. For completely unwrapped Pu'er tea cakes, they can be stored in clean purple clay jars or earthenware pots, taking care to protect them from moisture and sunlight. Do not seal the lids tightly; instead, place a bamboo charcoal bag near the lid opening to absorb…

Generally, fresh green tea refers to the green tea produced in the current year (which can age and become old if not properly stored); old green tea refers to the green tea produced in the previous year. The quality differences in green tea are quite significant, and identification can be based on the appearance of the dry leaves, the brewed tea, and the infused leaves. Fresh green tea has a bright, lustrous green color and a rich, fragrant aroma; the brewed tea is jade green with a clear fragrance, orchid aroma, or roasted chestnut scent, the taste is sweet and refreshing, and the infused leaves are bright and vivid green. Old green tea has a dull, yellowish color with no luster, a low aroma or a stale smell; the brewed tea is dark yellow in color, the taste lacks freshness, and the infused leaves are yellowish and lack brightness. How to Identify Year-Old Green Tea? Visually, old tea will appear yellow or brown due to prolonged storage or improper preservation, which causes the loss of chlorophyll from the new leaves. The surface gloss of the leaves diminishes, and the vitality decreases. Such old tea can be recognized at a glance,…

Jin Jun Mei, a name that shines like a brilliant pearl in the tea world, has captivated countless tea enthusiasts with its unique qualities and flavors. To truly appreciate the extraordinary allure of Jin Jun Mei, the correct brewing and tasting methods are essential. Today, we will delve into how to brew and taste this gem among teas, guiding you through each step and savoring every nuance. I. The Unique Charm of Jin Jun Mei Jin Jun Mei, as a representative of high-end black teas, is highly regarded for its golden, translucent infusion, distinctive aroma, and rich flavor. Its leaves are selected from premium tea trees in Xingcun, Wuyi Mountain, meticulously picked and processed to present a tight, golden appearance. Once brewed, the tea emits an enchanting floral and fruity fragrance with a robust yet sweet aftertaste, leaving a lasting impression. II. Careful Preparation Before Brewing Before brewing Jin Jun Mei, it's important to prepare adequately to ensure the perfect presentation of the tea's unique flavors. Firstly, selecting high-quality Jin Jun Mei leaves is crucial. When choosing, focus on the appearance, aroma, and taste. High-quality Jin Jun Mei leaves have a tight, sturdy shape, a golden luster, and emit a…

Methods for storing Pu'er tea: 1. Purple clay jar, store the Pu'er tea in a purple clay jar in a cool, dry place; 2. Kraft paper resealable bag. Place the Pu'er tea in a kraft paper bag and store it in a clean, odorless refrigerator. Storage conditions for Pu'er tea: 1. Dry warehouse aging can preserve the authenticity of the Pu'er tea; 2. Clean and odorless, maintain a clean and hygienic environment. Storage Methods for Pu'er Tea 1. Purple Clay Jar Pu'er tea can be stored in a purple clay jar. First, prepare a clean purple clay jar, then place several bags of quicklime inside the jar, followed by the Pu'er tea you wish to store. Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dry place. 2. Kraft Paper Bag Pu'er tea can be preserved using a kraft paper bag. First, prepare a clean kraft paper bag, then place several bags of charcoal inside the bag, followed by the Pu'er tea. Seal the kraft paper bag tightly and store it in a clean, odorless refrigerator. Storage Conditions for Pu'er Tea 1. Dry Warehouse Aging It is recommended to age Pu'er tea in a dry warehouse, as this will…

This is a true conversation that took place between a tea maker with over a decade of experience and a connoisseur who has been storing white tea for the same amount of time, at a white tea factory. Eventually, a rapid moisture analyzer was used to test the controversial batch of white tea, revealing that its moisture content (the percentage of water in the tea leaves) had reached 6.4%. The tea maker's family sourced their tea leaves from a local core area and did a decent job with the white tea production process. Crucially, they never had trouble selling their tea each year, so he didn't have much of an awareness about storing white tea. The oldest teas they could find in the factory were no more than four to five years old, and there wasn't much of it.Why had the moisture content increased from less than 5% when the tea was first made to over 6% now? He couldn't figure it out and didn't seem too worried. In a thriving market, he didn't need to think too much about it.On the other hand, the connoisseur had started learning how to store white tea back in 2009 because he loved…

The purple clay teapot, having undergone a millennium of heritage, has become an indispensable part of Chinese tea culture. From ancient times to the present, literati and artists have been infatuated with the purple clay teapot, endowing it with unique cultural connotations. So, what is the reason behind the purple clay teapot's enduring popularity? Today, let's explore together the five major advantages of brewing tea with a purple clay teapot! 1. Unique Dual-Pore Structure, Releasing the True Aroma of Tea The purple clay teapot is made from original purple clay ore, and its dual-pore structure is the key to its tea-brewing advantages. The clay material of the purple clay teapot contains microscopic pores invisible to the naked eye that can effectively absorb the aroma compounds of tea leaves and slowly release them into the tea infusion, making the aroma richer and more lasting. Imagine when you brew a cup of hot tea with a purple clay teapot, gently inhaling the aroma, the refreshing fragrance invades your senses, the rich and fragrant aroma lingers for a long time, leaving one refreshed and uplifted. This is the enchanting charm brought by the unique dual-pore structure of the purple clay teapot. 2. Excellent…

What is Dried Deer Antler? Dried deer antler, as the name suggests, is deer antler that has been processed and dried. Deer antlers are harvested from male deer when they are still in their growing stage and are rich in nutrients and active components. Deer antler has long been considered a precious traditional Chinese medicine with various health benefits, such as boosting immunity, increasing energy, and promoting blood circulation. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Benefits and Effects of Dried Deer Antler Boosting Immunity Dried deer antler contains a variety of active ingredients, including amino acids, minerals, and peptides, which have significant effects on enhancing human immunity. Regularly drinking tea made from dried deer antler can help the body better resist various bacteria and viruses. Promoting Blood Circulation The nutrients in deer antler can effectively promote blood circulation and improve peripheral circulation issues, making it particularly beneficial for people with cold hands and feet or insufficient blood and qi. By brewing it into tea, the body can absorb these beneficial components more effectively. Enhancing Stamina and Energy Dried deer antler is rich in proteins and amino acids, essential nutrients for the body. Drinking tea made from dried deer antler can…

Traditionally processed oolong teas, such as Wuyi rock tea, Phoenix Dancong, and baked Tie Guan Yin, have good stability after roasting. They do not need to be stored in the refrigerator but can be kept in a cool, dry place instead. Oolong teas are generally safe to store at room temperature since they are fully fermented, and this has little impact on their quality. Dark teas, white teas, Pu'er teas, and aged teas, especially Pu'er, rely on aging for their drinking value. Storing these types of tea in the refrigerator could cause dampness issues and also reduce the activity of beneficial enzymes and bacteria within the tea. It is these enzymes and bacteria that contribute to the tea's flavor development over time. Refrigerating these teas would significantly affect their aging process. These types of teas are best stored at room temperature in a dark, well-ventilated, dry area away from strong odors. Storing them in the refrigerator could lead to mold growth. Should Green Tea Be Refrigerated? Green tea is unique because it is meant to be enjoyed for its fresh and crisp taste. Typically, we only drink green tea from the first flush (before the Ming festival). The tea oxidizes…

Do you like ripe tea? How much do you know about the following facts related to ripe tea? Is it unsuitable to drink ripe tea in summer? Not necessarily. The idea that ripe tea is unsuitable for summer is somewhat presumptive, as the hot weather and the reddish color of ripe tea may intuitively suggest warmth. However, the reality might not be so straightforward. Ripe tea is not inherently warming; tea is naturally cooling, and through fermentation, ripe tea merely becomes neutral rather than cool, so drinking it won't make you feel hotter. Furthermore, with the widespread use of air conditioning, the environment has changed. People wear light clothing in summer, but many homes, offices, restaurants, and cars are equipped with air conditioning, making the ambient temperature quite low. In such a setting, drinking cooler teas would actually be less appropriate. Therefore, whether ripe tea is suitable for summer depends on individual constitution, lifestyle, and work environment. Some people say they get heat rash or diarrhea from drinking ripe tea. What’s going on? This does happen sometimes. However, experiencing heat rash isn’t necessarily a bad thing. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there are concepts of "manifesting" and "suppressing." Heat…

Black tea is one of the six major types of tea, known for its sweet aroma and rich taste. In the tea market, black tea enjoys high sales volumes, which unfortunately also attracts unscrupulous vendors trying to pass off inferior products as high-quality ones. In such cases, it's essential to know how to differentiate between them. Here’s a guide on how to identify the quality of black tea. Differentiating the Quality of Black Tea To differentiate the quality of black tea, it can be categorized into three types: premium, substandard, and low-quality. The evaluation involves using your senses – touch, sight, smell, and taste – to make a comprehensive assessment. 1. Touch: Pick up a small amount and feel the tightness, weight, and thickness of the tea leaves. High-quality black tea tends to have relatively tightly bound leaves, with heavier and more substantial ones being preferable. Loose, light, and coarse leaves are indicative of lower quality. 2. Sight: Observe whether the dry tea leaves are uniform in shape and consistent in color, and check for the presence of golden tips in some varieties. After brewing, examine the clarity and color of the tea liquor and the appearance of the infused…

In the vast river of Chinese tea culture, Shoumei tea stands out with its unique qualities and profound cultural significance, becoming a treasured gem among tea enthusiasts. Today, let's delve into the world of Shoumei tea to explore its origins, production techniques, tasting methods, and health benefits, and experience the charm of this rare tea. I. Origins and History of Shoumei Shoumei is a type of white tea primarily produced in Fuding City and Zhenghe County of Fujian Province. The character "Shou" in its name symbolizes longevity and health, while "Mei" refers to the tea leaves' shape, which resembles an eyebrow. The history of Shoumei can be traced back to the Tang and Song dynasties, when it was already a tribute tea cherished by royalty. Over time, Shoumei has become part of everyday life for ordinary people. II. Production Techniques of Shoumei The production techniques of Shoumei are unique and meticulous, using traditional white tea processing methods including picking, withering, and drying. First, picking is the initial step in making Shoumei. The timing of picking is very important, usually taking place around Qingming Festival in spring. At this time, the tea leaves are tender and rich in natural compounds, making…

For those just starting to learn about Pu'er tea, you may not know where to start, as many concepts, common knowledge, and terms related to Pu'er tea are unfamiliar. This is an article designed to help beginners quickly understand Pu'er tea. ◎What is Pu'er tea? Pu'er tea originates from the Lancang River basin in southern and western Yunnan. It is made from the fresh leaves of large-leaf tea trees in Yunnan, processed into various compressed teas through steaming and compression, and then aged over a certain period of time. Alternatively, it can be made by post-fermenting sun-dried green tea from large-leaf tea trees in Yunnan, resulting in compressed or loose Pu'er tea. ◎What is raw (sheng) tea? The large-leaf tea grown in Yunnan is processed through sun-withering and directly compressed into cakes, tuos, or bricks, which are referred to as raw cakes, raw tuos, and raw bricks. Uncompressed tea is called maocha (rough tea). ◎What is ripe (shou) tea? The large-leaf tea grown in Yunnan undergoes sun-withering followed by pile fermentation and is then compressed into cakes, tuos, or bricks, known as ripe cakes, ripe tuos, and ripe bricks. ◎How do you distinguish between raw and ripe Pu'er tea? There…

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…

  Tea is a favorite drink for many people around the globe. Some love starting their day with a hot cup of black tea, while others might end it with a calming herbal tea. With so many types available, there's definitely something out there for everyone. But have you ever thought about whether tea goes bad? What does that expiration date on your pack really mean - do you have to stop drinking your preferred mix after this date? In this blog post, we're going to dive into how long tea lasts, what affects its shelf life, and tips on storing your tea properly to keep it tasting great. On shelf life, Regarding the expiration date, When talking about black tea, Concerning the shelf life of Tea, About how to best store Tea, And touching upon enjoying some nice herbal Tea Our store offers a wide range of high-quality tea that can be reserved for a long time, welcome to browse and shop! CONTENT OUTLINE Understanding Tea's Shelf Life Signs Your Tea Might Have Expired Optimal Tea Storage Solutions Can You Extend the Life of Your Tea? The Impact of Expiration on Tea Quality Innovative Uses for Old Tea Professional…