Tea Knowledge

How vast can a cup of tea be? It's no more than a teacup. When it comes to the necessities of life—firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea—it represents daily living. When it comes to the refined pursuits of life—music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, liquor, and tea—it signifies elegance. Sometimes, however, it's simply a painting within the mundane world. The essence of plants, recognizing tea by its aroma, is akin to meticulous brushwork. Drinking tea has always been a leisurely affair, much like detailed brushwork that outlines the most delicate curves of a leaf. A person who is perpetually busy would not have the heart to drink tea. The preciousness of tea has never been about being high and mighty. It doesn't require wealth but rather, time. It doesn't demand expertise in tea ceremony or knowledge of its etiquette; instead, it merely wishes for people to witness its youthful appearance in its single, earnest blooming. Thus, how could one bear to neglect the unique flavors of each brew amidst their hustle and bustle? A fine cup of tea needs someone with both time and heart to appreciate it fully. A tea plant's youth is entrusted into the hands…

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…

Every spring, all things revive, and after a winter of rest, tea trees vie with each other to stretch out their plump buds. "When the spring breeze arrives in February or March, it's time to light the stone stove and try the new tea." Without exception, the aroma of spring tea fills the air across the country. One: What is Spring Tea? Spring tea generally refers to the tea made from the shoots and leaves that sprout from the tea tree after its winter dormancy in the spring. Spring tea can be considered the first tea harvested in the year. Some people believe that "the earlier the better" for spring tea, but this concept is not entirely correct. The time for picking high-quality teas varies each year. For example, the first spring tea can be harvested from February to March, with Yibin, Sichuan starting around mid-February, and the Wenzhou area starting in the second half of February. The Jiangbei tea region typically harvests around the Qingming Festival. Therefore, it cannot be said that the earlier the spring tea, the better. In summary, based on specific harvesting periods, spring tea can be divided into four categories: the first picking tea, the…

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…

Black tea, with its unique aroma and flavor, has become a beloved beverage worldwide, indispensable to people's daily lives. The origins of black tea imbue it with different flavors and characteristics. Today, let's embark on a journey of black tea and explore the four major origins of black tea around the world, experiencing their unique charms! China: The Birthplace of Black Tea China is the birthplace of black tea, with a long history of cultivation and production. There are numerous types of Chinese black teas, among which the most famous are Keemun Black Tea, Yunnan Black Tea, and Lapsang Souchong. Keemun Black Tea: produced in Qimen County, Anhui Province, it is renowned for its distinctive "Keemun fragrance." Keemun black tea boasts an aromatic bouquet with notes of orchid and honey, a rich and sweet taste, and a lingering aftertaste. Yunnan Black Tea: produced in Yunnan Province, it is known for its vibrant color and intense aroma. Yunnan black tea has a bright red infusion, a high-aroma, a robust and full-bodied taste, and carries the essence of the wilderness. Lapsang Souchong: produced in Wuyi Mountain, Fujian Province, it is one of the oldest black teas in the world. Lapsang Souchong has…

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…

For many people, nothing beats greeting the morning with a nice cup of tea. Its refreshing, clean taste evokes a feeling of calmness and mindfulness. For more than four millennia, tea has delighted, inspired, and satisfied countless drinkers in all corners of the world. Olivia Yang, the author of The Art of Drinking Tea, said that “the Chinese are, without any doubt, the right people to understand everything about tea.” For thousands of years, the Chinese have practiced and maintained the art of tea cultivation, preparation, and consumption. As tea is deeply ingrained in Chinese culture, it is best to learn about it from them. Keep reading to know more about the utterly rich Chinese tea culture. Traditional Chinese Tea: The Basics There are several main types of Chinese tea, each one with distinct characteristics. Though all tea came from the same plant source - Camellia sinensis - they can be easily referred to as green tea, yellow tea, white tea, oolong tea, black tea, and dark tea. Here’s a brief description of each tea. Green Tea When you hear the word "tea," green tea is probably what first comes to your mind. After all, this is not just the oldest…

Hello everyone, today we will talk about Mengding Ganlu, a famous tea produced in Sichuan, China. This is a tea with a long history and superior quality. So, what kind of tea is Mengding Ganlu? What are its unique features and attractions? We will discuss these from three main aspects. Exploring the Origin Mengding Ganlu is produced in Mingshan District, Ya'an City, Sichuan Province, where the mountains are green, the waters clear, and the climate suitable, providing ideal conditions for tea growth. The origin of Mengding Ganlu is even hailed as the "birthplace of world tea culture," a place rich in historical and cultural heritage. Taste Appreciation The leaves of Mengding Ganlu are bright green, with a rich aroma and a clear, bright infusion color. Its taste is fresh and sweet, with a full-bodied flavor and astringency. Tasting Mengding Ganlu, one can almost feel the tea aroma spreading in the mouth, lifting the spirits. Historical and Cultural Value Mengding Ganlu has always been one of the famous teas, with a long history. According to historical records, Mengding Ganlu originated during the Western Han Dynasty, with a history spanning over two thousand years. It is a traditional Chinese famous tea and…

Pu'er tea is a popular variety nowadays and is deeply loved by the public. The quality of Pu'er tea on the market varies greatly, making it difficult for those who do not know much about tea to pick out good Pu'er tea. Below, I will discuss several methods and principles for selecting Pu'er tea. Inspect the Shape and ColorSelecting Pu'er tea starts with distinguishing the quality of its shape. Observing the shape primarily involves looking at the color and the formation of the dry tea. Good Pu'er tea should have a robust formation, neat and clean appearance, and should not have any mold spots. If mold spots appear on the surface of the tea, this indicates improper storage and signifies an inferior product. Raw (unfermented) Pu'er tea has a fresh and light color, with prominent white down, appearing in deep green or dark green. After fermentation, ripe tea has a deeper color than raw tea, presenting as reddish-brown.Examine the Tea Liquor and Leaf ResidueThe color of the tea liquor and the leaf residue reflect the quality of the Pu'er tea's production process, aging period, and storage method. Good Pu'er tea has a clear and bright liquor color, which can range…

Many people are perplexed by the age of Pu'er tea and can only rely on the seller's introduction, making a gut judgment: true or false! Some even say that there is no such thing as aged tea, just commercial fraud! In light of this, I believe it is necessary to introduce several quick methods for identifying the age of Pu'er tea: How to Determine the Age of Pu'er Tea? 1. Observe the Appearance Take proper storage in Kunming dry warehouse as an example. New Tea: New raw tea has a fresh color, typically dark green, with prominent white tea down; New ripe tea has a dull color, usually blackish red, with some varieties showing golden tea buds. Aged Tea: Raw tea aged 5-10 years: the color turns from green to yellowish green, the white tea down turns golden, the tea product is lustrous and glossy. Raw tea aged 20 years and over: the color turns reddish yellow, lustrous and glossy, the tea down is golden. Ripe tea aged 5-10 years: the color turns reddish brown, lustrous and glossy, golden tea down is prominent. Ripe tea aged 20 years and over: the tea product color turns reddish brown, lustrous and glossy,…

Locust flower tea, with its unique aroma and health benefits, is much loved by tea enthusiasts. This article will detail the preparation method of locust flower tea, from traditional handcrafting to modern mechanized production, guiding you through the charm of this traditional beverage. The History and Culture of Locust Flower Tea Locust flower tea has a long history in China, dating back to the Tang Dynasty. Locust flowers are not only beautiful ornamental plants, but their blossoms also have medicinal properties, including heat-clearing and detoxifying effects as well as cooling and blood-stanching benefits. In ancient times, locust flower tea was often consumed as a refreshing summer drink. Over time, the preparation techniques for locust flower tea have evolved, gradually forming a complete process. Selection of Raw Materials for Locust Flower Tea To make locust flower tea, one must first choose high-quality locust flowers. Generally, the best time to pick locust flowers is between May and June when the buds are about to bloom and the aroma is most intense. When selecting, choose bright-colored flowers free from disease, pests, and impurities. Traditional Handcrafted Preparation Process of Locust Flower Tea The traditional preparation process of locust flower tea includes the following steps:…

 "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…

For the same tea, being stored in different places means facing different storage environments, which leads to differences in Puer tea collection between the north and south. When discussing with experienced tea enthusiasts, Kunlun found that sending the same tea to over 20 cities across the north and south resulted in variations in taste due to differences in storage conditions, humidity, temperature, and other factors. The difference in regional environments determines the methods for preserving Puer tea. So what are the characteristics of Puer tea storage in different regions? Storage can be divided into pure dry storage and natural storage. Natural storage involves keeping the tea in a natural environment on floors below the second level, without artificial processing. The tea undergoes natural transformation. The surface of the tea has a dull luster, and there is no dry aroma. The taste is not significantly different from pure dry storage. Pure dry storage involves keeping the tea in a professional tea warehouse above the second floor, where it naturally ferments under constant temperature and humidity. The surface of the tea has an oily sheen, and the tea has a fragrant aroma. The taste is rich and smooth, with a noticeable aftertaste.…

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…

Aged tea refers to tea that has been processed from leaves harvested in the previous year or even earlier. Even if stored properly and well-preserved, it is collectively known as aged tea. New tea, by convention, refers to tea made from fresh leaves picked around the Qingming Festival in the same year. What is the difference between new tea and aged tea? 1. Different moisture content New tea generally has a lower moisture content, so the tea leaves are tightly rolled, feel dry to the touch, hard and brittle, and can be easily ground into powder with your fingers. Aged tea, due to long-term storage, has higher moisture content, making the tea wet and heavy. It cannot be crushed into powder with your fingers, and the tea stems are not easy to break. 2. Different colors New tea has a lustrous and vibrant color, clearly green, appearing in shades of light green or dark green. When brewed, the tea has a bright green color that gradually turns slightly yellow, with clear broth and glossy leaves. Aged tea loses its freshness in color and appears dull and less lustrous due to the oxidation of unsaturated components and the slow automatic decomposition…

When you think about teas, you may imagine green (or even dark) leaves – but that is not the case with white tea. Cultivated in the early days before the leaves are fully opened, white tea buds are still covered by fine white hairs, which is why it is named “white tea”. During processing, this type of tea is the least processed tea. It is not oxidized nor rolled, creating a very pure and delicate type of tea. You might be wondering now, why did white tea come into existence in the first place? What does white tea taste like? Are there many types of white tea, and what are the differences? Does white tea contain any caffeine? And is white tea healthy for our body? Read on to learn more about this unique yet delicate type of tea. The history of white tea The history of white tea goes back almost 1,500 years ago to the Tang Dynasty era (618-907 CE) in Fujian Province, the birthplace of Silver Needle (Baihao Yinzhen) white tea. In that era, white tea was a special kind of tea picked in early spring – the perfect time to get the silver needles. Those young…

Montding Sweet Dew Tea is a renowned tea with a long history in China and one of the earliest curly green teas in the country. Moderate consumption during summer has beneficial health effects, making it popular among many tea enthusiasts. However, as a type of green tea, the shelf life of Montding Sweet Dew Tea is similar to other green teas and is not very long. Below are detailed explanations regarding the shelf life of Montding Sweet Dew Tea. How Long is the Shelf Life of Montding Sweet Dew Tea? Montding Sweet Dew Tea belongs to the category of green tea, which is unfermented, hence its shelf life is relatively short. Generally speaking, the shelf life of green tea at room temperature is around one year. However, factors that primarily affect the quality of tea include temperature, light, and humidity. If stored properly, reducing or eliminating these factors can help maintain the freshness of the tea for a longer period. Of course, if you have stored Montding Sweet Dew Tea for an extended period and are unsure whether it has expired, you can judge by observing its taste and the color of the tea infusion. National standards have been set…

Tea enthusiasts are well aware that besides its unique taste, Pu'er tea can be stored for a long time, and the longer it is kept, the better its flavor becomes. As such, many tea lovers frequent mountain country tea franchise stores to sample Pu'er tea. Naturally, the topic of how to best preserve Pu'er tea is of great interest. So, what is the optimal method to preserve Pu'er tea? We generally have four methods for preserving Pu'er tea: Direct preservation, jar preservation method, cost-effective cardboard box preservation method, and fresh preservation method. ① Direct Preservation Pu'er tea can be preserved using multiple paper bags or bamboo shells directly, without needing an outer layer of plastic wrap, which could hinder air circulation. Similarly, there's no need to use refrigerator storage for Pu'er tea. ② Jar Preservation Method Using jars for preservation is a more scientific approach, particularly suitable for Pu'er tea collectors. Well-sealed jars effectively prevent the tea from moisture and oxidation caused by contact with air, and they also help to refresh the tea. We recommend using clay or ceramic jars. It's important not to mix different types of tea in the same container to avoid flavor contamination, as the…

In the process of tea tasting, we come across an interesting practice: before brewing the tea leaves, there is always a step called "washing the tea." You may wonder what the necessity of washing tea is and how it affects the taste of the tea. Today, let's delve into the world of tea washing and uncover its secrets! The Significance of Washing Tea Washing tea involves quickly rinsing the leaves with hot water before the actual brewing. This step removes surface dust, impurities, and any residual pesticides. In short, tea washing provides a cleaner and healthier tea-drinking experience. The Benefits of Washing Tea Removing Impurities: During cultivation, transportation, and storage, tea leaves can accumulate dust and impurities, and may have residual pesticides. Washing tea effectively removes these contaminants, making the leaves cleaner. Awakening the Leaves: High-quality tea leaves are like sleeping spirits. Washing them is like gently waking them up with warm water, allowing their aroma and flavor to be fully released. Improving Taste: Washing tea removes bitterness, resulting in a sweeter and richer brew. Enhancing the Experience: The act of washing tea is also a reflection of tea culture. It adds a sense of ritual to tea tasting, helping…

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…

After the start of the dog days, most regions in our country officially enter "grill mode." The dog days fall between Minor Heat and Start of Autumn, marking the hottest, most humid, and sultry period of the year. As the saying goes: "It's hot during the dog days." This can be interpreted as: "During the heat, it's better to stay still than to move around." So, how should one maintain health during this season? First Challenge: Nourishing the Heart As temperatures gradually rise, the body's consumption also increases. Once summer arrives, many people feel unwell and lethargic. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), "the summer qi is connected to the heart qi." During this time, nourishing the heart involves two aspects: caring for the blood vessels and adjusting sleep patterns. Caring for Blood Vessels: To care for your blood vessels, it is recommended to maintain a light diet. Eat more foods like onions, mushrooms, black fungus, milk, lotus seeds, and bean products. Try to maintain a calm state of mind and eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to increase fiber intake, vitamin B, and vitamin C, which helps prevent arteriosclerosis. Adjusting Sleep Patterns: Sleep nourishes essence and qi,…

In daily life, to know how to preserve tea, one must first understand what damages it. Only then can one know how to store it to avoid such damage. Different types of tea have different characteristics and are damaged in different ways and to varying degrees, so the methods and requirements for their storage also differ. Many people do not know how to store green tea after opening it, which can lead to the tea going bad or losing its flavor. Under normal circumstances, green tea can be stored at room temperature for about a year; however, once opened, it should be transferred into an airtight container and used within two months if possible. Since green tea is prone to absorbing moisture, even unopened tea stored for too long will lose its aroma, so it should be brewed while fresh. Here are some key taboos to remember when storing green tea: The Five Taboos of Storing Green Tea 1. Avoid Moisture Firstly, one must be very careful to avoid moisture when storing green tea, as most tea enthusiasts know. Most teas have a strong tendency to absorb moisture and humidity. A relative humidity of 60% is suitable for storage, but…

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…

 There’s a saying: good water brews good tea. To brew a pot of good tea, one cannot do without good water, illustrating how crucial the quality of water is for tea brewing. Many people are unaware that boiled water used for brewing tea actually has an expiration date. Using water beyond its expiration date to brew tea can not only affect the taste of the tea but also impact health. The Lifespan of a Glass of Water is Up to 16 Hours The shelf life of boiled water in the air is only 16 hours; expired water may contain significantly high levels of E. coli! For healthy individuals, drinking water with bacterial overgrowth over long periods can have a subtle effect on the body, and the longer this continues, the more apparent the impact on health becomes. According to Water Quality Experts, Drinking Stale Water Continuously Is Like Continuously Consuming Food with Additives. If you don't pay attention to the details of drinking water daily, your body's healthy environment can be gradually damaged, potentially leading to poorer health. So when you experience fatigue or a weakened immune system, while paying attention to food hygiene, also check if your drinking habits…