Tea Knowledge

Often, friends ask me: Is it better to drink raw Puer tea or ripe Puer tea for weight loss? To compare which type of Puer tea is more effective for weight loss, we need to understand the mechanism behind Puer tea's weight-loss and fat-lowering effects. The weight-loss and fat-lowering benefits of Puer tea mainly come from two factors: Firstly, these effects are due to a combination of active components including tea polyphenols, chlorophyll, vitamin C, and more. Secondly, they result from the synergistic action of various beneficial bacteria formed during fermentation (these bacteria can reduce the absorption of triglycerides and sugars in the small intestine and enhance the enzymes that break down abdominal fat). The initial stages of raw Puer tea (within 1-2 years without significant fermentation) rely on the first factor for its weight-loss benefits. As it naturally ferments over time (which happens quickly in high-humidity environments, with noticeable changes occurring after just one year of storage), its weight-loss effects start to be influenced by both factors. Ripe Puer tea, which undergoes artificial fermentation, benefits from both factors for weight loss and lowering cholesterol. Therefore, overall, fermented Puer tea (whether artificially fermented ripe tea or naturally fermented raw tea)…

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.…

Tea is a fine tree, nurturing the spirit. “Yin-Yang and Five Elements” is an embryonic ancient philosophy concerning the origin of the world. Compared to the “atomic theory” of ancient Greece and the “four elements theory” of ancient India from the same period, China’s Yin-Yang and Five Elements doctrine surpasses them in content richness, systematic completeness, and logical rigor. Although it was later misused by charlatans who muddied the waters and tarnished its reputation, we cannot simply dismiss the profound wisdom of our ancestors. A small tea leaf also contains this ancient and mysterious philosophy. Let’s explore it today. “Tea is a fine tree,” naturally belongs to wood. This wood is a gentle living wood, absorbing the essence of the sun and moon, receiving the spirit of mountains and rivers, nourished by water and soil, flourishing in spring and dormant in winter. Its direction is the Eastern Azure Dragon, corresponding to the Zhen position in the Eight Trigrams. The tea leaves (young leaves) are subjected to “fixation” in a hot iron pan after picking, then slowly baked into dry tea after rolling. Wood is overcome by metal and drained by fire, greatly changing its nature. The union of Yi and…

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…

Mengding Ganlu is a renowned tea produced in Sichuan, China, with a long history and excellent quality. So, what type of tea is Mengding Ganlu? What are its unique characteristics and appeals? Let’s explore this from three main aspects. 1. Origin of Mengding Ganlu: Mengding Ganlu is produced in Mingshan District, Ya’an City, Sichuan. The area is blessed with picturesque mountains and clear waters, and a climate suitable for tea cultivation. The origin of Mengding Ganlu is known as the “Birthplace of World Tea Culture,” a place rich in historical and cultural heritage. 2. Taste of Mengding Ganlu: The leaves of Mengding Ganlu are bright green, with a rich aroma and a clear infusion color. Its taste is fresh and sweet with a lingering aftertaste, full-bodied yet slightly astringent. Tasting Mengding Ganlu, one can feel the tea’s fragrance spreading throughout the mouth, providing a refreshing experience. 3. Historical and Cultural Value of Mengding Ganlu: Mengding Ganlu has been a famous tea since ancient times, with a long history. According to historical records, it dates back to the Western Han Dynasty, over 2,000 years ago. Mengding Ganlu is not only a traditional Chinese famous tea but also a treasure of world…

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:…

For those just starting to learn about Pu'er tea, you may not know where to start, as many concepts, common knowledge, and terms related to Pu'er tea are unfamiliar. This is an article designed to help beginners quickly understand Pu'er tea. ◎What is Pu'er tea? Pu'er tea originates from the Lancang River basin in southern and western Yunnan. It is made from the fresh leaves of large-leaf tea trees in Yunnan, processed into various compressed teas through steaming and compression, and then aged over a certain period of time. Alternatively, it can be made by post-fermenting sun-dried green tea from large-leaf tea trees in Yunnan, resulting in compressed or loose Pu'er tea. ◎What is raw (sheng) tea? The large-leaf tea grown in Yunnan is processed through sun-withering and directly compressed into cakes, tuos, or bricks, which are referred to as raw cakes, raw tuos, and raw bricks. Uncompressed tea is called maocha (rough tea). ◎What is ripe (shou) tea? The large-leaf tea grown in Yunnan undergoes sun-withering followed by pile fermentation and is then compressed into cakes, tuos, or bricks, known as ripe cakes, ripe tuos, and ripe bricks. ◎How do you distinguish between raw and ripe Pu'er tea? There…

Pu'er spring tea, harvested in spring, boasts a rich and flavorful infusion, a strong aftertaste, and is generally of high quality throughout the year. Now is the season when Pu'er spring tea hits the market, and many tea enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting their chance to taste it. However, when purchasing Pu'er spring tea, enthusiasts should be careful to select the right product to ensure they are getting genuine spring tea from the current season. The correct methods for selecting Pu'er spring tea involve two steps: dry evaluation and wet evaluation. Dry evaluation involves observing the shape, color, and aroma of the dry leaves before brewing. Wet evaluation involves smelling, tasting, and examining the infused leaves after brewing. The characteristics of ancient tree Pu'er spring tea include the following: During the autumn and winter seasons, all living organisms are in a state of storage and accumulation. The spring tea, having rested and conserved energy, accumulates abundant nutrients. Additionally, due to the persistently low temperatures during the spring, the consumption of these nutrients is minimal, allowing the tea to retain a higher concentration of nourishment. Spring tea has the highest protein content, which significantly enhances the flavor of the tea infusion. In…

What is mid-age Pu'er tea? In recent years, mid-age teas have become increasingly popular, with many tea enthusiasts preferring to purchase these teas that have aged for a certain number of years and are more affordable than older teas. So, how should one select suitable mid-age teas? Mid-age Pu'er tea generally refers to Pu'er tea that has been naturally stored and aged for 10 to 20 years. Some people consider 5 to 10 years old Pu'er tea as mid-age, but the market generally agrees that over 10 years is a more appropriate dividing line. From a vintage perspective, Pu'er tea produced roughly between 2000 and 2010 falls within the category of mid-age Pu'er tea. From an aging standpoint, the liquor turns to an orange-red color, sweetness increases, the mouthfeel becomes smooth and full-bodied, and palatability improves—these are the characteristics of mid-age Pu'er tea after aging. Currently in the Pu'er tea market, due to the scarcity and high prices of older teas and the low palatability of new teas in their initial stages of transformation, mid-age Pu'er teas that have aged for a certain period and offer good value for money have become the top choice for many tea enthusiasts to…

Pu'er tea has storage value mainly because it becomes more fragrant over time through natural transformation. For teas from the same mountain, the older the vintage, the higher the price. This has led to one of the chaotic phenomena in the tea market—age fraud. However, in reality, for a Pu'er tea that has been stored for many years, it is very difficult to determine the specific storage time by blind tasting; only an estimate can be made. This is because the moisture content of the dry tea at the time of production, the storage environment (dryness/humidity, temperature, light), etc., can cause varying degrees of transformation differences in the same cake of tea, with the differences becoming more pronounced over time. This is the change that time brings to the tea, and also the pleasure of storing tea. So, how do we determine the age of a tea cake? Criteria for Determining the Age of Pu'er Tea First, color: The clearer and more transparent the tea liquor, the older the vintage. Clear transparency refers not to the depth of the tea liquor but rather to a slightly oily luster. Second, taste: Considering the overall balance of taste, excluding storage issues, the…

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…

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…

  Tea is a favorite drink for many people around the globe. Some love starting their day with a hot cup of black tea, while others might end it with a calming herbal tea. With so many types available, there's definitely something out there for everyone. But have you ever thought about whether tea goes bad? What does that expiration date on your pack really mean - do you have to stop drinking your preferred mix after this date? In this blog post, we're going to dive into how long tea lasts, what affects its shelf life, and tips on storing your tea properly to keep it tasting great. On shelf life, Regarding the expiration date, When talking about black tea, Concerning the shelf life of Tea, About how to best store Tea, And touching upon enjoying some nice herbal Tea Our store offers a wide range of high-quality tea that can be reserved for a long time, welcome to browse and shop! CONTENT OUTLINE Understanding Tea's Shelf Life Signs Your Tea Might Have Expired Optimal Tea Storage Solutions Can You Extend the Life of Your Tea? The Impact of Expiration on Tea Quality Innovative Uses for Old Tea Professional…

"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…

Recently, there has been frequent rainfall in South China, posing a challenge for storing Pu'er tea. Proper handling can lead to better transformation of the tea, while improper handling can cause issues such as mold. Storage has become a challenge, as different regions have varying climates, so is there a difference in storage methods? Don't worry, after reading this article, you will find answers to these questions. The Four Factors Affecting Pu'er Tea Storage When the same Pu'er tea is stored in different environments, the final aged quality will vary. The four factors that significantly influence the quality of Pu'er tea storage are "temperature," "humidity," "light protection," and "air." These play the most significant role in the transformation process of Pu'er tea during storage. 1. Temperature: Temperature plays a crucial role in the transformation of Pu'er tea. Excessively high temperatures can cause the tea to develop off-flavors; in excessively low temperatures, the transformation process slows down or even stops. Therefore, a relatively suitable temperature is essential for storing Pu'er tea. The temperature for storing Pu'er tea should not be too high or too low, and it is recommended to maintain it around 25°C ± 3°C. 2. Humidity: Humidity is also…

    If you want to buy good tea,     You should first know the "Four Taboos."     1. Avoid buying by "Name"    If a tea's name is too prominent, it will flood the market, often at very low prices. The result is tragic. "Tieguanyin" doesn't resemble its name at all, "Longjing" has thick and stout twigs, and "Dahongpao" is full of charcoal flavor, claimed to have rock charm...     Any tea can vary in quality, after all, "name" only represents a type of variety, processing method, or a specific region's tea. Don't be tempted by small bargains, as you may waste money on inferior tea.     2. Avoid buying by "Packaging"    Nowadays, the packaging can cost more than the tea itself. For tea drinkers, seeing luxurious packaging should raise an eyebrow. Many "golden and splendid" or "antique-style" large gift boxes contain tea that might not even be worth the price of the box; they merely satisfy the desire for "face" when giving gifts, truly "gilded on the outside, but decayed within."     3. Avoid buying by "Location"    When traveling and buying local specialties, did you know that you cannot buy real…

 "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…

Xu Yahé: The premise for 'aging to richer flavor' is to get the initial setup right for Pu'er tea The tea expert Xu Yahé once introduced a new concept of Pu'er tea storage called "Nurture, Guide, Influence, Control." Based on this concept, with his rich experience in making tea and participating in numerous Pu'er tea evaluations, he will explain how to achieve the initial setup for Pu'er tea's 'aging to richer flavor' before its production, following national standards. He hopes to provide readers with useful information and insights. Want 'aging to richer flavor'? First, check if it’s the right 'material' According to Xu Yahé, from the perspective of raw materials, the results for 'aging to richer flavor' differ for first-grade, second-grade, and third-grade teas. "I believe that the concept of 'aging to richer flavor' is targeted at specific teas, guiding and controlling their quality in a particular direction. Only good-quality teas are worth storing; otherwise, they should be consumed sooner." To Xu Yahé, Pu'er tea storage is like a school where only the best students with solid foundations can enter. What constitutes a good foundation? First, select the right material Which type of tea has the initial conditions to reach…

The three major hotspots for Pu'er tea storage are Guangzhou, Kunming, and Menghai. These locations have significant climatic differences, leading to distinct transformations in the stored Pu'er tea, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Today, let's delve into the world of Kunming-stored Pu'er tea. Introduction to Kunming-Stored Pu'er Tea Kunming is known as the "City of Eternal Spring," located on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. The temperature varies little throughout the year, making it a high-altitude humid city with relatively dry air during winter and spring. However, looking at macro data, Kunming cannot be considered a dry city, with an average annual temperature of 15 degrees Celsius and humidity of 71%. This is only 8 percentage points lower than Guangzhou. Yet, Kunming cannot be classified as having a humid climate; despite moderate humidity, the evaporation rate is higher, making it relatively dry. The transformation of Pu'er tea relies on fermentation, which requires temperature and humidity. Kunming's relatively dry climate, low air humidity, and stable temperature fluctuations create a suitable environment for Pu'er tea fermentation. The aging process primarily involves enzymatic reactions catalyzed by oxidases, leading to a relatively pure and singular transformation. Although the maturation period is longer, the conversion led…

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…

Ripened tea is an important type of tea in Chinese tea culture, traditionally possessing high artistic value and preciousness. Therefore, the storage of ripened tea is very important. Below are some methods for storing ripened tea. Ripened Tea Storage Methods 1. Aerated Storage Ripened tea contains fermented aromas and other substances. If stored too airtight, it can become damp and moldy. Therefore, when storing ripened tea, it is important to maintain air circulation and prevent moisture intrusion. It is best to store ripened tea in a dry and well-ventilated place, such as a low-humidity attic, cabinet, or room. 2. Lightproof Storage Light is the enemy of ripened tea, as it can destroy the effective components in the tea, causing it to deteriorate. Therefore, when storing ripened tea, avoid exposing it to sunlight and keep it in a cool, dry place. 3. Clean Storage Container The container used for storing ripened tea should be dry, odorless, and free from any peculiar smells, preferably ceramic or glass. Before storing the ripened tea, clean the storage container to avoid any unwanted odors during storage. If the container is old, make sure to dry and clean it thoroughly before use. 4. Periodic Ventilation Regular…

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…

Time, years pass by, becoming the sediment of your dreams, or the burial of them. All loneliness and deep affection, countless expectations and waits, become the rich sediment that fulfills your life. The world is rich, life is pure. This week, in cup after cup of tea, savor Liubao tea, savor yourself. Today, I'll share some storage insights on Liubao tea. In storing Liubao tea, I've paid a lot of tuition fees, taken many detours, and am constantly summarizing and improving. Currently, I prefer the following methods: 1. Liubao tea does not suit being too dry or too moist. Personally, I pursue natural storage, with humidity between 60 to 75 degrees. When it exceeds 75 degrees, I control the humidity appropriately. If stored in a highly sealed environment, open windows regularly for ventilation. Some dryness may be due to the need for periodic turnover; I suggest turning over once a year. 2. The warehouse should be cool, quiet, and not transparent. It's recommended to use blackout cloth to cover glass windows to prevent direct sunlight. Since tea prefers to sleep and remain quiet, some warehouses even suggest not allowing outsiders to visit. During regular tea retrieval and warehouse inspection, only…

Lincang Bingnong Mountain Pu'er tea is a spot Pu'er tea produced in the Bingnong Mountain area of Lincang, Yunnan Province, China. It is renowned worldwide for its distinctive semi-mountain quality and flavor, making it a key component of traditional Chinese tea culture. Bingnong Mountain is located in the Lincang region of Yunnan, an alpine area above 1,000 meters elevation with rugged terrain, variable climate, abundant annual rainfall, and fertile soil—ideal conditions for growing Pu'er tea trees. Bingnong Mountain Pu'er tea is made using the traditional Daxueshan technique passed down through generations. The tea trees are cultivated and managed under strict environmental conditions to ensure consistent quality and flavor. Its taste is characterized by a smooth and rich mouthfeel, with a long-lasting sweetness. The leaves are relatively thick and full-bodied, while also exuding a unique fragrance. How much does the 2024 Lincang Bingnong Mountain Ancient Tree Spring Tea cost? The 2024 Lincang Bingnong Mountain Ancient Tree Spring Tea, pure raw loose tea, is priced at 125 RMB for 250 grams. The 2024 Lincang Bingnong Mountain Ancient Tree Spring Tea, pure raw loose tea, is priced at 250 RMB for 500 grams. The 2024 Lincang Bingnong Mountain Ancient Tree Spring Tea, pure…