Tea Knowledge

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…

There are many methods to store Pu'er tea, divided into professional storage and personal home storage. Regardless of whether it is professionally stored or personally stored at home, attention should be paid to the storage environment. Commonly used storage methods involve keeping the original packaging of Pu'er tea, storing it off the ground, and avoiding dampness and unwanted flavors. How to Store Pu'er Tea Properly ① Direct Storage The storage of Pu'er tea can use multiple paper bags or bamboo shells for direct packaging and storage; there is no need to wrap an outer layer with a plastic bag to avoid hindering air circulation. Similarly, refrigeration is not necessary for storing Pu'er tea. ② Canister Storage Method Using a canister to store Pu'er tea is a relatively scientific method, which is more suitable for collectors. A well-sealed canister can effectively prevent the tea from becoming damp, avoid contact with air that could cause oxidation reactions, and has the effect of waking up the tea. It is recommended to use a purple clay jar or a ceramic jar. Additionally, different teas should not come into contact with each other to prevent flavor contamination, as the varieties and aromas of Pu'er tea…

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…

Tea enthusiasts are well aware that besides its unique taste, Pu'er tea can be stored for a long time, and the longer it is kept, the better its flavor becomes. As such, many tea lovers frequent mountain country tea franchise stores to sample Pu'er tea. Naturally, the topic of how to best preserve Pu'er tea is of great interest. So, what is the optimal method to preserve Pu'er tea? We generally have four methods for preserving Pu'er tea: Direct preservation, jar preservation method, cost-effective cardboard box preservation method, and fresh preservation method. ① Direct Preservation Pu'er tea can be preserved using multiple paper bags or bamboo shells directly, without needing an outer layer of plastic wrap, which could hinder air circulation. Similarly, there's no need to use refrigerator storage for Pu'er tea. ② Jar Preservation Method Using jars for preservation is a more scientific approach, particularly suitable for Pu'er tea collectors. Well-sealed jars effectively prevent the tea from moisture and oxidation caused by contact with air, and they also help to refresh the tea. We recommend using clay or ceramic jars. It's important not to mix different types of tea in the same container to avoid flavor contamination, as the…

Introduction: For storing Tieguanyin, it is generally recommended to keep it at a low temperature and in a sealed vacuum. This can preserve the color, aroma, and flavor of the Tieguanyin for a short period. However, why do we often find that even when stored for a relatively short time, the tea's quality does not match its initial state when first brewed? How can Tieguanyin tea be properly stored? 1. Drying Degree After Fermentation The current tea-making techniques are trending towards lighter fermentation, with the teas from Gande being a typical example. In light fermentation, the tea tends to exhibit a high, orchid-like fragrance. Typically, such teas are not dried excessively, meaning they retain some moisture. When storing this type of tea, it is essential to maintain low temperatures and ensure airtight sealing to minimize the effects of moisture. 2. Fermentation Degree During Production If the fermentation process is controlled just before it reaches its peak, the tea will continue to undergo post-fermentation over time, allowing it to be stored for a longer duration. However, if the tea is allowed to ferment to its peak right from the start, special care must be taken during storage to prevent further post-fermentation…

When storing Pu'er tea, it's important to ensure it is sealed, protected from light, free of odd odors, well-ventilated, and kept at a moderate temperature and humidity. Generally speaking, there are three methods for storing Pu'er tea. The first method involves placing the tea in a Kraft paper bag, squeezing out excess air, sealing the bag, and keeping it in a study or tea room. The second method is suitable for frequently accessed or opened Pu'er tea, which can be wrapped in cotton paper and stored in a jar. The third method is for whole bundles of Pu'er tea, which should be stored in their original packaging and sealed in a cardboard box. Three Methods for Storing Pu'er Tea Method One: Kraft Paper Bag For individual cakes or small quantities of Pu'er tea, Kraft paper bags can be used. 1. Take a clean Kraft paper bag, place the Pu'er tea inside, squeeze out any excess air, and seal the bag. Most bags have zip closures for convenience. 2. If you have several cakes, package them individually and store them in a dry area such as a study or tea room, ensuring good ventilation. For areas with excessive moisture, it's best…

Xinyang Maojian, also known as Yu Mao Feng, belongs to the green tea category. It is one of China's top ten famous teas and a renowned specialty of Henan Province. Created by Han Chinese tea farmers in the early years of the Republic of China, it is mainly produced in Xinyang City, Xin County, Shangcheng County, and other areas around Dabie Mountain. Xinyang Maojian has unique characteristics in terms of color, aroma, taste, and appearance. Its color is fresh and lustrous without impurities; its aroma is elegant and fresh; its taste is fresh, mellow, and has a sweet aftertaste; and, from an appearance standpoint, it is uniform, bright green with a luster, and has prominent white down. The shape is fine, round, smooth, straight, with many white hairs; the color is emerald green; when brewed, it has a long-lasting high aroma, a rich and mellow taste, a sweet aftertaste that produces saliva, and a clear, bright soup color. High-quality Xinyang Maojian has a tender green, yellowish green, or bright soup color, with a fragrant aroma. In contrast, low-quality Xinyang Maojian has a dark green or yellowish, murky soup color, is not durable when brewed, and lacks tea fragrance. To distinguish…

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…

Time, years pass by, becoming the sediment of your dreams, or the burial of them. All loneliness and deep affection, countless expectations and waits, become the rich sediment that fulfills your life. The world is rich, life is pure. This week, in cup after cup of tea, savor Liubao tea, savor yourself. Today, I'll share some storage insights on Liubao tea. In storing Liubao tea, I've paid a lot of tuition fees, taken many detours, and am constantly summarizing and improving. Currently, I prefer the following methods: 1. Liubao tea does not suit being too dry or too moist. Personally, I pursue natural storage, with humidity between 60 to 75 degrees. When it exceeds 75 degrees, I control the humidity appropriately. If stored in a highly sealed environment, open windows regularly for ventilation. Some dryness may be due to the need for periodic turnover; I suggest turning over once a year. 2. The warehouse should be cool, quiet, and not transparent. It's recommended to use blackout cloth to cover glass windows to prevent direct sunlight. Since tea prefers to sleep and remain quiet, some warehouses even suggest not allowing outsiders to visit. During regular tea retrieval and warehouse inspection, only…

Liubao tea, named after Liubao Town in Cangwu County, Wuzhou City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, is unique as a low-temperature fermented tea stored in bamboo baskets, cellars, caves, or wooden dry warehouses (other dark teas are typically border trade teas). Its distinctive taste has garnered many fans.Historically, there was not only the Tea Horse Road but also a Tea Ship Ancient Route, which started right here in Liubao, Guangxi. The people of Wuzhou used inland waterways to transport goods such as tea and porcelain to all corners of the world, establishing extensive trade relations with the outside world, forming a profound historical legacy known as the “Ancient Tea Ship Route.” The route began in Dabao, Guangxi, followed the Liubao River, proceeded along the Dong'an River, passed through the Hejiang River, entered the Xijiang River, and reached Guangzhou, connecting to the maritime Silk Road for tea shipments. This route was unique in linking Guangxi, Guangdong, Hong Kong, and directly reaching Southeast Asia. Through this ancient tea ship route, Liubao tea emerged from the mountains, crossed oceans, and became one of the key commodities on the maritime Silk Road. The history of tea production and processing in Liubao can be traced back…

Baihua Tan is part of the Tongqing River, a renowned Pu'er tea production area in Yiwu, located in the Yao Autonomous Township of Mengla County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It is situated at the confluence of the Tongqing River, Bulong River, and Jinchang River, and its unique geographical location has created a favorable natural environment. It is a tranquil place nestled in the forest by the water. Various wild flowers grow near the mountain stream, with baihua (wildflowers) being the most abundant, hence the name. Baihua Tan stands out from the Tongqing River as an emerging micro-production area, following Bingdao, Laobanzhang, and Cha Wang Tree as another classic micro-production area for tea. The ancient tea trees in Baihua Tan can reach heights of over ten meters, with deep roots and broad crowns, and large leaves. Its tea leaves have a distinctive flavor, a heavy body, and a strong wild character, with great vigor and full tea energy. The raw tea is highly recognizable, with straight, hard strips, due to the high content of pectin in the leaves. Those fortunate enough to taste the ancient tree tea from Baihua Tan often describe it with the word “wild.” Its flavor…

Winter has arrived, and with it comes a significant drop in temperature, freezing cold, and the dormancy of all living things. The cold invades, causing human physiological functions to weaken, and the body's physiological activities are in a state of suppression, with yang energy gradually declining. Women, in particular, may notice their hands and feet turning icy cold and their resistance decreasing. Drinking tea can help keep the cold at bay during winter. So, what kind of tea is best for winter? A dark tea, such as Liubao Tea, which is one of the warm-natured teas suitable for this season. Liubao Tea is produced in Liubao Town, Cangwu County, Wuzhou City, Guangxi. Just like Longjing Tea, Liubao Tea gets its name from its place of origin. Wuzhou City has a unique terrain, often described as "eight parts mountain, one part water, and one part field." The warm and humid climate makes it an ideal environment for tea trees to thrive. What specific nourishing effects does Liubao Tea grown in such a favorable environment offer? Nourishing Effects of Liubao Tea 1. Warm the Stomach Winter is the coldest season of the year, and human physiological functions decline due to the severe…

The prices of tea sold in tea shops usually have some room for negotiation; you can discuss the price after tasting. First, tell the owner how much you need, then haggle for a 10-20% discount on their quoted price. Owners of physical husband-and-wife tea shops won't overcharge blindly, as the market sets the standards. Tactics for Haggling Over Tea Prices Understand the market price: Before purchasing tea, familiarize yourself with its market price so you have an idea of what to expect. Inquire about discounts: After selecting your tea, ask if there are any discount promotions, such as reductions for bulk purchases or special deals. Avoid making hasty decisions: When buying tea, don't rush into a decision. Compare the prices and quality across multiple shops to find the best option for you. Consider quality: Besides price, quality is also crucial when buying tea. Choose high-quality tea. In summary, when buying tea, be observant, compare, select carefully, and negotiate. Avoid rushing into a decision and consider both quality and price. Professional Questions to Ask When Buying Tea When purchasing tea, you can ask the following questions to demonstrate professionalism: Tea production area: Inquire about the production area to understand the growing…

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…

Pu'er tea is a popular variety nowadays and is deeply loved by the public. The quality of Pu'er tea on the market varies greatly, making it difficult for those who do not know much about tea to pick out good Pu'er tea. Below, I will discuss several methods and principles for selecting Pu'er tea. Inspect the Shape and ColorSelecting Pu'er tea starts with distinguishing the quality of its shape. Observing the shape primarily involves looking at the color and the formation of the dry tea. Good Pu'er tea should have a robust formation, neat and clean appearance, and should not have any mold spots. If mold spots appear on the surface of the tea, this indicates improper storage and signifies an inferior product. Raw (unfermented) Pu'er tea has a fresh and light color, with prominent white down, appearing in deep green or dark green. After fermentation, ripe tea has a deeper color than raw tea, presenting as reddish-brown.Examine the Tea Liquor and Leaf ResidueThe color of the tea liquor and the leaf residue reflect the quality of the Pu'er tea's production process, aging period, and storage method. Good Pu'er tea has a clear and bright liquor color, which can range…

Experiencing Pu'er tea requires calmness and a gradual process, involving many sensory perceptions to appreciate the evolving flavors. How can one appreciate Pu'er tea, particularly raw Pu'er? Here’s how to discern the quality of raw Pu'er tea when purchasing: Selecting Raw Pu'er Tea Look at the tea: shape, processing, color. Feel the tea: compactness, check inside and outside. Scent: dry tea, tea infusion. Observe the infusion: color, clarity, turbidity. Taste: fullness and smoothness, aftertaste and salivation. Looking at the Tea Shape: High-quality raw Pu'er tea has complete and uniform strands, with moderate buds, typically picked as one bud with two to three leaves. The leaves should be clean without impurities, yellow leaves, or too many stalks. Mature production process: The shape of the cake is uniformly balanced, neatly compacted with consistent thickness and edges. Color by age: Short-aged: dark green; Long-aged: brownish red. Feeling the Tea Compactness: A loose body means faster aging under equal storage conditions, while a compact body ages more slowly. Check inside and outside: Some teas have higher-grade leaves on the surface for better appearance, but a consistent blend means the entire compressed tea is of uniform quality, not just attractive on the outside. Scenting the…

Some people prefer raw tea, while others prefer ripe tea—it's a matter of personal preference. Since its inception, ripe tea has always held a lower status. Deng Shi Hai says, "Store raw tea, drink ripe tea, savor aged tea." While he doesn't directly exclude ripe tea, the word used for raw tea is "store," which suggests treasuring it, and for aged tea, the serious "savor" is employed, whereas ripe tea is dismissed with the ordinary "drink." This indicates that in his view, ripe tea was never considered a tea fit for formal settings. However, there are many who enjoy drinking ripe tea—why is this so? The Taste of Pu'er Ripe Tea Most tea enthusiasts might find the taste of ripe tea strange upon their first sip, but "strange" doesn't necessarily mean unpleasant; it just doesn't conform to the traditional tastes of other teas. The reason ripe tea was created was to replace the rich and mellow old raw tea. During a specific historical period, it did fulfill this mission. However, fresh ripe tea often carries an indelible pile flavor, which is a significant drawback that makes it difficult for many enthusiasts to approach. Clearly, such ripe tea isn't a suitable…

Have you ever wondered how many times a small tea leaf can be steeped? As a tea lover, this question has always intrigued me. The number of times tea leaves can be steeped not only affects the taste of the tea but also relates to our overall tea-drinking experience. Today, let’s explore this topic together. (Image source: network, delete upon request) The Type of Tea Determines the Number of Steeps Different types of tea have different numbers of steeps. Generally speaking, green tea and white tea can be steeped fewer times, while oolong tea, black tea, and Pu’er tea can be steeped more times. Green tea can typically be steeped 2-3 times. Since green tea leaves are tender, they lose their aroma and flavor after multiple steeps. White tea is similar and can generally be steeped around 3 times. Oolong tea is a semi-fermented tea with thicker leaves and a high tolerance for steeping, allowing it to be steeped 5-7 times. Black tea can be steeped between 3-5 times, while Pu’er tea, due to its unique fermentation process, can be steeped even more than 10 times. Factors Affecting the Number of Steeps Besides the type of tea, there are other…

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…

What is Dried Deer Antler? Dried deer antler, as the name suggests, is deer antler that has been processed and dried. Deer antlers are harvested from male deer when they are still in their growing stage and are rich in nutrients and active components. Deer antler has long been considered a precious traditional Chinese medicine with various health benefits, such as boosting immunity, increasing energy, and promoting blood circulation. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Benefits and Effects of Dried Deer Antler Boosting Immunity Dried deer antler contains a variety of active ingredients, including amino acids, minerals, and peptides, which have significant effects on enhancing human immunity. Regularly drinking tea made from dried deer antler can help the body better resist various bacteria and viruses. Promoting Blood Circulation The nutrients in deer antler can effectively promote blood circulation and improve peripheral circulation issues, making it particularly beneficial for people with cold hands and feet or insufficient blood and qi. By brewing it into tea, the body can absorb these beneficial components more effectively. Enhancing Stamina and Energy Dried deer antler is rich in proteins and amino acids, essential nutrients for the body. Drinking tea made from dried deer antler can…

Hypertension is a common chronic disease that requires long-term management and control. In daily life, many people are seeking natural methods to help control their blood pressure. Chrysanthemum and goji berry tea is a beverage recommended by traditional Chinese medicine, and some believe it can be helpful for hypertension. So, is chrysanthemum and goji berry tea really beneficial for hypertension? Let's explore this in detail. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Benefits and Effects of Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. It is believed to have the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, as well as calming the liver and improving vision. Chrysanthemum contains rich flavonoids and volatile oils, which are thought to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antihypertensive effects. Modern research also indicates that the flavonoid substances in chrysanthemum help dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Additionally, chrysanthemum tea can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Benefits and Effects of Goji Berries Goji berries are a common Chinese medicinal herb widely used for nourishing the body. They are rich in various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, especially polysaccharides, which enhance the immune…

Depending on the type, age, and brewing vessel, the methods of brewing white tea vary. Let’s learn more! How to brew white tea for better taste Different Types, Different Brewing Methods: Gongmei or Shoumei are primarily made from tea leaves, with a coarse and rustic appearance. They have three remarkable qualities: their deep red and beautiful infusion, their rich and robust flavor, and their excellent health benefits. Therefore, when brewing white tea, boiling water can be used, and it can be steeped for a longer period to fully enjoy its best attributes. How to brew white tea for better taste Different Ages, Different Brewing Methods: New Tea Brewing Method: New teas tend to be tender, and the dry leaves look fresh and vibrant. It is best to use a shallow brewing method and pour out the water as quickly as possible to appreciate the pure beauty of new tea. How to brew white tea for better taste Old Tea Brewing Method: To enjoy aged white tea, a large-bellied purple clay teapot is ideal. Use water at 80 degrees Celsius and wait patiently for one and a half minutes before pouring out the infusion. If you can use Fuding spring water…

It is well known that drinking tea has many benefits for the human body. Tea can invigorate, relieve fatigue, aid digestion, quench thirst, and promote diuresis and de-swelling. In particular, green tea, Oolong tea are better than black tea, and they have anti-cancer properties. Tea can help regulate the body's acid-base balance and contains abundant Vitamin C, Vitamin E, carotene, niacin, potassium, calcium, selenium, fluoride, and other nutrients, all of which are beneficial to the human body, including the kidneys. However, some people point out that tea contains caffeine. A cup of tea generally has 30% to 50% of the caffeine found in a cup of coffee. Strong teas contain even more caffeine. It has been shown that caffeine can cause normal cells to become abnormal, potentially leading to cancer. Excessive consumption of strong tea can overexcite the nervous system, increase the burden on the heart and kidneys, stimulate the secretion of gastrin, potentially causing peptic ulcers, and tannic acid can easily bind with iron, reducing the absorption of iron, an essential component for hematopoiesis (blood formation). The timing of tea drinking is also important. One should not drink tea immediately after a meal; it is best to wait half…