Chinese Tea

Basic Introduction to West Lake LongjingWest Lake Longjing, named after the Longjing tea area in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. It is one of China's Top Ten Famous Teas. If we compare West Lake to the beauty Xi Shi, then the best tea is like a beautiful lady. Longjing is both a place name, a spring name, and a tea name. The tea is characterized by "four unique qualities": green color, rich aroma, mellow taste, and beautiful shape. Top-grade West Lake Longjing is flat, smooth, and straight, with a tender green luster, fresh and high aroma, fresh and sweet taste, and delicate leaves that resemble flowers. Pre-Qingming Longjing, picked before the Qingming Festival, is also known as "Daughter Red." "The courtyards outside laugh at the wind and lotus; pre-Qingming Longjing is like daughter red." This poetic sentence vividly captures the essence of West Lake Longjing. It combines famous mountains, temples, lakes, springs, and tea, and drinking a cup of Longjing reveals the unique and remarkable tea culture of Longjing.The West Lake Longjing is grown in the hills around Lion Peak, Wengjiashan, Hupao, Meijiawu, Yunqi, and Lingyin in Hangzhou, Zhejiang. Here, the climate is mild, with abundant rainfall and diffuse light. The…

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 Tianhua GuyanTianhua Guyan is a top-notch brand product, produced in the deep mountainous areas of Taihu County. It is made from high-quality raw materials using exquisite processing techniques and was created under the personal guidance of Professor Chen Yuan, a renowned tea science expert in China.Taihu County is located in the southwestern hilly and low mountainous area of Anhui Province, with higher terrain in the northwest and lower in the southeast. To the northwest of the county seat are the undulating peaks of the Dabie Mountains, with more than 16 mountains above 800 meters in altitude, including General Mountain, Tong Mountain, Mountain Peak Fort, Six Provinces Slope, Tianhua Peak, and Furong Fort, among which General Mountain is the highest at 1,109 meters, serving as a natural barrier between Anhui and Hubei provinces. Except for the picturesque Xiangming Mountain and the beautiful Pohu Lake in the southeast, most of the area consists of alternating hills and plains. The total mountainous area of the county is 1,242.41 square kilometers, accounting for 61.18%; the hilly area is 490.27 square kilometers, accounting for 24.14%; and the plain area is 77.37 square kilometers, accounting for 3.83%, making it suitable for tea tree…

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…

Basic Introduction to Ancha of QimenAncha is a compressed tea that undergoes post-fermentation, falling somewhere between black and green teas. It is a historically renowned tea belonging to the category of dark teas. Its creation dates back to the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, produced primarily in the southwestern regions of Luxi and Rongkou in Qimen County; production ceased during World War II but was revived in the 1980s. The finished product has a dark color, a rich and slightly red infusion, and an aroma with a hint of astringency. It is sold domestically in Guangdong and Hong Kong, and exported to Southeast Asian countries, earning it the title of "Holy Tea."The county of Qimen is located in a mountainous, rainy region of southern Anhui, characterized by a subtropical monsoon climate of the northern subtropics. Its main features include a mild climate, limited sunshine, abundant rainfall, and distinct seasons. Low mountains cover 700,200 acres, or 21.3% of the total land area. These low mountains are mainly distributed on the outskirts of mid-mountain areas, spanning all towns across the county. The slopes are relatively gentle, typically ranging from 20° to 35°. There are secondary forests and plantations scattered throughout, and…

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…

Basic Introduction to Guzhang Maojian Guzhang Maojian, a type of green tea and a renowned tea from ancient times, is named after its place of origin, Guzhang County in the Wuling Mountains of Hunan Province. The county features towering mountains, deep valleys, dense forests, a network of streams, and beautiful landscapes. Among the lush mountains, besides vast cedar forests, there are also the evergreen trees like Dianxia and Red Torreya, ornamental trees like Bailing and Davidia, as well as economic forests like oil trees, tea plants, and nutmeg, which add charm and scenery to this forested region. Nutritional Value Enhancing Health Guzhang Maojian contains rich proteins, amino acids, alkaloids, tea polyphenols, sugars, organic acids, and water-soluble minerals. It has functions such as quenching thirst, clearing the mind and brightening the eyes, refreshing the spirit, removing greasy food, inhibiting arteriosclerosis, preventing cancer, treating scurvy, and protecting against radiation. Drinking Guzhang Maojian regularly can lower blood pressure. The caffeine and catechins in tea can relax the walls of blood vessels and increase their effective diameter, maintaining certain elasticity in the vessel walls and eliminating spasms in the arteries. The amino acid GABA in Guzhang tea has a more significant effect on relaxing…

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…

Basic Introduction to Yutian Desert RoseRose buds from Hotan, Xinjiang, are primarily produced in Yutian, on the southern edge of the Taklamakan Desert. These are the best and most fragrant roses in China! The rose flower tea is made from naturally air-dried unopened rose buds with no additives or pollution, making it a pure, natural organic herbal tea. It's a holy product for beautifying your complexion, slimming down, calming your mind, regulating menstruation, and more! Nutritional ValueThe flavor of rose flower tea is elegantly fragrant and can help soothe emotions and relieve depression. It can improve hormonal imbalances, relieve backaches and pains, eliminate fatigue, and aid in wound healing. This tea nourishes the complexion, promotes skincare and beauty, invigorates the blood, protects the liver, and helps digestion. It also has the function of relieving fatigue and promoting blood circulation. It can treat chronic gastritis and hepatitis. The tea helps in soothing the liver, resolving stagnation, strengthening the spleen, reducing internal heat, and dispersing blood stasis. It can treat cold abdominal pain, gastric chills, regulate blood flow and qi, calm the mind, relieve constipation, and reduce internal heat. It can regulate blood flow and qi, and is most suitable for those…

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…

Basic Introduction to Shitai Xiangya "Shitai Xiangya" is the public brand of green tea from Shitai County, with a total tea garden area of 80,000 mu and an output of around 2,500 tons. Nutritional Value Green tea helps delay aging. Tea polyphenols have strong antioxidant properties and physiological activity, making them scavengers of free radicals in the human body. Research has shown that 1 milligram of tea polyphenol can eliminate harmful excess free radicals in the human body as effectively as 9 micrograms of superoxide dismutase, far surpassing other similar substances. Tea polyphenols can interrupt lipid peroxidation reactions and clear active enzymes. According to the test results of Dr. Akeda Takayuki of Japan, the anti-aging effect of tea polyphenols is 18 times stronger than that of vitamin E. Green tea helps suppress cardiovascular diseases. Tea polyphenols play a significant role in human fat metabolism. High levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the body lead to fatty deposits on the inner walls of blood vessels and the proliferation of smooth muscle cells, forming atherosclerotic plaques and other cardiovascular diseases. Green tea contains potent antioxidants and vitamin C, which not only clear free radicals in the body but also secrete hormones that…

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…

Basic Introduction to Hua JuhongHua Juhong, also known as Huajuhong, is referred to as the "Southern Ginseng" and is a specialty of Huazhou City, Maoming, Guangdong Province. In China's Ming and Qing dynasties, it was listed as an imperial tribute item, enjoyed exclusively by high-ranking officials. This herb comes from the outer dried peel of immature or nearly mature fruit of the Citrus grandis (Huazhou variety) or Citrus maxima, with the former commonly known as "Mao Juhong" and the latter as "Guang Qi Zha" or "Guang Wu Zha." Hua Juhong is a type of traditional Chinese medicine produced in Huazhou City, Maoming, Guangdong Province, which thrives in warm and humid conditions. Its fruit, when steeped in water, can help alleviate coughs and expel phlegm. It is a common ingredient in various cough-relieving and phlegm-reducing Chinese patent medicines; it is also frequently exported abroad. Hua Juhong from its native Huazhou is considered the finest due to the natural soil minerals and climate conditions. Once reserved for the imperial court, it is now available to the public. In December 2006, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine approved geographical indication product protection for Hua Juhong. Nutritional ValueThe pulp contains a…

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…

In the vast river of tea culture, Pu'er tea stands out with its unique flavor, long history, and profound cultural heritage, becoming a shining gem in China and the world's tea community. Menghai is one of the original birthplaces and core production areas of Pu'er tea, where its unparalleled natural environment has nurtured countless premium teas that are highly sought after. The "Menghai Tea Stories" column will provide insights into various aspects of Pu'er tea, including its historical and regional cultures, processing techniques, brand development, trade, ethnic tea culture, health benefits, tasting culture, spiritual significance, and Menghai's own tea culture construction. We will take you on a journey through the history of Pu'er tea, reveal the complex and meticulous tea-making process from fresh leaf picking to initial processing and final refinement, and analyze the flavor differences and collection value of Pu'er teas from different years and regions... helping you become an expert in the Pu'er tea field. Let us embark together on a unique exploration of Pu'er tea. ## A. Smell the Aroma ### Basic Procedure for Smelling Aroma To smell the aroma, hold the cup containing the tea liquor with one hand and lift the lid with the other.…