Tea Knowledge

Peering through the mist and looking down from above, rows of tea plants overlap in layers, scattered like stars across the mountains, nurturing this land like the source of life — Mount Mengding. Located on the southwestern edge of the Sichuan Basin in the eastern part of Ya'an City, Mount Mengding occupies the golden zone for tea cultivation in Sichuan. With distinct seasons, abundant rainfall, uniform sunlight, fertile soil, and suitable temperatures, it is often referred to as the "Rainy Sky of Western Sichuan," making it an ideal environment for tea plants and providing favorable conditions for high-quality tea. The Legacy of Mengding: Tracing the Ancient Legend of a Thousand-Year Tribute Tea In the Western Han Dynasty, the tea ancestors began planting tea on Mount Mengding, sowing seven sacred tea saplings on the peak of Lotus Five Peaks, initiating the precedent of Chinese tea culture. The quality of Mount Mengding's tea was exceptional; after eight centuries of word-of-mouth praise, it became renowned nationwide and eventually graced the palates of royalty, becoming a tribute item. During the Tang Dynasty, tea from Mount Mengding was officially listed as a royal tribute; by the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty, the finest tea…

The ancient tree spring tea originates from old tea trees that have withstood the test of time, harvested in the spring season. It boasts several unique qualities: its aroma is rich and lingers in one's heart; its taste is mellow and intoxicating. This tea is not only nutritionally rich but also contains antioxidants that bring numerous benefits to both body and mind. Savoring a cup of ancient tree spring tea feels like an intimate conversation with nature, experiencing the sedimentation of time and the vitality of spring. Ancient tree spring tea refers to the new spring tea picked from old tea trees. It has the following characteristics and benefits: Characteristics: 1. The leaves are fresh green, and the tea brews into a clear infusion with floral and fruity fragrances. 2. The mouthfeel is delicate and smooth, with a sweet and full-bodied taste. 3. The liquor color is bright, the base is mild, and it is not overly bitter or astringent. 4. The long growth period of the tea trees results in high-quality leaves that are rich in nutrients. Benefits: 1. Ancient tree spring tea is rich in tea polyphenols, which have excellent beautifying and nourishing effects on the skin. 2.…

A commonly used method to store white tea is the "three-layer packaging method," which involves preparing a cardboard box, an aluminum bag, and a plastic bag. First, take out the white tea and put the tea leaves into the aluminum bag, squeezing out the air and sealing it. Then place an outer layer of plastic bag over it and tie the bag’s opening securely. Take a five-layer corrugated cardboard box, put the tea inside, and seal it with tape. Finally, store the tea in a dry, cool room free from odors, keeping it off the floor and away from walls. White Tea Storage Methods 1. Hot Water Bottle Storage Method Hot water bottles are common tools with good airtightness and stable temperatures, making them ideal for storing white tea. To store white tea using a hot water bottle, simply place the tea leaves into a new hot water bottle and seal it. 2. Refrigerated Storage Method Storing tea in the refrigerator is a common method. Seal the tea in bags or tea cans and store them in the refrigerator, ideally at 5°C. For home storage, first, seal the white tea in a tin foil bag and then place it in…

Old Manuo is one of the famous ancient tea gardens in the Bulang region, collectively known as the Five Ban Zhang Villages along with Old Ban Zhang, New Ban Zhang, Dakalong, and Dakanuan. Old Manuo has a long history of tea cultivation, and there are still over 3200 acres of ancient tea gardens left from our ancestors—a vast area. In fact, Old Manuo is the largest and oldest Bulang village in the Brown Mountain range. Let's delve into some knowledge about the Bulang people. Geographical Environment of Old Manuo Old Manuo is located in the heart of Brown Mountain within Menghai County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. The altitude here reaches over 1,600 meters, with rolling mountains and misty clouds. The unique natural environment provides ideal growing conditions for Old Manuo. In this magical land, tea trees coexist harmoniously with the forest, forming a unique ecosystem. The soil is rich in minerals, combined with a suitable climate and abundant rainfall, giving Old Manuo's tea leaves their distinct character. What are the Characteristics of Old Manuo Tea? The most distinctive feature of Old Manuo tea might be its bitterness. While some may try to describe it using other terms,…

Pu'er tea, as one of the gems in Chinese teas, boasts a rich and unique set of qualities that exude an enchanting allure. From its appearance, high-quality Pu'er tea has robust and tightly bound leaves with a dark lustrous or brownish-red color, giving it a sense of stability and solidity. Round and well-formed cake teas, intricately crafted tuocha, and solid brick teas each exhibit their own unique beauty in craftsmanship. In terms of aroma, Pu'er tea stands out with its distinct character. It may contain a variety of rich and complex aromas, such as aged fragrance, camphor scent, woody aroma, jujube fragrance, ginseng-like scent, and more. The aroma of young teas is fresh and natural, becoming deeper, more restrained, and longer-lasting over time as the tea ages. The aged fragrance, a hallmark aroma of Pu'er tea after years of aging, seems to tell the story of time itself. In terms of taste, Pu'er tea is full-bodied with a thick and viscous liquor. Initially, there might be a slight bitterness, but this quickly transforms into a sweet aftertaste, creating a delightful experience of bitterness turning into sweetness that lingers on the palate. Its liquor has a rich texture that can be…

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…

Many tea enthusiasts have this dilemma: why does my tea not taste as good as others', even when using the same tea leaves, the same teaware, and the same water? Note Three Aspects Assuming there are no issues with the quality of the tea, brewing a great cup primarily depends on three factors: teaware, amount of tea used, and steeping time. These elements are interrelated. Teaware: The appearance of a gaiwan or teapot is secondary; what matters is its capacity, which directly affects the amount of tea used, the volume of water added, and steeping time. For example, a packet of rock tea contains 8 grams, and when brewed in a 100cc and a 130cc gaiwan, the volumes of water added will differ. With the same steeping time, the resulting flavors will vary, with the former being more concentrated. Amount of Tea Used: If you're brewing pre-packaged teas, it's convenient as rock tea is typically 8 grams per pack and black tea is 5 grams. For loose-leaf tea, if you're unsure how much to use, start by experimenting with an appropriate amount. If it's too weak or too strong, you'll know how to adjust for the next brewing session. Steeping…

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…

Modern pharmacological studies have found that Pu'er tea can reduce fat and aid weight loss, lower blood pressure, combat arterial hardening, prevent cancer, improve skin health, nourish the stomach, strengthen teeth and gums, reduce inflammation and kill bacteria, and fight aging. Aside from drinking it directly, Pu'er tea can also be used in culinary therapy. Below are 12 secrets of Pu'er tea wellness. 1. A natural health beverage The cancer-preventing and health benefits of Pu'er tea, once confirmed by the medical community, have boosted the confidence of tea enthusiasts. The lipid-lowering and appetite-suppressing properties of Pu'er tea have attracted countless beauty-conscious individuals and those looking to lose weight; middle-aged people who are prone to weight gain cannot do without Pu'er tea. Drinking it hot soothes the stomach and intestines and is particularly effective for constipation and frequent urination. Pu'er tea helps to replenish energy and solidify essence, making it beneficial for men with erectile dysfunction and prostate issues. The older the Pu'er tea (the longer it has been stored), the better its effects on boosting energy and enhancing virility. 2. Prevents and treats coronary heart disease Coronary heart disease, also known as coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, can be effectively prevented…

01 Main Origin The communities of Wangjia in the Jinnajieling Subdistrict, Qiantengying and Dahedong in the Shazikou Subdistrict, Bijia in the Beizhai Subdistrict, and Tunsan and Xiaowang in the Wanggezhuang Subdistrict of Laoshan District, Qingdao City. 02 Quality Characteristics Laoshan Dragon's Beard is a type of green tea where buds and leaves are connected, fully spread out with short internodes and a pale yellow-green color. Its appearance features naturally spread-out buds and leaves in a uniform shape, with a fresh and lively green color. The infusion has a tender, bright green color, a fresh and high aroma; the taste is fresh, sweet, and mellow; the infused leaves are young, rich in buds, and brightly colored in a uniform manner. Laoshan Dragon's Beard contains 3.6% free amino acids, 2.17% theanine, 15.0% polyphenols, and 42.4% water-soluble extracts, all superior to reference values. Product Details 03 Environmental Advantages The production area for Laoshan Dragon's Beard is located in Laoshan District, where the soil is brown loam derived from weathered granite, with thick layers and an organic matter content greater than 1%, pH values between 5.5 and 6.5. The tea-growing areas have diverse topography, small plots, and lush surrounding vegetation (vegetation coverage rate of…

Many of my friends adore Liubao tea. Whenever we gather for a tea session, some tea enthusiasts always request recommendations for one or two daily staple teas. A "daily staple tea" refers to a tea with good quality and flavor that meets one's needs in terms of strength, at a reasonable price, making it suitable for daily consumption. Generally, this type of tea achieves a balance between quality and cost. Inferior teas are disregarded no matter how cheap they may be, but Liubao teas priced over ten thousand yuan per catty, such as the "Wutu Heihe" and 0101 Liubao teas, are clearly not affordable for most people and therefore cannot become the "daily staple tea" loved by ordinary folks. Considering both the desire for a tea that is "delicious" and one that doesn't make you feel guilty about drinking, selecting an appropriate Liubao tea can be quite challenging. The editor has drawn upon the extensive tasting experiences of many Liubao tea enthusiasts and found that the price range for entry-level daily staple teas is typically between 100-200 yuan per catty, while mid-range daily staple teas are priced between 200-500 yuan per catty. Teas priced above 500 yuan per catty are…

Pu'er tea, a precious variety that has been refined over thousands of years, is renowned for its unique aroma, rich flavor, and abundant health benefits. Harvested from the green mountains and clear waters of Yunnan Province, it undergoes meticulous processing and aging, transforming into cakes and blocks that solidify time, waiting to meet tea enthusiasts and together create a delightful symphony on the palate. Pu'er Tea: Origins Pu'er tea, named after its place of origin, Pu'er City in Yunnan Province, has a history dating back to the Tang Dynasty, with over a thousand years of cultivation. Its production process is distinctive, mainly divided into sun-dried green and pile-fermented varieties. Sun-dried Pu'er, also known as raw tea, retains the fresh and brisk taste of the leaves; pile-fermented Pu'er, also known as ripe tea, undergoes artificial pile fermentation, resulting in a smooth and mellow flavor. Pu'er Tea: The Art of Brewing Brewing Pu'er tea is an art form, requiring attention to every detail to fully release the aroma and taste of the tea. Preparing the Teaware: For brewing Pu'er tea, you can choose teaware such as purple clay pots, covered bowls, or glass cups. Purple clay pots have good breathability and can…

Zhangjia Third Team is affiliated with Zhangjia Village Committee in Bulang Mountain Township and is located in a mountainous area. It is situated to the south of Bulang Mountain Township at an altitude of 1,100 meters, characterized by a subtropical monsoon climate. The average annual temperature ranges from 18-21°C, with an annual precipitation of 1,374 millimeters, making it suitable for growing crops such as rice and tea. In the bustling market for ancient tree Pu'er tea, ecological tea gardens are often labeled as "inferior tea." However, thanks to its superior geographical environment and ancient tea-making techniques, Zhangjia Third Team's high-mountain ecological tea garden model stands out as an exception. The tea trees in Zhangjia Third Team grow on mountains without any barriers or obstructions, enjoying long hours of sunlight and ample cloud mist nourishment. The soil is rich and fertile. Due to the excellent environment, the local residents do not excessively prune the tea leaves but allow them to grow naturally, resulting in a tea quality that can compete with ancient tree teas. As a result, the tea garden has earned the reputation as the "King of Ecological Teas." "Little Lao Banzhang" in Bulang Mountain Zhangjia Third Team is only…

With so many varieties of tea, it can be overwhelming to choose. How to pick the right tea is a common challenge. If you want to buy good quality tea, consider the following suggestions: 1. Avoid buying by "Famous Names" In today's market, almost every tea bears a famous name, such as "Iron Goddess (Tiě Guānyīn), Frozen Peak (Dòngdǐng), or Great Red Robe (Dà Hóngpáo)" for oolong teas, "Dragon Well (Lóngjǐng), Da Fang" for pan-fired green teas, "Green Snail Spring (Bìluóchūn)" for slender green teas, and "Yellow Mountain Fur Peak (Huángshān Máo Fēng)" for plump green teas. Be aware that famous teas are not as common as potatoes. 2. Avoid buying by "Packaging" Poor quality teas are often packaged extravagantly in gold-embellished or antique-styled containers, such as porcelain bottles, tin cans, and redwood boxes. They may look like gold on the outside but are like cotton fluff inside. 3. Avoid buying "Assorted Collections" Dishonest sellers mix poor quality teas and package them as "Five Famous Teas," "Eight Famous Teas," or "Ten Famous Teas." Be cautious; if you want to try all types of famous teas, you need to do some research. 4. Avoid buying by "Place Names" When visiting tea-producing…

Cardboard boxes can be used to store tea cakes, which saves time and money and is environmentally friendly. However, before placing the tea cakes into a cardboard box, they should be wrapped in vinyl. Otherwise, if the tea cakes are placed directly in the box, they may come into contact with odors from the outside environment, causing them to develop unwanted flavors during storage, affecting the quality of the tea cakes. When storing raw Pu'er tea in a cardboard box, it's essential to place the box in a dry location, avoiding dampness and excessive moisture absorption, as this could cause the raw Pu'er tea inside to spoil. Additionally, when using a cardboard box to store raw Pu'er tea, avoid exposing it to items with strong odors, as this can cause the tea to absorb unwanted flavors, affecting its aroma and taste when brewed. Why isn't Pu'er tea stored in a purple clay jar as good as that stored in a cardboard box? In the public eye, a purple clay jar is more expensive than a cardboard box, so one might expect it to provide better results for storing tea. However, many tea enthusiasts have discovered that the effects of storing…

       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…

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…

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…

Ban Gong Ancient Tree Tea originates from the ancient tea garden in Dingjiazhai (Yao ethnic group) of Manla Village, Yiwu Town, Mengla County, Yunnan Province. It is located within the core area of the Yiwu tea mountain and includes micro-regions such as Ban Gong River and White Tea Garden, currently managed by the residents of Dingjiazhai (a Yao village). The Ban Gong tea carries a unique primitive forest aroma. With its immense tree age, it exhibits unparalleled smoothness and an incredibly refreshing taste, making it the pinnacle of Yiwu teas. Historically, Ban Gong Da Zhai was home to over 400 households and was the largest village in the Mansa region. There were both Han and Hui villages here, with a mosque in the Hui village and a Guandi Temple in the Han village. The Guandi Temple of Ban Gong was once the most exquisite building in the six major tea mountains, but now only ruins remain. The once prosperous Ban Gong Da Zhai gradually declined and is now uninhabited. The ancient tea gardens have suffered significant damage, with only a few ancient tea trees surviving in the primary forest at an altitude of 1,300 to 1,600 meters. Here, the average…

Wild Yunnan black tea, a gift from nature, is full of unique charm and flavor. It grows in pristine forests, drawing the essence of heaven and earth, carrying the blessings of nature. Its shape is tightly knotted, with a lustrous dark color, and buds are visible. The unique aroma is floral and fruity, fresh and rich, intoxicating to the nose. In terms of taste, wild Yunnan black tea is mellow and sweet with a full-bodied infusion that carries a rich scent of the wilderness. Upon entry into the mouth, one can feel the smoothness and delicacy of the infusion, with a lingering aftertaste that is unforgettable. How much does wild Yunnan black spring tea cost? The price for 2024 Fengqing Yunnan wild black tea - pure bud material loose tea (250g) is 130 yuan. The price for 2024 Fengqing Yunnan wild black tea - pure bud material loose tea (500g) is 260 yuan. The price for 2024 Fengqing Yunnan wild black tea - pure bud material loose tea (1000g) is 500 yuan. Data source: ChaWo Network The taste of wild Yunnan black tea Mellow and Rich: The flavor is thick and robust. Sweet and Delicious: Has a natural sweetness that…

Why can green tea and lightly fragrant Tieguanyin be stored in the fridge, while Pu'er tea and some other types of tea cannot? Why Pu'er Tea Should Not Be Stored in the Fridge Like Green Tea 1. The fridge is humid with a high level of moisture, and Pu'er tea has excellent adsorption properties. Adsorbing moisture can cause the tea to become damp and moldy. 2. Various fruits and vegetables are often stored in the fridge. Storing Pu'er tea in the fridge would cause it to adsorb unwanted odors and flavors, leading to off-tastes and spoilage. 3. The ideal storage temperature for Pu'er tea is typically around 30 degrees Celsius. The low temperature inside the fridge is not conducive to the tea's maturation process. Pu'er tea is a fermented tea that contains beneficial microorganisms. The distinctive feature of Pu'er tea, where its flavor improves over time, is attributed to these enzymes. For enzymes to function effectively, they require a well-ventilated, cool, and dry environment. Therefore, it is best to store Pu'er tea at room temperature in a well-ventilated and dry place. Storing it in the fridge increases the risk of mold growth. Pu'er tea is not very picky about its…

Xinyang Maojian, a treasure of Chinese tea culture, has won the affection of tea enthusiasts worldwide with its distinctive taste and quality. Today, we will delve into the grading system of Xinyang Maojian, guiding you through the unique charm of its different grades. I. Overview of Grading for Xinyang Maojian The grading of Xinyang Maojian is primarily based on factors such as appearance, aroma, and taste. Generally, it is divided into several grades including Special Grade, First Grade, Second Grade, and more. Each grade has its own unique qualities and characteristics, catering to diverse consumer preferences. II. Special Grade Xinyang Maojian Special Grade Xinyang Maojian is the highest-quality tea, typically harvested from tender shoots in spring. The leaves are fresh green and evenly colored, covered with white down. This grade of tea has an elegant and lasting aroma, clear and bright infusion, and a rich taste with a strong aftertaste. The production of Special Grade Xinyang Maojian is very limited, making it relatively expensive and a precious tea. III. First Grade Xinyang Maojian First Grade Xinyang Maojian is second only to the Special Grade and is also harvested from tender leaves in spring. The leaves are green and vibrant, with…

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…

The purple clay teapot, with its unique clay material, exquisite craftsmanship, and rich cultural heritage, is a cherished piece of tea ware among tea enthusiasts. However, before using a newly purchased purple clay teapot, it needs to go through an essential step—seasoning. Seasoning not only removes the earthy taste and impurities from the teapot but also awakens its tea-absorbing properties, allowing it to better absorb the aroma of the tea leaves and enhance the flavor of the tea. The Importance of Seasoning a Purple Clay Teapot Seasoning a purple clay teapot is more than just a simple preparation step before use; it is a cultural tradition and a sign of respect for the art of tea. Through seasoning, impurities and residual heat can be removed from the pot, making its pore structure more uniform, which helps improve the aroma and taste when brewing tea. Additionally, seasoning is a way of "awakening" the teapot, preparing it for future use. Methods of Seasoning a Purple Clay Teapot There are various methods for seasoning a purple clay teapot, but they all share a common principle: gently awakening the pot's essence. Here are some common seasoning methods: 1. Water Rinse – Rinse the newly…