Tea Knowledge

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…

Hypertension is a common chronic disease that can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease and stroke. Fortunately, drinking certain types of tea can help naturally lower blood pressure. This article will introduce several teas that are beneficial for lowering blood pressure and provide detailed brewing methods and precautions. (Image source: Internet. Please delete if infringing.) 1. Hibiscus Tea (Roselle Tea) Hibiscus tea is renowned for its vibrant red color and sweet-sour taste. Several studies have shown that hibiscus tea can help lower high blood pressure. It is rich in antioxidants that can help expand blood vessels and reduce vascular resistance, thus lowering blood pressure. Drinking three cups of hibiscus tea daily can significantly lower blood pressure. Brewing Method: Take one tablespoon of dried hibiscus petals, steep them in hot water for five minutes, strain out the petals, and then drink. You may choose to drink it hot or cold. Precautions: Pregnant women and those taking blood pressure medication should avoid drinking hibiscus tea, as it may stimulate the uterus or cause excessively low blood pressure. 2. Green Tea Green tea is widely popular due to its rich antioxidants and various benefits. Studies show that long-term consumption of…

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…

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…

Spring tea and autumn tea are two types of tea categorized by their harvest season. They have distinct differences in taste, aroma, and flavor, which is why they are favored by different tea enthusiasts. So, which one is better between spring and autumn teas? Today, we will delve deeper into this question. Spring Tea: Messenger of Spring, Fresh and Invigorating Spring tea, as the name suggests, is harvested during the spring season. Since tea plants have rested over winter, they accumulate abundant nutrients. As a result, spring tea has thick leaves rich in content, offering a fresh and invigorating taste with a strong aroma. The harvest time for spring tea generally starts from mid-to-late March and continues until mid-to-late May. In particular, the first flush of spring tea is often the best quality of the year. Green teas have a lustrous green color, while black teas have a dark luster, both being of superior quality. The mouthfeel of spring tea is fresh and invigorating, like the broth of freshly cooked bamboo shoots, leaving a lasting and lively aftertaste. Autumn Tea: Harvest of Autumn, Rich and Mellow Autumn tea, also known as "Gu Hua tea," is harvested during the autumn season.…

Pu'er tea, a beverage with a long history and rich cultural heritage, is beloved for its unique taste and health benefits. However, there has been a longstanding debate among enthusiasts: is raw Pu'er tea better, or ripe Pu'er tea? There's no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on personal taste and needs. If you're interested in understanding the differences between raw and ripe Pu'er teas, along with their respective pros and cons, this article may provide some helpful insights. Raw vs. Ripe: Unveiling Their Origins and Evolution The primary difference between raw and ripe Pu'er teas lies in their production processes. Raw tea is made directly from fresh leaves that undergo withering, fixation, and sun-drying, while ripe tea is subjected to a post-fermentation process after being processed as raw tea. The post-fermentation process is a critical step in the production of ripe Pu'er tea. During this process, the tea leaves are exposed to high temperatures and humidity, allowing microorganisms to trigger a series of complex chemical reactions that give ripe tea its distinctive taste and aroma. Raw Tea: The Aged Charm of Time-Honored Flavors Raw Pu'er tea retains the original flavor of the fresh leaves since it isn't…

In traditional Chinese medicine, chrysanthemums have long been highly regarded for their unique medicinal properties and health benefits. As two varieties of chrysanthemums, Dendranthema morifolium bud (also known as胎菊 or sweet chrysanthemum) and Huangshan imperial chrysanthemum (also known as 贡菊) each have their distinct characteristics and advantages. This article will explore the differences between these two types of chrysanthemums from multiple perspectives, helping readers gain a better understanding of them and make informed choices based on their needs. Basic Concepts of Dendranthema Morifolium Bud and Huangshan Imperial Chrysanthemum Dendranthema morifolium bud, also known as sweet chrysanthemum, is an unopened chrysanthemum flower that is appreciated for its delicate fragrance and slightly sweet taste. Huangshan imperial chrysanthemum, also known as 贡菊, is one of China’s traditional famous chrysanthemums, renowned for its golden yellow petals and elegant aroma. Comparison of Efficacy and Effects Both Dendranthema morifolium bud and Huangshan imperial chrysanthemum possess heat-clearing and detoxifying effects, as well as the ability to clear the liver and brighten the eyes, but they differ in specific functions. Dendranthema morifolium bud, due to its slightly cold nature and spicy-sweet-bitter taste, is particularly suitable for dispersing wind-heat, soothing the liver and improving vision, and clearing heat and…

Tea lovers have likely heard about the practice of "washing tea." Some say the first infusion should be discarded, while others disagree. So, should you discard the first infusion? Let's explore this topic today. (Image source: Internet. Please delete if infringing.) What is "Washing Tea"? The term "washing tea" is familiar; literally, it means "washing the tea leaves." Many people are accustomed to soaking the tea leaves before brewing with a purple clay pot or a covered bowl, then discarding the first infusion, which they call "washing tea." In professional tea ceremony procedures, this is even listed as a mandatory step. But is "washing tea" really necessary? (Image source: Internet. Please delete if infringing.) The Historical Origins of "Washing Tea" "Washing tea" has a long history. In the Ming Dynasty, Tu Long's "Kao Pan Yu Shi" mentions: "When brewing tea, first wash the tea with hot water to remove dust, dirt, and coldness, which makes the tea more flavorful." This suggests that the ancient purpose of washing tea was to remove impurities and coldness from the surface of the leaves, thereby improving its taste. However, in modern tea processing, is this practice still necessary? Is "Washing Tea" Necessary for Modern…

Osmanthus, a fragrant plant widely cultivated in southern China, is not only an ornamental flower but also an excellent ingredient for brewing tea. Osmanthus tea, with its unique aroma and various health benefits, has gradually become a new favorite in people's daily beverages. Today, let’s talk about everything related to brewing osmanthus tea. (Image source: Internet, delete upon request) The History and Culture of Brewing Osmanthus Tea The history of brewing osmanthus tea can be traced back to ancient times when the Chinese had already discovered the medicinal value and unique fragrance of osmanthus. In traditional Chinese medicine, osmanthus tea is used as a remedy for warming the stomach, relieving pain, clearing phlegm, and stopping coughs, and it is also considered a beverage with health-preserving properties. In literary works, osmanthus tea is often mentioned, becoming the subject of poetry and prose by literati. Health Benefits of Osmanthus Tea Osmanthus tea not only has a pleasant aroma but also many health benefits: 1. Relieves Cough: Osmanthus has the effect of clearing phlegm and stopping coughs, suitable for people prone to colds and coughs in winter. 2. Improves Digestion: Osmanthus tea can warm the stomach and relieve pain, helping to alleviate symptoms…

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…

Biluochun and Longjing are both among the top ten famous teas in China, belonging to the category of green tea. Despite this commonality, they exhibit unique characteristics in terms of origin, appearance, aroma, and taste. Which one truly stands out? This appears to be a perennial conundrum that has puzzled countless tea lovers. Today, let's set aside any biases and delve into the mysteries of Biluochun and Longjing to appreciate their captivating allure! Origins: The Imprint of Place and History Biluochun: Biluochun, also known as Dongting Biluochun, is produced in the areas around East Dongting Mountain and West Dongting Mountain in Wuxian County, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province. As early as the Tang Dynasty, Biluochun had already gained widespread recognition and was hailed as a precious tea. Longjing: Longjing is produced in the mountains surrounding the Lion Peak, Wengjia Mountain, Hupao, Meijiawu, Yunxi, and Lingyin areas near the West Lake in Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province. The history of Longjing tea is long-standing, with records indicating cultivation began as early as the Northern Song Dynasty. Aesthetic Beauty: A Leaf and Bud, Each Showing Its Charm Biluochun: The appearance of Biluochun is very distinctive. The tea buds are fine and tender, curled into…

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…

Hypertension is a very common chronic disease in modern society, and many people are looking for natural ways to help control their blood pressure. Among these, preserved orange peel tea, as a traditional Chinese herbal tea, has received considerable attention. Can hypertensive patients drink preserved orange peel tea? Let's explore the impact of preserved orange peel tea on hypertension and precautions when drinking it. (Image source: network, delete upon request) What Is Preserved Orange Peel Tea? Preserved orange peel tea is a tea beverage made primarily from preserved orange peel. Preserved orange peel, as its name suggests, is the skin of aged citrus fruit that has been dried and aged. Preserved orange peel holds an important place in Traditional Chinese Medicine, believed to have the effects of regulating qi, strengthening the spleen, and drying dampness and transforming phlegm. In modern health practices, preserved orange peel tea has become a healthy tea beverage enjoyed daily due to its unique taste and rich nutritional content. Can Hypertensive Patients Drink Preserved Orange Peel Tea? The answer is yes. Hypertensive patients can consume preserved orange peel tea in moderation. Not only does preserved orange peel tea have a unique flavor, but it also has…

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…

Maojian tea, as one of the six major types of Chinese tea and a green tea, is beloved by many tea enthusiasts. It has won the favor of a wide range of tea lovers with its distinctive aroma and refreshing taste. So, what type of tea is Maojian exactly? Let's delve into the world of Maojian tea to better understand its characteristics, varieties, and brewing methods. Definition and Classification of Maojian Tea Maojian tea, as the name suggests, refers to a type of green tea characterized by its fine, hair-like shape and prominent tips. It is primarily produced in regions such as Xinyang in Henan Province, Zhejiang, Guizhou, and Hunan in China. Among these, Xinyang Maojian is the most famous and is regarded as one of China’s top ten teas. The main features of Maojian tea include its resemblance to a sparrow's tongue, vibrant green color, fresh aroma, and sweet, mellow taste. History and Origin of Maojian Tea The history of Maojian tea can be traced back to the Qing Dynasty, when it first appeared in southern China's tea-producing areas. The production of Xinyang Maojian started at the end of the Qing Dynasty and the beginning of the Republic era,…

Longjing tea, often hailed as China’s “Queen of Green Teas,” is a very special type of green tea. Its name originates from Longjing Village in the West Lake District of Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province. This tea is renowned for its unique aroma, sweet taste, and beautiful appearance. As one of China’s top ten famous teas, Longjing tea enjoys a high reputation both domestically and internationally. Historical Background of Longjing Tea The history of Longjing tea dates back more than 1200 years to the Tang Dynasty, but it was during the reign of Emperor Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty that it truly gained worldwide fame. It is said that Emperor Qianlong, while touring the West Lake, praised Longjing tea highly and personally bestowed the title of “Imperial Tea” upon eighteen Longjing tea trees. From then on, Longjing tea became a tribute to the imperial court and became widely known. Distinct Characteristics of Longjing Tea What makes Longjing tea unique goes beyond its long history; it is also due to its four main features: green color, rich fragrance, sweet taste, and beautiful shape. High-quality Longjing tea has tender green leaves with a bright color; when brewed, the tea produces a clear infusion…

If you are not aware of China's fascination with tea, you got to be a little better updated. These are some of the facts that would help you understand why it is important to know about this Chinese and tea connection. Very own discovery: Chinese take pride in the discovery of this beverage which is now consumed all over the world in different forms and taste. It is said that like all other inventions, it was accidental when Emperor Shen Nung was lying under a tree and his servant was boiling water for him. Some of the leaves from the tree actually fell into the boiling water and tea was born! Largest producer of tea: If China would not have been in the world, the total tea production in the world would have gone down by a massive 30%. China yearly produces almost approximately 2.10 million ton of tea which is then most consumed domestically and some exported worldwide. Used as a medicine: Long before during 8th century BC, tea in China was used as a medicine. The Chinese believed that it removed excess heat in the body and also improves the eyesight. Even in today's time, white tea is…

Although tea is the second-most popular beverage in the world after water, only 2% of the tea produced and consumed is oolong tea – despite its abundance of health benefits! Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea made from Camellia sinensis leaves, the same plant used to make green tea and black tea. The characteristics of oolong tea fall between green and black tea because of its unique processing method. But what exactly is oolong tea? Why is it “between” green and black tea? Find your answers here: the history, flavor, differences with other types of tea, caffeine content, health benefits, brewing methods, and where to find the best ones. The history of oolong tea There are several stories about how oolong tea was discovered. First, the “tribute tea” theory. This theory tells us that the name “oolong tea” is a tribute to its predecessor, Dragon-Phoenix tea cakes, a tea famous during the Song Dynasty era (960-1279 CE). The name “oolong” was used to replace the old term, as loose-leaf tea became more common. Since the tea is dark, long, and curly, it is called wūlóng (literally means dark dragon) tea – now known as oolong tea. The second theory…

I'm sure that a lot of tea lovers have had this sudden urge and craving to drink a cup of your most beloved tea at night while struggling to finish it. Now comes a question that most of us will ask, the unfinished tea is just too valuable to throw away but will it still be drinkable tomorrow? We have all heard rumors, some say tea isn’t drinkable overnight, but is this really true? In short, please don’t drink it! We’ll be revealing to you the truth about overnight tea. Overnight tea usually refers to tea made the night or day before. Tea that has been sitting around for way too long is also referred to as overnight tea as well. When tea sits around for too long, a substance called TP (tea polyphenol) that it contains will start to oxidise, this darkens the tea. A great example would be green tea, its color will turn from bright green to yellow when put in a high heat environment. This is because when TP oxidises, non-toxic and harmless chemicals [technical term alert] such as theaflavins, thearubigins and theabrownins are also produced. However, it will become cold when you just leave it…

When you think about teas, you may imagine green (or even dark) leaves – but that is not the case with white tea. Cultivated in the early days before the leaves are fully opened, white tea buds are still covered by fine white hairs, which is why it is named “white tea”. During processing, this type of tea is the least processed tea. It is not oxidized nor rolled, creating a very pure and delicate type of tea. You might be wondering now, why did white tea come into existence in the first place? What does white tea taste like? Are there many types of white tea, and what are the differences? Does white tea contain any caffeine? And is white tea healthy for our body? Read on to learn more about this unique yet delicate type of tea. The history of white tea The history of white tea goes back almost 1,500 years ago to the Tang Dynasty era (618-907 CE) in Fujian Province, the birthplace of Silver Needle (Baihao Yinzhen) white tea. In that era, white tea was a special kind of tea picked in early spring – the perfect time to get the silver needles. Those young…

How much tea a day, keeps the doctors away? About 500ml - 600ml. Being a health-conscious tea lover, I would sometimes wonder, is drinking too much tea cause harm to my body? There’s an old Chinese saying, “Sometimes enough is enough, too much water drowns the miller”. A fellow tea enthusiast once asked me: “Is it a problem if I replace water with tea and only drink tea every day?” Well, yes - this would cause a problem. It is healthy to have a regularly tea-drinking habit, but if you only hydrate your body with tea, this is not good. Another misconception that a lot of people have is that we should drink as much tea as we can because drinking tea is healthy. Along with these misconceptions, comes a range of serious health issues. Why do we have to drink tea daily? What nutrition or substance does our body consume the most when we drink tea? Is it tea polyphenol? Is it caffeine or theanine? Actually, the correct answer is H2O, Water! Our body loses a huge amount of fluids every day, we dehydrate when we sweat, when we go to the bathroom etc. Most adults need to rehydrate their…

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…

  Talking about not eating for a while (intermittent fasting) and drinking tea is pretty fascinating, especially when we think about what they do to our bodies. How intermittent fast connects with different kinds of tea is something full of cool ideas. If we look into how tea affects our health while we're on a break from eating, it can help us figure out the best methods to get the results we want. So, let's dive deeper into the potential side effects of intermittent fast and why adding tea to your routine might be a good idea. CONTENT OUTLINE Understanding the Basics of Fasting and Tea Consumption The Health Benefits of Drinking Tea While Fasting Top 5 Teas You Can Enjoy While Fasting How to Integrate Tea into Your Fasting Schedule Customizing Your Tea Experience While Fasting Conclusion FAQs Understanding the Basics of Fasting and Tea Consumption To get the hang of fasting and drinking tea, it's important to think about how staying hydrated plays a role when you're not eating. When you add tea to your fast plan, it's all about knowing how this can change things like your metabolism and how much antioxidants you're getting. Tea is also…

  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…