Tea Knowledge

Recently, aged white tea has been very popular. Many tea enthusiasts say that they brew several pots of aged white tea at home every day. After drinking it, they feel warm and comfortable, especially in their throats, which can be particularly soothing when dealing with a persistent cough after being ill. Why is aged white tea so popular in winter? There are probably three reasons: First, it has a unique color, aroma, and flavor: Over time, the aroma of aged white tea transforms from the fresh, floral notes of young tea to richer, more mature scents of dates, medicine, and lotus leaves, while its taste becomes more robust; Second, aged white tea has certain health benefits, helping to boost our immune system and prevent colds to some extent. This is based on the experiences shared by many tea enthusiasts. Third, aged white tea can be steeped, brewed, or boiled, making it perfect for the current trend of stove-top brewing that's sweeping across various platforms. However, because white tea undergoes transformation during storage, we should pay extra attention to how we store it. Otherwise, the aged white tea we've worked hard to preserve might end up as a pile of flavorless…

Hypertension is a very common chronic disease in modern society, and many people are looking for natural ways to help control their blood pressure. Among these, preserved orange peel tea, as a traditional Chinese herbal tea, has received considerable attention. Can hypertensive patients drink preserved orange peel tea? Let's explore the impact of preserved orange peel tea on hypertension and precautions when drinking it. (Image source: network, delete upon request) What Is Preserved Orange Peel Tea? Preserved orange peel tea is a tea beverage made primarily from preserved orange peel. Preserved orange peel, as its name suggests, is the skin of aged citrus fruit that has been dried and aged. Preserved orange peel holds an important place in Traditional Chinese Medicine, believed to have the effects of regulating qi, strengthening the spleen, and drying dampness and transforming phlegm. In modern health practices, preserved orange peel tea has become a healthy tea beverage enjoyed daily due to its unique taste and rich nutritional content. Can Hypertensive Patients Drink Preserved Orange Peel Tea? The answer is yes. Hypertensive patients can consume preserved orange peel tea in moderation. Not only does preserved orange peel tea have a unique flavor, but it also has…

How can one buy good tea? This is a question that tea enthusiasts tirelessly discuss. Here are the two most important points you need to know about buying quality tea. First, look at the source; understand where the tea "comes from." To ensure good tea, the raw materials must be of high quality. When the source is reliable, the tea will be as well. Products with a good origin meet ecological and organic management standards throughout their entire process of cultivation, production, and maintenance. When purchasing tea, opt for those from their place of origin and check for geographical indications of the original production area. If the origin is guaranteed, so is the quality of the tea. Check for inspection reports from authoritative organizations Ensure that the tea you plan to buy comes with a formal inspection report issued by reputable organizations like the National Tea Quality Supervision and Testing Center. If there is no such report, be cautious. Look for a QR code on the packaging that can trace the product back to the State Farm Administration. If present, this acts as the tea's identification card, allowing you to scan it with your phone to track its journey from…

       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…

    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…

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…

Pu'er raw tea can be selected in a manner similar to green tea. Pu'er ripe tea is more special, so let's focus on that. In terms of appearance, it should have a reddish-brown color and stout, thick strands. If it’s in the form of cakes, bricks, or tuos, the shape should be uniform without excessive broken leaves and not overly compacted. If the surface of the tea lacks luster or appears grayish-white and contains foreign objects, it indicates poor quality or deterioration. The infusion should have a color akin to red wine, being both dark and rich yet clear and bright. If the tea liquor is dark brown and murky, it is typically not a good tea. If the aroma is low and musty, it is best not to consume it. In terms of taste, Pu'er tea should be full-bodied, sweet, and smooth. If it is bland with no aftertaste, it is not a good tea. The infused leaves should still retain some elasticity and a reddish-brown color. If the leaves are black, lack elasticity, or are completely rotten, this indicates poor quality. Things to Know When Buying Pu'er Tea:1. Choose based on your financial situation; there is no need…

The differences between black and green tea: Different levels of fermentation, black tea is a fully fermented tea, while green tea is non-fermented; Different appearances, black tea has red leaves and a red infusion, the dry tea is dark and lustrous, tightly bound; green tea has green leaves and a clear infusion, the dry tea is tightly bound, robust, with a verdant color; Different processes, the process for green tea is picking, fixation, rolling, and drying, while the process for black tea is withering, rolling, fermentation, and drying. The first difference between black and green tea: Different appearance of the tea leaves From the appearance of the tea leaves, in general, green tea often displays fine downy hairs, revealing tender buds, with a bright infusion, high fragrance, mellow and refreshing taste, and a greenish tone. Famous varieties include Longjing tea, Biluochun tea, Huangshan Maofeng, Zijia green tea, Lushan Yunwu, Liuan Guapian, etc.; black tea reveals fine downy hairs, has a dark and lustrous color, a bright and red infusion, bright red leaves, a fragrant aroma that is rich and long-lasting. Famous varieties include Qihong, Dianhong, Yinghong, etc. The second difference between black and green tea: Different colors of the tea…

Pu'er tea, as one of the gems in Chinese teas, boasts a rich and unique set of qualities that exude an enchanting allure. From its appearance, high-quality Pu'er tea has robust and tightly bound leaves with a dark lustrous or brownish-red color, giving it a sense of stability and solidity. Round and well-formed cake teas, intricately crafted tuocha, and solid brick teas each exhibit their own unique beauty in craftsmanship. In terms of aroma, Pu'er tea stands out with its distinct character. It may contain a variety of rich and complex aromas, such as aged fragrance, camphor scent, woody aroma, jujube fragrance, ginseng-like scent, and more. The aroma of young teas is fresh and natural, becoming deeper, more restrained, and longer-lasting over time as the tea ages. The aged fragrance, a hallmark aroma of Pu'er tea after years of aging, seems to tell the story of time itself. In terms of taste, Pu'er tea is full-bodied with a thick and viscous liquor. Initially, there might be a slight bitterness, but this quickly transforms into a sweet aftertaste, creating a delightful experience of bitterness turning into sweetness that lingers on the palate. Its liquor has a rich texture that can be…

Hypertension is a common chronic disease that can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease and stroke. Fortunately, drinking certain types of tea can help naturally lower blood pressure. This article will introduce several teas that are beneficial for lowering blood pressure and provide detailed brewing methods and precautions. (Image source: Internet. Please delete if infringing.) 1. Hibiscus Tea (Roselle Tea) Hibiscus tea is renowned for its vibrant red color and sweet-sour taste. Several studies have shown that hibiscus tea can help lower high blood pressure. It is rich in antioxidants that can help expand blood vessels and reduce vascular resistance, thus lowering blood pressure. Drinking three cups of hibiscus tea daily can significantly lower blood pressure. Brewing Method: Take one tablespoon of dried hibiscus petals, steep them in hot water for five minutes, strain out the petals, and then drink. You may choose to drink it hot or cold. Precautions: Pregnant women and those taking blood pressure medication should avoid drinking hibiscus tea, as it may stimulate the uterus or cause excessively low blood pressure. 2. Green Tea Green tea is widely popular due to its rich antioxidants and various benefits. Studies show that long-term consumption of…

Drinking tea is beneficial to health, and the practice of drinking tea for health maintenance, a tradition that has been passed down for thousands of years. The key to using tea for health maintenance lies in mastering the best time to drink tea. Drinking the right tea at the right time can produce twice the result with half the effort. But what kind of tea should we drink, and when during the day is the best time to do so? Morning Tea After a whole night's rest, the body loses a lot of water, and the concentration of blood increases. Drinking a cup of light tea not only quickly replenishes the body's water needs but also cleanses the intestines and stomach. It can lower blood pressure, dilute the blood, and be good for health. It can also play a role in preventing and treating constipation. However, note that you should not drink strong tea in the morning. It should be lighter than usual. What Tea to Drink in the Morning It's better to drink black tea in the morning, as it can promote blood circulation in the body and remove coldness from the body, ensuring adequate blood supply to the…

Bingdao Dijie Ancient Tree Tea is a type of tea originating from the five villages of Bingdao, renowned for its growing environment. The tea trees here grow in ancient forests at an altitude of 1,700 meters, with an average age of over 300 years. Their environment is lush with vegetation, fertile soil, and ancient trees, and due to their remote location, they have developed exceptional ecological quality. Dijie Village belongs to the Bingdao Village Committee. It takes about 30 minutes by car from Mengku Town to get there. Twenty years ago, it was still a dirt road that wasn’t easy to travel on. This is where the Lahu people live, and they call it “Ge Wa” (meaning "the forest where deities reside"). Its tea tree environment is lush with vegetation, fertile soil, and ancient trees. The average altitude of the ancient tea forest in Dijie is 1,700 meters, with an average annual temperature of 20°C and an average annual rainfall of 1,800 millimeters. The further you go into the village, the more ancient tea trees you will find, most of which are over 300 years old. They grow in primeval forests filled with deadwood and humus, and some of the…

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…

Pu'er tea is unique among teas in that it improves with age, becoming richer and more fragrant over time. When stored properly within a reasonable timeframe, the flavor of Pu'er tea deepens and matures. There are two types of Pu'er: raw (sheng) and ripe (shou). Each has its own distinct taste, with some preferring the pure sweetness of raw Pu'er and others the rich depth of ripe Pu'er. Without considering taste differences, which type is better for long-term storage? Let's explore this question. Long-Term Storage of Pu'er: Raw Teas Have Greater Potential for Transformation The most significant difference between raw and ripe Pu'er lies in their production processes. Compared to raw Pu'er, ripe Pu'er undergoes an additional step known as wet-piling fermentation. Although this step involves simply adding water and allowing the tea to ferment, it triggers complex biochemical changes through enzymatic reactions, microbial fermentation, and moist heat effects. During these three processes, the chemical composition of the tea changes rapidly, transforming the internal substances of the Pu'er. The higher the degree of fermentation, the greater the transformation of internal substances during the wet-piling process. This means there is less material available for further transformation later on, significantly limiting the…

Last time, we discussed the types of green tea. Today, let's talk about how to pick high-quality tea. After all, finding a great green tea is the goal. Here are four steps that will help you choose your ideal tea and quickly go from novice to expert. Step 1: Examine the Appearance Check if the tea leaves are intact and not broken. Observe if the color of the dry tea is bright, lustrous, and glossy. Severely broken dry tea can affect the taste of the tea infusion. Brightness, luster, and glossiness indicate the quality and freshness of the tea, as green tea is best enjoyed for its aroma, tenderness, and freshness. Generally, green tea harvested before the Qingming Festival is considered top-quality. Step 2: Smell the Aroma The aroma of tea includes both the dry tea and the infused tea. When shopping, focus on assessing the purity, type, intensity, and persistence of the aroma after brewing. In daily purchases, pouring a small amount of boiling water over the dry tea to release its aroma and then smelling it can be very effective. Step 3: Evaluate the Liquor Color and Taste Evaluate the color, brightness, and clarity of the tea liquor…

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…

  Talking about not eating for a while (intermittent fasting) and drinking tea is pretty fascinating, especially when we think about what they do to our bodies. How intermittent fast connects with different kinds of tea is something full of cool ideas. If we look into how tea affects our health while we're on a break from eating, it can help us figure out the best methods to get the results we want. So, let's dive deeper into the potential side effects of intermittent fast and why adding tea to your routine might be a good idea. CONTENT OUTLINE Understanding the Basics of Fasting and Tea Consumption The Health Benefits of Drinking Tea While Fasting Top 5 Teas You Can Enjoy While Fasting How to Integrate Tea into Your Fasting Schedule Customizing Your Tea Experience While Fasting Conclusion FAQs Understanding the Basics of Fasting and Tea Consumption To get the hang of fasting and drinking tea, it's important to think about how staying hydrated plays a role when you're not eating. When you add tea to your fast plan, it's all about knowing how this can change things like your metabolism and how much antioxidants you're getting. Tea is also…

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…

The wonderful National Day holiday has quietly slipped away amidst beautiful scenery, delicious food, and gatherings. Everyone is back at their workplaces, fighting on. During the holidays, all sorts of feasting and revelry have caused many to experience symptoms of post-holiday syndrome such as bodily discomfort and fatigue. I wonder if everyone has returned to their senses from the holiday and can quickly adjust back to work or school life. With numerous gatherings during the holidays, indulging in excessive eating and drinking is inevitable. Consuming too much fatty meat and various high-calorie fried and grilled foods during the holidays can lead to symptoms such as bad breath, constipation, red eyes, mouth ulcers, toothaches, and acne, causing "heatiness." "Heatiness" is actually the result of accumulated toxins in the body. Drinking green tea can effectively help detoxify and clear heat. According to legend, when Shennong tasted hundreds of herbs, he "encountered seventy-two poisons in a day and was cured by tea." Tea has powerful detoxifying properties. Green tea retains the highest amount of natural substances from fresh leaves, preserving more than 85% of the polyphenols and around 50% of the chlorophyll, with minimal loss of vitamins. It is the best among all…

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…

Many tea enthusiasts, especially those who are new to Pu'er tea, can easily end up paying a high price for low-quality Pu'er. Today, for the benefit of those unsure about how to select Pu'er tea, we have compiled three pieces of advice that we hope will help you purchase better Pu'er tea. One: Selecting Loose Pu'er TeaMainly look at four factors: appearance, color, integrity, and purity. In terms of appearance: good loose tea has a brownish-red color, with plump and tightly bound buds. The grading of Pu'er loose tea is based on tenderness, with higher tenderness indicating a higher grade. Tenderness can be measured by three points: first, more bud tips and visible down indicate higher tenderness; second, tightly bound and dense leaves indicate higher tenderness; third, smooth and lustrous colors indicate good tenderness, while dry and dull colors indicate poor tenderness. Two: Selecting Pu'er Compressed TeaThe shape should be uniform and well-proportioned; the surface evenly distributed, with neat edges, no layers peeling off or surfaces flaking; thickness consistent, neither too tight nor too loose; mold patterns clear, leaves neatly bound and compressed. Raw tea has an appearance with visible white down, dark green and glossy. For aged tea, normal…

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…

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…