I. Introduction White tea, one of China's traditional famous teas, is beloved by tea enthusiasts for its unique flavor and health benefits. However, within the world of white tea, there are misunderstandings and inaccuracies, with the belief that "white tea must turn red to indicate its age" being a typical misconception. Today, let's unravel this great falsehood and delve into the true mysteries of white tea. II. The Connection Between White Tea and Redness Red is a color of special significance in Chinese culture, symbolizing celebration, auspiciousness, and good fortune. It is ubiquitous in many important occasions. However, there should be no erroneous connection between white tea and redness. White tea has its own inherent characteristics and development path, which should not be arbitrarily linked to redness. III. The Normal Color of White Tea On the tea plant, fresh leaves of white tea are green due to chlorophyll content. After plucking and going through processes such as spreading out and withering, spring white tea remains green, albeit with a slightly darker hue, while autumn white tea exhibits a colorful appearance with green as the base. The main color of white tea is always green and will never suddenly become red…

Basic Introduction to Nepalese Black TeaDue to Nepal's proximity to the world-renowned black tea-producing region of Darjeeling, India, many Nepalese work in the tea gardens of Darjeeling. They have inherited the excellent tea-making techniques from Darjeeling, and as a result, the standard of black tea production in Nepal is also very high. The black tea here is a beverage that is very beneficial to health, providing freshness to both body and mind. Nutritional ValueBlack tea is rich in nutrients such as carotene, vitamin A, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, caffeine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, glutamic acid, alanine, and aspartic acid. During the fermentation process, the chemical reactions of polyphenols cause significant changes in the chemical composition of the fresh leaves. Components like theaflavins and thearubigins are produced, and the aroma becomes more pronounced than in the fresh leaves, forming the unique color, aroma, and flavor of black tea. Product CharacteristicsThe milk tea in Nepal is basically made with local black tea. The black tea is quite delicate, and the small wooden boxes used for storing the tea leaves are very exquisite and worth collecting. Tasting and Serving MethodsIt can be enjoyed plain or mixed.* Plain Drinking Method: Take a small amount of…

Basic Introduction to Longjing Tea of ShifengThe history of Longjing tea dates back to the Tang Dynasty in China. In the Qing Dynasty, it is said that Emperor Qianlong wrote a poem titled "Observing the Picking of Tea" while touring the Tianzhu area of the Longjing tea region in Hangzhou. The ranking of West Lake Longjing teas goes as follows: Lion’s Peak (Shifeng), Dragon Well (Longjing), Cloud's Rest (Yunxi), Tiger Run (Hupao), and Mei Home Valley (Meijiawu), with West Lake Longjing considered the best. Nutritional ValueCompared to other teas, Longjing tea contains higher levels of amino acids, catechins, chlorophyll, vitamin C, and other nutrients. It is effective for quenching thirst, refreshing the mind, aiding digestion, relieving irritability, and has anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties. Product CharacteristicsThe best Shifeng Longjing tea is not bright green but rather a natural, rough rice color with a tender yellow hue. This is a distinctive feature of Shifeng Longjing that sets it apart from other Longjing teas in terms of color. History and FolkloreLegend has it that when Emperor Qianlong traveled south, he visited the foot of Shifeng Mountain in Hangzhou and observed local women picking tea leaves as a gesture of understanding the common people.…

Basic Introduction to Wudang Dao TeaWudang Dao Tea is produced in the Wudang Mountains of Northwest Hubei, which are a world-famous Taoist holy site, one of the main origins of Chinese tea, and the core water source area for the central route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project. The tea gardens are mainly located in the high mountains at an altitude of 500m-1000m, with excellent ecological conditions and natural advantages. They are designated as a priority tea production area by the Ministry of Agriculture and are known for producing high-aromatic green tea and organic tea. The region has been honored with the titles of "China's Eco-Organic Tea Hometown" and "China's Dao Tea Culture Hometown," and it is a protected geographical indication product. Nutritional ValueFirstly, drinking tea can cure illnesses. In medical texts, tea is referred to as "Ming." It is said that most Taoists are knowledgeable about medicine, and they pay great attention to the medicinal value of Dao Tea. Throughout history, many Taoists have used tea to treat ailments in the mystical Wudang Mountains.Secondly, drinking tea promotes health and fitness. Tea can clear the mind, refresh the spirit, improve vision, and quench thirst. As a beverage, it has multiple…

Basic Introduction to Qishet TeaThe cultivation of QiShe tea has a long history and it has been highly regarded throughout history, with mentions in books such as "Xingyi Fu Zhi" and "Travels in Yunnan and Guizhou" (written by Chen Ding during the Qing Dynasty). Over time, QiShe tea has been favored for its unique flavor and exceptional durability when brewed. In recent years, the Xingyi Municipal Party Committee and Government have placed great importance on the development of the tea industry, treating it as an agricultural pillar industry and a project to enrich the people. A series of supportive policies and measures have been introduced, boosting the enthusiasm of tea farmers, leading to a total tea garden area of 79,000 mu. In Qishetown alone, the tea garden covers 24,500 mu. There are two provincial-level leading model enterprises, two model cooperatives, over 30 processing workshops, 13 established farmer professional cooperatives, one town-level association, one special industry joint branch, six newly constructed high-quality tea garden demonstration bases, and two clean tea factories with an annual production capacity of 200 tons. Three enterprises have obtained QS certification.After Xingyi City's QiShe tea and Qinglong County's Qinglong green tea received geographical indication protection as specialty…

In recent years, aged tea has gradually gained popularity, with more and more people starting to enjoy drinking it. So, which aged teas are good? What makes them so good? Let’s find the answers together! Aged White Tea — Effective for Reducing Fire and Inflammation As the saying goes, “one year as tea, three years as medicine, seven years as a treasure,” the unique smooth taste of aged white tea is unforgettable upon the first sip. Apart from its great taste, aged white tea also offers excellent health benefits. It is particularly effective in reducing fire and inflammation due to its ability to regulate cellular immune function, lower inflammatory factors, and enhance the body’s capacity to eliminate damaged factors. Experts conducted research on both new and aged white teas and found that the older the white tea, the better its anti-inflammatory effects. Aged Tieguanyin — Rich, Smooth, Clear, and Refreshing Aged Tieguanyin is a high-grade type of Tieguanyin tea. After being baked and cooled, it is sealed and stored in a stone-wood structured warehouse where it remains unaffected by extreme heat or cold. Through a series of chemical changes over time, aged Tieguanyin accumulates rich essences, resulting in an especially…

Drinking some fragrant teas in spring not only dispels the cold accumulated in the body during winter but also promotes the rise of yang energy. Teas with different formulas have various benefits, helping to relieve common spring discomforts such as heatiness, spring lethargy, and dry skin. Below are some recommended teas suitable for spring.Mint Honey Energizing TeaIngredients: 5-10g mint, honey to taste.Preparation: Wash the mint with cold water and place it in a teacup. Add an appropriate amount of hot water and steep for about 15 minutes. Once the tea cools down, add honey to taste and stir before drinking.Benefits: Mint has a unique fragrance that freshens the breath and helps alleviate headaches, red eyes, sore throat, and swollen gums caused by heatiness in spring. It can also help revitalize the mind. Honey can tonify the spleen and stomach and moisturize the intestines to relieve constipation.Ginseng Chrysanthemum Vitality TeaIngredients: 10g ginseng, 5 chrysanthemum flowers.Preparation: Clean the ginseng and cut it into small pieces (or use ginseng slices). Place the chrysanthemum and ginseng in a cup, pour hot water over them, and let them steep for 15 minutes before drinking.Benefits: Ginseng is known for replenishing vital energy, restoring pulse and preventing…

Basic Introduction to Suining Qingqianliu TeaSuining Qingqianliu Tea, a specialty of Suining County, Hunan Province, is a Chinese national geographical indication product. Qingqianliu is a tree species under national second-class protection and is one of the rare tree species that survived from the Quaternary glaciation, existing only in China. In Suining, Qingqianliu is commonly known as the “Money Tree,” growing in humid mountainous areas at elevations ranging from 500 to 2,500 meters. Suining’s Qingqianliu series of health teas, processed using unique techniques, have effects such as lowering “three highs” (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar) and are favored by consumers.Suining is located at the convergence of the Xuefeng Mountains and the Eighty-Li DaNanshan Mountains. Its climate is warm and humid with abundant rainfall and significant diurnal temperature differences, creating a superior natural environment for the production of Suining Qingqianliu Tea. During the spring tea production period, the area is often shrouded in mist, with over 100 days of fog annually. This unique climate satisfies the preference of Qingqianliu trees for diffused light and moisture. The fog reflects long-wave light from sunlight while allowing short-wave light to pass through, promoting the formation of amino acids and aromatic substances within…

Basic Introduction to Kaiyang Selenium-Rich Tea Kaiyang selenium-rich tea has a deep historical background. The South Tribute Tea of Kaiyang is produced in Nanlong Township, Kaiyang County. It was named as a royal tribute during the Qing Dynasty's Qianlong period and gained prominence during the Qianlong and Jiaqing periods, with a history spanning over 200 years. Nanlong Township is located in the southeastern part of Kaiyang County, 18.5 kilometers from the county center. The township covers an area of 125.24 square kilometers and comprises three administrative villages: Wengduo Village, Tankan Village, and Zhongqiao Village, with a total of 131 village groups. The total population is 18,889 people, of which 18,403 are agricultural residents, accounting for 97.4% of the total population. Multiple ethnic groups reside within the territory, including Han, Bouyei, Miao, and Shui. Nutritional Value 1. Selenium-rich tea helps reduce fat and prevent cardiovascular diseases. The relationship between tea drinking and weight loss is very close. As early as over two thousand years ago, the book "Shennong's Herbal Classic" mentioned the weight loss effect of tea: "Long-term consumption can calm the mind, invigorate qi... lighten the body and prevent aging." Modern scientific research and clinical trials have confirmed that drinking…

In the vast array of famous teas in China, Longjing tea stands out with its unique charm, captivating countless tea enthusiasts. Today, let's delve into the world of Longjing tea, exploring the millennia of history and cultural background behind it, experiencing the unique flavor of its origin and growing environment, appreciating the finesse and delicacy of its production techniques, and learning about tasting methods and skills. I. Longjing Tea: The Inheritance of a Thousand Years of History and Culture As a jewel among Chinese green teas, the history of Longjing tea can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty. Through the development of subsequent dynasties such as the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing, Longjing tea gradually became a renowned tea both at home and abroad. It is not only a calling card for Hangzhou but also an important carrier of Chinese culture. The name Longjing tea originates from its birthplace, Longjing Village. Here, mountains and water intertwine, shrouded in mist, providing a unique environment ideal for tea growth. On this magical land, Longjing tea coexists with nature, absorbing the essence of heaven and earth. Throughout its long history, Longjing tea has not only nourished the bodies and minds of countless…

Basic Introduction to Huangmei Chan TeaHuangmei Chan Tea is produced in the Purple Cloud Mountains, north of the Fourth Patriarch Temple and the Fifth Patriarch Temple, amidst fog and waterfalls. Huangmei has been a place of pilgrimage for Chinese and East Asian Buddhists since the early Tang Dynasty, as it is home to the Old Ancestor Temple built by the ancient Indian monk Baizhang. Surrounded by towering peaks, lush pines and bamboo, clear waters, and fresh air, all the tea gardens are located at an altitude of 800 to over 1,200 meters in the misty mountains, making them significant sources of tribute tea and Chan tea throughout history. In 747 AD, Lu Yu, the Sage of Tea during the mid-Tang Dynasty, visited the birthplace of Huangmei Chan Tea, examined local tea customs, and included his findings in his famous work, "The Classic of Tea: Chapter Eight - Origins," stating, "Tea from Huangmei grows in the mountain valleys of Qi Prefecture." The tea from Huangmei is of superior quality, with a rich and fragrant flavor, and has been a staple drink for Chan masters while meditating and entertaining guests. Therefore, it is named "Huangmei Chan Tea" as it originated from the…

Beautiful sunrise scenery at a tea garden at Sanjiang Dong Autonomous County, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 16, 2023. The tea terraces resembled giant shining steps, glowing under the autumn sun in late October. 【1】【2】【3】【4】【5】【6】【7】【8】

Ming-Qian tea and Yu-Qian tea are names given to different stages of spring tea in the Jiangnan tea region along the Yangtze River in China based on seasonal timing. "Ming-Qian tea" refers to tea harvested before the Qingming Festival, while "Yu-Qian tea" is harvested after Qingming but before Guyu. Ming-Qian tea is known for its fine and tender qualities, while Yu-Qian tea also boasts excellent quality. Teas harvested after Guyu but before Lixia tend to be coarser and of lower quality. Ming-Qian tea contains higher levels of amino acids compared to later harvests, while the content of tannins, which impart a bitter taste, is relatively lower. As a result, this tea has a fragrant and smooth flavor. Additionally, Ming-Qian tea is less likely to have been exposed to pesticides, especially early spring teas, which are among the best green teas of the year. For these reasons, many high-grade teas harvested before the Ming-Qian period are particularly favored by tea enthusiasts. How to Brew Ming-Qian Tea A glass cup is recommended for brewing, as it allows you to observe the graceful unfolding and movement of the green tea leaves in the water. First, use some boiling water to preheat the cup,…

 Previously, Cup of Tea recommended an article titled “Why Should You Stock Up on Tea When You’re Young?” Many tea enthusiasts had questions about how to store tea. So, Cup of Tea has done its homework and prepared this informative piece for you. It’s a common belief that even the finest tea becomes no different from ordinary tea if left for some time without being consumed. When buying tea at a shop, the more upscale the store, the more refrigerators you’ll find inside—a trend in line with improved living standards and increased awareness of food preservation. This approach appears advanced but overlooks its negative consequences. Firstly, people are hesitant to buy tea, always considering how much they can consume in a short period; after purchasing, they worry about storage. Secondly, it encourages the sale of tea that hasn’t been fully processed. Standard tea production aims to ensure the tea is stable in quality before it’s considered complete. Thirdly, it limits the potential for aging tea and reduces opportunities for consumers to enjoy aged teas. This segment of the market, which could account for one-third of sales, is thus diminished. Experienced tea makers often discuss storing new tea, considering how to…

Spring is the season of blossoms, and among them, the fragrance of tea stands out. The color, aroma, taste, and charm of spring tea can only be truly appreciated through tasting. Spring tea is the most beautiful encounter of the year, with each sip brimming with the freshness and fragrance of spring. The gift of spring – spring tea, the best of the year, brings you a rich flavor and abundant vitality. Spring tea, which captures the freshest essence of the year, is the finest of teas, allowing you to savor the delights of spring. The plan for the year is made in spring, and the finest tea is the spring tea, savoring the first whiff of spring's tea aroma. Spring tea is the perfect crystallization of time and nature, the most anticipated tea aroma feast of the year. Encounter spring tea, the purest taste of the year, and experience the bounty of nature. Savor spring tea and enjoy the most beautiful moments of the year, letting the tea aroma linger in your life. Spring tea, carrying the essence and blessings of spring, is the most precious treasure among teas. A cup of spring tea contains the richest nutrients of…

Tea ware is often referred to as the father of tea, for it carries the essence of a cup of tea. The word "China" itself also means porcelain, and the West came to know China through its porcelain. Early pottery, bronze wares, later porcelains, and teaware made from materials like purple clay and glass were all adapted to the social productivity levels and brewing methods of their times. The complete set of gold and silver tea ware unearthed from the Famen Temple’s underground palace from the Tang Dynasty is breathtaking (multiple types of tea ware can also be seen in the painting “Night Banquet in the Tang Palace”). During Emperor Huizong's reign, tea competitions included the use of tea ware as an essential element, and Jian bowls, necessary for the tea-whisking method, became popular. Three of the Jian bowls (also known as Tenmoku bowls) that were brought to Japan are now considered national treasures there. The five famous kilns that produced tea ware are also world-renowned. The evolution of tea ware is a vast topic, but at its core, it cannot be separated from three words: "ceramics, technology, culture." Today, we will explore the evolution of tea ware from two…

For many people, nothing beats greeting the morning with a nice cup of tea. Its refreshing, clean taste evokes a feeling of calmness and mindfulness. For more than four millennia, tea has delighted, inspired, and satisfied countless drinkers in all corners of the world. Olivia Yang, the author of The Art of Drinking Tea, said that “the Chinese are, without any doubt, the right people to understand everything about tea.” For thousands of years, the Chinese have practiced and maintained the art of tea cultivation, preparation, and consumption. As tea is deeply ingrained in Chinese culture, it is best to learn about it from them. Keep reading to know more about the utterly rich Chinese tea culture. Traditional Chinese Tea: The Basics There are several main types of Chinese tea, each one with distinct characteristics. Though all tea came from the same plant source - Camellia sinensis - they can be easily referred to as green tea, yellow tea, white tea, oolong tea, black tea, and dark tea. Here’s a brief description of each tea. Green Tea When you hear the word "tea," green tea is probably what first comes to your mind. After all, this is not just the oldest…

Baihua Tan is one of the representative production areas of the wild aroma type in Yiwu, located in the Yao Autonomous Township of Mengla County. The tea here is characterized by its robust quality, wild flavor, strong burst, and ample tea energy. Baihua Tan's Geographical Location Baihua Tan is situated in the Yao Autonomous Township of Mengla County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. The environment for producing Pu'er tea here is uniquely distinctive. It is located at the confluence of the Tongjing River, Bulong River, and Jinguang River, forming a special "tan" or pool. This area boasts dense primeval forests, high altitude, abundant water systems, and a favorable ecological environment, providing ideal conditions for the growth of ancient tea trees. The ancient tea trees grown in such an environment absorb the essence of nature, creating Pu'er tea with unique qualities and flavors. The Ancient Tea Garden in Baihua Tan The ancient tea garden in Baihua Tan is a place full of mystery and charm. Hidden deep within the mountains and forests, it is surrounded by lush vegetation, offering an excellent ecological environment. The ancient tea trees here are tall and sturdy, having endured the passage of time, demonstrating remarkable…

Moldy tea is harmful to health and should not be consumed, we all know this. However, sometimes tea enthusiasts express difficulty in distinguishing between moldy tea, "golden flowers," and "white frost." What are the differences between moldy tea, "golden flowers," and "white frost"? Moldy Tea Tea leaves that have gone moldy generally grow white fuzz and emit a musty smell. Severely moldy tea can become rotten and clump together, with green fuzz growing on top, and Pu'er tea may also develop black mold. However, some premium varieties such as Biluochun, Mao Feng, Yunwu tea, Dian Hong, Tuocha, Pu'er, and others, have white down on their leaves. This is due to the tea's tenderness and not the white fuzz that grows when tea has molded. According to Academician Chen Zongmao of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and researcher at the Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, tea becomes moldy due to contamination by Penicillium and Aspergillus, which can produce toxins like aflatoxin (classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization, it is an extremely toxic substance). Aflatoxin is heat-resistant and cannot be eliminated through high-temperature cooking.…

Basic Introduction to Baiya Qilan TeaBaiya Qilan Tea is a rare new variety of oolong tea successfully cultivated from local tea plant varieties by agricultural technicians from the Pinghe County Agricultural Bureau and Pengxi Village, Qiling Township, Fujian Province. It is a shrub type with medium-sized leaves. The new shoots are notably covered with white down, and the tree has a moderate growth habit with a semi-spreading canopy and relatively dense branching at a lower position. Winter buds sprout in late March, and the tea can be harvested from late April to early May. In Pinghe, there are about four rounds of shoots per year, with an effective growing period of 215-230 days. It has strong bud-forming ability and good tenderness retention. The processing of Baiya Qilan Tea is meticulous and sophisticated. Nutritional ValueThe newly cultivated Baiya Qilan Tea was approved as a provincial-level superior tea variety in 1996. The processing of Baiya Qilan Tea is highly meticulous, resulting in high-quality tea. The evaluation conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture's Tea Quality Inspection Center in the spring of 1996 concluded: "The tea has a firm and uniform appearance, dark green and lustrous; the liquor is orange-yellow, with a fresh and…