Tea Knowledge

Most people choose to drink tea, valuing its benefits. However, if you don't drink the right tea, you won't achieve the goal of health preservation. Tea can promote health, but this is under the condition that you select and drink the right kind of tea. You might say, "Do I really have to consider the time and place when drinking a cup of tea?" There's actually some logic to this. If you drink the same type of tea all year round, it means you don't know how to drink tea properly and won't be able to achieve the goal of health preservation through tea. Select Tea According to Your Constitution ▼ Chinese tea is divided into six main categories: green tea, black tea (in the Western sense, known as red tea in China), yellow tea, white tea, oolong tea (also known as blue or qing tea), and dark tea. Each category has different properties and effects on the human body. For example: Green tea is cool in nature and suitable for those with a hot constitution, high stomach fire, and abundant energy. It has excellent radiation protection effects and is very suitable for people who work frequently on computers. White…

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…

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.…

Tea culture is profound and extensive, and tea leaves come in a myriad of varieties. Each type of tea has its own aroma and taste, with professional terms used in evaluation. This also applies to white tea. Today, let's discuss the professional terms related to the aroma of white tea. 1. Hairy Aroma: A special aroma of Fuding white tea, referring to the scent of young, downy white hairs, such as the hairy honey-like aroma of Baihao Yinzhen (White Hair Silver Needle). 2. Fresh and Intense: An aroma that is both intense and refreshingly pleasant, lasting for a long time. 3. Fresh and Delicate: An aroma that is pure, delicate, and fresh, pleasing to the nose. It is a special aroma of tender buds and leaves, similar to the hairy aroma. 4. Clear and Fresh: An aroma that is clear and gentle, not overpowering but gradually released, giving a sense of pleasure. 5. Clear and High: An aroma that is clear and refreshing, lingering in the nose, indicating relatively young and fresh tea leaves. 6. Sweet and Lasting: An aroma that is clear and high, with a sweet sensation that lingers. 7. Fresh and Crisp: An aroma that is fresh…

To achieve the status of being more fragrant, valuable, and desirable with age, Pu'er tea must meet three criteria: good raw materials, good processing techniques, and proper storage conditions. Generally, the optimal period for ripe Pu'er is around 10 years, while that for raw Pu'er is around 20 years. However, it's important to remember that tea is meant to be consumed, not just stored. The Foundation for Pu'er Tea Increasing in Value with Age Not all Pu'er tea improves with age to become "more fragrant and valuable." In addition to the quality of the raw materials and the processing methods used, the storage environment during aging significantly impacts its overall transformation. If the raw materials are of poor quality or if improper processing leads to premature consumption of the internal substances, such Pu'er tea does not possess the potential for beneficial aging. Similarly, inadequate storage can ruin the tea. Pu'er tea that has aged without an improvement in quality, or even becomes less enjoyable than fresh tea, cannot be expected to increase in value. What Kind of Pu'er Tea Is Worth Storing 1. Brand. There are many old teas circulating in the market today, but almost all mainstream, well-known, and…

Not every tea is created equal. Some of them may be light and breezy, and others may be richer and more mellow. Pu-erh tea belongs to the latter. Pu-erh tea is a special type of dark tea made in Yunnan, China. It is special because it tastes better as it ages – just like wine. Pu-erh tea undergoes a fermentation process when it ages, creating a richer taste in every cup. In China and Hong Kong, pu-erh tea is usually consumed with dim sum. In other parts of the world, pu-erh tea is more known for its good reputation of health benefits. But what exactly is pu-erh tea? Find your answers here: the history, flavor, types, caffeine content, health benefits, brewing method, and where to find the best ones. The history of pu-erh tea The history of pu-erh tea can be traced back to more than a thousand years ago, during the Tang Dynasty era (618-917 CE). Back then, tea was traded all across China and its neighboring regions, including to the Tibetan plateau. Since the Tibetan plateau could not produce their own teas, they depended on Chinese traders who traveled for months to reach Tibet. One of the tea-producing…

Introduction: For storing Tieguanyin, it is generally recommended to keep it at a low temperature and in a sealed vacuum. This can preserve the color, aroma, and flavor of the Tieguanyin for a short period. However, why do we often find that even when stored for a relatively short time, the tea's quality does not match its initial state when first brewed? How can Tieguanyin tea be properly stored? 1. Drying Degree After Fermentation The current tea-making techniques are trending towards lighter fermentation, with the teas from Gande being a typical example. In light fermentation, the tea tends to exhibit a high, orchid-like fragrance. Typically, such teas are not dried excessively, meaning they retain some moisture. When storing this type of tea, it is essential to maintain low temperatures and ensure airtight sealing to minimize the effects of moisture. 2. Fermentation Degree During Production If the fermentation process is controlled just before it reaches its peak, the tea will continue to undergo post-fermentation over time, allowing it to be stored for a longer duration. However, if the tea is allowed to ferment to its peak right from the start, special care must be taken during storage to prevent further post-fermentation…

Good ripened Pu'er tea has a brownish-red color, resembling the hue of pig liver, with stout and tightly bound leaves. Its aroma is subtly reminiscent of osmanthus, rose, camphor, jujube, and is accompanied by a unique aged fragrance. People favor ripened Pu'er for its rich yet mellow taste and affordable price. Ripened Pu'er is also well-liked for its ability to cut through grease and help balance the digestive system. Identification by Appearance Four aspects: do not focus on age, look at the tea leaves, observe the liquor color, and inspect the infused leaves. Taste Identification Four aspects: pure aroma, clear liquor, liquor texture, thickness and smoothness of the liquor. Identification by Appearance Do not focus on age: The quality of ripened Pu'er mainly depends on the raw materials and the wet-piling fermentation technique. Good raw materials, when properly fermented, can be consumed after half a year to eliminate the new leaf flavor from fermentation. Look at the tea leaves: Are the leaves distinct and lustrous? Is the cake a chestnut red color? Good ripened Pu'er has distinct and lustrous leaves, indicating cleanliness during pressing. This also reveals the quality of the raw materials used. If the cake appears dull and…

Tieguanyin—does the name sound a bit classical and mysterious to you? It is not just any tea, but also a legacy of history and culture. Tieguanyin belongs to the oolong category and is one of China’s top ten famous teas. It sits between green tea and black tea, being a partially fermented tea that combines the fresh fragrance of green tea with the rich flavor of black tea, making it a distinctive type of tea. The Origin of Tieguanyin The origins of Tieguanyin can be traced back to the Yongzheng period of the Qing Dynasty, around 1725 to 1735. Its birthplace is Xiping Town, Anxi County, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province. According to legend, local tea farmers discovered a tea tree with a unique aroma in Anxi. The leaves of this tea tree, after undergoing special tea-making processes, could emit an unforgettable fragrance. This fragrance was like the willow branch water held by the Bodhisattva Guanyin, fresh and sacred, hence the name “Tieguanyin” was given. Characteristics of Tieguanyin Tieguanyin belongs to the oolong category and is a partially fermented tea. It sits between green tea and black tea, combining the fresh fragrance of green tea with the mellow richness of black…

Puer tea is a post-fermented tea, which leads to its characteristic of becoming more fragrant over time. This means that the longer Puer tea is stored, the richer its aroma and the better its quality. But is this always true? Among teas, Puer stands out as unique because it improves with age. Unlike most other teas, the longer Puer is stored, the better it becomes due to fermentation. This process generates many beneficial compounds for human health, making aged Puer desirable. The distinctive quality and aged fragrance of Puer are formed through post-fermentation during storage. Over time, the main chemical components of raw Puer—such as polyphenols, amino acids, and sugars—undergo changes that idealize the tea’s color and aroma. However, improper storage or indefinite aging without scientific consideration can degrade its quality. Conditions for Aged Puer Tea to Improve Over Time 1: Basic Conditions The saying that Puer tea improves with age is indeed accurate, but only if certain basic conditions are met. Poor-quality Puer or improperly stored Puer will not achieve the desired effect of improving over time. 2: Storage Duration The duration of storage does not necessarily correlate with the quality of Puer tea. There is an optimal period…

Xiaoxinggan Pu'er tea is loved by tea enthusiasts due to its unique production method and its compact size. Its distinctive taste and refreshing fruity aroma are also highly sought after. But do you really know how to store it properly? Let's explore the correct storage methods for Xiaoxinggan Pu'er tea. Correct Storage Methods for Xiaoxinggan Pu'er Tea: (1) Store in a sealed, shaded, and dry environment; Xiaoxinggan Pu'er tea is sensitive to light. If exposed to light for an extended period, it can cause an optical reaction within the tea, leading to oxidation and a reduction in flavor. Therefore, it should be stored in a dimly lit area away from direct sunlight. Dried Xiaoxinggan must be sealed and stored in a clean, dry, uncontaminated, and non-humid environment. This is because the oily substances on the outer surface of the tangerine peel are prone to evaporation. On humid days or in damp weather, if not sealed properly, the peel may soften or even mold. We recommend storing Xiaoxinggan Pu'er tea in food-grade sealed bags or containers, which makes it convenient to observe the condition inside and promptly deal with any potential issues such as mold. (2) Protect against moisture, pests, and…

For many, perhaps the term "yellow leaf" may be unfamiliar. Among numerous Pu'er tea enthusiasts and even aficionados, there are not many who truly understand what "yellow leaf" means. The so-called "yellow leaf," put simply, refers to old leaves from old tea trees. As most of these old leaves turn yellow over time, they are named "yellow leaves." In fact, it refers to the part of the raw material screening and sorting process where the leaves are loose and large, and do not form into strips during rolling. According to production standards, this part of the tea leaves that are picked out is commonly referred to as "yellow leaf." Most people who do not understand the situation say that yellow leaves are "diseased, withered, or old leaves," which is incorrect. Moreover, withered, old leaves and diseased leaves cannot be rolled and cannot be processed into finished products at all. Typically, before tea farmers sell their raw tea, they must manually pick out the yellow leaves from the pile of raw tea, which is a significant amount of work. The formation of yellow leaves occurs in two ways: first, the third leaf when picking one bud with one leaf or one…

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,…

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…

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…

How can one buy good tea? This is a question that tea enthusiasts tirelessly discuss. Here are the two most important points you need to know about buying quality tea. First, look at the source; understand where the tea "comes from." To ensure good tea, the raw materials must be of high quality. When the source is reliable, the tea will be as well. Products with a good origin meet ecological and organic management standards throughout their entire process of cultivation, production, and maintenance. When purchasing tea, opt for those from their place of origin and check for geographical indications of the original production area. If the origin is guaranteed, so is the quality of the tea. Check for inspection reports from authoritative organizations Ensure that the tea you plan to buy comes with a formal inspection report issued by reputable organizations like the National Tea Quality Supervision and Testing Center. If there is no such report, be cautious. Look for a QR code on the packaging that can trace the product back to the State Farm Administration. If present, this acts as the tea's identification card, allowing you to scan it with your phone to track its journey from…

Dark tea, known as the black gold among teas, improves in quality and flavor over time. During its transformation, storage conditions are of utmost importance; even a slight oversight can cause the dark tea to spoil, especially during the humid season. The humid season occurs in March and April each year when the southern regions experience a sudden increase in temperature and humidity. During this time, everything feels damp both indoors and outdoors, making the air seem saturated with water, which is quite uncomfortable. For tea enthusiasts, the humid season is particularly challenging as it increases the risk of their cherished teas becoming damp and moldy. When storing dark tea during the humid season, controlling indoor humidity is key. Here’s a guide on how to prevent moisture from affecting your dark tea. It’s recommended that you save this information for future reference. 1. Preventing Moisture from Entering the Room During the humid season, the outdoor air is extremely humid. It's important to keep all windows and doors closed to prevent warm, moist air from entering. Even if the sun is shining brightly at noon, do not open the windows to ventilate. Ventilation during this period can sometimes lead to more…

       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…

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…

Everyday tea, as the name suggests, is a type of tea that is always available at home and can be consumed daily. “Everyday tea” is a broad term commonly used by seasoned tea enthusiasts and does not refer to specific teas. As a daily beverage, the most significant characteristic of everyday tea is its rapid consumption; it can be considered a consumable item. Therefore, one crucial factor when selecting everyday tea is that it must offer excellent value for money. What Does Everyday Tea Mean in the Context of Puer Tea? 1. Puer everyday tea refers to high-quality Puer tea leaves that satisfy taste preferences with their appropriate strength and offer good value for money, suitable for daily consumption. Typically, this type of tea achieves a balance between quality and price. 2. The term "everyday tea" is often heard from experienced tea drinkers, imbued with multiple meanings, including recognition of the tea’s quality and consideration of its value for money. Since everyday tea is consumed daily, the cumulative amount over time is substantial, so the price must be within an acceptable range. Most tea enthusiasts’ everyday teas fall within the 1 to 200 yuan range. Teas at this price point…

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…

Pu'er tea is divided into raw and ripe varieties. Since they share the same characteristics, tea enthusiasts often compare them: which is better, raw or ripe? From a tasting perspective, raw Pu'er tea offers a richer and more layered flavor profile, with a lasting aftertaste that leaves a pleasant fragrance on the lips, leaving many enthusiasts craving more. In contrast, ripe Pu'er tea has a smoother and warmer taste, which can seem somewhat monotonous. Should One Always Try to Choose Raw Pu'er Tea? Firstly, traditional Pu'er tea has existed for thousands of years, and historically, there was only raw tea; there was no such thing as ripe tea. If you want to learn about the history of ripe tea, feel free to do your own research—it's not a pretty story. Secondly, the pile fermentation process used in making ripe tea requires strict hygiene conditions that many smaller factories simply cannot meet. Thirdly, all consumables have an expiration date, and the shelf life of raw tea far exceeds that of ripe tea. Fourthly, I have visited and inspected many Pu'er tea factories and tasted numerous raw and ripe teas, so I have made comparisons. I'm not saying that all ripe teas…

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…

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…