Tea Knowledge

The selection of Puer tea raw materials, when observing the appearance of the leaves, a uniform consistency in color, size, and length is indicative of good quality. If the lengths vary and shapes differ, it may indicate careless processing or adulteration with inferior tea leaves. Especially if there are impurities in the tea, such as tea fruits (as small as green beans), twigs, sand, stone chips, etc., this suggests that the tea is not clean. A good Puer tea possesses a refreshing and pleasant aroma, which can be delicate or intense, and smelling it brings a sense of relaxation and tranquility. Tea enthusiasts believe that the fragrance of tea surpasses that of flowers and plants. A good tea’s aroma should have rich variations, an elegant and refined character, deep and substantive content, and harmonious layers. If these requirements are met, then regardless of the type of aroma, it has value for appreciation and savoring. To purchase Puer tea raw materials, one should look, smell, and taste. Look at the color of the tea leaves; good tea has a lustrous sheen. If the processing and storage are improper, the color will inevitably be dull. Smell to ensure the aroma is pure;…

In the world of tea, like the distinct characters in a literary work, different types of tea are often compared. In the realm of white tea, Bai Mudan and Silver Needle are like two distinctive beauties, each with their own unique charm and grace. I. Bai Mudan: The Floral White Tea Fairy Bai Mudan is a unique sight in the world of white tea. It blends the elegance of Silver Needle with the deep, mellow flavor of Shoumei, like a masterful combination that radiates its own special brilliance on the stage of white teas, earning it the name “Floral Fairy of White Tea.” When boiling water is poured into the bowl, a wonderful olfactory feast begins. The fresh scent of downy leaves greets us first, as if to say hello, telling us we are about to experience a delightful journey through the fragrances of tea. Then, layer upon layer of floral aromas follow, intertwining and distinct yet harmoniously coexisting. The delicate fragrance of orchids is akin to dewdrops glistening in the morning light, with an untouchable purity. Imagine, in the morning light, orchids with dewdrops, exuding a gentle fragrance, a scent that seems to penetrate the soul, bringing a sense…

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

Ripened tea is gentle on the stomach, helps reduce lipids and cuts through greasiness, with a stable taste that many tea enthusiasts love. So let's take a look at the aspects from which we can identify the quality of ripened tea. From the appearance, high-quality Pu'er tea generally displays prominent golden tips, tightly bound and heavy leaves, with a lustrous brown-red color. If the color is black or uneven, with green patches or withered and dull appearances, it indicates poor processing or improper storage, and is generally not good ripened tea. In compressed ripened teas, using cake tea as an example, the focus should be on whether the leaves are clearly visible and uniformly arranged, without missing edges or corners, consistently thick, neither too tight nor too loose, and neatly and tightly bound; normal colors include dark brown, chestnut brown, and brownish red. If there are mold flowers or spots on the surface of the ripened Pu'er tea, it is considered inferior. From the liquor color, Pu'er ripened tea requires a bright, deep red color. A deep red is normal. Yellow, orange-yellow, or dark and murky liquor colors are all indicative of inferior quality teas. An orange-yellow or dark liquor…

How do you store Tieguanyin to become high-quality "aged Tie"? What factors affect the storage of Tieguanyin? Should you keep Tieguanyin in the fridge? Today, I'll guide you step-by-step on how to properly store Tieguanyin. Avoid Exposure to Light Light can cause a photosensitive reaction in Tieguanyin tea, causing it to darken. Therefore, it's important to avoid light exposure during storage. Should Tieguanyin Be Stored in the Fridge? It's not necessary to store it in the fridge, but if long-term storage is required, refrigeration is recommended. At a refrigerated temperature of -4°C, the tea can maintain its original quality and flavor well; at -40°C, the oxidation rate of the tea becomes very slow. Although low temperatures reduce the oxidation rate of tea, it's still advisable to consume opened tea as soon as possible. This is because tea has strong adsorption and hygroscopic properties, and if stored in a damp or odorous environment, it can easily absorb odors and become damp. The Container Used for Storing Tieguanyin Must Be Airtight Some people forget to close the lid after opening the jar, or the material does not seal properly. Over time, the tea naturally loses its flavor. I've compiled information about three…

Many people are perplexed by the age of Pu'er tea and can only rely on the seller's introduction, making a gut judgment: true or false! Some even say that there is no such thing as aged tea, just commercial fraud! In light of this, I believe it is necessary to introduce several quick methods for identifying the age of Pu'er tea: How to Determine the Age of Pu'er Tea? 1. Observe the Appearance Take proper storage in Kunming dry warehouse as an example. New Tea: New raw tea has a fresh color, typically dark green, with prominent white tea down; New ripe tea has a dull color, usually blackish red, with some varieties showing golden tea buds. Aged Tea: Raw tea aged 5-10 years: the color turns from green to yellowish green, the white tea down turns golden, the tea product is lustrous and glossy. Raw tea aged 20 years and over: the color turns reddish yellow, lustrous and glossy, the tea down is golden. Ripe tea aged 5-10 years: the color turns reddish brown, lustrous and glossy, golden tea down is prominent. Ripe tea aged 20 years and over: the tea product color turns reddish brown, lustrous and glossy,…

With the arrival of spring, many tea regions have already started harvesting their spring teas, which will soon be available on the market. After a whole winter of rest and rejuvenation, tea plants have accumulated rich internal substances. During this period, the tea has a full flavor, is strong in taste, and is relatively more durable when steeped, making spring tea the best of the year in the minds of many tea enthusiasts. The first spring tea is the first batch of tea leaves picked in spring. As long as it is the first harvest of the year, it is called the first flush spring tea. This is also the first batch of tea to sprout each year. These leaves are smaller with larger, more abundant buds, good aroma, and a full-bodied, rich taste. What is the first flush spring tea? The spring tea, as the name suggests, is tea harvested and processed during the spring season, that is, tea picked and processed between the beginning of spring and the beginning of summer. Puer spring tea can be divided into “first flush,” “second flush,” and “end-of-spring” teas. “First flush” tea is made from the first tender shoots and leaves harvested…

Pu'er tea, in terms of its appearance when made into tea, comes in different forms such as tea cakes, tuocha, brick tea, and loose tea. Among these, tea cakes are the most common. Pu'er tea is favored by tea enthusiasts for its unique taste and health benefits. So, how should Pu'er tea cakes be stored for the long term? How to Store Pu'er Tea Cakes for the Long Term To store Pu'er tea for the long term: 1. A professional warehouse must be established. When Pu'er tea is placed in a professional warehouse, it will not mold but will slowly age. This ensures that the tea does not spoil and maintains its authenticity. If stored properly, it can last for a very long time. 2. It's best to wrap the Pu'er tea in bamboo leaves before storing it in the warehouse. This promotes fermentation without absorbing too much odor. When storing Pu'er tea for the long term, it's important to provide a relatively clean environment since the tea has strong adsorption properties. Do not store items with strong or pungent odors near the tea, as this can cause the tea to absorb unwanted flavors during storage. 3. Storing Pu'er tea…

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…

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…

Traditionally processed oolong teas, such as Wuyi rock tea, Phoenix Dancong, and baked Tie Guan Yin, have good stability after roasting. They do not need to be stored in the refrigerator but can be kept in a cool, dry place instead. Oolong teas are generally safe to store at room temperature since they are fully fermented, and this has little impact on their quality. Dark teas, white teas, Pu'er teas, and aged teas, especially Pu'er, rely on aging for their drinking value. Storing these types of tea in the refrigerator could cause dampness issues and also reduce the activity of beneficial enzymes and bacteria within the tea. It is these enzymes and bacteria that contribute to the tea's flavor development over time. Refrigerating these teas would significantly affect their aging process. These types of teas are best stored at room temperature in a dark, well-ventilated, dry area away from strong odors. Storing them in the refrigerator could lead to mold growth. Should Green Tea Be Refrigerated? Green tea is unique because it is meant to be enjoyed for its fresh and crisp taste. Typically, we only drink green tea from the first flush (before the Ming festival). The tea oxidizes…

Believe it or not, both West Lake Longjing tea and Dahongpao are historic teas in China. Both are part of the top ten famous teas in China, with exceptional quality and unique flavors. Drinking them offers numerous benefits. But which is better: West Lake Longjing or Dahongpao? What are the differences between them? Let's explore further. Which is better, West Lake Longjing or Dahongpao? 1. West Lake Longjing Longjing tea is produced in the beautiful region of West Lake, Zhejiang Province. It is renowned for its green color, elegant shape, rich aroma, and mellow taste. Its unique qualities of being light yet far-reaching and fragrant yet clear distinguish it from other famous teas, making it the top among the top ten teas. The picking of West Lake Longjing has three characteristics: early picking, tender picking, and frequent picking. The tenderness of the tea leaves is the foundation for high-quality Longjing tea. Frequent picking means leaving larger leaves while picking smaller ones, with about 30 pickings per year. West Lake Longjing tea is traditionally crafted using a variety of techniques such as tossing, shaking, spreading, fanning, pressing, throwing, grabbing, pushing, snapping, and grinding. Different qualities require different handling methods. Due to…

Tea culture in China has a long history, and the variety of tea brewing tools is vast. Porcelain, as an ancient and elegant tool for brewing tea, has always been favored by tea enthusiasts. But is porcelain really suitable for brewing tea? This article will take you through all aspects of brewing tea with porcelain. (Image source: internet, delete if infringement) Advantages of Brewing Tea with Porcelain Porcelain has been an excellent choice for brewing tea since ancient times, mainly due to the following advantages: 1. Preserves Tea Aroma: The delicate and smooth material of porcelain does not absorb the aroma of the tea, thus it can well preserve the original aroma of the tea leaves. This is particularly important for teas with rich aromas, such as Tieguanyin and Oolong tea. 2. Good Heat Conduction: Porcelain has moderate heat conduction properties, which allows it to evenly disperse heat, keeping the tea temperature stable. This prevents over-steeping or sudden drops in temperature that could affect the taste of the tea. 3. Aesthetically Pleasing: Porcelain is beautifully crafted with rich patterns and designs, offering high aesthetic value. Whether at home or in a teahouse, brewing tea with porcelain is a feast for…

Xiaoxinggan Pu'er tea is loved by tea enthusiasts due to its unique production method and its compact size. Its distinctive taste and refreshing fruity aroma are also highly sought after. But do you really know how to store it properly? Let's explore the correct storage methods for Xiaoxinggan Pu'er tea. Correct Storage Methods for Xiaoxinggan Pu'er Tea: (1) Store in a sealed, shaded, and dry environment; Xiaoxinggan Pu'er tea is sensitive to light. If exposed to light for an extended period, it can cause an optical reaction within the tea, leading to oxidation and a reduction in flavor. Therefore, it should be stored in a dimly lit area away from direct sunlight. Dried Xiaoxinggan must be sealed and stored in a clean, dry, uncontaminated, and non-humid environment. This is because the oily substances on the outer surface of the tangerine peel are prone to evaporation. On humid days or in damp weather, if not sealed properly, the peel may soften or even mold. We recommend storing Xiaoxinggan Pu'er tea in food-grade sealed bags or containers, which makes it convenient to observe the condition inside and promptly deal with any potential issues such as mold. (2) Protect against moisture, pests, and…

The shelf life of tea is not clearly defined, and it varies for different types of tea. For example, black tea can be stored for 2 to 3 years; green tea and yellow tea are typically best consumed within 18 months; oolong tea can be stored for 3 to 5 years; and dark tea and white tea, if properly preserved, can last around 15 years. There are six main categories of Chinese tea, each with its own storage duration. Do you know how long they can be stored? The Shelf Life of the Six Types of Tea 1. Green Tea: The shelf life of green tea is the shortest. Generally, at room temperature, it has a shelf life of about one year. If you have a dedicated refrigerator for storing green tea (which would make you quite the tea connoisseur), the shelf life can be extended to around 18 months. 2. Black Tea: As a fully fermented tea, black tea has a relatively long shelf life and can be stored for more than two years. However, if stored properly, it may undergo transformation after two years. If this transformation is successful, it can be stored for even longer periods. 3.…

Ha / bi / tu / al / ly / br / ew / ing / st / rong / tea To brew a cup of tea with moderate concentration, one generally needs to carefully control the steeping time. Some people prefer strong tea, but if the tea is too strong and releases too much caffeine and tannic acid, it can be overly stimulating to the stomach and intestines. This is not good. St / ee / pin / g / te / a / fo / r / to / o / lo / ng With a normal amount of tea leaves, it's best to drink the tea within one minute of steeping, with some teas requiring only a few seconds or up to ten seconds before they are ready to be poured, and should not be steeped for too long. By this time, 80% of the caffeine and 60% of other soluble substances have been extracted. If steeped for too long, the tea will become bitter and astringent. Br / ew / in / g / te / a / wi / th / a / th / er / mo / s / pot Tea is best…

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…

Some marketing gurus have summarized four essentials for successful companies. First, a unique cultural system; second, authoritative certifications and certificates; third, numerous success stories and positive reviews; fourth, the ability to innovate and develop continuously. These four points are theoretically universal, but Chinese ingenuity transcends the norm. Now, when you visit many marketing-oriented companies, from the corporate culture displayed at the entrance to case presentations, authoritative certificates, and innovative research and development, all are seamlessly integrated into the decor. It's so perfect that all you need to do is pay. Even TikTok live streams use the same narratives. Regardless of the product being just over a dozen dollars, what you see and hear always makes it seem like a great value. The tea industry takes this marketing theory to new heights. If you doubt this, open TikTok; no other industry sells products with as much cultural flair and convincing performances. Various masters and famous mountain teas are constantly introduced, and the key point is that they're often cheap, frequently available for $19.90 per pound with free shipping. And yes, there are beautiful women in exotic costumes to catch your eye. You wouldn't feel ripped off even if you were to…

There's a popular saying about white tea: "One-year tea, three-year medicine, seven-year treasure." White tea can be divided into new and aged white tea based on the duration of storage: New white tea is that year's freshly picked and processed tea, while aged white tea has been stored for several years, acquiring distinct characteristics of an older tea. However, distinguishing between new and aged white teas can be challenging. Today, we will compare the appearance and quality of one-year new tea, three-year aged tea, and seven-year aged tea to help you discern and appreciate them. Appearance of One-Year New Tea Naturally spread out, with plump and upright buds; mostly intact leaves with slight breakage; clear and complete bud and leaf structure. The leaves display natural hues of gray-green and light green, with a fresh luster. The beautiful contrast of light blue on the top and white on the bottom of the leaves is visible. Abundant, soft silver-white downy hairs; fragrant with a fresh floral and downy aroma. Quality The liquor of new tea is bright and pale almond yellow in color, with a particularly fresh, sweet taste. Appearance of Three-Year Aged Tea The integrity of three-year aged tea is slightly…

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.…

       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…

Dark tea, known as the black gold among teas, improves in quality and flavor over time. During its transformation, storage conditions are of utmost importance; even a slight oversight can cause the dark tea to spoil, especially during the humid season. The humid season occurs in March and April each year when the southern regions experience a sudden increase in temperature and humidity. During this time, everything feels damp both indoors and outdoors, making the air seem saturated with water, which is quite uncomfortable. For tea enthusiasts, the humid season is particularly challenging as it increases the risk of their cherished teas becoming damp and moldy. When storing dark tea during the humid season, controlling indoor humidity is key. Here’s a guide on how to prevent moisture from affecting your dark tea. It’s recommended that you save this information for future reference. 1. Preventing Moisture from Entering the Room During the humid season, the outdoor air is extremely humid. It's important to keep all windows and doors closed to prevent warm, moist air from entering. Even if the sun is shining brightly at noon, do not open the windows to ventilate. Ventilation during this period can sometimes lead to more…

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…

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