Tea Knowledge

Most people choose to drink tea, valuing its benefits. However, if you don't drink the right tea, you won't achieve the goal of health preservation. Tea can promote health, but this is under the condition that you select and drink the right kind of tea. You might say, "Do I really have to consider the time and place when drinking a cup of tea?" There's actually some logic to this. If you drink the same type of tea all year round, it means you don't know how to drink tea properly and won't be able to achieve the goal of health preservation through tea. Select Tea According to Your Constitution ▼ Chinese tea is divided into six main categories: green tea, black tea (in the Western sense, known as red tea in China), yellow tea, white tea, oolong tea (also known as blue or qing tea), and dark tea. Each category has different properties and effects on the human body. For example: Green tea is cool in nature and suitable for those with a hot constitution, high stomach fire, and abundant energy. It has excellent radiation protection effects and is very suitable for people who work frequently on computers. White…

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)…

Do you like ripe tea? How much do you know about the following facts related to ripe tea? Is it unsuitable to drink ripe tea in summer? Not necessarily. The idea that ripe tea is unsuitable for summer is somewhat presumptive, as the hot weather and the reddish color of ripe tea may intuitively suggest warmth. However, the reality might not be so straightforward. Ripe tea is not inherently warming; tea is naturally cooling, and through fermentation, ripe tea merely becomes neutral rather than cool, so drinking it won't make you feel hotter. Furthermore, with the widespread use of air conditioning, the environment has changed. People wear light clothing in summer, but many homes, offices, restaurants, and cars are equipped with air conditioning, making the ambient temperature quite low. In such a setting, drinking cooler teas would actually be less appropriate. Therefore, whether ripe tea is suitable for summer depends on individual constitution, lifestyle, and work environment. Some people say they get heat rash or diarrhea from drinking ripe tea. What’s going on? This does happen sometimes. However, experiencing heat rash isn’t necessarily a bad thing. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there are concepts of "manifesting" and "suppressing." Heat…

Tea, as a treasure of Chinese traditional culture, carries thousands of years of history and culture. Among the many types of tea, Fu tea, brick tea, and dark tea attract countless tea enthusiasts with their unique charm. However, many people are often confused about the relationship between these three. Today, let’s explore the world of Fu tea, brick tea, and dark tea and appreciate their unique flavors. Tea can be divided into six major categories based on its processing method and degree of oxidation: green tea, yellow tea, black tea (in the Western sense), white tea, oolong tea, and dark tea. Dark tea, as one of these, is like a profound and reserved elder, exuding the flavor of time. Dark tea is widely distributed and has a rich variety of types. The “three bricks, three tips, and one flower roll” of Hunan dark tea, the old green brick from Hubei, Tibetan tea from Sichuan, ripe Pu'er from Yunnan, and Liu Bao tea from Guangxi all display unique regional characteristics and production techniques. These varieties of dark tea differ in taste, aroma, and health benefits, satisfying the needs of various tea enthusiasts. Brick tea is a common shape for compressed tea.…

Do you know the key elements to consider when buying tea? According to experts, during the purchasing process, you should “squeeze, observe, smell, and taste” to determine the quality of the tea. Let’s take Pu'er tea as an example and explore these tips together! The "squeeze" test is used to determine if the tea leaves are dry. Gently grip the tea leaves with your hand; if you feel a slight prickliness and the leaves crumble easily when lightly pinched, this indicates good dryness. If the leaves do not break even when firmly squeezed, they have become damp and soft, which affects their quality. The "observe" step involves examining the uniformity and appearance of the tea leaves. Leaves that are uniformly shaped and colored are generally better. Teas with high proportions of stems, corners, dust, and impurities will affect the quality of the tea infusion. The aroma of tea is one of the main conditions determining its quality, which can be assessed through "smelling." Different teas have distinct aromas due to their processing methods and levels of fermentation. Green teas are known for their fresh fragrance, while oolong teas have a unique ripe fruit aroma. Black teas carry a caramel-like scent,…

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…

Generally speaking, Pu'er tea does not have a specific expiration date. As long as it is stored properly, it can be kept for an extended period. The longer the Pu'er tea is stored, the higher its collection value becomes. However, in terms of taste, it is best to age Pu'er tea for more than five years. Once it has been stored for around ten years, it becomes aged Pu'er tea. Aged Pu'er tea possesses unique aromas that fresh tea leaves do not have, which are developed through long-term fermentation. Moreover, the longer the storage time, the richer the aroma and the milder the nature of the tea becomes. The Optimal Aging Periods for Pu'er Tea First Tasting Period The first three months after the new tea is prepared For example, spring tea pressed and stored for two or three months. At this stage, the new tea has just lost its moisture. It is strong and full-bodied with a fresh, slightly astringent taste, and its strengths and weaknesses are clear. Its aroma is high and pervasive. This tea is suitable for light tasting. Second Tasting Period Between one to two years after preparation During this time, the fresh and astringent flavors…

As is widely known, Fuding white tea enjoys the reputation of being "a one-year tea, a three-year treasure, and a seven-year gem." Besides enjoying its freshness, it's also delightful to anticipate the remarkable changes that occur as the tea ages over time. Drinking fresh white tea allows you to savor its vibrant and refreshing qualities, capturing it at its most tender stage. After 3, 5, 7, 10, or even 20 years of transformation, the appearance, aroma, taste, and color of the tea undergo significant changes. It sheds its youthful characteristics and develops a rich, full-bodied flavor with a lingering aftertaste. At this point, the white tea bears the marks of time and presents a unique character distinct from its fresh state, with a myriad of evolving flavors and pleasant surprises. I. What is the "Transformation" of White Tea? The transformation of white tea refers to the ongoing post-fermentation that occurs during storage, primarily driven by microorganisms. Under suitable conditions, this process continues indefinitely without stopping. II. Why Can White Tea Transform? The transformation of any tea involves three key factors: oxidation, the participation of beneficial microorganisms, and the internal substances within the tea leaves. The simple processing method of white…

As Pu'er tea becomes more widely known and accepted, appreciating Pu'er tea has turned into a healthy, fashionable, and refined form of leisure and entertainment. The appreciation of Pu'er tea is a comprehensive sensory experience, primarily involving the integrated use of vision, taste, and smell to identify, perceive, and experience Pu'er tea with one's heart. Pu'er tea comes in two forms: loose-leaf and compressed. Loose-leaf Pu'er is categorized into special grade and grades one through ten, as well as grade-outside teas. Compressed Pu'er can be found in shapes such as cakes, bricks, tuos, pillars, golden pumpkins, and heads. There are several methods for identifying Pu'er tea: visual inspection, brewing evaluation, leaf base examination, and tasting. Among these, tasting is the most important. The identification of Pu'er tea mainly relies on sensory judgment, starting with observing its appearance and smelling it, then brewing it. After brewing, examine the liquor color, which can range from gemstone red, carnelian red, to tiger red, with gemstone red being the rarest and considered the pinnacle of tea quality. Next, inspect the leaf base (spent leaves), focusing on its softness, color, and uniformity. Finally, savor its taste. Tasting primarily involves sampling the brewed Pu'er tea, smelling…

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…

"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…

Quality Pu'er tea is the result of quality fresh leaves + excellent production + good storage. Pu'er tea has the characteristic of becoming more fragrant with age, which is also the reason why tea enthusiasts enjoy collecting it. When collecting Pu'er tea, storage is an extremely important aspect. The Importance of Storage for Pu'er Tea Mentioning Pu'er tea, one cannot avoid the topic of "becoming more fragrant with age." For Pu'er tea to become more fragrant over time, it not only requires high-quality raw materials and strict production processes but also appropriate storage. Good storage can make the taste of Pu'er tea increasingly rich, bringing pleasure to those who drink it. On the other hand, poor storage not only ruins a good tea but also saddens the person storing it. Therefore, good storage is very important for the quality of Pu'er tea to improve over time. What are the main factors that determine the quality of Pu'er tea storage? The four primary factors that determine the aging condition of Pu'er tea are temperature, humidity, ventilation, and absence of foreign odors. The ideal environment for storing Pu'er tea should have a moderate temperature; if too high, it may accelerate the aging…

    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…

Most of the Pu'er tea that tea enthusiasts drink daily is stored in the form of cake tea. However, for a single serving, only about 7 to 8 grams of dry tea are used. Once the package has been opened, how should the remaining tea be stored? Should it be wrapped back up in the same cotton paper used before? Furthermore, can unwrapped Pu'er tea continue to improve with age? How long can it be preserved? Today, let's answer these questions together: How to Store Unwrapped Pu'er Tea Cakes1. If only a small portion has been removed and consumed, and the tea cake has not been entirely unwrapped, you can use the original cotton paper to rewrap the remaining tea cake. Store it in a dry place away from light, monitoring any changes in the environment. An opened tea cake cannot be stored for an extended period; it is recommended to consume the rest gradually.2. For completely unwrapped Pu'er tea cakes, they can be stored in clean purple clay jars or earthenware pots, taking care to protect them from moisture and sunlight. Do not seal the lids tightly; instead, place a bamboo charcoal bag near the lid opening to absorb…

The diverse and ever-changing scents of tea are one of the main motivators for many new tea enthusiasts to get started, and a source of enjoyment for seasoned tea connoisseurs. For example, green teas have a "roasted chestnut" or "fried bean" aroma, while black teas tend towards a "sweet fruit" or "flower honey" scent. The variety of aromas in Pu'er tea is even richer, with raw Pu'er offering lotus, orchid, and fruity scents, as well as apricot aroma, while ripe Pu'er has glutinous rice, jujube, woody notes, and more. Many of these aromas can overlap. Where do all these aromas come from? Why do so many of them only approximate rather than perfectly match the descriptions they're given? In this article, Lu Li will guide tea enthusiasts through the different layers of tea aromas and where the various types of Pu'er tea aromas originate. Sources of Pu'er Tea Aromas In earlier times, Taiwanese tea expert Deng Shihai summarized four types of Pu'er tea aromas: camphor, lotus, orchid, and green (fresh) aromas. Later, the industry continued to summarize the rules of changes in Pu'er tea aromas, adding more descriptive terms that contributed to the development of the Pu'er tea aroma system.…

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…

Searching for "Puer tea" on e-commerce platforms, you'll find prices ranging from a few dozen yuan to tens of thousands of yuan per pound. Despite being the same type of Puer tea, the price differences are vast. What accounts for these disparities? Origin - Just as wine is distinguished by vineyard, Puer tea is characterized by its mountain origin. There are three major tea regions for Puer tea: Xishuangbanna, Pu'er, and Lincang. The most well-known mountains include twelve ancient tea mountains. Divided by the Lancang River, the six tea mountains north of the river are Youle, Yibang, Gedeng, Manzhuang, Mangzhi, and Yiwu, known as the "six tea mountains within the river." South of the river, the six tea mountains are Nannuo Mountain, Mengsong, Bada, Bulang Mountain, Jinghong Mengsong, and Menghai, referred to as the "six tea mountains outside the river." In addition to these twelve ancient tea mountains, in recent years, popular origins have emerged such as Ban Zhang, Mansong, and Bingdao. The hydrological conditions, soil, temperature, altitude, and sunlight intensity vary significantly across different regions, often possessing uniqueness. This uniqueness gives rise to Puer tea's "distinct flavor of each mountain." The powerful character of Old Ban Zhang and the…

The production techniques for Anxi Tieguanyin in the tea industry boast three superlatives: the most steps in the process, the highest technical requirements, and the most complex! The tea-making skills have been faithfully passed down for hundreds of years, and only by strictly adhering to traditional methods and perfecting ancestral techniques can one produce the best-tasting Anxi Tieguanyin! Every cup of Tieguanyin embodies the artisan spirit that has been handed down through generations of Anxi people! Tieguanyin Heavy as Iron, Beautiful as Guanyin Anxi Tieguanyin, a renowned top-grade Oolong tea, is produced in Anxi County, Fujian Province, the home of Oolong tea. Its growing area is surrounded by mountains with peaks stretching far into the distance, often shrouded in mist. It is located in a subtropical monsoon climate zone, shielded from winter's dry cold winds by the great mountains to the northwest and influenced by maritime climate conditions from the Taiwan Strait to the southeast. The average annual temperature is 15–18.5°C, with an average frost-free period of 292 days, annual precipitation of 1700–1900 millimeters, relative humidity around 78%, and soil mostly consisting of acidic red loam. These factors combine to create an ideal environment for growing high-quality tea plants. The…

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

Puer tea is a geographical indication product of Yunnan Province, and as the provincial capital, Kunming serves as the distribution center for Puer tea across China and worldwide, playing an irreplaceable role in its development. Located at a low latitude (25°N, 103°E) and high altitude (1892m), Kunming experiences a spring-like climate year-round, influenced by atmospheric circulation, geographic location, and altitude. The seven-son cake tea is one of the main representative shapes of Yunnan Puer tea. A single cake often represents the smallest sales unit, and the weight of a single cake (commonly known as the cake weight) should comply with the requirements of JJF1070-2005, "Rules for Metrological Inspection of Net Content of Quantitatively Packaged Commodities." The researchers conducted experiments in Kunming, storing 10 cakes each of raw and ripe Puer tea. They recorded the daily cake weights and temperature and humidity values over a period of 12 months. During the 12-month storage period, the monthly average cake weights of both raw and ripe Puer teas fluctuated. From the seventh month (February 2019) to the tenth month (May 2019), there was a dry and hot climate with temperature values exceeding humidity values for four consecutive months. During this time, the monthly…

Tea culture is profound and extensive, and tea leaves come in a myriad of varieties. Each type of tea has its own aroma and taste, with professional terms used in evaluation. This also applies to white tea. Today, let's discuss the professional terms related to the aroma of white tea. 1. Hairy Aroma: A special aroma of Fuding white tea, referring to the scent of young, downy white hairs, such as the hairy honey-like aroma of Baihao Yinzhen (White Hair Silver Needle). 2. Fresh and Intense: An aroma that is both intense and refreshingly pleasant, lasting for a long time. 3. Fresh and Delicate: An aroma that is pure, delicate, and fresh, pleasing to the nose. It is a special aroma of tender buds and leaves, similar to the hairy aroma. 4. Clear and Fresh: An aroma that is clear and gentle, not overpowering but gradually released, giving a sense of pleasure. 5. Clear and High: An aroma that is clear and refreshing, lingering in the nose, indicating relatively young and fresh tea leaves. 6. Sweet and Lasting: An aroma that is clear and high, with a sweet sensation that lingers. 7. Fresh and Crisp: An aroma that is fresh…

Many people judge tea based on a single sip. If they find it bitter and astringent, they conclude it's not good tea, which is an unfair judgment of tea's "bitterness" and "astringency." In fact, those who understand tea do not judge its quality solely by its bitterness or astringency. The bitter and astringent flavors are just part of tea's inherent character, always present but never the only or constant feature. A tea with a "bitter and astringent" flavor isn't necessarily bad; it can often be a high-quality tea. The intensity of the bitter and astringent flavors depends on the amount of these substances present in the tea. The primary bitter compounds in tea include caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, anthocyanins, tea saponins, bitter amino acids, and some flavanols. The astringency in tea is mainly due to polyphenols, aldehydes, and iron, with catechins being particularly significant. Catechins with a fat-like structure have a stronger astringency and are found in much higher concentrations in young leaves compared to older ones. Under normal circumstances, teas made from young shoots (one bud and one or two leaves) tend to be more bitter and astringent than those made from one bud and three or four leaves. Therefore,…

When you think you've bought a great value-for-money spring tea online, be very careful. You should open and immediately try the tea to see if it's really worth the purchase. What are the steps to inspect spring tea? Let me explain them below. 1. Observe the appearance The leaves of spring tea are generally tightly wrapped, appearing plump and substantial, with some having a significant amount of downy hair. They have a fresh and vibrant color and a rich, fresh aroma. Summer and autumn teas, on the other hand, have loose leaves with a dull color and a mild aroma, which is quite different from spring tea. 2. Examine the liquor color During storage, substances that contribute to the color of the tea undergo slow decomposition or oxidation, causing green tea to lose its luster and appear dull. The increase in tea brown pigments in old tea makes the green tea liquor yellowish and unclear, losing its original freshness. When brewing spring tea, the leaves sink quickly, the aroma is strong and lasting, and the taste is full-bodied. In contrast, summer and autumn teas sink more slowly when brewed and have a less pronounced aroma. 3. Taste the aroma During…

We often drink tea, but are you aware of these lesser-known facts? ▼ ▼A merchant from New York, Thomas Sullivan, began distributing tea in small silk bags to his customers, intending for them to pour the tea out to brew. However, the customers misunderstood... ▼ Comparison of antioxidants in tea ▼ Sugar content in a cup of tea ▼ Tea has been transformed worldwide ▼ All tea leaves come from one species – the tea plant. Different varieties of tea plants from different origins, processed in various ways, become the six types of tea that we see.