Tea Knowledge

Tea leaves will undergo changes over time, regardless of whether they are vacuum-packed. The chlorophyll and polyphenol compounds in the tea can cause the leaves to age and turn yellow or red. If the tea was not sufficiently dehydrated or dried improperly, the infusion may become bitter and astringent. If stored improperly, it may even develop mold. Therefore, when you return to drinking tea that has been opened for some time, there are certain issues to be mindful of. First, check if the tea has developed mold. Place the tea leaves in your hand and examine them under bright light or give them a light sniff. If there is a musty smell, the tea should not be consumed and can instead be used as plant fertilizer. Brewing Method to Address the Issue If the dry tea leaves have a grassy scent or other off-flavors, you can seek the assistance of a professional tea roaster or a tea shop to process them. If there is only a slight aged or stale flavor, you can use a brewing method to address this. Method One The water temperature should be high, ideally boiling. Allow the first steeping to sit for longer than usual,…

Man Nu Pu'er tea is an ancient tree tea product made from large-leaf Pu'er tea leaves from Yunnan. Its characteristics and taste differ somewhat from those of Pu'er tea, offering a unique flavor. Its appearance is characterized by larger leaves that display a golden hue and are tightly twisted with a dark luster. Preliminary Sale Prices for Man Nu Spring Tea on ChaWo.com in 2024 The price for the first spring pure material bulk raw tea from Man Nu's tall trees in 2024, weighed and sold at 250 grams, is 280 yuan. The price for the first spring pure material bulk raw tea from Man Nu's tall trees in 2024, weighed and sold at 500 grams, is 550 yuan. The price for the first spring pure material bulk raw tea from Man Nu's tall trees in 2024, weighed and sold at 1000 grams, is 1000 yuan. Characteristics of Man Nu Spring Tea Rich and Pure Flavor: It has the rich and pure character of Menghai tea but lacks the bitterness typically found in Menghai teas; High Aroma: It boasts the high fragrance of Lancang teas while also presenting a clear and sweet taste; Silky Broth: Unlike the pure softness of…

Storing fine tea is a continuous process of pleasant surprises, as the nature, taste, and aroma of the tea undergo transformation. From new to aged, this metamorphosis gives Pu'er tea different flavors at different times. However, this transformation depends on getting the raw material, processing, and storage right. Thus, not all Pu'er tea improves with age. If the raw material is poor, the processing subpar, or the storage inadequate, the quality of the Pu'er tea will not improve no matter how long it is stored. Instead, it may become harder to drink over time. The raw material is the foundation, the processing is critical, and appropriate storage elevates the tea. Each step is crucial, and if the tea gets harder to drink over time, there are usually issues in these three areas. Why Some Pu'er Tea Gets Harder to Drink Over Time 1. Poor Raw Material and Processing, Losing Potential for Later Transformation Good raw material determines the potential of Pu'er tea to improve with age, based on its rich inner content. If the tea's raw material is poor and lacks substantial inner content, it has little potential for later transformation. The inner content might disappear during processing or be…

Speaking of Wuyi rock tea, it is likely that no one is unfamiliar with it. And when it comes to the prized teas among Wuyi rock teas, Dahongpao rightfully earns its title as the "King of Teas." However, how did this humble tea gain such a prominent status? What legendary story lies behind the name "Dahongpao"? Unveiling the Legends Behind the Name Dahongpao There are several versions of the origin of the name Dahongpao circulating in folk tales, with the two most widely known being: Legend One: The Scholar’s Gratitude It is said that during the Xuande period of the Ming Dynasty, a scholar named Ding Xian passed by Mount Wuyi and fell ill on the roadside. Fortunately, he was rescued by the abbot of the Tianxin Yongyou Chan Temple who brewed him tea from Dahongpao leaves, which miraculously cured his illness. Later, Ding Xian became the top scholar (zhuangyuan), and remembering the kindness that saved his life, he returned to Mount Wuyi to thank the abbot. To show his respect for the Dahongpao tea, he draped the red robe he wore during his imperial examination over the tea tree. From then on, the tree was called "Dahongpao." Legend Two:…

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.

For Pu'er tea, many tea enthusiasts have the concept of "drink old tea, store new tea." So, how can we determine if a new tea has collection value? First, making a good tea requires many factors. The most critical are the following three aspects: What kind of new tea has the greatest collection value? I. Raw Materials Without good raw materials, no matter how skillful the process is or how correctly it's stored later, the tea cannot develop a good taste during its transformation later on. 1. Tea Variety A good tea is cultivated by people and is also the result of natural selection over thousands of years. Among various tea varieties, the sexual reproduction-based large-leaf type native to Yunnan is best suited for making Pu'er tea. 2. Growing Environment A suitable environment for growing tea trees. This includes appropriate altitude, proper sunlight duration and intensity, well-spaced planting, appropriate intercropping, no need for pesticides due to biodiversity that prevents the occurrence and development of diseases and pests, etc. 3. Picking Parts and Time Different parts of the tea leaves such as the bud tip, leaf, stalk, and yellow leaf play different roles in the post-fermentation process and have different effects…

Tali沱 Tea, a Pu'er tea with a prestigious reputation in the tea world, is widely appreciated not only for its unique shape and rich taste but also for its long history and exquisite production techniques. Today, we will delve into the types, characteristics, and the story behind Tali沱 Tea. What Type of Tea is Tali沱 Tea? Tali沱 Tea belongs to the category of Pu'er teas. Pu'er tea is a post-fermented tea whose production process and storage methods allow it to evolve over time, improving both the liquor and the leaves as they age. Tali沱 Tea is renowned for its compact nest shape, distinctive taste, and aged aroma, making it a classic representative among Pu'er teas. The History of Tali沱 Tea Tali沱 Tea originates from Xiaguan Town, Dali City, Yunnan Province. As early as 1902, the Xiaguan Tea Factory began producing this type of tea, named for its conical shape with a flat base. The Xiaguan Tea Factory has a long history and is one of the oldest tea factories in Yunnan Province. Over the years, Tali沱 Tea has become a highly regarded variety within the realm of Pu'er teas. Production Techniques The production techniques for Tali沱 Tea are unique and…

     Generally speaking, you must pay attention to the details of storing tea, as this affects whether the tea will go bad. Only a good environment is conducive to storing tea. So, as a representative of Wuyi rock tea, how should Dahongpao be stored? Can it be placed in the refrigerator for storage? Let's take a look at the following introduction. Can Dahongpao Be Stored in the Refrigerator?      1. Dahongpao and Pu'er should not be kept in the fridge, while Tieguanyin must be stored in the refrigerator.      2. Despite being called the king of teas, Dahongpao can still spoil like other teas if not stored properly, causing economic loss.        3. The spoilage of Dahongpao is mainly due to abnormal conditions of temperature, light, and moisture. Ideally, the storage conditions for Dahongpao should be controlled with a moisture content of less than 6%, refrigerated, oxygen-free, and protected from light. In practical operations, the storage plan can be adjusted according to specific needs. How to Store Dahongpao?      Dahongpao tea easily absorbs odors and is also afraid of moisture, high temperatures, and light exposure. After roasting, Dahongpao dry tea is relatively dry, and…

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.…

Depending on the type, age, and brewing vessel, the methods of brewing white tea vary. Let’s learn more! How to brew white tea for better taste Different Types, Different Brewing Methods: Gongmei or Shoumei are primarily made from tea leaves, with a coarse and rustic appearance. They have three remarkable qualities: their deep red and beautiful infusion, their rich and robust flavor, and their excellent health benefits. Therefore, when brewing white tea, boiling water can be used, and it can be steeped for a longer period to fully enjoy its best attributes. How to brew white tea for better taste Different Ages, Different Brewing Methods: New Tea Brewing Method: New teas tend to be tender, and the dry leaves look fresh and vibrant. It is best to use a shallow brewing method and pour out the water as quickly as possible to appreciate the pure beauty of new tea. How to brew white tea for better taste Old Tea Brewing Method: To enjoy aged white tea, a large-bellied purple clay teapot is ideal. Use water at 80 degrees Celsius and wait patiently for one and a half minutes before pouring out the infusion. If you can use Fuding spring water…

Tea culture in China has a long history, and the variety of tea brewing tools is vast. Porcelain, as an ancient and elegant tool for brewing tea, has always been favored by tea enthusiasts. But is porcelain really suitable for brewing tea? This article will take you through all aspects of brewing tea with porcelain. (Image source: internet, delete if infringement) Advantages of Brewing Tea with Porcelain Porcelain has been an excellent choice for brewing tea since ancient times, mainly due to the following advantages: 1. Preserves Tea Aroma: The delicate and smooth material of porcelain does not absorb the aroma of the tea, thus it can well preserve the original aroma of the tea leaves. This is particularly important for teas with rich aromas, such as Tieguanyin and Oolong tea. 2. Good Heat Conduction: Porcelain has moderate heat conduction properties, which allows it to evenly disperse heat, keeping the tea temperature stable. This prevents over-steeping or sudden drops in temperature that could affect the taste of the tea. 3. Aesthetically Pleasing: Porcelain is beautifully crafted with rich patterns and designs, offering high aesthetic value. Whether at home or in a teahouse, brewing tea with porcelain is a feast for…

Do you know the key elements to consider when buying tea? According to experts, during the purchasing process, you should “squeeze, observe, smell, and taste” to determine the quality of the tea. Let’s take Pu'er tea as an example and explore these tips together! The "squeeze" test is used to determine if the tea leaves are dry. Gently grip the tea leaves with your hand; if you feel a slight prickliness and the leaves crumble easily when lightly pinched, this indicates good dryness. If the leaves do not break even when firmly squeezed, they have become damp and soft, which affects their quality. The "observe" step involves examining the uniformity and appearance of the tea leaves. Leaves that are uniformly shaped and colored are generally better. Teas with high proportions of stems, corners, dust, and impurities will affect the quality of the tea infusion. The aroma of tea is one of the main conditions determining its quality, which can be assessed through "smelling." Different teas have distinct aromas due to their processing methods and levels of fermentation. Green teas are known for their fresh fragrance, while oolong teas have a unique ripe fruit aroma. Black teas carry a caramel-like scent,…

Tea, a treasure of Chinese culture, has captivated countless people with its unique charm since ancient times. Among them, floral teas and reprocessed teas stand out for their distinctive flavors and production processes, becoming shining gems in tea culture. Today, let's embark on a journey into the world of floral and reprocessed teas to experience their allure and essence.Floral tea is a specialty beverage made by blending tea leaves with aromatic flowers. Among various floral teas, jasmine tea is particularly beloved for its fresh and elegant fragrance. The production process of jasmine tea is meticulous and labor-intensive, with each step embodying the wisdom and dedication of skilled artisans. Firstly, high-quality green tea is selected as the base and undergoes precise processing to retain its original freshness and flavor. Fresh jasmine flowers are then picked and layered with the tea leaves, allowing the tea to absorb the aroma of the jasmine fully. This scenting process requires multiple repetitions, with strict control over time and temperature to ensure perfect fusion between the tea and the flower’s fragrance. Finally, after careful scenting and roasting, jasmine tea is born. The flavor of jasmine tea is unique, combining the freshness of green tea with the…

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…

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…

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…

If you are an avid tea drinker, there is a possibility that you are also an avid tea buyer. You may have an extensive collection of different types of teas, which may or may not be in a proper container. But what exactly is the proper way to store loose leaf tea? Are some containers better than others? First, you should know the things to consider when storing loose leaf tea. Things to Consider When Storing Loose Leaf Tea There are five things you should consider when storing your favorite loose leaf tea if you want to keep your tea fresh. Moisture The words “tea” and “moisture” cannot be good friends because tea’s flavor becomes weaker when exposed to moisture. Or worse, your tea can get moldy! As a rule of thumb, you would only want moisture to meet your tea when you are brewing it before drinking (a.k.a. when tea meets water). Other than that, you have to store your loose leaf tea away from moisture! But it is not as simple as keeping it away from water or dampness. Because tea is hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air, you should also block the moisture…

Bai Mudan, one of the six major types of Chinese tea, known as white tea, is loved by many tea enthusiasts for its delicate aroma and refreshing taste. However, maintaining the high quality of Bai Mudan depends on proper storage methods. This article provides professional storage techniques for loose leaf Bai Mudan, ensuring your tea stays in optimal condition. Why Proper Storage Is Crucial for Bai Mudan The aroma and flavor of Bai Mudan can change based on storage conditions. Improper storage can cause the tea to lose its original character or even become moldy. Therefore, understanding how to store Bai Mudan correctly is essential for preserving its quality. Factors Affecting Bai Mudan Storage Several key factors impact the storage quality of Bai Mudan, including temperature, humidity, light exposure, oxygen, and odors. Temperature: High temperatures can accelerate oxidation, affecting the tea's flavor. Humidity: Excessive moisture can lead to the tea absorbing moisture and developing mold. Light: Direct sunlight over time can degrade chlorophyll in the leaves, affecting their color. Oxygen: Too much oxygen exposure can speed up the oxidation process. Odors: Tea easily absorbs surrounding odors, which can affect its pure aroma. Storage Methods for Loose Leaf Bai Mudan Here…

Baihua Tan is part of the Tongqing River, a renowned Pu'er tea production area in Yiwu, located in the Yao Autonomous Township of Mengla County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It is situated at the confluence of the Tongqing River, Bulong River, and Jinchang River, and its unique geographical location has created a favorable natural environment. It is a tranquil place nestled in the forest by the water. Various wild flowers grow near the mountain stream, with baihua (wildflowers) being the most abundant, hence the name. Baihua Tan stands out from the Tongqing River as an emerging micro-production area, following Bingdao, Laobanzhang, and Cha Wang Tree as another classic micro-production area for tea. The ancient tea trees in Baihua Tan can reach heights of over ten meters, with deep roots and broad crowns, and large leaves. Its tea leaves have a distinctive flavor, a heavy body, and a strong wild character, with great vigor and full tea energy. The raw tea is highly recognizable, with straight, hard strips, due to the high content of pectin in the leaves. Those fortunate enough to taste the ancient tree tea from Baihua Tan often describe it with the word “wild.” Its flavor…

In the world of tea, like the distinct characters in a literary work, different types of tea are often compared. In the realm of white tea, Bai Mudan and Silver Needle are like two distinctive beauties, each with their own unique charm and grace. I. Bai Mudan: The Floral White Tea Fairy Bai Mudan is a unique sight in the world of white tea. It blends the elegance of Silver Needle with the deep, mellow flavor of Shoumei, like a masterful combination that radiates its own special brilliance on the stage of white teas, earning it the name “Floral Fairy of White Tea.” When boiling water is poured into the bowl, a wonderful olfactory feast begins. The fresh scent of downy leaves greets us first, as if to say hello, telling us we are about to experience a delightful journey through the fragrances of tea. Then, layer upon layer of floral aromas follow, intertwining and distinct yet harmoniously coexisting. The delicate fragrance of orchids is akin to dewdrops glistening in the morning light, with an untouchable purity. Imagine, in the morning light, orchids with dewdrops, exuding a gentle fragrance, a scent that seems to penetrate the soul, bringing a sense…

Tea ware is often referred to as the father of tea, for it carries the essence of a cup of tea. The word "China" itself also means porcelain, and the West came to know China through its porcelain. Early pottery, bronze wares, later porcelains, and teaware made from materials like purple clay and glass were all adapted to the social productivity levels and brewing methods of their times. The complete set of gold and silver tea ware unearthed from the Famen Temple’s underground palace from the Tang Dynasty is breathtaking (multiple types of tea ware can also be seen in the painting “Night Banquet in the Tang Palace”). During Emperor Huizong's reign, tea competitions included the use of tea ware as an essential element, and Jian bowls, necessary for the tea-whisking method, became popular. Three of the Jian bowls (also known as Tenmoku bowls) that were brought to Japan are now considered national treasures there. The five famous kilns that produced tea ware are also world-renowned. The evolution of tea ware is a vast topic, but at its core, it cannot be separated from three words: "ceramics, technology, culture." Today, we will explore the evolution of tea ware from two…

Gafengzhai is truly a mysterious and unique place! It is located in the Mahei Village Committee, Yiwu Township, Mengla County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, and is a Yao ethnic village. The altitude here is high, the climate is suitable, and the annual precipitation is abundant, providing an ideal environment for the growth of tea trees. The ancient tea trees in Gafengzhai are distributed in the primeval forest, far from human settlements, with excellent ecological conditions and little human interference. The tea trees grow slowly here and have a strong wild character, with low bitterness and astringency and a quick return to sweetness. Its tea leaves combine strength and softness, possessing a unique mountain charm. They are a superior quality that is gentle yet powerful, embodying aroma, taste, charm, and qi, representing the highest standard of good Pu'er tea. Tasting Gafengzhai, one can experience its sweet and mellow flavor, honey fragrance, smooth texture, and the restrained yet potent tea qi. The beauty of its transformation over time is amazing; new teas start with sweetness, while aged aromas emerge gradually, captivating those who savor it. The charm, high aroma, and returning sweetness of Gafengzhai make it a typical representative of…

Huangshan Maofeng, one of China’s top ten famous teas, is renowned for its tender buds, beautiful appearance, rich aroma, and sweet taste. It is produced in the Huangshan Scenic Area in Anhui Province and has a history dating back over 1,800 years, often referred to as the “saint of teas.” The quality of Huangshan Maofeng primarily depends on the harvest time, leaf grade, and production methods. Harvest Time The harvest times for Huangshan Maofeng are generally divided into pre-rain, post-rain, before the clear spring (mingqian), Guyu, and White Dew. Among these, those harvested pre-rain and before the clear spring are of the highest quality and, accordingly, the most expensive. Leaf Grade The leaf grades of Huangshan Maofeng mainly include Special Grade, First Grade, Second Grade, and Third Grade. Among them, the Special Grade Huangshan Maofeng has the most delicate buds, vibrant green color, rich aroma, and sweet taste, making it a true delicacy. Production Methods The production process of Huangshan Maofeng includes picking, withering, stir-frying, shaping, and drying. Among these steps, the stir-frying process is crucial and directly impacts the tea’s quality. Price of Huangshan Maofeng The price of Huangshan Maofeng ranges from dozens of yuan to several thousand yuan…

Puer Tea Sealed Storage Experiment Sealed storage of Puer tea inevitably involves the issue of oxygen supply in the warehouse. According to post-fermentation theory, Puer tea requires oxygen and a certain level of humidity for post-fermentation, so the tea storage warehouse needs to be ventilated to allow the tea to undergo post-fermentation. However, many people have found that when tea is stored under ventilated conditions, while the infusion color turns red, it loses its aroma after two or three years, and the bitterness and astringency do not diminish over time. Additionally, under ventilated conditions, the tea's aroma naturally cannot be preserved. In fact, the later changes in Puer tea are influenced by two factors: one is microbial fermentation, which is an external effect; the other is the action of active enzymes within the tea leaves, which is an internal effect. After sealing and controlling the humidity, Puer tea does not require microbial fermentation, but instead relies primarily on the active enzymes present in the tea to facilitate its transformation. When storing tea in a sealed and oxygen-deprived environment, how would Puer tea change? This question led me to conduct an experiment on the effects of oxygen in sealed storage. Experimental…