Tea Knowledge

If you are not aware of China's fascination with tea, you got to be a little better updated. These are some of the facts that would help you understand why it is important to know about this Chinese and tea connection. Very own discovery: Chinese take pride in the discovery of this beverage which is now consumed all over the world in different forms and taste. It is said that like all other inventions, it was accidental when Emperor Shen Nung was lying under a tree and his servant was boiling water for him. Some of the leaves from the tree actually fell into the boiling water and tea was born! Largest producer of tea: If China would not have been in the world, the total tea production in the world would have gone down by a massive 30%. China yearly produces almost approximately 2.10 million ton of tea which is then most consumed domestically and some exported worldwide. Used as a medicine: Long before during 8th century BC, tea in China was used as a medicine. The Chinese believed that it removed excess heat in the body and also improves the eyesight. Even in today's time, white tea is…

 When it comes to tea, people often talk about "fully fermented," "semi-fermented," and "lightly fermented." Is this the same kind of fermentation as in common "fermented foods" like yogurt, wine, and vinegar? What are their differences? Today, let's explore the mysteries of tea "fermentation" together! | What is Fermentation The term "fermentation" generally refers to a certain decomposition process carried out by organisms. The phenomenon of fermentation has long been recognized by people, but understanding its essence is a matter of only the past 200 years. According to microbial physiology, "fermentation" is strictly defined as the process by which organic substances are oxidized and degraded into oxidation products, releasing energy, and this is collectively referred to as biological oxidation. In industrial production, "fermentation" - "industrial fermentation" - is broadly defined as all industrial production that relies on the life activities of microorganisms. This includes processes like beer brewing and monosodium glutamate (MSG) production. "Fermentation" in food refers to a class of food products that are processed using beneficial microorganisms, possessing unique flavors. Examples include yogurt, cheese, sweet rice wine, pickled vegetables, soy sauce, rice vinegar, fermented soybeans, yellow rice wine, beer, and wine. | "Fermentation" of Tea - Biological Oxidation…

It is well known that drinking tea has many benefits for the human body. Tea can invigorate, relieve fatigue, aid digestion, quench thirst, and promote diuresis and de-swelling. In particular, green tea, Oolong tea are better than black tea, and they have anti-cancer properties. Tea can help regulate the body's acid-base balance and contains abundant Vitamin C, Vitamin E, carotene, niacin, potassium, calcium, selenium, fluoride, and other nutrients, all of which are beneficial to the human body, including the kidneys. However, some people point out that tea contains caffeine. A cup of tea generally has 30% to 50% of the caffeine found in a cup of coffee. Strong teas contain even more caffeine. It has been shown that caffeine can cause normal cells to become abnormal, potentially leading to cancer. Excessive consumption of strong tea can overexcite the nervous system, increase the burden on the heart and kidneys, stimulate the secretion of gastrin, potentially causing peptic ulcers, and tannic acid can easily bind with iron, reducing the absorption of iron, an essential component for hematopoiesis (blood formation). The timing of tea drinking is also important. One should not drink tea immediately after a meal; it is best to wait half…

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…

Acquiring a new teapot is always exciting, especially when you intend to use it to brew the perfect cup of tea. However, a new teapot cannot be used directly; it needs to go through the process of initiation and nourishment. This not only removes impurities from the teapot but also enhances its ability to absorb tea aromas. Today, we will discuss how to properly initiate and care for your teapot, ensuring that your new companion shares many more delightful tea moments with you. What is Teapot Initiation? Initiating a teapot refers to the preparatory process before using a new teapot for the first time. By cleaning and initially brewing tea, impurities on the surface of the teapot and residues from the manufacturing process can be removed. This process also lays the foundation for future use of the teapot. Steps for Teapot Initiation Clean the Teapot: Thoroughly clean both the inside and outside of the teapot with water. Do not use any detergents, as they may leave residue in the pot, affecting the taste of the tea. Brew Water to Remove Odors: Place the teapot in a pot and add enough water to completely submerge it. Boil for 20-30 minutes over…

Cinnamon tea, a name that piques curiosity right from the start. Today, let's delve into the world of cinnamon tea and explore its unique aroma and exceptional taste. One: Tracing the Origins of Cinnamon Tea Cinnamon tea has a long and storied history. As one of China’s traditional famous teas, it holds a significant place in tea culture. From ancient times to the present, cinnamon tea has captivated tea lovers with its distinctive fragrance and flavor. Two: Exploring the Characteristics and Charm of Cinnamon Tea Cinnamon tea is renowned for its pronounced cinnamon aroma, which is rich and lasting, as if immersing one in a grove of cinnamon trees. Its color is bright red, and its taste is full-bodied with a sweet aftertaste, making it unforgettable. There are different classifications such as genuine rock cinnamon and semi-rock cinnamon, each with its own unique flavor. Three: Visiting the Origin and Craftsmanship of Cinnamon Tea Wuyi Mountain, as the primary origin of cinnamon tea, produces high-quality tea leaves thanks to its unique geographical environment. The production process of cinnamon tea is meticulous, from picking to roasting, with every step carefully executed to preserve the original flavor of the tea leaves. Four: Revealing…

Today, we reveal the tricks used to age and falsify old white tea. 1. Telling Stories This tactic is surprisingly effective, which is why unscrupulous merchants keep using it. To sell their old white tea at a higher price, one-year-old tea can be passed off as three years old; three-year-old tea can be claimed to be seven years old; and seven-year-old tea can be said to be over ten years old. Even I, myself, have been asked to appraise old white teas from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s in many tea shops. If you ask the shop owners where they got these decades-old white teas: The typical answer is that they were purchased at a high price from a good friend of a southern business tycoon, or given by a leader to a friend, or stored by a friend who used to run a tea shop or factory, or sold in bulk by a friend due to a need for cash flow, or accidentally discovered in a corner of a tea factory's warehouse. You might feel like spitting blood on their faces. Aside from the unpleasant taste and potential digestive discomfort, just the smell and color are alarming enough. They…

Pu'er tea is known for becoming more fragrant with age, and enthusiasts often store and collect Pu'er teas they enjoy. However, improper storage can easily lead to moldy or flavor-deteriorated cakes. Here are four key storage tips recommended by ChaYouWang: 1. Circulating Air. Tea leaves are rich in microorganisms, and circulating air contains ample oxygen, which aids their proliferation and accelerates the transformation of the tea. However, hanging Pu'er tea in a place like a balcony can disperse its aroma, making it taste bland when brewed. Therefore, there should be moderate air circulation, but not too much exposure to wind. Additionally, ensure that the surrounding environment does not have any odors, as these can affect the natural scent of the tea. 2. Stable Temperature. The temperature at which Pu'er tea is stored should generally match room temperature, with 20-30 degrees Celsius being ideal. Temperatures that are too high can accelerate fermentation and cause the tea to become sour. Furthermore, during spring, summer, and autumn, changes in the tea will occur faster than in winter. Store the tea away from direct sunlight in a cool place. 3. Appropriate Humidity. The storage conditions for Pu'er tea should include some moisture, as a…

Enthusiasts of Pu'er tea who have been enjoying it for some time will undoubtedly have a fine collection at home, ready to be savored over time. It's crucial to properly manage humidity and odors to preserve your beloved teas. Here, we discuss the four don'ts and do's of storing Pu'er tea. The Four Taboos of Storing Pu'er Tea at Home Taboo One: Avoid High Temperatures High temperatures accelerate the degradation of chlorophyll in Pu'er tea, causing it to convert into de-magnified chlorophyll, changing its fresh green color to dark brown. The auto-oxidation of polyphenols and other substances also accelerates under high temperatures. Research shows that for every 10°C increase in temperature, the rate of browning in Pu'er tea accelerates, affecting its quality and aging process. Taboo Two: Avoid Direct Sunlight The plant pigments and lipids in Pu'er tea are susceptible to photochemical reactions, which can produce sun-dried and other off-flavors. Pu'er tea is particularly sensitive to light, so it should be stored away from direct sunlight. Taboo Three: Avoid Strong Odors Tea leaves are porous and easily absorb odors. Therefore, avoid storing Pu'er tea in places with strong odors, as these can taint the tea's natural flavor. Taboo Four: Avoid…

Pu'er tea, a beverage with a long history and rich cultural heritage, is beloved for its unique taste and health benefits. However, there has been a longstanding debate among enthusiasts: is raw Pu'er tea better, or ripe Pu'er tea? There's no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on personal taste and needs. If you're interested in understanding the differences between raw and ripe Pu'er teas, along with their respective pros and cons, this article may provide some helpful insights. Raw vs. Ripe: Unveiling Their Origins and Evolution The primary difference between raw and ripe Pu'er teas lies in their production processes. Raw tea is made directly from fresh leaves that undergo withering, fixation, and sun-drying, while ripe tea is subjected to a post-fermentation process after being processed as raw tea. The post-fermentation process is a critical step in the production of ripe Pu'er tea. During this process, the tea leaves are exposed to high temperatures and humidity, allowing microorganisms to trigger a series of complex chemical reactions that give ripe tea its distinctive taste and aroma. Raw Tea: The Aged Charm of Time-Honored Flavors Raw Pu'er tea retains the original flavor of the fresh leaves since it isn't…

Winter has arrived, and with it comes a significant drop in temperature, freezing cold, and the dormancy of all living things. The cold invades, causing human physiological functions to weaken, and the body's physiological activities are in a state of suppression, with yang energy gradually declining. Women, in particular, may notice their hands and feet turning icy cold and their resistance decreasing. Drinking tea can help keep the cold at bay during winter. So, what kind of tea is best for winter? A dark tea, such as Liubao Tea, which is one of the warm-natured teas suitable for this season. Liubao Tea is produced in Liubao Town, Cangwu County, Wuzhou City, Guangxi. Just like Longjing Tea, Liubao Tea gets its name from its place of origin. Wuzhou City has a unique terrain, often described as "eight parts mountain, one part water, and one part field." The warm and humid climate makes it an ideal environment for tea trees to thrive. What specific nourishing effects does Liubao Tea grown in such a favorable environment offer? Nourishing Effects of Liubao Tea 1. Warm the Stomach Winter is the coldest season of the year, and human physiological functions decline due to the severe…

Pu'er tea Bitterness, Astringency, and Sourness Explained When drinking Pu'er tea, one often experiences a bitter and astringent taste at first. Later, some teas exhibit a sweet aftertaste (hui gan) and salivation (sheng jin), which can be strong or subtle. There are two main reasons for this: First, it is the result of the natural bitterness and astringency compounds present in the tea leaves. Second, it can be due to pest and disease damage. Therefore, it would be incorrect to simply categorize all bitter-tasting Pu'er teas as bad; Similarly, the sourness in Pu'er tea is often considered undesirable, But what exactly causes this sourness? Why Bitterness and Astringency? Sometimes, teas with a "bitter-astringent" flavor are actually high-quality teas. The intensity of these flavors is determined by the amount of bitter and astringent compounds they contain. The primary bitter compounds found in tea include caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, anthocyanins, tea saponins, bitter amino acids, and certain flavanols. In tea infusions, bitterness often accompanies astringency and dominates the flavor profile. The alkaloids in tea and large amounts of catechins form hydrogen-bond complexes. In teas with relatively high levels of both catechins and caffeine, the infusion is rich, full-bodied, and refreshing, indicating a high-quality…

Home Tea Storage and Warehouse Storage Evaluation 1. Home tea storage originated in Hong Kong and Taiwan. In the mid-20th century, after the founding of the People's Republic of China, Pu'er tea consumption (except in Tibet) largely ceased on the Chinese mainland. Only Hong Kong retained a partial market for Pu'er tea. Hong Kong introduced Pu'er tea to Taiwan and some Southeast Asian countries. As such, due to its unique trading position, Hong Kong naturally became a distribution center for Pu'er tea. In fact, the concept of tea storage and even post-fermentation of Pu'er tea was born out of trade. In other words, although there has been a saying in Yunnan since ancient times that "grandfathers make tea, grandsons sell it" (another version is "grandsons drink it"), the initial concept of tea storage in Hong Kong was simply about stockpiling goods. However, over time, this gradually evolved into a more conscious approach to tea storage, with various methods being explored and moving towards professional tea storage. Due to Hong Kong's high population density and limited land, as well as limited warehouse conditions, along with the relatively small proportion of tea in overall trade, the capital and economic strength of those…

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…

"White Peony tea," a precious variety, is produced in Zhenghe, known as the "Hometown of Chinese White Tea." White Peony tea is picked at the stage of one bud and two leaves, requiring that the buds and leaves are covered with white down, referred to as "three whites." The shape of the tea is two leaves embracing a bud, with a natural leaf posture and white down covering the back of the leaves. After brewing, the liquor turns apricot yellow or orange-yellow, clear and bright, with a fresh and lasting downy fragrance. The veins are slightly red, scattered among the green leaves, earning it the praise of "red dress on a white body." The preparation method for drinking White Peony tea is similar to that of green tea but, due to the lack of kneading, the tea juice does not easily seep out, so the brewing time is slightly longer than for green tea. "White like clouds, green like dreams, clean like snow, fragrant like orchids," this tea, which is cold and cool in nature, has the effects of heat-clearing and summer-heat dispelling, making it an excellent drink for refreshing the heart and purifying the spirit in summer. It is…

Ban Gong Ancient Tree Tea originates from the ancient tea garden in Dingjiazhai (Yao ethnic group) of Manla Village, Yiwu Town, Mengla County, Yunnan Province. It is located within the core area of the Yiwu tea mountain and includes micro-regions such as Ban Gong River and White Tea Garden, currently managed by the residents of Dingjiazhai (a Yao village). The Ban Gong tea carries a unique primitive forest aroma. With its immense tree age, it exhibits unparalleled smoothness and an incredibly refreshing taste, making it the pinnacle of Yiwu teas. Historically, Ban Gong Da Zhai was home to over 400 households and was the largest village in the Mansa region. There were both Han and Hui villages here, with a mosque in the Hui village and a Guandi Temple in the Han village. The Guandi Temple of Ban Gong was once the most exquisite building in the six major tea mountains, but now only ruins remain. The once prosperous Ban Gong Da Zhai gradually declined and is now uninhabited. The ancient tea gardens have suffered significant damage, with only a few ancient tea trees surviving in the primary forest at an altitude of 1,300 to 1,600 meters. Here, the average…

  1. Each type of tea has its own unique characteristics and benefits. Different types of teas require different amounts, water temperatures, steeping times, and can be steeped a varying number of times. Therefore, practically speaking, mixing different teas can be complicated. Moreover, mixing teas with different flavors and effects can result in negative interactions. Thus, it is generally not advisable to mix different types of tea. 2. Due to differences in variety and processing methods, teas have distinct flavors. Each type of tea has its unique aroma and taste. Mixing different teas can affect the appreciation of their individual qualities and diminish the enjoyment of tea tasting. Mixing different teas can also make the tea infusion cloudy and cause sedimentation; this can lead to impure flavors and may cause digestive issues or discomfort in the stomach and intestines. 3. Drinking several types of tea at once can lead to physical discomfort, which is likely due to excessive tea consumption causing low blood sugar and dizziness. If such physiological reactions occur, it could be a case of "tea intoxication." When mixing different teas, there is a higher risk of overconsumption, making it easier to become "intoxicated" by the tea. If…

From English Breakfast to Earl Grey, from iced tea to milk tea – there is no way you have never tried black tea before. You may even instantly think of black tea when you hear the word “tea.” Thanks to its bold flavor and long shelf life, black tea is regarded as one of the most famous teas in the world. It is now grown in multiple parts of the world – from Asia to Europe – helping black tea to become even more famous! You may have seen it, tasted it, or even fallen in love with it - but what exactly is black tea? What is the difference between black tea and green tea? Is black tea good for our health? The history of black tea We may know this type of tea by the name “black tea” because of its dark color, but it’s actually not called black tea in its birthplace! Black tea, also known as “red tea (红茶)” in China, is a relatively new type of tea. And just like other types of tea, the history of black tea began in China, where it was first processed from Camellia sinensis leaves. Black tea was discovered…

Puer tea, originating from Yunnan Province in China, is renowned worldwide for its unique aged fragrance and rich taste. Among them, Puer raw tea is particularly cherished by tea enthusiasts for its long history and profound cultural significance. Puer raw tea refers to Puer tea that has not undergone the process of pile-fermentation. Its leaves have a dark green color, and when brewed, the infusion appears bright yellowish-green. The taste is fresh, brisk, and sweet, with a delicate and refined aroma. Puer raw tea is rich in polyphenols, caffeine, amino acids, and other beneficial substances, offering health benefits such as lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, antioxidant properties, and anti-aging effects. The brewing method for Puer raw tea also requires some attention to detail. Generally, the water temperature for brewing should be around 90-95°C, and the steeping time can be adjusted according to personal preference. Puer raw tea has a high durability for steeping and can typically withstand 10-15 infusions. Brewing Steps for Puer Raw Tea: Awakening the Tea: Place the Puer raw tea in a teapot or a gaiwan and rinse it with boiling water. Quickly pour out the water to remove any dust or impurities on the surface of…

Man Nu Pu'er tea is an ancient tree tea product made from large-leaf Pu'er tea leaves from Yunnan. Its characteristics and taste differ somewhat from those of Pu'er tea, offering a unique flavor. Its appearance is characterized by larger leaves that display a golden hue and are tightly twisted with a dark luster. Preliminary Sale Prices for Man Nu Spring Tea on ChaWo.com in 2024 The price for the first spring pure material bulk raw tea from Man Nu's tall trees in 2024, weighed and sold at 250 grams, is 280 yuan. The price for the first spring pure material bulk raw tea from Man Nu's tall trees in 2024, weighed and sold at 500 grams, is 550 yuan. The price for the first spring pure material bulk raw tea from Man Nu's tall trees in 2024, weighed and sold at 1000 grams, is 1000 yuan. Characteristics of Man Nu Spring Tea Rich and Pure Flavor: It has the rich and pure character of Menghai tea but lacks the bitterness typically found in Menghai teas; High Aroma: It boasts the high fragrance of Lancang teas while also presenting a clear and sweet taste; Silky Broth: Unlike the pure softness of…

Storing fine tea is a continuous process of pleasant surprises, as the nature, taste, and aroma of the tea undergo transformation. From new to aged, this metamorphosis gives Pu'er tea different flavors at different times. However, this transformation depends on getting the raw material, processing, and storage right. Thus, not all Pu'er tea improves with age. If the raw material is poor, the processing subpar, or the storage inadequate, the quality of the Pu'er tea will not improve no matter how long it is stored. Instead, it may become harder to drink over time. The raw material is the foundation, the processing is critical, and appropriate storage elevates the tea. Each step is crucial, and if the tea gets harder to drink over time, there are usually issues in these three areas. Why Some Pu'er Tea Gets Harder to Drink Over Time 1. Poor Raw Material and Processing, Losing Potential for Later Transformation Good raw material determines the potential of Pu'er tea to improve with age, based on its rich inner content. If the tea's raw material is poor and lacks substantial inner content, it has little potential for later transformation. The inner content might disappear during processing or be…

Speaking of Wuyi rock tea, it is likely that no one is unfamiliar with it. And when it comes to the prized teas among Wuyi rock teas, Dahongpao rightfully earns its title as the "King of Teas." However, how did this humble tea gain such a prominent status? What legendary story lies behind the name "Dahongpao"? Unveiling the Legends Behind the Name Dahongpao There are several versions of the origin of the name Dahongpao circulating in folk tales, with the two most widely known being: Legend One: The Scholar’s Gratitude It is said that during the Xuande period of the Ming Dynasty, a scholar named Ding Xian passed by Mount Wuyi and fell ill on the roadside. Fortunately, he was rescued by the abbot of the Tianxin Yongyou Chan Temple who brewed him tea from Dahongpao leaves, which miraculously cured his illness. Later, Ding Xian became the top scholar (zhuangyuan), and remembering the kindness that saved his life, he returned to Mount Wuyi to thank the abbot. To show his respect for the Dahongpao tea, he draped the red robe he wore during his imperial examination over the tea tree. From then on, the tree was called "Dahongpao." Legend Two:…

The quality of Zhengshan XiaoZhong is particularly excellent. Its overall quality characteristics are divided into four categories: 1. Leaf Tea: A type of traditional broken black tea, with tight and uniform strips, a lustrous dark color, an aromatic fragrance, a bright red infusion, a rich taste, and a red and bright leaf base with many tender stems. 2. Broken Tea: With heavy and uniform granules in appearance, a lustrous dark or brownish color, a fragrant aroma, a bright red infusion, a strong, fresh, and refreshing taste, and a uniformly red leaf base. 3. Shredded Tea: Entirely in the form of ear-shaped shreds or wrinkled angular pieces, with a dark brown color, a relatively pure aroma, a somewhat red infusion, a somewhat strong and slightly astringent taste, and a uniformly red leaf base. 4. Cai Tea: One of the earliest varieties in Wuyi Mountain. Its bushes are very small, and its branches are relatively thin. It is a variety propagated sexually through seeds. It has abundant flowers and seeds, suitable for sowing.

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…