Tea Knowledge

For Pu'er tea, many friends find it complex, especially those who are just starting to explore the world of Pu'er tea. The diverse flavors from different regions and the concept that Pu'er tea improves with age can be confusing. Additionally, seeing a wide range of prices in the market makes it even harder to know where to start, often leaving buyers guessing. In this article, we will discuss how a high-quality Pu'er tea should look, smell, taste, and appear, providing useful information for tea enthusiasts when selecting their teas. Five Quality Standards for Premium Pu'er Tea 1. Dry Leaf Appearance: The compressed tea leaves should have an appropriate level of tightness and uniformity; they should have a smooth and lustrous color. For ripe Pu'er tea, the color should be dark brown with a glossy sheen and visible golden tips. For raw Pu'er tea, the color should be dark and lustrous. 2. Aroma: Assess the purity and longevity of the tea's fragrance A standard-quality Pu'er tea should have a pure aroma, free from any off-flavors, impurities, or unpleasant moldy odors. Pu'er tea is known for its ability to improve with age, and its fragrance develops through microbial and enzymatic activities during…

Every year, at the end of March and early April, Pu'er spring tea enters the spring tea picking season. Many tea enthusiasts who love Pu'er tea choose to try it fresh during this time, savoring the charm of spring tea. Spring tea is rich in nutrients, has a full-bodied soup, a thick texture, a strong flavor, and a fresh and intense aroma, with a higher value for storage and transformation over time. Early spring Pu'er tea, after a whole winter of rest and recuperation, absorbs abundant nourishment from the tea plant as the earth warms up. Through photosynthesis, the tea buds grow robustly, containing a large amount of internal tea substance. Moreover, due to its low production volume, early spring Pu'er tea is quite precious, especially the first-picked spring Pu'er tea, which is considered a premium grade among teas. The benefits of drinking Pu'er spring tea: It replenishes nutrients and trace elements, relieves the pressures and fatigue of daily life, and maintains vitality in the body; characterized by freshness and sweetness, moderate consumption can quench thirst, alleviate spring lethargy, promote metabolism, and improve mood. There are many benefits to drinking spring tea, not only does it allow you to taste…

Tieguanyin is the pinnacle of Oolong tea, characterized by: tightly coiled, robust, round, and evenly heavy leaves with a sand-green color. The overall shape resembles the head of a dragonfly, a spiral, or a frog's leg. When brewed, the liquor is a bright amber hue, with a natural and rich orchid fragrance. The taste is full-bodied, fresh, and sweet with a long-lasting aftertaste, commonly referred to as having a “sound of music.” The aroma of Tieguanyin is high and persistent, often described as having a lingering fragrance even after seven infusions. Modern Tieguanyin, influenced by the preferences of tea enthusiasts in green tea regions, increasingly emphasizes its fragrant qualities, with a lower degree of fermentation and a greener appearance. To enjoy this fragrant type of Tieguanyin, you must use a porcelain gaiwan and freshly boiled 100°C water. Quickly rinse the tea and discard the water. For the first infusion, steep for about 20 seconds, ensuring that no tea liquor remains in the gaiwan to avoid bitterness. Afterward, lift the lid of the gaiwan and savor the unique aroma of Tieguanyin. If the tea is of good quality, it should have a milky or fruity scent (such as peach). The liquor…

Generally, the origin price of Pu'er tea ranges from 3,000 yuan to over 10,000 yuan per kilogram. As for plantation teas, even some ecological and organic Pu'er teas cost only 30 yuan to 200 yuan per kilogram. One can imagine that the highest price difference can be hundreds of times more. The Cost of Good Pu'er Spring Tea in 2023 (per pound) The prices of Pu'er spring tea vary widely, ranging from a few hundred yuan to several thousand yuan, or even tens of thousands of yuan per kilogram. The price of Pu'er spring tea is influenced by factors such as origin, picking season, quality, and specifications. For commonly available branded teas, the price of daily consumption tea is usually within 300 yuan, mostly blended teas. Teas with slightly better quality cost around 400 to 600 yuan, which are considered quite good. A cake of tea priced at 800 yuan is considered to have very high quality and representative taste. The Price of Pu'er Spring Tea in 2023 (per pound) In 2023, the price of small-tree Pu'er spring tea is around 200 to 400 yuan per kilogram, while the price of ancient-tree spring tea is around 600 to 800 yuan…

Do you prefer iron cakes or bubble cakes? Is there really a comparison to be made here? Iron cakes are sports equipment used for throwing, while bubble cakes are something you eat! No, no! The iron cakes and bubble cakes we are referring to here are not what you might think. They refer to two different forms of Pu'er tea cakes that result from different pressing methods. "Steamed and formed into tight cakes." Why do Pu'er teas need to be pressed instead of stored loose? This is a basic question. Pressing Pu'er tea into cakes, bricks, and tuos initially served to make storage and transportation more convenient. By compressing the tea, it takes up less space, significantly reducing transportation difficulties, while also preserving the flavor and aroma of the Pu'er tea to the maximum extent possible. Within the category of tea cakes, there are iron cakes and bubble cakes. But why is this so? What are iron cakes and bubble cakes? Famous essayist Yu Qiuyu is a loyal supporter of Pu'er tea and an expert in tasting aged Pu'er teas. His article "Tasting Pu'er Tea" expresses his understanding and appreciation of Pu'er tea from a literary perspective. Based on his…

 "Nothing is better for brewing than purple clay, and among these, the most exquisite teapots come from Yangxin (Yixing)." As the ideal utensil for brewing tea, a purple clay teapot needs the company of tea to reveal its gentle elegance. We know that tea brewed in a purple clay pot has a wonderful aroma, and the longer it is used, the more fragrant it becomes. This is because the purple clay has good breathability, preventing the tea water from spoiling. Some people like to leave tea in the pot for long periods, which they call nurturing the pot. The tea brewed in such a nurtured pot is even sweeter, due to the accumulation of tea stains on the pot's walls. ▲ Persimmon Pot Before using a newly purchased pot, you can first soak some tea leaves in hot water. Soaking multiple times is even better, then clean both inside and out to thoroughly remove any residual sand particles. (The method mentioned above can help eliminate any odd smells that may be produced). Why should tea stains not be left behind? 1 Some say that the tea stains on a purple clay pot can nurture the pot and do not need…

Many tea enthusiasts have this dilemma: why, with the same tea leaves, the same teaware, and the same water, is the tea they brew not as good as someone else's? Three aspects to focus on Assuming the quality of the tea leaves is good, to brew a great cup of tea, the main factors are the teaware, the amount of tea used, and the steeping time. 1. Teaware The appearance of a gaiwan or teapot is secondary; what matters is its capacity, which directly affects the tea-to-water ratio and steeping time. For example, a package of rock tea contains 8g for one brewing session. A gaiwan with a capacity of 100cc will require a different volume of water compared to one with a 130cc capacity. If steeped for the same duration, the resulting flavor will differ, with the former being more concentrated. 2. Amount of tea used Maintain a tea-to-water ratio of 1:50. Typically, use 3g of green tea, 4g of black tea, 7-8g of oolong tea, and 8-10g of dark tea or Pu'er tea. If unsure about the amount, start by experimenting with a reasonable quantity and adjust based on taste. 3. Steeping time This is adjusted according to…

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…

In the world of tea, like the distinct characters in a literary work, different types of tea are often compared. In the realm of white tea, Bai Mudan and Silver Needle are like two distinctive beauties, each with their own unique charm and grace. I. Bai Mudan: The Floral White Tea Fairy Bai Mudan is a unique sight in the world of white tea. It blends the elegance of Silver Needle with the deep, mellow flavor of Shoumei, like a masterful combination that radiates its own special brilliance on the stage of white teas, earning it the name “Floral Fairy of White Tea.” When boiling water is poured into the bowl, a wonderful olfactory feast begins. The fresh scent of downy leaves greets us first, as if to say hello, telling us we are about to experience a delightful journey through the fragrances of tea. Then, layer upon layer of floral aromas follow, intertwining and distinct yet harmoniously coexisting. The delicate fragrance of orchids is akin to dewdrops glistening in the morning light, with an untouchable purity. Imagine, in the morning light, orchids with dewdrops, exuding a gentle fragrance, a scent that seems to penetrate the soul, bringing a sense…

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…

On hot summer days, a cup of refreshing mint-infused green tea not only brings a cool sensation but also lets you savor the gifts of nature. The combination of mint and green tea is a double delight for both health and taste. Today, let’s talk about this simple yet charming beverage and the story behind it. The Encounter Between Mint and Green Tea Mint, a common herb, is renowned for its cooling taste and distinctive aroma. It contains menthol, a compound that gives mint its characteristic coolness and has various benefits. Green tea, originating from ancient Eastern cultures, is loved worldwide for its rich antioxidants and invigorating effects. When mint meets green tea, their combination not only enhances flavor but also offers unexpected health benefits. Health Benefits of Mint-Infused Green Tea The health benefits of mint-infused green tea are due to the natural properties of these two ingredients. Mint is believed to alleviate indigestion, freshen breath, relieve tension headaches, reduce nasal congestion, aid digestion, ease menstrual cramps, boost energy levels, and have antibacterial properties. Green tea is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular risk reduction, and metabolism-boosting effects. Combining them not only improves the drink's flavor but also doubles the…

With the arrival of spring, many tea regions have already started harvesting their spring teas, which will soon be available on the market. After a whole winter of rest and rejuvenation, tea plants have accumulated rich internal substances. During this period, the tea has a full flavor, is strong in taste, and is relatively more durable when steeped, making spring tea the best of the year in the minds of many tea enthusiasts. The first spring tea is the first batch of tea leaves picked in spring. As long as it is the first harvest of the year, it is called the first flush spring tea. This is also the first batch of tea to sprout each year. These leaves are smaller with larger, more abundant buds, good aroma, and a full-bodied, rich taste. What is the first flush spring tea? The spring tea, as the name suggests, is tea harvested and processed during the spring season, that is, tea picked and processed between the beginning of spring and the beginning of summer. Puer spring tea can be divided into “first flush,” “second flush,” and “end-of-spring” teas. “First flush” tea is made from the first tender shoots and leaves harvested…

Depending on the type, age, and brewing vessel, the methods of brewing white tea vary. Let’s learn more! How to brew white tea for better taste Different Types, Different Brewing Methods: Gongmei or Shoumei are primarily made from tea leaves, with a coarse and rustic appearance. They have three remarkable qualities: their deep red and beautiful infusion, their rich and robust flavor, and their excellent health benefits. Therefore, when brewing white tea, boiling water can be used, and it can be steeped for a longer period to fully enjoy its best attributes. How to brew white tea for better taste Different Ages, Different Brewing Methods: New Tea Brewing Method: New teas tend to be tender, and the dry leaves look fresh and vibrant. It is best to use a shallow brewing method and pour out the water as quickly as possible to appreciate the pure beauty of new tea. How to brew white tea for better taste Old Tea Brewing Method: To enjoy aged white tea, a large-bellied purple clay teapot is ideal. Use water at 80 degrees Celsius and wait patiently for one and a half minutes before pouring out the infusion. If you can use Fuding spring water…

Puer Tea Sealed Storage Experiment Sealed storage of Puer tea inevitably involves the issue of oxygen supply in the warehouse. According to post-fermentation theory, Puer tea requires oxygen and a certain level of humidity for post-fermentation, so the tea storage warehouse needs to be ventilated to allow the tea to undergo post-fermentation. However, many people have found that when tea is stored under ventilated conditions, while the infusion color turns red, it loses its aroma after two or three years, and the bitterness and astringency do not diminish over time. Additionally, under ventilated conditions, the tea's aroma naturally cannot be preserved. In fact, the later changes in Puer tea are influenced by two factors: one is microbial fermentation, which is an external effect; the other is the action of active enzymes within the tea leaves, which is an internal effect. After sealing and controlling the humidity, Puer tea does not require microbial fermentation, but instead relies primarily on the active enzymes present in the tea to facilitate its transformation. When storing tea in a sealed and oxygen-deprived environment, how would Puer tea change? This question led me to conduct an experiment on the effects of oxygen in sealed storage. Experimental…

When did the variety of Wuyi Rock Tea originate? According to "The New Gazetteer of Tong'an County," "Wuyi tea was originally wild, not planted by human hands. It is said that it was first discovered by an old man... The old man first offered the tea and after his death, he was revered as a mountain deity and enjoyed temple sacrifices." In Fan Zhongyan's "Song of Tea Competition with Zhang Min," it states: "The miraculous tea by the stream surpasses all in the world, cultivated since ancient times by the immortals of Wuyi." The "immortals of Wuyi" likely refer to the distant ancestors of the Wuyi tea region, traditionally believed to be Wuyi Jun or Pengzu. According to Hu Haochuan's research, Wuyi Caicha evolved from a wild species. Professor Zhuang Wanfang believes that Wuyi tea was cultivated by ancients or possibly introduced from Wulong Ridge in Zhejiang Province. Caicha is the mother of Wuyi teas and is the collective term for the sexually propagated group of tea trees in Wuyi. This means these teas are as common as the vegetables grown around the house, only for everyday drinking. In the natural environment of Wuyi Mountain, due to the cross-pollination of…

Believe it or not, both West Lake Longjing tea and Dahongpao are historic teas in China. Both are part of the top ten famous teas in China, with exceptional quality and unique flavors. Drinking them offers numerous benefits. But which is better: West Lake Longjing or Dahongpao? What are the differences between them? Let's explore further. Which is better, West Lake Longjing or Dahongpao? 1. West Lake Longjing Longjing tea is produced in the beautiful region of West Lake, Zhejiang Province. It is renowned for its green color, elegant shape, rich aroma, and mellow taste. Its unique qualities of being light yet far-reaching and fragrant yet clear distinguish it from other famous teas, making it the top among the top ten teas. The picking of West Lake Longjing has three characteristics: early picking, tender picking, and frequent picking. The tenderness of the tea leaves is the foundation for high-quality Longjing tea. Frequent picking means leaving larger leaves while picking smaller ones, with about 30 pickings per year. West Lake Longjing tea is traditionally crafted using a variety of techniques such as tossing, shaking, spreading, fanning, pressing, throwing, grabbing, pushing, snapping, and grinding. Different qualities require different handling methods. Due to…

Huoshan Yellow Monkey is a Chinese green tea and one of China’s Top Ten Famous Teas, produced in the Huangshan District (formerly Taiping County), Anhui Province. This tea is not only renowned for its unique appearance and excellent taste but also cherished by tea enthusiasts for its long history and rich cultural heritage. Let's delve deeper into what makes this tea so special. Huoshan Yellow Monkey: History and Origins Huoshan Yellow Monkey, a name that evokes a sense of legend, is produced in the Huangshan District of Huangshan City, Anhui Province. The natural conditions here are exceptional, with high mountains, fertile soil, and misty clouds providing an ideal environment for tea growth. The history of Huoshan Yellow Monkey dates back to the Xianfeng period of the Qing Dynasty, when Mr. Zheng Shouqing cultivated tea gardens along the Mochuan River. Through meticulous care, he produced a flat and upright “pointed tea” that was fresh and flavorful. Due to its outstanding quality, it was named “Taiping Pointed Tea,” which later evolved into the Huoshan Yellow Monkey we know today. Huoshan Yellow Monkey: Appearance and Characteristics Huoshan Yellow Monkey is well-known for its distinctive appearance. The tea leaves are flat and upright, resembling…

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

If you like drinking tea, there must be one thought that comes up in your mind after you finish drinking your cup of tea — can I reuse these tea leaves? Seems too good to waste! The short answer is YES, you can reuse tea leaves, especially loose leaf tea! Reuse, in tea’s context, is re-steep. Resteeping tea leaves is a common practice in China. By using the gaiwan with gong fu approach of brewing tea (the one with gaiwan!), teas can be steeped multiple times — from 6 to 8 times, or even more. This method plays a big role in resteeping tea because it combines a lot of tea leaves with small amounts of water, allowing the tea to not lose its flavor easily. Hence, it is believed that the more you can resteep your tea without losing the flavor, the better your tea! Another reason why resteeping tea is common in China is that there are some teas that may taste better after the first steep, like pu-erh and oolong tea. Some teas, like Tie Guan Yin oolong tea, are tightly curled and one steep will not be enough to uncurl the tea leaves. Other teas, like  Da…

  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…

Traditionally processed oolong teas, such as Wuyi rock tea, Phoenix Dancong, and baked Tie Guan Yin, have good stability after roasting. They do not need to be stored in the refrigerator but can be kept in a cool, dry place instead. Oolong teas are generally safe to store at room temperature since they are fully fermented, and this has little impact on their quality. Dark teas, white teas, Pu'er teas, and aged teas, especially Pu'er, rely on aging for their drinking value. Storing these types of tea in the refrigerator could cause dampness issues and also reduce the activity of beneficial enzymes and bacteria within the tea. It is these enzymes and bacteria that contribute to the tea's flavor development over time. Refrigerating these teas would significantly affect their aging process. These types of teas are best stored at room temperature in a dark, well-ventilated, dry area away from strong odors. Storing them in the refrigerator could lead to mold growth. Should Green Tea Be Refrigerated? Green tea is unique because it is meant to be enjoyed for its fresh and crisp taste. Typically, we only drink green tea from the first flush (before the Ming festival). The tea oxidizes…

Based on different manufacturing processes, Pu'er tea is divided into raw and ripe varieties. Ripe tea undergoes an additional pile-fermentation process compared to raw tea. Due to these differences in production methods, the nature of raw and ripe teas varies significantly. Raw tea has a relatively cool nature, while ripe tea is warmer. Traditional Chinese medicine categorizes human constitutions as: balanced, yin-deficient, yang-deficient, qi-deficient, damp-heat, phlegm-dampness, and qi-stagnation. We can choose the right Pu'er tea according to our constitution. How to Choose the Right Pu'er Tea for Yourself 1. Balanced Constitution This is a healthy constitution, suitable for both ripe and raw teas. You can choose different teas based on seasonal changes. In summer, you can drink raw tea for its cooling effects; in winter, enjoy ripe tea to warm your stomach and body. 2. Yin-Deficient Constitution People with this constitution tend to have excessive internal heat, difficulty sleeping, and hot, sweaty palms and soles, along with rough and dry skin. This is due to an imbalance between yin and yang, with yang being stronger than yin. Those with this constitution can drink raw tea after meals during the day and consume moderate amounts of ripe tea at night. 3.…

There are many types of green tea, with West Lake Longjing being the most well-known. Types of green tea include: Biluochun, West Lake Longjing, Meitan Green Bud, Xinyang Maojian, Liuan Melon Seed, Dafolongjing, Huangshan Maofeng, Anji White Tea, Lushan Cloud Mist, Taiping Houkui, Rizhao Green Tea, Duyun Maojian, Mount Meng Shihua, Enshi Yulu, Zuyeqing, Hanzhong Immortal Tip, Wuyuan Green Tea, Emei Tea Sprout, Guzhang Maojian, Jintan Quetshe, Yandang Maofeng, Wuniuzao, Laozhu Dafang, and more. What are the different types of green tea? 1. Stir-fried green tea: Due to the mechanical or manual force applied during the drying process, the finished tea takes various shapes such as long, round, flat, needle-like, and spiral, thus it can be further divided into long stir-fried, round stir-fried, and flat stir-fried teas. After refinement, long stir-fried green tea is called eyebrow tea, with varieties like Zhenmei, Gongxi, Yutcha, Needle Eyebrow, Xiamei, each having distinct quality characteristics. 2. Zhenmei (Eyebrow Tea): The leaves are finely twisted and straight, resembling the delicate eyebrows of a maiden, with a lustrous green color, high and fresh aroma, strong and refreshing taste, and a slightly yellow-green soup and leaf base that are bright. 3. Gongxi (Imperial Eyebrow): This is the…

For Pu'er tea, many tea enthusiasts have the concept of "drink old tea, store new tea." So, how can we determine if a new tea has collection value? First, making a good tea requires many factors. The most critical are the following three aspects: What kind of new tea has the greatest collection value? I. Raw Materials Without good raw materials, no matter how skillful the process is or how correctly it's stored later, the tea cannot develop a good taste during its transformation later on. 1. Tea Variety A good tea is cultivated by people and is also the result of natural selection over thousands of years. Among various tea varieties, the sexual reproduction-based large-leaf type native to Yunnan is best suited for making Pu'er tea. 2. Growing Environment A suitable environment for growing tea trees. This includes appropriate altitude, proper sunlight duration and intensity, well-spaced planting, appropriate intercropping, no need for pesticides due to biodiversity that prevents the occurrence and development of diseases and pests, etc. 3. Picking Parts and Time Different parts of the tea leaves such as the bud tip, leaf, stalk, and yellow leaf play different roles in the post-fermentation process and have different effects…