Tea Knowledge

When it comes to Ku Ding tea, most people are familiar with it. When suffering from heatiness, a dry mouth, or a sore throat, many will brew a cup of Ku Ding tea to alleviate their discomfort. However, while Ku Ding tea is called tea, it is not made from traditional tea leaves. The large-leaf Ku Ding, found in southern China, belongs to the Aquifoliaceae family. The raw material for Ku Ding tea is the leaves of Ilex latifolia, which were first processed during the Eastern Han Dynasty. It is mainly produced in Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan provinces, and has a bitter taste. The small-leaf Ku Ding, grown in central and western China, belongs to the Oleaceae family (Ligustrum). It is primarily cultivated in Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan provinces. The tea made from its leaves has the fresh sweetness of green tea and is less bitter than the large-leaf variety. The Eastern Han text "Tong Jun Record" describes: “In the south, there is a plant called Gualu, similar to tea, but very bitter. When ground into powder and drunk as tea, it keeps one awake all night.” This Gualu refers to what we now know as Ku Ding (the…

       How to store tea? Many people are troubled by this question. Loving tea, they purchase countless quantities of it, originally intending to savor it slowly, only to often find the tea has gone bad due to improper storage, leading to significant waste. So, how exactly should tea be stored?        Four methods for storing tea        1. Refrigerator Storage        Storing tea in the refrigerator is common and simple, but it has its pros and cons. Let’s take a look:        Teas that are typically stored in the refrigerator include green tea, black tea, and processed white teas (like Anji White Tea and Tianmu Lake White Tea, not Fuding White Tea). Why can these types of tea be stored in the fridge?        This is because we tend to consume green and black teas quickly, and they are usually packaged in small quantities—ranging from 200 grams to as little as 50 grams. Since the storage volume is small and can be consumed within a month, storing them in the refrigerator for preservation is not an issue.        However, white tea and Pu'er tea are not…

Generally, fresh green tea refers to the green tea produced in the current year (which can age and become old if not properly stored); old green tea refers to the green tea produced in the previous year. The quality differences in green tea are quite significant, and identification can be based on the appearance of the dry leaves, the brewed tea, and the infused leaves. Fresh green tea has a bright, lustrous green color and a rich, fragrant aroma; the brewed tea is jade green with a clear fragrance, orchid aroma, or roasted chestnut scent, the taste is sweet and refreshing, and the infused leaves are bright and vivid green. Old green tea has a dull, yellowish color with no luster, a low aroma or a stale smell; the brewed tea is dark yellow in color, the taste lacks freshness, and the infused leaves are yellowish and lack brightness. How to Identify Year-Old Green Tea? Visually, old tea will appear yellow or brown due to prolonged storage or improper preservation, which causes the loss of chlorophyll from the new leaves. The surface gloss of the leaves diminishes, and the vitality decreases. Such old tea can be recognized at a glance,…

This is a true conversation that took place between a tea maker with over a decade of experience and a connoisseur who has been storing white tea for the same amount of time, at a white tea factory. Eventually, a rapid moisture analyzer was used to test the controversial batch of white tea, revealing that its moisture content (the percentage of water in the tea leaves) had reached 6.4%. The tea maker's family sourced their tea leaves from a local core area and did a decent job with the white tea production process. Crucially, they never had trouble selling their tea each year, so he didn't have much of an awareness about storing white tea. The oldest teas they could find in the factory were no more than four to five years old, and there wasn't much of it.Why had the moisture content increased from less than 5% when the tea was first made to over 6% now? He couldn't figure it out and didn't seem too worried. In a thriving market, he didn't need to think too much about it.On the other hand, the connoisseur had started learning how to store white tea back in 2009 because he loved…

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…

Ruyao, the top of the Five Great Kilns of the Song Dynasty, is renowned worldwide for its unique sky-blue glaze and “ Cicada Wing ” crackle. Ruyao tea ware is not only a vessel for tea but also a precious work of art. However, maintaining Ruyao tea ware is a delicate art that requires careful attention to keep it fresh over time and reveal its unique charm. The crackle is the most distinctive feature of Ruyao tea ware and one of its most aesthetically pleasing elements. The crackle refers to the naturally occurring fine cracks on the surface of the glaze, light and lively like a cicada's wing. The formation of Ruyao crackle primarily depends on the difference in expansion coefficients between the body and glaze. During high-temperature firing, the glaze contracts faster than the body, forming a dense network of cracks. Maintaining the crackle of Ruyao tea ware is essentially a subtle interaction process between the tea infusion and the glaze surface. The minerals and pigments in the tea gradually seep into the cracks, gradually changing their color and texture, making them richer and deeper. Therefore, the key to maintaining Ruyao tea ware lies in regular use and care…

       For the Chinese, drinking tea is not only a habit but also a science. Those who understand the knowledge of tea drinking can make themselves healthier and live longer through this method. The Yellow Emperor's Classic states: “During the first three months of spring, this is the time for the release of old energy. Heaven and earth come to life, and all things flourish.” Spring is when yang energy rises, brimming with vitality. However, as winter transitions into spring, the weather fluctuates between cold and warm, making it easy for qi fields to become disordered, and the human body becomes susceptible to illness. At this time, focusing on health preservation can effectively prevent diseases from occurring.        Spring health preservation should follow the principle of nourishing yang and preventing wind. In this season, the body’s yang energy follows nature’s course, rising and spreading outward, so it is important to protect the body’s yang energy and avoid any situation that might damage it. Drinking tea for health preservation is a good choice at this time.        When it comes to drinking Pu'er tea, it is appropriate to drink teas that are neutral in nature…

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…

Our country is characterized by its vast production of tea. Based on different manufacturing processes and degrees of fermentation, tea can be categorized into green tea, black tea, yellow tea, etc. Green tea has the most abundant production among all teas in our country. Mengding tea is a name often heard in the tea world, but does Mengding Ganlu tea belong to the category of green tea? Traditional Green Tea - Mengding Tea Mengding tea is a traditional green tea produced in the Mengding Mountain area of Mingshan District, Ya'an City, Sichuan Province. The region has an annual average temperature of 14.5°C, with annual rainfall ranging from 2000 to 2200 mm, and it is often shrouded in fine rain and mist. This ecological environment mitigates direct sunlight and increases diffused light, which is conducive to the formation of nitrogenous compounds in the tea leaves. According to ancient texts, ancient inscriptions, and the Qing Dynasty's "Sichuan Gazetteer," since the Western Han period, a tea farmer named Wu Lizhen planted seven tea trees at the peak of Mount Meng, which have a history of over two thousand years. These tea trees are "less than a foot tall, neither growing nor diminishing, distinctly…

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 retrograde sweetness and direct sweetness of Puer tea are unique quality characteristics. Retrograde sweetness refers to a sweet sensation that gradually arises in the mouth after drinking the tea; this sweetness does not come directly from sugars but is instead the result of complex chemical reactions involving various substances in the tea leaves within the mouth. It is typically long-lasting and subtle. Direct sweetness, on the other hand, is a sweet taste that can be felt directly during the consumption of the tea and is more apparent and immediate than retrograde sweetness. The retrograde and direct sweetness of Puer tea are often closely related to factors such as the raw materials of the tea leaves, production techniques, and storage time. High-quality aged Puer teas have a richer and longer-lasting retrograde and direct sweetness, leaving a lingering aftertaste. The Retrograde and Direct Sweetness of Puer Tea The term "sweetness" generally approaches the meaning of "deliciousness!" This deliciousness refers to the sensation produced by food stimulating the taste buds. Therefore, besides sweetness, "sweetness" also means "deliciousness" in classical Chinese literature! The retrograde sweetness of Puer tea occurs when the astringency and stimulation of the tea soup gradually disappear as it passes…

In recent years, Pu'er tea has gradually come into the public's view and gained the affection of tea drinkers. There are many reasons why tea enthusiasts enjoy drinking raw Pu'er tea: some appreciate its distinct changes in flavor, others its characteristic of improving with age, and some simply love its natural, original taste. Different people may have different reasons for enjoying raw tea. However, the criteria for judging a good tea should be relatively consistent. Do you know how to choose a good-tasting Pu'er tea? How to Choose a Good-Tasting Pu'er Tea 1. Look at the brand When choosing Pu'er tea, it is important to focus on reputable brands. Branded teas provide strong assurances in terms of production safety, quality, and after-sales service. 2. Examine the appearance of the Pu'er tea When selecting Pu'er tea, judge it by its appearance. Pu'er tea comes in two forms: loose tea and compressed tea. 3. Smell the aroma of the Pu'er tea Raw Pu'er teas often have a fresh scent, while aged Pu'er teas have a mature aroma. If there is a musty smell or other unusual odors when smelling the tea, this indicates questionable quality. 4. Observe the color of the tea…

Huzhuliangzi Tea Mountain is located in Mengsong Township, Menghai County, Xishuangbanna Prefecture. It is the highest peak within Xishuangbanna, with an altitude of 2,429 meters, and is known as the "Roof of Xishuangbanna" and the "Peak of Xishuangbanna." The name "Huzhuliangzi" has its origins. There is a vast bamboo forest on the mountain, where the wild bamboo is as thick as a wine cup, with long joints that are smooth and devoid of thorns. This wild bamboo is referred to as "slippery bamboo." Locals refer to the highest mountains as "liangzi," hence the name "Huzhuliangzi." While it is named after bamboo, it is famous for its tea. The 2024 Pu'er spring tea harvest season has begun. The price of spring tea depends on many factors, such as origin, tea tree variety, picking season, and processing methods. The following reference prices for raw materials of Mengsong Huzhuliangzi 2024 spring tea provided here are for informational purposes only, and actual transaction prices may fluctuate. Reference Prices for Raw Materials of 2024 Mengsong Huzhuliangzi Spring Tea: Ancient Tree Spring Tea: 1,600-2,800 yuan/kg Middle-Aged Tree Spring Tea: 1,100-1,500 yuan/kg Young Tree Spring Tea: 600-900 yuan/kg Pure First Flush Pre-Sales of 2024 Huzhuliangzi Spring Tea…

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…

It's spring tea season once again. Whenever the tea season comes around, we often hear about "spring tea." What exactly is spring tea? Why is it so highly regarded in the tea industry? Spring tea is made from the buds and leaves of tea trees that have emerged after their winter dormancy. The tea buds accumulate abundant organic substances during their winter dormancy. In addition, the moderate temperatures and sufficient rainfall of spring result in plump, nutrient-rich tea buds. The freshness, fullness, and balance of spring tea are extremely high. In particular, the first flush of spring tea embodies the essence of the entire spring season. Characteristics of Pu'er Spring Tea After a winter's hibernation, tea trees store more energy and nutrients due to their slow growth. Moreover, the growth of tea trees in winter primarily occurs at the roots, where amino acids are produced and then transported to the tips of the tree—the tea buds. Amino acids are crucial for the synthesis of aromatic compounds. In terms of appearance, spring tea has fresh leaves with a lustrous color, thick and small leaves with fine veins, and not very noticeable serrated edges. There are many fine hairs on the leaves.…

Tea stored for a period, whether vacuum-packed or not, will undergo some changes. The chlorophyll and polyphenol compounds in the tea can cause the tea to age, turning yellow, red, and developing an off-flavor, and there is even the possibility of mold growth. Therefore, when drinking tea that has been stored for a while, first confirm whether the tea has molded. If there is a musty smell, it should not be consumed. If there is only a slight aged or stale flavor, you can use a brewing method to address it. Method one: The water temperature should be high, preferably boiling. The first infusion should be longer than usual, then discard the infusion without drinking it. Starting with the second infusion, steep for half the normal time, using a quick brew method, and drink it as soon as possible while it's hot. Method two: Reduce the water temperature by a few degrees and follow the normal brewing time. This can avoid the bitterness of the tea liquor. Method three: It is best to switch to brewing in a large teapot, such as a teapot warmer, and reduce the proportion of tea leaves. The taste will be better. For tea stored…

Storing Pu'er tea requires attention to sealing, avoiding light, preventing dampness and off-flavors, while also considering humidity and temperature. When storing, you can use a cardboard box; find a clean cardboard box, put the Pu'er tea inside, and store it in a tea room away from walls and the floor. For individual Pu'er tea cakes, you can use kraft paper bags or aluminum foil bags for storage, seal them well, and then place them in a ventilated area free of moisture. How to Store Pu'er Tea Cakes 1. Pu'er tea cakes are compressed from Pu'er tea leaves. Initially, they were made for convenience in transportation, so the shape and production method of Pu'er tea cakes determine their ability to be stored for a long time. For storing Pu'er tea cakes, you can choose clay jars, as they have good breathability and naturally provide ventilation. Clay jars do not need to be sealed; simply cover them with a layer of kraft paper to prevent dust. 2. When you first bring new Pu'er tea cakes home, avoid sealing them immediately for storage. Instead, let them air out in a dry place to get rid of any warehouse flavor. New Pu'er tea cakes…

Pu'er tea differs from other types of tea. The quality of a particular tea not only affects its taste but also impacts its storage and potential for appreciation in value. When selecting Pu'er tea, careful examination is necessary. Here’s how to identify the grade of Pu'er tea. How to Distinguish the Quality of Pu'er Tea! First, look at the appearance. Check if the leaves are whole and uniform. Generally, young leaves are finer while older ones are larger. The exterior should be round and lustrous, with the overall structure intact. If the leaves do not appear clearly defined and instead seem fragmented and uneven, it's likely an issue with processing. Second, observe the color. Good tea should have a luster and not appear dull. High-quality loose Pu'er tea has a fragrant aroma and a glossy appearance. Inferior tea has incomplete leaves and a dark, lifeless color without any sheen. Third, inspect the liquor color. Good Pu'er tea produces a clear, bright infusion with an oil-like film on the surface. Lower quality tea will appear dark, murky, and unclean. Fourth, smell the aroma. The fragrance should be pure and free of off-flavors or impurities. High-quality raw Pu'er has a fresh, uplifting…

The differences between raw and ripe Pu'er tea: 1. Raw tea is mainly green or dark green in color; ripe tea is black or reddish-brown. 2. After picking, raw tea goes through processes such as withering, fixation, etc.; ripe tea also goes through fixation, kneading, etc. after picking. 3. After brewing, the infusion of raw tea is light green or golden yellow; the infusion of ripe tea is chestnut red or dark red. 4. The water temperature for brewing raw tea is slightly lower; ripe tea can be brewed with boiling water. The differences between raw and ripe Pu'er tea: 1. Process differences Raw Pu'er tea is made from fresh leaves that undergo withering, fixation, kneading, sun-drying, steaming, and pressing. Ripe Pu'er tea is made from fresh leaves that undergo withering, fixation, kneading, sun-drying, and pile fermentation. In other words, ripe Pu'er tea is made through pile fermentation based on sun-dried green tea. However, there are no loose teas for raw Pu'er; only compressed teas exist. Teas before steaming and pressing are just sun-dried green teas, which belong to a type of green tea. Only ripe Pu'er tea has both loose and compressed forms. Tea cakes, brick teas, and tuo…

Purple clay pots are jewels among tea wares, cherished for their unique breathability and ability to absorb tea aromas. However, not all teas are ideal for brewing in these pots. So, which teas are best suited for purple clay pots? Let’s find out together. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Varieties and Characteristics of Purple Clay Pots Purple clay pots come in many varieties, each with its own unique characteristics suitable for different types of tea. Commonly found purple clay pots include Zini (purple clay), Hongni (red clay), and Duan Ni (segmented clay). Zini (Purple Clay) Pots Zini pots are the most common type of purple clay pot, with a deep color and excellent breathability that can retain the aroma of tea well. They are suitable for brewing oolong tea, Pu-erh tea, and black tea, which are heavily fermented. Hongni (Red Clay) Pots Hongni pots have a brighter color and high iron content, making them ideal for brewing teas with rich aromas, such as oolong tea and Pu-erh tea. Although they have slightly less breathability than zini pots, they can enhance the aroma of the tea even better. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Duan Ni (Segmented Clay) Pots Duan…

"Tea" has become the most popular "beverage" of our time. Beyond simply quenching thirst, tea can help with digestion, reduce greasiness, lower internal heat, improve eyesight, calm the mind, relieve stress, stimulate saliva production, and quench thirst. For those who are absolutely devoted to tea, not a single bit of tea leaf goes to waste, and perhaps savoring tea is also a spiritual pursuit. However, it's common for too much tea to be used or for it not to be fully savored, inadvertently resulting in "leftover tea." Do you understand "leftover tea"? Can you drink leftover tea, and what happens if you do? A series of questions might leave you feeling a bit confused. No worries, today we'll provide some insights into the "history" of leftover tea. Can You Drink Leftover Tea? Leftover tea is often considered undrinkable because it has been sitting for too long, causing vitamins to degrade. The proteins and sugars in tea leaves can become nutrients for harmful microorganisms, which is why people generally believe that leftover tea should not be consumed. Tea typically remains in the body for about three hours, and even longer for strong tea, leading to an accumulation of caffeine that can…

Monastery on Nine-day Mountain The chrysanthemums by the eastern fence are also turning yellow. Worldly people often indulge in wine. Who understands and enhances the fragrance of tea? The fifth typhoon of the year, Doksuri, has made landfall in Fujian, prompting a red alert from the National Meteorological Center. Meanwhile, Typhoon Khanun, the sixth of the season, is poised and gradually intensifying. The typhoons bring heavy rainfall and a great deal of moisture, making it a critical time for tea enthusiasts. Slight carelessness can result in moldy tea leaves... So, what should you pay attention to when storing tea during typhoon weather? Typhoon Tea Storage Tips Watch Out for High Temperatures In the scorching summer, while typhoons may arrive, many might mistakenly think that temperatures have dropped. However, even if there's an occasional decrease, high temperatures remain the norm, so tea lovers need to be extra cautious. Various substances in tea decompose under high temperatures, reducing the aroma, taste, and quality of the tea. Storing tea at temperatures below 10°C effectively inhibits browning. White tea, in particular, is best stored at temperatures between 25°C and 30°C. In a cool and dry environment, the enzymes within the tea can maintain sufficient…

When buying tea, the variety can be overwhelming, often making it difficult for people to know where to start. Selecting tea has become a real challenge for tea enthusiasts. To buy suitable tea, in addition to following the steps of "Observation, Smelling, Inquiry, and Brewing," it's also important to avoid common pitfalls when purchasing tea. ObservationObservation means looking at the shape of the tea: whether it is uniform, and how shiny its color is. Evaluate the quality of various teas based on their uniformity, luster, and the amount of broken leaves and twigs they contain. For example, green tea should have a fresh green color with visible white downy hairs (better if it does), while yellow or even reddish, dull colors indicate lower quality. A clear tea infusion is better. Some famous teas have unique shapes: West Lake Longjing is usually smooth, flat, and straight with a rice-like yellow hue and no visible downy hairs; Huangshan Maofeng has many downy hairs and a peak-like appearance; Xinyang Maojian is fine, straight, and round with many downy hairs; Biluochun has slender, tightly curled leaves resembling snails. If the tea doesn't look good visually, trust your instincts and don't be swayed by the…

Tangerine peel, also known as dried orange peel, is not only a common ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine but can also be used to brew tea, adding a fragrant aroma and rich nutrition to your beverage. Brewing tangerine peel tea is a simple yet effective method that can help improve digestion, clear heat, and reduce phlegm, while also boosting the immune system. Today, let's discuss how to brew tangerine peel tea and explore its various benefits. (Image source: network; delete upon request) Benefits of Tangerine Peel Tangerine peel is rich in volatile oils, flavonoids, vitamin C, and other nutrients. It has the effects of regulating qi and strengthening the spleen, as well as drying dampness and reducing phlegm. Drinking tangerine peel tea regularly can promote digestion, relieve bloating, and help clear dampness and phlegm from the intestines. Additionally, tangerine peel has antioxidant properties that can help delay aging. How to Choose Tangerine Peel Good quality tangerine peel comes from high-quality oranges and it's best to choose those that have been naturally dried without any additives. There are many types of tangerine peel available on the market; select ones that are dark in color, dry in texture, and free of mold.…