Tea Knowledge

Pu'er tea can be stored for a long time in a suitable environment, without a definitive expiration date; it can be kept for decades or even centuries. If the storage environment is damp and sealed, the tea leaves may mold and rot. Therefore, when storing Pu'er tea, choose a well-ventilated and dry environment, which will facilitate better aging of the Pu'er tea. How long is the shelf life of Pu'er tea? Pu'er tea does not have an expiration date and can be stored for extended periods. During storage, avoid high temperatures and odors, and prevent direct sunlight. Ensure that the storage environment is temperate, humid, oxygenated, and free from odors. Only by scientifically storing the tea can you ensure its quality improves over time. In a suitable environment, Pu'er tea can be stored for a long time without an expiration date. However, if improperly stored, it can spoil and become undrinkable. Under proper storage conditions, Pu'er tea has the characteristic of improving with age. Secondly, to scientifically store Pu'er tea, avoid high temperatures and odors, as well as direct sunlight. Tea is sensitive to light and odors, and direct sunlight can produce a sun-dried flavor. It should not be placed…

The wonderful National Day holiday has quietly slipped away amidst beautiful scenery, delicious food, and gatherings. Everyone is back at their workplaces, fighting on. During the holidays, all sorts of feasting and revelry have caused many to experience symptoms of post-holiday syndrome such as bodily discomfort and fatigue. I wonder if everyone has returned to their senses from the holiday and can quickly adjust back to work or school life. With numerous gatherings during the holidays, indulging in excessive eating and drinking is inevitable. Consuming too much fatty meat and various high-calorie fried and grilled foods during the holidays can lead to symptoms such as bad breath, constipation, red eyes, mouth ulcers, toothaches, and acne, causing "heatiness." "Heatiness" is actually the result of accumulated toxins in the body. Drinking green tea can effectively help detoxify and clear heat. According to legend, when Shennong tasted hundreds of herbs, he "encountered seventy-two poisons in a day and was cured by tea." Tea has powerful detoxifying properties. Green tea retains the highest amount of natural substances from fresh leaves, preserving more than 85% of the polyphenols and around 50% of the chlorophyll, with minimal loss of vitamins. It is the best among all…

 "All medicines are for specific ailments, tea is the remedy for myriad diseases." For a long time, tea has had medicinal and health-preserving properties. Nowadays, the health benefits of tea have gained increased attention, with more and more research being conducted on its therapeutic and health-preserving effects. What exactly can tea prevent or combat? Cancer Prevention More than four thousand authoritative papers on the topic of "tea and cancer" demonstrate that the main component of tea polyphenols, EGCG, is virtually the nemesis of all cancers, particularly effective against uterine, skin, lung, colon, prostate, liver, kidney, and breast cancers. The scientific researchers at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that various types of tea inhibit the synthesis of cancer cells by an average rate of 65%, indicating their anti-cancer properties. Regular consumption of green tea reduces the risk of cancer by over 60% Data from studies conducted by institutions such as Japan's National Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University in the United States, and Curtin University in Australia indicate that men who regularly drink green tea have a 60% lower incidence of prostate cancer compared to those who do not drink it regularly. Drinking two cups of tea…

There is a systematic method for identifying the quality of Pu'er tea, but overall it can be quite complex. Apart from the overall sensory experience after tasting, the leaf base also holds many secrets. After steeping and absorbing water, the tea leaves return to their original shape. Therefore, whether the tea has been properly handled from picking through processing and storage will be clearly revealed in the leaf base. So, how do you identify Pu'er tea from the leaf base? How to Identify Pu'er Tea from the Leaf Base One: Look at the Degree of Leaf Expansion After steeping, the tea leaves gradually expand and eventually fully open up. This indicates that the tea was well-made, aged under stable conditions, and has good brewing endurance. Leaves that quickly expand after steeping are typically coarse and old, loosely bound, and generally lack brewing endurance. Leaves that do not expand or only partially expand even after several steeps indicate a failure in the manufacturing process, poor aging conditions, or excessive high-temperature roasting. The downy hairs on the leaf surface may fall off, and you might feel a slight dryness in your throat after tasting such tea. Two: Integrity of the Leaf Shape…

Quality ripe tea can be stored for about 10-30 years. The duration for which ripe tea can be stored is influenced by many factors, such as the variety of the tea, manufacturing process, storage method, and origin. Here are some key points to consider when storing ripe tea: avoid contamination, high temperatures, moisture, light exposure, and odors. These "five avoids" can extend the storage time and improve the quality of the ripe tea to the greatest extent. However, not all ripe teas are suitable for long-term storage; it depends on the specific tea. Methods for Storing Ripe Tea 1. Permeable Storage Ripe tea contains fermenting aromas and other substances. If stored too airtight, the tea can become damp and moldy. Therefore, when storing ripe tea, ensure good air permeability and prevent dampness. It's best to store ripe tea in a dry and ventilated place, such as a low-humidity attic, cabinet, or room. 2. Avoid Light Exposure Light is the enemy of ripe tea, as it can destroy effective components in the tea leaves, causing them to deteriorate. Therefore, when storing ripe tea, avoid exposing it to sunlight and keep it in a cool, dry place. 3. Clean Storage Containers The…

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…

The production techniques for Anxi Tieguanyin in the tea industry boast three superlatives: the most steps in the process, the highest technical requirements, and the most complex! The tea-making skills have been faithfully passed down for hundreds of years, and only by strictly adhering to traditional methods and perfecting ancestral techniques can one produce the best-tasting Anxi Tieguanyin! Every cup of Tieguanyin embodies the artisan spirit that has been handed down through generations of Anxi people! Tieguanyin Heavy as Iron, Beautiful as Guanyin Anxi Tieguanyin, a renowned top-grade Oolong tea, is produced in Anxi County, Fujian Province, the home of Oolong tea. Its growing area is surrounded by mountains with peaks stretching far into the distance, often shrouded in mist. It is located in a subtropical monsoon climate zone, shielded from winter's dry cold winds by the great mountains to the northwest and influenced by maritime climate conditions from the Taiwan Strait to the southeast. The average annual temperature is 15–18.5°C, with an average frost-free period of 292 days, annual precipitation of 1700–1900 millimeters, relative humidity around 78%, and soil mostly consisting of acidic red loam. These factors combine to create an ideal environment for growing high-quality tea plants. The…

The pointing tea method, also known as "soup play," "tea hundred plays," or "water danqing," is a way of drinking tea where tea powder is placed in a tea cup, mixed with boiling water to form a paste, and then more boiling water is added. Alternatively, boiling water is directly poured into a tea bowl while stirring with a tea whisk, causing the tea powder to float, forming a porridge-like surface. The pointing tea method originated in the Tang Dynasty and reached its peak during the Song Dynasty, becoming the mainstream way of drinking tea at that time. It was also one of the four arts of life in the Song Dynasty, collectively known as the "Four Leisurely Matters" alongside flower arrangement, antiquities appreciation, and incense tasting. The pointing tea method is not only a way of drinking tea but also a cultural art form embodying the aesthetic tastes and lifestyle of the Song Dynasty. Literati of the Song Dynasty had high aspirations for the pointing tea method; they carefully selected their tea leaves, ground them into powder, and used exquisite tea utensils for brewing. Attention to detail is critical throughout the process, with each step reflecting the skill and…

As Pu'er tea becomes more widely known and accepted, appreciating Pu'er tea has turned into a healthy, fashionable, and refined form of leisure and entertainment. The appreciation of Pu'er tea is a comprehensive sensory experience, primarily involving the integrated use of vision, taste, and smell to identify, perceive, and experience Pu'er tea with one's heart. Pu'er tea comes in two forms: loose-leaf and compressed. Loose-leaf Pu'er is categorized into special grade and grades one through ten, as well as grade-outside teas. Compressed Pu'er can be found in shapes such as cakes, bricks, tuos, pillars, golden pumpkins, and heads. There are several methods for identifying Pu'er tea: visual inspection, brewing evaluation, leaf base examination, and tasting. Among these, tasting is the most important. The identification of Pu'er tea mainly relies on sensory judgment, starting with observing its appearance and smelling it, then brewing it. After brewing, examine the liquor color, which can range from gemstone red, carnelian red, to tiger red, with gemstone red being the rarest and considered the pinnacle of tea quality. Next, inspect the leaf base (spent leaves), focusing on its softness, color, and uniformity. Finally, savor its taste. Tasting primarily involves sampling the brewed Pu'er tea, smelling…

We often drink tea, but are you aware of these lesser-known facts? ▼ ▼A merchant from New York, Thomas Sullivan, began distributing tea in small silk bags to his customers, intending for them to pour the tea out to brew. However, the customers misunderstood... ▼ Comparison of antioxidants in tea ▼ Sugar content in a cup of tea ▼ Tea has been transformed worldwide ▼ All tea leaves come from one species – the tea plant. Different varieties of tea plants from different origins, processed in various ways, become the six types of tea that we see.

 The habit of drinking tea has existed since ancient times, with a rich tradition and countless varieties. Drinking tea is beneficial to health and can also help cultivate one's character to some extent. While drinking tea is certainly good, few people understand the differences between different types of tea. Generally speaking, most tea comes from southern regions, so southerners tend to prefer drinking tea more than northerners. For friends in the north, it can be challenging to distinguish between various teas. Today, let’s discuss the differences between White Tea and Yellow Tea. First, let’s introduce Yellow Tea. Yellow tea belongs to the category of light fermented teas, with processing methods similar to those of green tea. The key difference is the addition of a "yellowing" process before or after drying, which promotes partial oxidation of polyphenols and chlorophyll. The most important step in its production is yellowing, which is crucial for forming the characteristics of yellow tea. This involves wrapping the tea leaves in paper or stacking them and covering them with a damp cloth, for periods ranging from several minutes to hours. This allows the tea to undergo non-enzymatic oxidation due to heat and moisture, resulting in a yellow…

There are many varieties of tea in China, and it's unlikely that non-professionals can judge the quality of every type. Typically, people are familiar with just a few kinds they like. Teas from their place of origin tend to be purer, but differences in tea-making techniques result in varying qualities. Therefore, it’s essential for ordinary tea drinkers to know some tips for buying tea. 1. When buying loose tea, use two fingers to grind a few tea strips or granules. If they turn into powder, it indicates the tea is dry. If they only break into small pieces, it suggests the tea has absorbed moisture and should not be purchased. 2. Take a pinch of tea and place it in your palm. Blow gently on it to warm the leaves slightly, releasing their aroma. Smell carefully to evaluate if the scent is pure and lasting. Repeat several times to discern the strength and persistence of the aroma. Also, check for any abnormal odors such as smoke, burnt, sour, or other off smells. 3. If the dry tea emits a strong, lingering fragrance, there's a high chance it has been artificially scented. The tea may smell very fragrant but lacks taste…

The prices of tea sold in tea shops usually have some room for negotiation; you can discuss the price after tasting. First, tell the owner how much you need, then haggle for a 10-20% discount on their quoted price. Owners of physical husband-and-wife tea shops won't overcharge blindly, as the market sets the standards. Tactics for Haggling Over Tea Prices Understand the market price: Before purchasing tea, familiarize yourself with its market price so you have an idea of what to expect. Inquire about discounts: After selecting your tea, ask if there are any discount promotions, such as reductions for bulk purchases or special deals. Avoid making hasty decisions: When buying tea, don't rush into a decision. Compare the prices and quality across multiple shops to find the best option for you. Consider quality: Besides price, quality is also crucial when buying tea. Choose high-quality tea. In summary, when buying tea, be observant, compare, select carefully, and negotiate. Avoid rushing into a decision and consider both quality and price. Professional Questions to Ask When Buying Tea When purchasing tea, you can ask the following questions to demonstrate professionalism: Tea production area: Inquire about the production area to understand the growing…

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…

In the vast ocean of Chinese tea culture, Pu'er tea shines like a brilliant pearl, radiating with its millennia of brilliance. Today, we will embark on this journey of discovery together, delving deeply into the two treasures of Pu'er tea—Sheng Pu'er and Shou Pu'er—and savoring their unique charm and elegance. I. Sheng Pu'er: Encountering Fresh and Pristine Beauty When we talk about Sheng Pu'er tea, it's as if we can smell the fresh scent from the tea mountains. Sheng Pu'er, with its original and natural flavor, has become a favorite among tea enthusiasts. It originates from the vast tea mountains of Yunnan, using the precious raw material of sun-dried large-leaf tea from the region, each leaf containing the essence of nature. When brewing Sheng Pu'er, the rising aroma is like a gentle morning breeze in the mountains, carrying a hint of coolness that softly brushes against your cheeks. At first taste, the bitterness might make you slightly frown, but upon closer appreciation, you'll discover a sweetness and aftertaste that is hard to describe. This unique mouthfeel comes from the tannins and caffeine in the tea, as if telling you that while life may be bitter at times, it also contains…

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…

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,…

Searching for "Puer tea" on e-commerce platforms, you'll find prices ranging from a few dozen yuan to tens of thousands of yuan per pound. Despite being the same type of Puer tea, the price differences are vast. What accounts for these disparities? Origin - Just as wine is distinguished by vineyard, Puer tea is characterized by its mountain origin. There are three major tea regions for Puer tea: Xishuangbanna, Pu'er, and Lincang. The most well-known mountains include twelve ancient tea mountains. Divided by the Lancang River, the six tea mountains north of the river are Youle, Yibang, Gedeng, Manzhuang, Mangzhi, and Yiwu, known as the "six tea mountains within the river." South of the river, the six tea mountains are Nannuo Mountain, Mengsong, Bada, Bulang Mountain, Jinghong Mengsong, and Menghai, referred to as the "six tea mountains outside the river." In addition to these twelve ancient tea mountains, in recent years, popular origins have emerged such as Ban Zhang, Mansong, and Bingdao. The hydrological conditions, soil, temperature, altitude, and sunlight intensity vary significantly across different regions, often possessing uniqueness. This uniqueness gives rise to Puer tea's "distinct flavor of each mountain." The powerful character of Old Ban Zhang and the…

  Carbon-roasted Tieguanyin tea is made by subjecting traditionally semi-fermented Tieguanyin tea to about 5-10 hours of charcoal roasting (hence its name). The fire must be carefully controlled, not too hot, with 50-60 degrees Celsius being optimal. Traditional charcoal-roasted Tieguanyin tea requires someone to tend the stove to ensure that the quality of the tea leaves themselves is not overly impacted. The carbon-roasted Tieguanyin has a unique aftertaste and flavor profile. After tasting it, one's throat feels particularly refreshed, carrying a subtle and refined charcoal aroma. Notably, the tea liquor turns a deep yellow after brewing, leaving a distinctive glutinous rice fragrance in the mouth. This is entirely different from the clear, light green water-like character of the typical fresh and fragrant Tieguanyin. Carbon-roasted Tieguanyin belongs to the traditional production system. For a high-quality carbon-roasted Tieguanyin, two essential elements are required: 1. High-grade Tieguanyin raw materials must be used for there to be a high-grade roasted Tieguanyin. The raw materials must be produced using traditional moderate fermentation techniques. Low-grade raw materials or unsuitable raw materials will not yield good results no matter how they are roasted. Currently, lightly fermented Tieguanyin that is popular on the market does not meet the…

Tea stored for a period, whether vacuum-packed or not, will undergo some changes. The chlorophyll and polyphenol compounds in the tea can cause the tea to age, turning yellow, red, and developing an off-flavor, and there is even the possibility of mold growth. Therefore, when drinking tea that has been stored for a while, first confirm whether the tea has molded. If there is a musty smell, it should not be consumed. If there is only a slight aged or stale flavor, you can use a brewing method to address it. Method one: The water temperature should be high, preferably boiling. The first infusion should be longer than usual, then discard the infusion without drinking it. Starting with the second infusion, steep for half the normal time, using a quick brew method, and drink it as soon as possible while it's hot. Method two: Reduce the water temperature by a few degrees and follow the normal brewing time. This can avoid the bitterness of the tea liquor. Method three: It is best to switch to brewing in a large teapot, such as a teapot warmer, and reduce the proportion of tea leaves. The taste will be better. For tea stored…

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…

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…

What is Tieguanyin? Tieguanyin is a semi-fermented tea that belongs to the oolong category, widely popular for its unique aroma and flavor. Originating from Anxi County in Fujian Province, China, it is one of the top ten famous teas in China. The leaves of Tieguanyin are thick and robust, retaining their rich fragrance even after multiple infusions, earning the reputation of having "lingering fragrance after seven infusions." The History and Legends of Tieguanyin There are two main legends about the origin of Tieguanyin. One involves Wang Shishi, who is said to have discovered a special tea plant during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty. After cultivating and processing it, he presented it to Emperor Qianlong, who bestowed upon it the name "Tieguanyin." Another legend revolves around Wei Yin, who found and cultivated this exceptional tea plant following a dream in which he was guided by the Bodhisattva Guanyin, naming it after her. The Production Process of Tieguanyin The production process of Tieguanyin is intricate, involving over a dozen steps such as cooling, sun-drying, shaking, stir-frying, rolling, initial roasting, re-roasting, and slow baking over a low flame. Each step must be executed with precision to ensure high-quality tea. During production,…

Tea, as an integral part of Chinese traditional culture, is not just a beverage but also a representation of a way of life. From green tea to black tea and Pu'er tea, each type has its unique flavor and brewing method. In this article, we will delve into the varieties of tea, methods of brewing, and how to select appropriate tea ware. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Green Tea: The Representative of Freshness and Elegance Green tea is an unfermented tea known for its fresh taste and rich nutritional value. Common types include Longjing, Biluochun, and Mao Feng. Brewing Method: The brewing of green tea requires attention to water temperature and time. Generally, use water around 80°C, with a brewing time of 1-2 minutes. Higher temperatures or longer times can destroy the fragrance and taste of the green tea. Tea Ware Selection: Glass cups or porcelain cups are suitable, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of the leaves unfolding in the water. Black Tea: Rich and Smooth Flavor Black tea is a fully fermented tea renowned for its strong aroma and sweet taste. Notable black teas include Keemun, Darjeeling, and Ceylon. Brewing Method: Black tea requires hot water at…