In the development of Tea culture, various tea ware emerged, among which the Yixing pot stands out. The longer a Yixing pot is used, the more lustrous and antique its color becomes. The tea brewed in it becomes richer and more fragrant. Even pouring boiling water into an empty pot will release a light tea aroma. Scientific analysis has shown that the Yixing pot preserves the original flavor of tea, allowing us to enjoy authentic tea with ease. This has created an inseparable bond between tea and the pot.
◎Green Tea with Yixing Pot
Green tea is an unfermented tea and the most produced type in China, accounting for around 70% of total tea production. It is also the oldest category of tea historically. The production of green tea in China is widespread, with provinces like Henan and Zhejiang being major producers.
The latest scientific research indicates that the natural components in green tea have unique effects in preventing aging, cancer, as well as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, surpassing those found in other types of tea.
Main varieties: Xinyang Maojian tea, West Lake Longjing tea, Biluochun, Huangshan Maofeng, Lushan Cloud Mist, Lu'an Guapian, Taiping Houkui, Guzhu purple Bamboo Shoots tea, Zhuyeqing, Enshi Yulu, Putuo Fotea.
The liquor of green tea is green and tender, and does not withstand infusing for long periods. Therefore, choose a Yixing pot that meets the following requirements:
Clay: All types of purple clay, green clay, red clay, etc., are suitable.
Pot shape: Large mouth and lid, the body should be short rather than tall.
Capacity: 250cc and above
◎Black Tea with Yixing Pot
Black tea is completely opposite to green tea, being a fully fermented tea (fermentation degree greater than 80%). The name black tea comes from its red liquor. During processing, chemical reactions occur, significantly altering the chemical composition of the fresh leaves. More than 90% of the tea polyphenols are reduced, and new components such as theaflavins and thearubigins are produced.
Black tea helps with digestion, appetite stimulation, diuresis, edema reduction, and strengthens cardiac function.
Main varieties: Qihong – produced in Anhui's Qimen, Zhide, and Jiangxi's Fuliang areas; dianhong – produced in Yunnan's Fohai and Shunning areas; Huohong – produced in Anhui's Lu'an and Huoshan areas; Suhong – produced in Jiangsu's Yixing; Chuanhong – produced in Sichuan's Yibin and Gaoxian areas; Wuhong – produced in Guangdong's Yingde areas.
The aroma of black tea is lingering and sweet, with a rich red liquor. Choose a Yixing pot with the following conditions:
Clay: Purple clay, red clay, and Jiaopan clay
Pot shape: Taller and narrower
Capacity: Above 200cc
◎Dark Tea with Yixing Pot
Dark tea is a post-fermented tea, unique to China, with a long history of production, primarily made into compressed teas. Dark tea is made through microbial fermentation, a process that dates back over 400 years. Due to the coarse nature of its raw materials and the extended fermentation period during manufacturing, the leaves often turn dark brown, hence the name “dark tea.”
Dark tea offers multiple benefits including dietary nutrition supplementation, aiding digestion, reducing fat, regulating the gut, lowering lipids, weight loss, softening blood vessels, preventing cardiovascular diseases, antioxidation, delaying aging, prolonging life, anticancer, antitumor, lowering blood pressure, improving carbohydrate metabolism, lowering blood sugar, diabetes prevention, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, diuretic detoxification, and reducing the harmful effects of smoking and alcohol.
Main varieties: Anhua dark tea, Hubei Laozhuan tea, Sichuan border tea, Guangxi Liubao loose tea, Yunnan Puer tea. Among these, Yunnan Puer tea has been renowned both at home and abroad for centuries.
The liquor of dark tea is strong and deep in color, so care should be taken when selecting a pot:
Clay: Purple clay (suitable for both raw and ripe Puer), green clay (suitable for raw Puer)
Pot shape: A pot with a larger belly is recommended because Puer tea is highly concentrated, and a larger belly can prevent the tea liquor from becoming too strong.
Capacity: Above 200cc