Tea Knowledge

Many of my friends adore Liubao tea. Whenever we gather for a tea session, some tea enthusiasts always request recommendations for one or two daily staple teas. A "daily staple tea" refers to a tea with good quality and flavor that meets one's needs in terms of strength, at a reasonable price, making it suitable for daily consumption. Generally, this type of tea achieves a balance between quality and cost. Inferior teas are disregarded no matter how cheap they may be, but Liubao teas priced over ten thousand yuan per catty, such as the "Wutu Heihe" and 0101 Liubao teas, are clearly not affordable for most people and therefore cannot become the "daily staple tea" loved by ordinary folks. Considering both the desire for a tea that is "delicious" and one that doesn't make you feel guilty about drinking, selecting an appropriate Liubao tea can be quite challenging. The editor has drawn upon the extensive tasting experiences of many Liubao tea enthusiasts and found that the price range for entry-level daily staple teas is typically between 100-200 yuan per catty, while mid-range daily staple teas are priced between 200-500 yuan per catty. Teas priced above 500 yuan per catty are…

 There’s a saying: good water brews good tea. To brew a pot of good tea, one cannot do without good water, illustrating how crucial the quality of water is for tea brewing. Many people are unaware that boiled water used for brewing tea actually has an expiration date. Using water beyond its expiration date to brew tea can not only affect the taste of the tea but also impact health. The Lifespan of a Glass of Water is Up to 16 Hours The shelf life of boiled water in the air is only 16 hours; expired water may contain significantly high levels of E. coli! For healthy individuals, drinking water with bacterial overgrowth over long periods can have a subtle effect on the body, and the longer this continues, the more apparent the impact on health becomes. According to Water Quality Experts, Drinking Stale Water Continuously Is Like Continuously Consuming Food with Additives. If you don't pay attention to the details of drinking water daily, your body's healthy environment can be gradually damaged, potentially leading to poorer health. So when you experience fatigue or a weakened immune system, while paying attention to food hygiene, also check if your drinking habits…

Tea lovers have likely heard about the practice of "washing tea." Some say the first infusion should be discarded, while others disagree. So, should you discard the first infusion? Let's explore this topic today. (Image source: Internet. Please delete if infringing.) What is "Washing Tea"? The term "washing tea" is familiar; literally, it means "washing the tea leaves." Many people are accustomed to soaking the tea leaves before brewing with a purple clay pot or a covered bowl, then discarding the first infusion, which they call "washing tea." In professional tea ceremony procedures, this is even listed as a mandatory step. But is "washing tea" really necessary? (Image source: Internet. Please delete if infringing.) The Historical Origins of "Washing Tea" "Washing tea" has a long history. In the Ming Dynasty, Tu Long's "Kao Pan Yu Shi" mentions: "When brewing tea, first wash the tea with hot water to remove dust, dirt, and coldness, which makes the tea more flavorful." This suggests that the ancient purpose of washing tea was to remove impurities and coldness from the surface of the leaves, thereby improving its taste. However, in modern tea processing, is this practice still necessary? Is "Washing Tea" Necessary for Modern…

Nighttime tea tasting is indeed a delightful affair, but those who have just started drinking tea may find it causes insomnia, which makes them hesitant to enjoy tea in the evening. However, there are ways to drink tea at night without causing sleeplessness. If these methods don't work at first, try them a few more times. People often say that drinking tea can cause insomnia, which is due to the caffeine content in tea. Caffeine is a double-edged sword: it can keep you alert and energetic, making it difficult to fall asleep when it's time to rest, thus leading to insomnia. However, it's not accurate to generalize about the effects of drinking tea on sleep. Firstly, we need to understand that the reason tea can keep you awake is its caffeine content, which is what stimulates your nervous system. The higher the caffeine content, the more stimulating the effect. The amount of caffeine in tea leaves depends on many factors, such as variety, growing conditions, harvesting season, picking standards, and processing methods. The caffeine in tea leaves is relatively stable and does not significantly decrease during the fermentation process. Many people feel that green tea has a higher caffeine content…

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…

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…

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

Quality ripe tea can be stored for about 10-30 years. The duration for which ripe tea can be stored is influenced by many factors, such as the variety of the tea, manufacturing process, storage method, and origin. Here are some key points to consider when storing ripe tea: avoid contamination, high temperatures, moisture, light exposure, and odors. These "five avoids" can extend the storage time and improve the quality of the ripe tea to the greatest extent. However, not all ripe teas are suitable for long-term storage; it depends on the specific tea. Methods for Storing Ripe Tea 1. Permeable Storage Ripe tea contains fermenting aromas and other substances. If stored too airtight, the tea can become damp and moldy. Therefore, when storing ripe tea, ensure good air permeability and prevent dampness. It's best to store ripe tea in a dry and ventilated place, such as a low-humidity attic, cabinet, or room. 2. Avoid Light Exposure Light is the enemy of ripe tea, as it can destroy effective components in the tea leaves, causing them to deteriorate. Therefore, when storing ripe tea, avoid exposing it to sunlight and keep it in a cool, dry place. 3. Clean Storage Containers The…

Yiwu Gafengzhai is located in Majie Village, northwest of Mengla County, Xishuangbanna. It is a village inhabited by the Yao people. Named “Gafengzhai” (Wind-swept Village), it stands at a wind-exposed spot surrounded by mountains, with a stream flowing in front and winds passing through the village. This village has the highest elevation among the Seven Villages of Yiwu and produces the least amount of tea, yet it boasts the most intact ancient tea trees. The teas from Gafengzhai can be categorized into several areas. The ancient tree tea commonly referred to as Gafengzhai is from the non-state-owned forest. The state-owned forest area includes the King Tree, Tea Field, Cold Water River, and White Sand River. The prices of these teas vary according to factors such as the age of the trees and the location. Its fresh tea has a rich floral aroma, which later transforms into fruity, honey, and woody scents. The taste evolves from sweet to robust, with a pronounced wild character. When sipped carefully, the tea reveals a smooth and lingering texture. Gafengzhai belongs to Yiwu Town, Mengla County, and sits at an altitude of around 1,200 meters, bordering Laos near boundary marker No. 14. It takes about…

Pu'er tea is primarily divided into raw and ripe varieties. How do you choose an affordable yet delicious raw Pu'er tea? How to Select Raw Pu'er Tea? 1. Start by examining the tea cake. Look for signs that it's spring tea, which usually has some yellowish leaves on its surface. Check for "hoof prints," as spring tea buds and leaves are slightly fatter than those of autumn tea. The texture of autumn tea appears smoother and more linear compared to spring tea, with longer and finer strands. Autumn tea doesn't have yellowish leaves and looks very clean. 2. Smell the tea cake. Good tea should have a dry aroma and no off odors. If there are any unusual smells, immediately discuss this with the seller to determine the cause. Be cautious when tasting the tea later. 3. After rinsing the tea, pay attention to the clarity of the infusion in the teapot. A good infusion should be very clear, with a light yellow color for new teas. 4. When tasting, judge your initial impression. If the tea is very astringent, see if there is a subsequent production of saliva that mitigates the astringency. If, after swallowing the tea and then…

Not every tea is created equal. Some of them may be light and breezy, and others may be richer and more mellow. Pu-erh tea belongs to the latter. Pu-erh tea is a special type of dark tea made in Yunnan, China. It is special because it tastes better as it ages – just like wine. Pu-erh tea undergoes a fermentation process when it ages, creating a richer taste in every cup. In China and Hong Kong, pu-erh tea is usually consumed with dim sum. In other parts of the world, pu-erh tea is more known for its good reputation of health benefits. But what exactly is pu-erh tea? Find your answers here: the history, flavor, types, caffeine content, health benefits, brewing method, and where to find the best ones. The history of pu-erh tea The history of pu-erh tea can be traced back to more than a thousand years ago, during the Tang Dynasty era (618-917 CE). Back then, tea was traded all across China and its neighboring regions, including to the Tibetan plateau. Since the Tibetan plateau could not produce their own teas, they depended on Chinese traders who traveled for months to reach Tibet. One of the tea-producing…

What is 316 Stainless Steel? 316 stainless steel is an austenitic stainless steel containing molybdenum, which gives it superior corrosion resistance and high-temperature strength compared to other types of stainless steel. 316 stainless steel is commonly used in medical devices, food processing equipment, chemical containers, and other fields where material requirements are high. It contains 2-3% molybdenum, which enables it to maintain excellent corrosion resistance even at high temperatures. Advantages of 316 Stainless Steel Water Cups Water cups made from 316 stainless steel have many advantages that make them an ideal choice for brewing tea: (Image source: network, delete upon request) Strong Corrosion Resistance: The corrosion resistance of 316 stainless steel is very good, effectively preventing the corrosive effect of acidic substances in tea on the cup. Safe and Non-toxic: 316 stainless steel is harmless to the human body and does not release harmful substances, making it very suitable for brewing tea and storing drinking water. Easy to Clean: The smooth surface of 316 stainless steel makes it difficult for tea stains and bacteria to adhere, making cleaning very convenient. Durable: 316 stainless steel is strong and durable, resistant to deformation or damage, and has a long service life. Precautions…

The primary differences in nutritional components between cold-brewed and hot-brewed tea lie in the rate and total amount of certain compounds dissolved from the tea leaves, as follows: Antioxidant activity: Cold-brewed tea better preserves beneficial substances in the tea, such as polyphenols, due to reduced damage to the tea leaf cell structure by high temperatures. Some studies show that cold-brewed tea has stronger antioxidant activity than hot-brewed tea. Caffeine content: The dissolution of caffeine is significantly influenced by temperature; it dissolves quickly at high temperatures but very slowly below 60°C. Therefore, cold-brewed tea typically contains less caffeine, making it suitable for those sensitive to caffeine or concerned about its impact on sleep. Polyphenol dissolution: Polyphenols still dissolve relatively well at lower temperatures. Due to the longer brewing time, polyphenols and other beneficial substances in the tea leaves dissolve in cold-brewed tea. However, the relative caffeine content is greatly reduced, while the relative content of polyphenols and theanine increases, resulting in a tea with virtually no bitterness but a prominent aroma and a generally sweet taste. Taste and color: Compared to hot-brewed tea, cold-brewed tea usually has a sweeter taste and a lighter color. This is mainly because high temperatures easily…

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…

There are many types of green tea, with West Lake Longjing being the most well-known. Types of green tea include: Biluochun, West Lake Longjing, Meitan Green Bud, Xinyang Maojian, Liuan Melon Seed, Dafolongjing, Huangshan Maofeng, Anji White Tea, Lushan Cloud Mist, Taiping Houkui, Rizhao Green Tea, Duyun Maojian, Mount Meng Shihua, Enshi Yulu, Zuyeqing, Hanzhong Immortal Tip, Wuyuan Green Tea, Emei Tea Sprout, Guzhang Maojian, Jintan Quetshe, Yandang Maofeng, Wuniuzao, Laozhu Dafang, and more. What are the different types of green tea? 1. Stir-fried green tea: Due to the mechanical or manual force applied during the drying process, the finished tea takes various shapes such as long, round, flat, needle-like, and spiral, thus it can be further divided into long stir-fried, round stir-fried, and flat stir-fried teas. After refinement, long stir-fried green tea is called eyebrow tea, with varieties like Zhenmei, Gongxi, Yutcha, Needle Eyebrow, Xiamei, each having distinct quality characteristics. 2. Zhenmei (Eyebrow Tea): The leaves are finely twisted and straight, resembling the delicate eyebrows of a maiden, with a lustrous green color, high and fresh aroma, strong and refreshing taste, and a slightly yellow-green soup and leaf base that are bright. 3. Gongxi (Imperial Eyebrow): This is the…

Yunnan white tea is mainly produced in Jinggu and is classified into two categories based on the tenderness of fresh leaves: Dabaitcha (single bud) and Moonlight White (one bud with one or two leaves). Moonlight White, also known as Moonlight Beauty, has black surfaces and white undersides of its leaves. The contrast of black and white makes the overall appearance of a single bud with two leaves resemble the moon in the night sky, hence the name. Few people are familiar with Jinggu white tea. Scholars have conducted research and analysis on it. In this article, let’s explore the differences between Jinggu white tea and Fuding white tea to establish a scientific understanding! Selection of Raw Materials Comparison of Major Component Contents Result Analysis No.1 Water Soluble Extracts: Water soluble extracts are a comprehensive reflection of the main taste and color substances in tea infusion. The amount indicates the quantity of soluble materials in the tea, marking the thickness and intensity of the infusion, which is positively correlated with tea quality. According to the data, the range of water soluble extracts in Fuding white tea samples is 33.28% to 40.39%, with an average of 37.52%. For Jinggu white tea, the…

    If we compare the West Lake to Xi Shi, we can say that fine tea is like a beautiful woman. The excellence of West Lake Longjing tea needs no further elaboration, but the market is full of mixed quality and it's hard to distinguish between genuine and fake products. If you end up with inferior tea, it will undoubtedly affect your enjoyment of the tea. Therefore, knowing some tips for selecting West Lake Longjing tea is crucial. Here’s how to discern the quality of West Lake Longjing tea:     How to Select West Lake Longjing Tea?    1. Touch    Judge the dryness of the tea. Pick a random piece of dried tea and crush it between your thumb and index finger. If it turns into powder easily, then it is sufficiently dry; if it breaks into small pieces, then it is not dry enough or has absorbed moisture. Tea that is not dry enough is difficult to store and lacks aroma.    2. Look    Check if the dried tea meets the basic characteristics of Longjing tea: West Lake Longjing tea has a lustrous green color, a delicate and elegant fragrance, a fresh and mellow taste, and a shape resembling a sparrow’s tongue, possessing the four distinct features…

Why can green tea and lightly fragrant Tieguanyin be stored in the fridge, while Pu'er tea and some other types of tea cannot? Why Pu'er Tea Should Not Be Stored in the Fridge Like Green Tea 1. The fridge is humid with a high level of moisture, and Pu'er tea has excellent adsorption properties. Adsorbing moisture can cause the tea to become damp and moldy. 2. Various fruits and vegetables are often stored in the fridge. Storing Pu'er tea in the fridge would cause it to adsorb unwanted odors and flavors, leading to off-tastes and spoilage. 3. The ideal storage temperature for Pu'er tea is typically around 30 degrees Celsius. The low temperature inside the fridge is not conducive to the tea's maturation process. Pu'er tea is a fermented tea that contains beneficial microorganisms. The distinctive feature of Pu'er tea, where its flavor improves over time, is attributed to these enzymes. For enzymes to function effectively, they require a well-ventilated, cool, and dry environment. Therefore, it is best to store Pu'er tea at room temperature in a well-ventilated and dry place. Storing it in the fridge increases the risk of mold growth. Pu'er tea is not very picky about its…

When selecting Pu'er tea, you can consider aspects such as appearance, infusion color, raw materials, origin, and storage conditions. Generally, Pu'er tea with a uniform shape, pure aroma, and bright, clear infusion color is of good quality. Different types of Pu'er tea have different selection methods, so it's best to follow the specific circumstances. Taking raw (sheng) and ripe (shou) Pu'er teas as examples: What Makes Good Pu'er Tea To determine the quality of Pu'er tea, consider the following: 1. Examine the Shape: High-quality Pu'er tea has a neat and regular shape, while lower-quality tea may have loose and incomplete strands. The best Pu'er tea has a uniform and regular shape, with neat edges, no missing corners, consistent thickness, moderate tightness, clear mold patterns, and glossy, clean strands. Lower-quality Pu'er tea will have loose and incomplete strands, dull colors without luster, and noticeable defects. 2. Smell the Aroma: High-quality Pu'er tea has a pure and lasting fragrance, free from any unusual or mixed odors. Even when the tea cools down, it still emits a pleasant aroma. Lower-quality Pu'er tea has noticeable and sometimes stimulating unusual odors. 3. Observe the Infusion Color: High-quality Pu'er tea produces a clear and bright infusion,…

Although tea is the second-most popular beverage in the world after water, only 2% of the tea produced and consumed is oolong tea – despite its abundance of health benefits! Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea made from Camellia sinensis leaves, the same plant used to make green tea and black tea. The characteristics of oolong tea fall between green and black tea because of its unique processing method. But what exactly is oolong tea? Why is it “between” green and black tea? Find your answers here: the history, flavor, differences with other types of tea, caffeine content, health benefits, brewing methods, and where to find the best ones. The history of oolong tea There are several stories about how oolong tea was discovered. First, the “tribute tea” theory. This theory tells us that the name “oolong tea” is a tribute to its predecessor, Dragon-Phoenix tea cakes, a tea famous during the Song Dynasty era (960-1279 CE). The name “oolong” was used to replace the old term, as loose-leaf tea became more common. Since the tea is dark, long, and curly, it is called wūlóng (literally means dark dragon) tea – now known as oolong tea. The second theory…

Tieguanyin, one of China's famous teas, is renowned worldwide for its unique aroma, flavor, and health benefits. However, have you ever wondered why this tea is named "Tieguanyin"? What story and symbolism does it carry? Legend Traced: Guanyin Appears, Bestowing Fine Tea There are several versions about the origin of the name Tieguanyin, but the most widely known is the legend of "Guanyin appearing." It is said that in Xiping Village, Anxi County, Fujian Province, there was a devout tea farmer named Wang Shirang. He had been planting tea for generations and had a deep affection for it. One day, Wang Shirang made a wish before the statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva, praying for her blessing to grow better tea. That night, Wang Shirang dreamt that Guanyin Bodhisattva appeared and guided him to a cliffside. After waking up, he followed the guidance from his dream and found a peculiar tea tree by the cliff. The branches and leaves of this tea tree were verdant, the leaves thick and lustrous, shaped like the sitting posture of Guanyin Bodhisattva. Wang Shirang transplanted this tea tree back home and tended to it with great care. A few years later, when the tea tree matured,…

The Aroma Achieved Through Baking The tea processing of Xinyang Maojian not only preserves the tenderness of the buds but also enhances their aroma to a certain extent, creating a fresh, smooth, and mellow taste for Maojian tea. The production process of Xinyang Maojian is very meticulous. Before stir-frying, the fresh leaves are sorted according to variety, weather at the time of picking (rainy or sunny), time of day (morning or afternoon), and freshness. They are then graded using bamboo sieves and kept separately. The sorted tea leaves are spread out on a tray; those picked on rainy days should be spread thinly, while those picked on sunny days can be spread more thickly. Once the leaves become soft and have lost some moisture, they are ready for stir-frying. The stir-frying directly determines the quality of Xinyang Maojian, as it is the process that enhances its aroma and also makes the tea suitable for long-term storage. Its technique is also unique, consisting of three steps: raw pan, mature pan, and baking. Although this sounds simple, the actual process is particularly complex. Furthermore, the stir-frying and baking techniques of Xinyang Maojian combine elements from the production methods of Lu'an Guapian and…

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…

Puer tea is a post-fermented tea, which leads to its characteristic of becoming more fragrant over time. This means that the longer Puer tea is stored, the richer its aroma and the better its quality. But is this always true? Among teas, Puer stands out as unique because it improves with age. Unlike most other teas, the longer Puer is stored, the better it becomes due to fermentation. This process generates many beneficial compounds for human health, making aged Puer desirable. The distinctive quality and aged fragrance of Puer are formed through post-fermentation during storage. Over time, the main chemical components of raw Puer—such as polyphenols, amino acids, and sugars—undergo changes that idealize the tea’s color and aroma. However, improper storage or indefinite aging without scientific consideration can degrade its quality. Conditions for Aged Puer Tea to Improve Over Time 1: Basic Conditions The saying that Puer tea improves with age is indeed accurate, but only if certain basic conditions are met. Poor-quality Puer or improperly stored Puer will not achieve the desired effect of improving over time. 2: Storage Duration The duration of storage does not necessarily correlate with the quality of Puer tea. There is an optimal period…