Tea Knowledge

In traditional Chinese medicine, donkey hide glue is widely used due to its rich health benefits. Recently, many people have started trying donkey hide glue tea, which is both simple and convenient. So, is it feasible to make donkey hide glue tea? Let’s explore this topic in detail together. (Image source: Internet. Please delete if infringing.) What is Donkey Hide Glue? Donkey hide glue, also known as donkey skin gelatin, is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine made by boiling donkey skin. According to traditional Chinese medical theory, donkey hide glue has the effects of nourishing blood, tonifying yin, and moisturizing dryness. It is commonly used to treat anemia, insomnia, dry cough, and other symptoms. The Benefits of Donkey Hide Glue Tea Integrating donkey hide glue into tea not only makes daily consumption convenient but also maximizes its health benefits. Here are some of the main advantages of donkey hide glue tea: 1. Nourishes Blood and Invigorates Qi: Donkey hide glue is believed to promote blood generation and improve anemia. For those who often feel tired or dizzy, donkey hide glue tea is a good choice. 2. Improves Sleep: Donkey hide glue has a calming effect that can help alleviate insomnia…

In the height of summer, we've entered the dog days. The weather is both sultry and humid. When we take out some tea stored at home to tidy up, we often find that much of it has molded and can no longer be consumed – a great pity. Nowadays, more and more people enjoy tea, but many don't know the best methods for storing it. Some even keep their tea in basements, garages, or even in the refrigerator with food – all very incorrect practices. Tea leaves have strong hygroscopic and odor-absorbing properties, making them easily susceptible to absorbing moisture and odors from the air. This is especially true in the hot, humid weather of summer when they are more prone to microbial growth. How should you store tea at home? Most teas purchased by households come in cans or as loose tea. Since you won’t use it all at once, you’ll face the issue of storage. Here are some common household tea storage methods. Let’s learn them together. Sealed Bag and Foil Bag Storage Method Select bags with sealable closures designed for food, or professional sealable bags. Choose those made from thicker, higher-density materials and avoid using scented or…

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…

White tea, one of the six major types of Chinese tea, is named for its silvery-white down-covered buds and shoots, which yield a bright white liquor when brewed. With a long history dating back to the Tang Dynasty, it has been known as the "king of teas." So, which province in China produces white tea? The Homeland of White Tea: Fujian Province White tea, a name that sounds poetic, originates from areas such as Fuding, Zhenghe, Songxi, and Jianyang in Fujian Province, China. These regions boast exceptional natural conditions ideal for growing white tea. Although records of white tea date back to the Tang Dynasty, its popularity surged during the Ming and Qing dynasties. What Makes Fujian White Tea Unique The international acclaim of Fujian white tea is due to its unique natural environment and meticulous processing techniques. Natural Environment with Unique Advantages: The Fujian white tea production area is located in hilly and mountainous terrain at higher altitudes, with abundant cloud cover, ample sunshine, sufficient rainfall, and fertile soil, providing optimal natural conditions for the growth of white tea plants. Meticulous Processing Techniques: The processing of Fujian white tea is highly refined, involving key steps such as withering, baking,…

Xinyang Maojian, also known as Yu Mao Feng, belongs to the green tea category. It is one of China's top ten famous teas and a renowned specialty of Henan Province. Created by Han Chinese tea farmers in the early years of the Republic of China, it is mainly produced in Xinyang City, Xin County, Shangcheng County, and other areas around Dabie Mountain. Xinyang Maojian has unique characteristics in terms of color, aroma, taste, and appearance. Its color is fresh and lustrous without impurities; its aroma is elegant and fresh; its taste is fresh, mellow, and has a sweet aftertaste; and, from an appearance standpoint, it is uniform, bright green with a luster, and has prominent white down. The shape is fine, round, smooth, straight, with many white hairs; the color is emerald green; when brewed, it has a long-lasting high aroma, a rich and mellow taste, a sweet aftertaste that produces saliva, and a clear, bright soup color. High-quality Xinyang Maojian has a tender green, yellowish green, or bright soup color, with a fragrant aroma. In contrast, low-quality Xinyang Maojian has a dark green or yellowish, murky soup color, is not durable when brewed, and lacks tea fragrance. To distinguish…

Many people judge tea based on a single sip. If they find it bitter and astringent, they conclude it's not good tea, which is an unfair judgment of tea's "bitterness" and "astringency." In fact, those who understand tea do not judge its quality solely by its bitterness or astringency. The bitter and astringent flavors are just part of tea's inherent character, always present but never the only or constant feature. A tea with a "bitter and astringent" flavor isn't necessarily bad; it can often be a high-quality tea. The intensity of the bitter and astringent flavors depends on the amount of these substances present in the tea. The primary bitter compounds in tea include caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, anthocyanins, tea saponins, bitter amino acids, and some flavanols. The astringency in tea is mainly due to polyphenols, aldehydes, and iron, with catechins being particularly significant. Catechins with a fat-like structure have a stronger astringency and are found in much higher concentrations in young leaves compared to older ones. Under normal circumstances, teas made from young shoots (one bud and one or two leaves) tend to be more bitter and astringent than those made from one bud and three or four leaves. Therefore,…

During holidays, many tea enthusiasts receive a considerable amount of tea. However, it's often the case that you can't finish drinking all the tea right away, which brings up the question of how to store it properly. The gift box packaging that usually comes with tea isn't ideal for long-term storage. Therefore, after bringing the tea home, it needs to be repackaged and stored correctly. Typically, we might consider putting opened packages in the refrigerator, but this is problematic since other foods are also stored there, which can lead to the tea absorbing unwanted odors. Opening and closing the refrigerator can also cause the tea to become damp. Without a dedicated refrigerator for tea, it may actually spoil more easily. For daily household storage of small quantities of tea, you can try this method: Wrap the tea in kraft paper or another thick type of paper. The moisture content of the tea should be low, such that when you crush the leaves between your fingers, they turn into powder. Place the wrapped tea around the sides of a high-quality ceramic jar and put a packet of block-shaped lime in the center, adjusting its size based on the amount of tea.…

How long can Xiaoyinggan be stored? How should it be stored? Xiaoyinggan does have an expiration date, which is generally three years. However, if stored correctly, Xiaoyinggan can be kept for a long time. This is because the Xiaoyinggan undergoes a drying process to facilitate long-term storage. There are two methods of drying: natural sun-drying and direct heating. Sun-dried fruits have a richer aroma and better taste, but due to the rainy season in Xinhui from July to September, full natural sun-drying cannot meet the requirements of large-scale production and is difficult to manage due to unpredictable weather. Most producers adopt a semi-natural sun-drying technique. Taking Shitianyi Guozhenxiang Xinhui Xiaoyinggan as an example, they pick Xinhui Tianma oranges, fill them with Yunnan Imperial Pu'er tea after screening and cleaning, and then moderately supplement natural sunlight drying for more than five days. This method preserves the original flavor and nutritional components of the orange peel to the greatest extent. Under such conditions, the Xiaoyinggan we see on the market can indeed be stored for a long time. Moreover, the semi-sun-dried Xiaoyinggan becomes even more flavorful and fragrant over time. In terms of Xiaoyinggan, because it carries the common advantages of aged…

Pu'er tea differs from other types of tea. The quality of a particular tea not only affects its taste but also impacts its storage and potential for appreciation in value. When selecting Pu'er tea, careful examination is necessary. Here’s how to identify the grade of Pu'er tea. How to Distinguish the Quality of Pu'er Tea! First, look at the appearance. Check if the leaves are whole and uniform. Generally, young leaves are finer while older ones are larger. The exterior should be round and lustrous, with the overall structure intact. If the leaves do not appear clearly defined and instead seem fragmented and uneven, it's likely an issue with processing. Second, observe the color. Good tea should have a luster and not appear dull. High-quality loose Pu'er tea has a fragrant aroma and a glossy appearance. Inferior tea has incomplete leaves and a dark, lifeless color without any sheen. Third, inspect the liquor color. Good Pu'er tea produces a clear, bright infusion with an oil-like film on the surface. Lower quality tea will appear dark, murky, and unclean. Fourth, smell the aroma. The fragrance should be pure and free of off-flavors or impurities. High-quality raw Pu'er has a fresh, uplifting…

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…

There are six main types of tea, and the storage time after opening varies depending on the type. Green and yellow teas can typically be stored for about 2 to 3 months after opening. These types of tea are particularly susceptible to oxidation and should be consumed as soon as possible. Black and Oolong teas can be stored for 6 to 12 months after opening. Dark teas and Pu'er teas can be stored long-term if properly preserved after opening. How Long Can Opened Tea Be Stored? If tea is left unsealed after opening, it can be stored for around 3 months. The key to preserving tea is keeping it dry, sealed, away from light, and free from odors. Leaving opened tea unsealed makes it susceptible to external influences, accelerating the oxidation of its internal components and shortening its shelf life (to around 3 months). If you seal the tea in an aluminum bag and place it in a metal tin, then cover the tin with a plastic bag and tie it securely, you can store it in the refrigerator. How to Store Opened Tea: After opening, store the tea in containers or bags with high airtightness at room temperature. To…

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…

Dandelion root tea is a highly recommended health drink. Not only does it have a unique taste, but it also offers various health benefits such as aiding digestion, diuresis, and antioxidant properties. Today, we will explore in detail how to prepare dandelion root tea so that you can easily enjoy this natural beverage at home. Collection and Processing of Dandelion Roots To make dandelion root tea, you first need fresh dandelion roots. It's best to choose dandelions grown in an unpolluted environment to ensure their medicinal value and safety. The steps are as follows: Collecting Dandelion Roots: In spring or autumn, use a small shovel to dig up the dandelions with their roots intact. Ensure that the roots are complete, as they are the main ingredient for the tea. Cleaning and Trimming: Thoroughly wash the dandelion roots with water to remove soil and impurities. Trim off fine hairs and damaged parts of the roots. Slicing: Slice the dandelion roots thinly to facilitate subsequent drying and storage. Drying Dandelion Roots Drying is a crucial step in preparing dandelion roots. Well-dried root slices are not only easy to store but also better preserve their nutritional components and medicinal value. There are several…

There's a popular saying about white tea: "One-year tea, three-year medicine, seven-year treasure." White tea can be divided into new and aged white tea based on the duration of storage: New white tea is that year's freshly picked and processed tea, while aged white tea has been stored for several years, acquiring distinct characteristics of an older tea. However, distinguishing between new and aged white teas can be challenging. Today, we will compare the appearance and quality of one-year new tea, three-year aged tea, and seven-year aged tea to help you discern and appreciate them. Appearance of One-Year New Tea Naturally spread out, with plump and upright buds; mostly intact leaves with slight breakage; clear and complete bud and leaf structure. The leaves display natural hues of gray-green and light green, with a fresh luster. The beautiful contrast of light blue on the top and white on the bottom of the leaves is visible. Abundant, soft silver-white downy hairs; fragrant with a fresh floral and downy aroma. Quality The liquor of new tea is bright and pale almond yellow in color, with a particularly fresh, sweet taste. Appearance of Three-Year Aged Tea The integrity of three-year aged tea is slightly…

"Tea" has become the most popular "beverage" of our time. Beyond simply quenching thirst, tea can help with digestion, reduce greasiness, lower internal heat, improve eyesight, calm the mind, relieve stress, stimulate saliva production, and quench thirst. For those who are absolutely devoted to tea, not a single bit of tea leaf goes to waste, and perhaps savoring tea is also a spiritual pursuit. However, it's common for too much tea to be used or for it not to be fully savored, inadvertently resulting in "leftover tea." Do you understand "leftover tea"? Can you drink leftover tea, and what happens if you do? A series of questions might leave you feeling a bit confused. No worries, today we'll provide some insights into the "history" of leftover tea. Can You Drink Leftover Tea? Leftover tea is often considered undrinkable because it has been sitting for too long, causing vitamins to degrade. The proteins and sugars in tea leaves can become nutrients for harmful microorganisms, which is why people generally believe that leftover tea should not be consumed. Tea typically remains in the body for about three hours, and even longer for strong tea, leading to an accumulation of caffeine that can…

Black tea is the second largest category of teas in China and the most widely sold type of tea worldwide. The origin of black tea can be traced back to China, where it was first produced over 400 years ago during the Ming Dynasty by tea farmers in Wuyi Mountain, Fujian Province, as Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong. In terms of processing techniques, due to differences in rolling methods and fresh leaf varieties, black tea can be classified into: Gongfu Black Tea, Xiao Zhong Black Tea, and Broken Black Tea. Xiao Zhong Black Tea is the oldest type of black tea, originally produced in Wuyi Mountain, and is also the progenitor of other black teas; Gongfu Black Tea comes in many varieties, produced in different regions, such as Qimen Gongfu Black Tea mainly produced in Qimen County, Anhui Province, and Dian Hong Gongfu from Yunnan Province; Broken Black Tea is produced across a wide range of areas and is primarily for export. Although there are different classifications of black tea, the basic process generally includes "withering, rolling, fermentation, and drying." As a fully fermented tea, the core and soul of black tea is its "fermentation," which is a critical step in…

Liu'an Guapian, one of the top ten famous teas in China, is highly regarded by tea enthusiasts for its unique quality and long history. This tea is not only popular domestically but also holds an important position in international markets. This article will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of Liu'an Guapian, covering its history, characteristics, benefits, and how to brew it, giving you a more complete appreciation of this tea. The Historical Origins of Liu'an Guapian Liu'an Guapian, also known simply as Guapian or "slice tea," is one of China's top ten famous teas, produced in the Dabie Mountains area near Liuan City, Anhui Province. Its history dates back to the Tang Dynasty, when it was known as "Luzhou Liuan Tea." By the Ming Dynasty, this tea came to be called "Liu'an Guapian" and was esteemed for its outstanding quality, being considered a high-grade and superior tea. During the Qing Dynasty, Liu'an Guapian became a tribute tea for the imperial court, enjoying great renown at the time. The Growing Environment of Liu'an Guapian The main production areas of Liu'an Guapian are located in the northern foothills of the Dabie Mountains in Jinzhai County and Yu'an District, where the climate…

Monastery on Nine-day Mountain The chrysanthemums by the eastern fence are also turning yellow. Worldly people often indulge in wine. Who understands and enhances the fragrance of tea? The fifth typhoon of the year, Doksuri, has made landfall in Fujian, prompting a red alert from the National Meteorological Center. Meanwhile, Typhoon Khanun, the sixth of the season, is poised and gradually intensifying. The typhoons bring heavy rainfall and a great deal of moisture, making it a critical time for tea enthusiasts. Slight carelessness can result in moldy tea leaves... So, what should you pay attention to when storing tea during typhoon weather? Typhoon Tea Storage Tips Watch Out for High Temperatures In the scorching summer, while typhoons may arrive, many might mistakenly think that temperatures have dropped. However, even if there's an occasional decrease, high temperatures remain the norm, so tea lovers need to be extra cautious. Various substances in tea decompose under high temperatures, reducing the aroma, taste, and quality of the tea. Storing tea at temperatures below 10°C effectively inhibits browning. White tea, in particular, is best stored at temperatures between 25°C and 30°C. In a cool and dry environment, the enzymes within the tea can maintain sufficient…

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…

You may have heard of cold-brew coffee, but have you ever heard of cold-brew tea? Yes, that thing exists! Cold-brew tea has actually been around for a while, but its popularity is not as high as its hot-brew counterparts. In this article, you will find out more about the history of cold-brew tea, the innovative ways of cold-brewing teas, the caffeine level of cold-brew tea, the differences between cold-brew tea and iced tea and hot-brew tea, and of course, the health benefits of cold-brew tea! Interested? Read more to find out! Traditional way of Cold-brew Cold-brew tea is not a new innovation. The Japanese have long believed that hot-brewing tea destroys the tea’s natural benefits as it burns the tea, which gave rise to the traditional way of cold-brewing teas: steeping tea in cold water for hours. However, this process may take a long time to finish – from 6 to 24 hours. Our way of Cold-brew In this fast-moving world, it is always convenient to have the instant option for our everyday necessities – and that includes cold-brew teas! If you are looking for the natural benefits and low caffeine level of cold-brew tea but steeping your tea for…

Yancha, the pinnacle of Chinese Oolong teas, is renowned worldwide for its unique character marked by the "rocky韵" (rock bone and floral fragrance). However, why is it called "Yancha"? To understand this, we need to delve into the distinctive natural environment of its origin – Mount Wuyi. Mount Wuyi, located in northern Fujian Province, is often referred to as the "Kingdom of Tea." Here, peaks rise and valleys stretch, with the Nine-Bend Stream winding through them, creating a unique Danxia landscape. The exposed rocks in the mountains have weathered into mineral-rich soil, providing ideal conditions for tea plants to thrive. It is precisely within this unique rocky environment that exceptional Yancha is nurtured. The tea plants grow in rock crevices and stone gaps, with roots deeply embedded in the rocky soil, absorbing the essence of minerals from the rocks. Additionally, the sunlight reflected off the rock faces intensifies photosynthesis in the leaves, leading to the production of rich aromatic compounds. The production process of Yancha is also meticulous, involving withering, shaking, stir-frying, rolling, and baking. Among these steps, shaking is a critical process that allows the tea leaves to fully absorb the essence of the rock walls, forming the unique…

Some people prefer raw tea, while others prefer ripe tea—it's a matter of personal preference. Since its inception, ripe tea has always held a lower status. Deng Shi Hai says, "Store raw tea, drink ripe tea, savor aged tea." While he doesn't directly exclude ripe tea, the word used for raw tea is "store," which suggests treasuring it, and for aged tea, the serious "savor" is employed, whereas ripe tea is dismissed with the ordinary "drink." This indicates that in his view, ripe tea was never considered a tea fit for formal settings. However, there are many who enjoy drinking ripe tea—why is this so? The Taste of Pu'er Ripe Tea Most tea enthusiasts might find the taste of ripe tea strange upon their first sip, but "strange" doesn't necessarily mean unpleasant; it just doesn't conform to the traditional tastes of other teas. The reason ripe tea was created was to replace the rich and mellow old raw tea. During a specific historical period, it did fulfill this mission. However, fresh ripe tea often carries an indelible pile flavor, which is a significant drawback that makes it difficult for many enthusiasts to approach. Clearly, such ripe tea isn't a suitable…

Pu'er tea, in terms of its appearance when made into tea, comes in different forms such as tea cakes, tuocha, brick tea, and loose tea. Among these, tea cakes are the most common. Pu'er tea is favored by tea enthusiasts for its unique taste and health benefits. So, how should Pu'er tea cakes be stored for the long term? How to Store Pu'er Tea Cakes for the Long Term To store Pu'er tea for the long term: 1. A professional warehouse must be established. When Pu'er tea is placed in a professional warehouse, it will not mold but will slowly age. This ensures that the tea does not spoil and maintains its authenticity. If stored properly, it can last for a very long time. 2. It's best to wrap the Pu'er tea in bamboo leaves before storing it in the warehouse. This promotes fermentation without absorbing too much odor. When storing Pu'er tea for the long term, it's important to provide a relatively clean environment since the tea has strong adsorption properties. Do not store items with strong or pungent odors near the tea, as this can cause the tea to absorb unwanted flavors during storage. 3. Storing Pu'er tea…

Tea has a multitude of health benefits, including the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, lowering cholesterol levels, boosting immunity, enhancing antibacterial properties, and aiding in weight loss. Although regular tea consumption is beneficial to the body, choosing the right type of tea based on one's condition can maximize its health effects. When drinking tea, female friends should especially be aware of their constitution and the nature of the tea they are consuming. So what should women pay attention to when drinking tea? Note 1: Drink Tea According to Constitution and Nature of the Tea Chinese tea is divided into six categories: Green Tea, Black Tea (note: this term refers to what is known as 'red tea' in Western cultures), Yellow Tea, White Tea, Oolong Tea, Pu'er Tea. Each category of tea has different properties and thus affects the body differently, so it is important to choose a suitable type of tea based on one's constitution. Oolong tea (also known as greenish-black tea) is neutral in nature and suitable for most people. Pu'er tea is warm in nature and helps eliminate grease, detoxify meat products, and lower cholesterol levels; it is best enjoyed after being stored for some time, which enhances both…