Both Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong and Jin Jun Mei are treasures among Wuyi rock teas, often referred to as the "Kings of Teas." Although they come from the same mountain range, differences in picking locations and production methods result in distinct flavor profiles. So, which one ranks higher? Let's explore this question today! Historical Background Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong, also known as "Gong Fu Xiao Zhong," is considered the ancestor of black teas, having gained fame as early as the Northern Song Dynasty. Its production method was created by Cai Xiang during the Song Dynasty and has been passed down for over a thousand years, with exceptional craftsmanship and outstanding quality. Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong is renowned for its distinctive smoky aroma and rich flavor, and it was once a tribute tea that brought in substantial foreign exchange when exported abroad. Jin Jun Mei is a newcomer that emerged around 2005. It uses the most tender tea buds from Mount Wuyi, carefully picked and processed into rare tea leaves that resemble eyebrows, with plump buds and a golden hue. Jin Jun Mei captures the essence of Wuyi rock teas, combining floral, fruity, and honey aromas with a sweet and full-bodied…

Black tea can nourish the stomach Tea leaves contain tea polyphenols which have astringent properties, and they can stimulate the stomach to some extent; this effect is stronger on an empty stomach. Thus, sometimes drinking tea on an empty stomach can cause discomfort. However, black tea is made through fermentation and roasting, during which tea polyphenols undergo enzymatic oxidation under the action of oxidase, reducing their content and consequently reducing the stimulation to the stomach. Not only does black tea not harm the stomach, but it can also nourish it. The oxidized products of tea polyphenols in black tea can promote digestion in the human body. Regularly drinking black tea with sugar and milk can reduce inflammation and protect the gastric mucosa, and it may even help in treating ulcers. However, it is not advisable to drink black tea when it has cooled down, as this affects its ability to nourish and warm the stomach and may decrease its nutritional value due to prolonged exposure. Black tea warms the body and combats the cold During autumn and winter, physiological functions decline, and yang energy weakens, increasing the need for energy and nutrients. Brewing a warm cup of black tea in…

Green tea is a widely popular beverage both domestically and internationally, known for its unique fragrance and fresh, refreshing taste. When brewing green tea, use water at an appropriate temperature — not too high — to fully release the aroma and flavor of the tea leaves. Additionally, do not steep the tea for too long to avoid bitterness from over-infusion. Drinking green tea in moderation not only provides a pleasant taste but also benefits health. How to Brew Green Tea Best To brew green tea best: 1) Warm the cup by placing the glass cup into a tea washer and pouring boiling water over it to clean and warm the cup; 2) Rinse the tea by adding 3-5g of green tea with a tea spoon into the glass cup and infusing it with water at 80-85°C, stirring the tea quickly and discarding the infusion after 3 seconds; 3) Steep the tea by continuing to pour hot water into the cup and waiting patiently for 1-2 minutes before drinking. 1) Warm the cup Before brewing green tea, place the glass cup into a tea washer and pour boiling water over it to clean and warm the cup. Alternatively, you can place…

On August 5th, Nannuoshan Mountain in Menghai County was shrouded in mist and filled with the aroma of tea. To further promote the tea culture of Xishuangbanna and allow tea enthusiasts to know and understand Pu'er tea, the Xishuangbanna Tea Association's prestigious "Twelve Famous Mountains Premium Tea Nannuoshan Tasting Center" officially commenced operations, showcasing the beauty of Chinese tea charm to the world. Tea lovers from all over the country gathered together to participate in a professional Pu'er tea tasting event. Experts introduced the traditional tasting steps of "observing the shape, smelling the aroma, savoring the taste, and examining the residue" in detail, and invited tea enthusiasts to taste Pu'er teas from the twelve famous mountains of Xishuangbanna, explaining their characteristics, flavors, and the local customs and cultures behind each cup, exploring the joys of tea culture together. On that day, the head of the Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences Tea Research Institute gave a keynote speech on how to promote the local tea industry and enhance the influence of tea culture. The person in charge of the Xishuangbanna Tea Association detailed the preparation process, core philosophy, and future plans for the Nannuoshan Tasting Center, emphasizing the principles of "inheritance,…

As one of the top ten famous teas in China, Baihao Yinzhen is not only well-known but also enjoyed by many tea enthusiasts. However, do you know the story and origin of Baihao Yinzhen? Legend has it that long ago, there was a prolonged drought in the region around Zhenghe, leading to an outbreak of plague with countless sick and dead. On Donggong Mountain, shrouded in clouds and mist, there was a dragon well, beside which grew some miraculous herbs. The juice squeezed from these herbs could cure all diseases; if dropped into rivers or fields, water would surge forth. Therefore, to save their fellow villagers, someone had to obtain these miraculous herbs. At the time, many brave young men set out to find the miraculous herbs but never returned. A family with three siblings lived nearby. The eldest brother’s name was Zhigang, the second brother was Zhicheng, and the youngest sister was Zhiyu. They decided that the eldest brother would go first to search for the miraculous herbs. If he did not return, the second brother would go next, and if he too failed to come back, then the sister would continue the search. One day, before setting out,…

Liubao tea, Anhua dark tea, raw Pu'er tea, ripe Pu'er tea, and Fuding white tea can be stored for a long time. These teas are post-fermented or aged over time. They contain abundant pectin, sugars, amino acids, etc., and require time for enzymatic reactions. As they age, their aroma becomes richer, making them suitable for long-term storage. Which Teas Are Suitable for Long-Term Storage? 1. White Tea White tea is often referred to as "a one-year tea, three-year medicine, seven-year treasure." Storing white tea helps transform its fresh, sweet flavor, increasing its sweetness and developing aromas like jujube and medicinal herbs, with a clear, sweet taste. White tea aged for more than three years has a gentler nature, making it very suitable for people with weaker spleen and stomachs to drink. 2. Pu'er Tea Both raw and ripe Pu'er tea can be stored for a long time, but raw tea has greater storage value. Stored in different environments, Pu'er tea undergoes changes in different directions, which is extremely intriguing. The longer the storage time, the richer the layers of taste and the stronger the flavor. 3. Dark Tea Storing dark tea benefits the further transformation by beneficial bacteria, making the…

The role of tea in lipid-lowering and fat reduction Has always been a hot topic for research, Especially regarding the study of Pu'er tea that has undergone special fermentation processes, Which has attracted widespread attention. Can drinking Pu'er tea really Play a role in lowering lipids and reducing fat? The answer is yes. So how does it work? Let's explore together with Xiao Xin How Pu'er tea exerts its lipid-lowering and fat-reducing effects. Note: Most studies on the lipid-lowering and fat-reducing effects of Pu'er tea have been conducted on rodents (rats and mice) and cell lines, with fewer systematic studies on live animals and clinical trials. By using animal experiments to verify the lipid-lowering and weight-loss effects of Pu'er tea and studying the main active components and chemical principles in Pu'er tea that contribute to these effects, we arrive at the following conclusions: Pu'er tea has a preventive effect against obesity -Conclusion One- Pu'er ripe tea shows better prevention of obesity than Pu'er raw tea made from the same raw materials; The length of storage time Is positively correlated with the effectiveness of Pu'er tea; The preventive effect of Pu'er tea against obesity exhibits a dose-response relationship. Pu'er tea has…

Tea brewing can be simple or complex, and in daily life, we often opt for simplicity. In everyday settings like home or the office, we often want a good cup of tea that is both convenient and quick. Today, I will share with you a method of brewing tea in a cup to enjoy a great cup of tea in just one minute—the cup brewing method. Cup Brewing Method The cup brewing method is commonly used in daily life due to its simplicity. Simply add an appropriate amount of tea leaves and pour in hot water, let it steep for a certain period, and then you can drink directly from the cup. If using a transparent glass cup, you can clearly see the elegant appearance of the tea leaves in the water. While the cup brewing method seems simple, to quickly brew a cup of tea with good taste and temperature, you can use a two-step brewing method with "hot water + room temperature water" and pay attention to the following points: Firstly, the ratio of tea to water. Taking Dafolongjing tea as an example, when using a straight cylindrical glass cup with a capacity of 200 mL, generally, a…

The expired tea should not be consumed. Tea is a common beverage in daily life, made by processing fresh leaves of the tea plant through various procedures to create semi-finished or finished products. Tea generally has a shelf life, and it is recommended to discard the tea once it exceeds this period, rather than consuming it. How long is the shelf life of tea exactly? Based on factors such as the raw materials and production techniques, Chinese teas can be categorized into six major types, each with varying shelf lives. 1. Green tea, being the most prominent among the six categories, enjoys widespread popularity in China. As an unfermented tea, under normal circumstances, green tea has a shelf life of around 18 months. People tend to enjoy green tea for its freshness and brisk taste, so it is best not to store it for too long, as doing so would diminish its flavor significantly. Yellow tea, which undergoes an additional “yellowing” process compared to green tea, is a slightly fermented tea, and its shelf life is similar to that of green tea. 2. Black tea, a fully fermented tea, does not require further aging after fermentation, thus it also has…

The Spring Festival is over. I wonder how all you tea enthusiasts spent your holidays? I bet you enjoyed a lot of great food and drinks. However, during the Spring Festival, indulging in feasts, staying up all night, and other activities might have put quite a strain on your body. If you learn to brew some health-promoting teas, they can help you better adjust after the holiday period. Therefore, that first cup of tea after the festival is very important for us. 01 Say Goodbye to Gastrointestinal Stress Pu'er tea has the effects of nourishing the stomach, regulating the intestines, clearing turbidity, and removing greasiness. Mature Pu'er tea or aged raw tea has a relatively mild nature, which can nourish and protect the stomach, especially for people with stomach problems. After the three festivals, consuming a large amount of high-calorie foods can lead to indigestion. At this time, it's even more important to take care of your stomach. 02 Banish Spring Drowsiness and Fatigue Spring is a good season for health preservation. During spring, people often drink more floral teas, which can help improve physical fitness and enhance the constitution. If one takes good care of their body in spring,…

Manxiu Village is one of the "Seven Villages and Eight Hamlets" in Yi Wu. It is located just 3 kilometers away from Yi Wu Town and is a village with a high concentration of ancient tea trees. Manxiu, Luoshuidong, and Mahēi are situated along the ancient route used for transporting tea from Yi Wu to Pu'er. These areas are significant for growing, producing, and processing tea in Yi Wu. When Yi Wu Town was thriving, Manxiu Village also became home to a famous tea brand, Tai Lai Xiang. This was established by Huang Weizhong, a native of Yi Wu. The Huang family frequently traveled between Southeast Asia and Hong Kong, collecting tea from the Six Great Tea Mountains while simultaneously shipping Pu'er tea to various destinations. The tea-making process in Manxiu Village still adheres to traditional methods. The tea here has dark and glossy strands, a golden infusion color, no bitterness, only slight astringency, a high fragrance, a rapid and lasting aftertaste, continuous salivation, and embodies the aromatic characteristics typical of Yi Wu teas.

Compared to Pu'er tea, black tea is less variable in flavor. For newcomers to the world of tea, how should they choose among different types and grades of black teas? The rule that you get what you pay for doesn't always hold true. For instance, when drinking Zhengshan Xiaozhong, one might find that the cheaper varieties are sweeter than the more expensive ones. In the case of Qimen, despite its high price, it may not be as fragrant as legend suggests. How can these differences be distinguished? Today, we will discuss some of the most prominent black teas: Zhengshan Xiaozhong, Yunnan Black, and Qimen. "Sweet Aroma" of Xiaozhong Xiaozhong is the sweetest and most fragrant, with a substantial body. It's also an excellent choice for beginners. Judging by price, the cheaper varieties tend to be heavier and more complex in taste, while the more expensive ones are smoother and softer. Newcomers may not immediately appreciate this difference, as they often prefer the direct sweetness of the cheaper Xiaozhong. If you haven't tried Zhengshan Xiaozhong, you're probably not yet initiated into the world of tea. This group includes many who are just starting or have recently started their journey. They may…

Basic Introduction to Taihu Emerald Bamboo TeaTaihu Emerald Bamboo Tea is mainly produced in the mountainous areas of Bashi Town, Xuelang Town's Xiaoyang Forest Farm, Outang Town's July First Forest Farm, Zhangjing Tea and Forest Farm, Chajiao Dongjiao Forest Farm, and Hu Dai Liu Tang Tea Farm in Wuxi City. This region is located in the famous Dou Mountain area, which is said to be the birthplace of Emperor Shun’s advocacy for "harmony between heaven and earth, co-prosperity of all things." It was also an ancient ecological protection area during the Qing Dynasty in the 18th century when "fishing and hunting were banned, and mountain development prohibited." Here, Mount Dou stands majestically, extending for several miles, with a humid climate and a tranquil environment far from towns and cities. It is a natural ecological reserve in Jiangsu Province, an excellent place for tea production, and the birthplace of the famous "Taihu Emerald Bamboo" tea, possessing ecological advantages. Product CharacteristicsThe unique style of this tea has a flat shape resembling bamboo leaves, with a lustrous emerald green color. Its inner quality features a fresh and mellow taste, a clear and lasting fragrance, a clear and bright infusion, and evenly tender green…

This year, due to widespread cold snaps and wintry weather, some tea gardens in the Huangshan District experienced low-temperature frost damage. To ensure that spring tea production is not affected, recently, Professor Li Yecloud of Tea Science from Anhui Agricultural University and experts from the South Anhui Comprehensive Experimental Station visited tea gardens in the Huangshan District to provide on-site guidance for spring tea production. With less than a month until the start of spring tea harvesting, it's a critical period for spring tea management. In the high mountain tea garden in Longyuan Village, Longmen Township, Huangshan District, Professor Li Yecloud of Tea Science from Anhui Agricultural University and his team are discussing the situation of spring tea production with local tea farmers and offering targeted advice. "The pruning was too severe; generally, we suggest leaving a base." After on-site observation, Professor Li found that some tea plants had been over-pruned, and some leaves were showing red-yellow discoloration. Professor Li Yecloud, School of Tea and Food Science & Technology, Anhui Agricultural University: After checking along the way, I feel that the tea gardens in the Huangshan District, due to relatively high management standards earlier, suffered only minor frost damage. Only…

 One, what is Aroma-rich Tieguanyin? Aroma-rich Tieguanyin is traditionally semi-fermented Anxi Tieguanyin tea, suitable for seasoned tea enthusiasts due to its robust flavor. The leaves have a coloring that appears dark and slightly yellowish behind the green tea leaves. The taste of Aroma-rich Tieguanyin is rich and fragrant with a strong aftertaste. It is made by roasting traditional tea processing methods and further baking. Aroma-rich Tieguanyin has the characteristics of being "aromatic, rich, mellow, and sweet," with a dark color, golden broth, pure fragrance, and a heavy taste. Compared to the fresh aroma type, Aroma-rich Tieguanyin is warmer in nature and has effects such as quenching thirst, stimulating saliva production, tonifying the spleen, and warming the stomach. Two, Grade Differentiation Three, Common Misconceptions When Purchasing Compared to the fresh aroma type, the main advantages of Aroma-rich Tieguanyin include easier storage without the need for refrigeration like the fresh aroma type; due to its full fermentation, there are more stomach-warming substances such as theaflavins and thearubigins, making it better at soothing the stomach and nourishing the intestines, especially suitable for drinking in winter and other low-temperature environments; it satisfies the diverse market demands for Tieguanyin.

Pu'er tea is a specialty of Yunnan Province, made from sun-dried large-leaf tea from Yunnan and processed through specific fermentation methods. Pu'er tea boasts a unique aged aroma and rich flavor, earning it the title "King of Teas." The Brewing Method for Pu'er Tea: Teaware: Choose ceramic or glass teaware, with a transparent glass cup or a lidded bowl being ideal. Water: Use purified water or soft water, with a temperature controlled around 90°C (194°F). Amount of Tea: Generally, use 3-5 grams of tea, adjusting according to personal taste. Brewing Time: The first infusion is typically around 30 seconds, with each subsequent infusion increasing by about 30 seconds, not exceeding 3 minutes. Tasting: The tea liquor of Pu'er tea is orange-yellow and thick, with a sharp and lasting fragrance. It has a rich and mellow taste and can be steeped many times. The Benefits of Pu'er Tea: Weight Loss: Pu'er tea contains abundant polyphenols and caffeine, which can help break down fat and achieve weight loss. Lowering Lipid Levels: The polyphenols and amino acids in Pu'er tea can lower cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, aiding in lowering lipid levels. Stomach Protection: The caffeine and polyphenols in Pu'er tea can…

Many people enjoy savoring tea during their leisure time. There are many types of tea, among which Pu'er tea is a relatively popular one. Pu'er tea has a unique aroma and a sweet and mellow taste, making it a healthful tea suitable for all ages. So how should Pu'er tea be drunk? How to Brew Pu'er Tea The brewing of Pu'er tea can vary depending on the age of the tea, whether it's raw or ripe, the choice of vessel, water temperature, and amount of tea used. Generally, Pu'er tea is brewed with boiling water at 95 to 100°C to bring out its aroma and flavor. Start by breaking off about 7 grams of tea, then warm the cups and teapot. Rinse the Pu'er tea once or twice, pouring in boiling water and immediately discarding it. During actual brewing, the first few infusions should be quick, with the brewing time gradually increasing as the number of infusions increases. When the tea becomes lighter, you can allow it to steep longer. When to Drink Pu'er Tea Pu'er tea is a healthy beverage that can generally be consumed at any time. If you're particular about drinking it for health benefits, ripe Pu'er…

The mesh size of the purple clay used in Jianshui pottery is much higher than that of other types of ceramics, usually over 200 mesh and can even reach over 300 mesh. Works made from such finely textured clay have many distinctive features in both craftsmanship and finished products. The foundation of unglazed polishing is fine clay. If the clay has a low mesh size or a grainy feel, it is unsuitable for unglazed polishing. The clay used in Jianshui pottery exceeds 200 mesh and is as fine as ointment. Those who have handled Jianshui purple pottery can personally experience the feeling of touching the surface of a clay pot, which is smooth like jade with no graininess at all. This is why Jianshui pottery can be polished to a luster as smooth as jade and even shiny enough to reflect light. Fine clay offers greater plasticity. Carving and filling on wet clay while preserving the essence of calligraphy and painting is one of the most unique aspects of Jianshui purple pottery. The reason why it's possible to paint, engrave patterns, and fill the clay (multiple times) on wet clay without damaging the body and achieve a high degree of…

According to Hainan Duty-Free, with the summer vacation and the traditional Qixi Festival coinciding, Hainan Duty-Free has joined hands with Hainan Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Royal Tea, Hainan Wildlife Park, and other businesses from various sectors to plan and launch the “Joyful Takeoff, Cute Pets in Summer” theme event, injecting more vitality and excitement into the duty-free market during the summer. Customers shopping at Hainan Duty-Free. Photo provided by Hainan Duty-Free. As the “Golden Brand” of Hainan’s Free Trade Port, offshore duty-free shopping has become a must-visit destination for tourists visiting Hainan. To further attract off-island visitors, during this summer vacation, Hainan Duty-Free has teamed up with Hainan Airlines and China Southern Airlines to launch the “Use Your Air Ticket as Money” campaign, effectively linking the aviation and duty-free industries. Customers can redeem a 50 RMB discount voucher at Hainan Duty-Free stores using their Hainan Airlines or China Southern Airlines tickets. This promotion will continue until the end of 2024, and travelers can also enjoy special offers from the airlines when they visit the store. Since its launch, the “Use Your Air Ticket as Money” campaign has been well-received by tourists and customers alike. "This initiative adds value to our…

Green tea, yellow tea, and oolong tea should be stored in the refrigerator’s chill compartment, with an ideal temperature range of 0 to 5°C. They should not be frozen, as this can cause moisture to freeze and condense on the surface of the tea packaging, increasing the risk of dampness. On the other hand, dark tea (pu'er) and white tea have aging value and are best stored at room temperature in a dry place; they do not require refrigeration. Storing Tea: Refrigeration or Freezing 1. Store tea in the refrigerator’s chill compartment. A storage temperature around 10 degrees Celsius is preferable, but if it can be maintained between 0 and 5 degrees Celsius, the storage effect will be even better. 2. Tea has a strong tendency to absorb moisture and odors. When storing tea in the refrigerator, make sure the tea is well-sealed and that there are no strong odors in the fridge. Seal the tea tightly before placing it in the refrigerator. Additionally, do not store the tea alongside items with strong odors to avoid contamination. 3. After removing chilled tea from the refrigerator for use, reseal it promptly to prevent it from absorbing moisture from the air, which…

White tea has three sisters: Silver Needle, White Peony, and Long Life Eyebrow. A single bud with one, two, or three leaves is White Peony.Among the three, White Peony doesn’t seem to stand out. If we talk about beauty, Silver Needle may be more delicate, its buds are pleasing to the eye. In terms of aroma intensity, each sister has its own strengths. When it comes to value for money, Long Life Eyebrow is more practical and a preferred choice for regular tea drinkers.However, after chatting with many people, I found that many have a special fondness for White Peony. Why the partiality for White Peony?01 Appearance, Beauty Like a FlowerThe buds are slender and plump, covered densely with white down on both the buds and the backs of the leaves, as if draped in a thick white fleece. It has short tender stems that are not prominent. Its shape resembles flowers, earning it the name "Flower Fairy" for its beauty comparable to Xishi and Diaochan.The underside of the leaves reveals the downy buds, green on top and white underneath, which the locals call "Green Sky White Ground." There are differences in color between the leaf surface and veins, presenting…

Some tea enthusiasts pay meticulous attention to selecting the right ingredients and ensuring high-quality tea, often going to great lengths. However, when it comes to storing the tea, they tend to be rather casual. They might simply seal their purchased tea in a plastic bag, thinking that everything is taken care of. Little do they know that for Pu'er tea, such an approach can be somewhat misplaced. It's important to understand that to awaken the third life of Pu'er tea, choosing the right tea is just the first step. Equally crucial is properly storing the tea and doing so correctly. Should Pu'er tea be sealed in a plastic bag for storage? 1. Pu'er tea should not be stored in a plastic bag, as Pu'er tea is a post-fermentation tea that needs to be kept in a breathable container or bag to continue its aging process. A sealed environment like a plastic bag would inhibit the activity of enzymes in the tea, preventing the desired transformation of the Pu'er tea. 2. Therefore, it is common to store Pu'er tea in Yixing clay pots or earthenware jars. These materials have excellent breathability, allowing whole tea cakes or opened cakes to be stored…

In summer, stepping into the tea garden in A Luo Village, Mengnong Township, Mojiang County, rows and ridges of tea trees spread across the mountainside under the veil of mist. After a heavy rain, the tea garden appears freshly washed, filled with lush greenery, a sight to behold. Strolling through the garden, breathing in the fresh air, it feels like being in a earthly paradise. Source: Mojiang Release Authors: Chai Jing, Pu Sunyan, Zhang Jumei. Information is valuable when shared; please contact us for removal if there are any copyright issues.

Green tea is the most produced and sold among the six major types of Chinese tea, and it is also the most well-known. In the selection of China's top ten famous teas in 1959, more than half were green teas, such as West Lake Longjing, Jiangsu Biluochun, Huangshan Maofeng, Liuan Guapian, etc. Previously, Your Dao Jun has published some articles discussing green tea, which sparked a lot of interest from tea enthusiasts. However, how to brew a delicious cup of green tea still leaves many people feeling confused. Today, we will introduce some key points about brewing green tea. The brewing methods of green tea are as follows: Top Pour Method: Fill the teacup with hot water all at once, then add the tea leaves when the water temperature is appropriate. This method is suitable for extremely tender stir-fried green teas and tender oven-dried green teas. Middle Pour Method: Add the tea leaves first, then pour in one-third of the hot water. Once the tea leaves have absorbed enough water and unfurled, fill the cup with hot water. This method is suitable for slightly tender but loose or tightly compacted ordinary green teas. Bottom Pour Method: Add the tea leaves…