Origins of Tea-Infused Coffee Tea-infused coffee originated in Asia, particularly in Korea and China. Both beverages have a long history and deep cultural roots in the region. Tea has been enjoyed in China for thousands of years, while coffee, although introduced later, has rapidly gained popularity over the past few decades. The idea of combining the two likely stemmed from a desire to explore new flavors and innovate on tradition. (Image source: Internet, delete upon request) How to Make Tea-Infused Coffee Making tea-infused coffee is not complicated and can be easily tried at home. Here’s a simple recipe: Prepare Ingredients: You will need high-quality tea leaves (such as green or black tea), fresh coffee beans, hot water, milk (optional), and sweetener (such as sugar or honey). Brew the Tea: First, brew the tea with hot water. The temperature and brewing time depend on the type of tea, typically around 80°C for green tea and 95°C for black tea. Once brewed, strain the tea. Brew the Coffee: Brew a strong cup of coffee using a French press or drip coffee maker. Adjust the strength according to your taste. Combine: Mix the brewed tea and coffee in a 1:1 ratio. If desired,…

After the summer solstice, the weather becomes increasingly hot, and in the southern regions with persistent heavy rainfall, humidity is high, making it feel particularly muggy. Many people believe that when the weather gets hotter, they should drink more cold beverages to cool down, and they can’t help but consume more iced drinks and chilled foods. However, during the scorching summer months, drinking cold beverages for cooling down is only a temporary solution and excessive consumption of cold items may actually be detrimental to health. On the contrary, the hotter the weather, the more appropriate it is to drink something warm. The Hotter the Weather, the More Refreshing Hot Tea Is In hot weather, the body temperature is elevated, and drinking cold or icy water suddenly is like pouring water on a fire; it can achieve the purpose of “extinguishing the flames and lowering the temperature” in the short term, but the fire is likely to die out quickly. Lutong’s "Poem of Seven Bowls of Tea" states: One bowl moistens throat and lips. Two bowls dispel loneliness and melancholy. Three bowls clear the mind, with five thousand scrolls of text swirling within. Four bowls induce a light sweat, dissipating all…

It is well-known that drinking tea is beneficial for health, especially if one persists in the habit over a long period. The key to using tea for health preservation lies in grasping the best time to drink it. Drinking the right tea at the right time can produce twice the effect with half the effort. What is the best time to drink tea? Morning Tea In the morning, after a whole night's rest, the body has lost a significant amount of water, and the concentration of the blood increases. Drinking a cup of light tea not only replenishes the body's need for water quickly but also cleanses the intestines and stomach. It can lower blood pressure, dilute the blood, benefit health, and prevent and treat constipation. However, note that in the morning, do not drink strong tea; it should be lighter than usual. What to Drink in the Morning It is better to drink black tea in the morning as black tea can promote circulation in the body, dispel coldness from the body, and ensure adequate blood supply to the brain. After breakfast every day, you can drink a cup of black tea, possibly with milk. Note that you must…

This year's first typhoon with a real presence has finally arrived, and for those living by the coast, it brings a refreshing respite amidst the raging storm. On such an occasion, enjoying tea while watching the rain is a fine choice. Let’s quietly sip our tea indoors, and take a look at this tea-tasting guide. A mix of seriousness and jest, please take what you need. Choose tea gatherings with “tea vibes” When attending a tea gathering, opt for niche tea spaces that are not open to the public. While others post photos of their afternoon tea in new Chinese-style teahouses on social media, your posts should focus on the details—such as delicate hands pouring tea, beautiful tea leaves, unique tasting cups—and pair them with a subtle caption. This instantly conveys a sense of tea appreciation. The host owns a private tea courtyard and is well-known within the tea community; only invited guests can enter, or there may be entry fees and screening processes to ensure all participants share similar interests. The tea courtyard is either tucked away from the bustling city or nestled deep in the mountains. The decor looks rustic yet brimming with detail. It could be a…

Why is Brewing Time So Important? The brewing time for green tea directly affects the taste and quality of the tea liquor. Too short a time may not fully release the aroma and flavor of the tea leaves, while too long can result in a bitter infusion. Different types of green tea require different brewing times, so understanding each type’s characteristics and optimal brewing time is key. (Image source: network, delete if infringing) Common Green Tea Brewing Times Different types of green tea have their own ideal brewing times. Here are some suggested brewing times for common types of green tea: Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea: 2-3 minutes. Longjing has many tender buds, and the brewing time should not be too long, as it can easily become bitter. Biluochun (Green Snail Spring) Tea: 1-2 minutes. Biluochun has delicate leaves, and a longer brewing time can spoil its unique floral and fruity aroma. Maojian (Fur Point) Tea: 2-3 minutes. Maojian requires slightly longer to release its rich aroma. Luan Guapian (Lu'an Melon Seed) Tea: 3-4 minutes. Luan Guapian has thicker leaves, requiring a relatively longer brewing time. Huangshan Maofeng (Yellow Mountain Fur Peak) Tea: 2-3 minutes. Huangshan Maofeng has soft and tender…

Drinking Pu'er tea is a habit for many people, and Pu'er tea is one of the most famous types of tea in China. Rich in various vitamins and trace elements, as well as proteins, amino acids, and minerals, Pu'er tea offers numerous benefits to the body. While drinking Pu'er tea generally does not have significant side effects, consuming it too strong or in excessive amounts can affect health, especially during critical periods. Therefore, being aware of the taboos associated with drinking Pu'er tea is also very important. Side Effects of Pu'er Tea: 1. Long-term consumption of Pu'er tea can cause calcium loss. 2. Pu'er tea, once absorbed by the body, can easily induce dizziness, palpitations, and weakness in the limbs. 3. It can be harmful to the stomach. Pu'er tea stimulates the gastrointestinal mucosa, particularly new teas, which can be very severe. This can easily trigger swelling and congestion of the gastric mucosa and exacerbate the condition of patients with gastric ulcers, potentially even causing perforation. Taboos for Drinking Pu'er Tea: 1. Avoid drinking new tea: New tea, due to its short storage time, contains a large amount of unoxidized polyphenols, aldehydes, alcohols, and other substances that can strongly stimulate…

In the colorful world of tea culture, dark tea shines like a brilliant pearl, emitting a unique and captivating glow. Despite its long history, public knowledge about dark tea is relatively limited, and many people still understand it within the framework of their existing knowledge about green and black teas. However, each type of tea has its own distinct characteristics that cannot be generalized. The rich nutritional content of dark tea is due to a series of complex and exquisite processes and principles. Firstly, considering the timing of raw material collection, tea leaves are harvested in two seasons. Those collected around the Qingming Festival are called fine tea, while those gathered during summer and autumn are known as coarse tea. Unlike fine tea, coarse tea contains more abundant trace elements, vitamins, and polysaccharides. This is similar to eating an unripe sour apple versus a ripe one, where the components undergo a significant transformation from quantitative to qualitative changes. Dark tea uses such mature tea leaves as raw materials, laying the foundation for its rich nutritional content. Furthermore, the unique production process of dark tea is key to its rich nutrients. Taking Fu tea as an example, during the prolonged fermentation…

Although everyone loves to drink tea, not everyone drinks it at the right time and season. It can be said that if you don't drink it properly, it will not only fail to have a health-preserving effect but may also lead to adverse effects such as cold stomach, diarrhea, and insomnia. Drink tea at the best time A cup of flower tea at 9 am. The first cup is morning tea, suitable for drinking after breakfast between 9 and 10 am. It can help invigorate, detoxify, and relieve fatigue, making it the most important of the three cups of tea. Morning tea is best when chosen as flower tea. Flower tea, processed through secondary blending, combines the richness of flowers with the freshness of new tea, which can refresh the mind and improve one's spirit throughout the day. However, it should be noted that people with insomnia should not drink flower tea, as it could cause more severe sleep disorders. People with allergic constitutions should also avoid drinking flower tea. Flower tea is best brewed in a lidded porcelain cup without emphasizing the appreciation of the tea itself but rather focusing on its aroma. The tea can be brewed with…

Nowadays, you can stay informed about the latest events around the globe without even leaving your home, as long as you have a smartphone or computer. During the upcoming National Day holiday, many of you may spend considerable time with these devices as your “toys.” However, prolonged exposure to screens not only increases radiation but also harms your eyes. How can we minimize the harmful effects of radiation while protecting our eyes at the same time? A cup of green tea in the morning Drinking green tea regularly can help protect against the effects of radiation. According to "Shennong's Herbal Classic," tea is one of 365 medicinal herbs and "has a bitter taste; drinking it improves mental focus, reduces sleepiness, lightens the body, and sharpens vision." Green tea contains potent antioxidants and vitamin C, which can eliminate free radicals in the body and stimulate the secretion of hormones that counteract stress. The small amount of caffeine in green tea can stimulate the central nervous system and boost energy. However, it's best to drink green tea during the day to avoid affecting your sleep. Additionally, tea leaves contain beta-carotene, which can be converted into vitamin A in the intestines and liver.…

On a winter afternoon, sitting around a warm charcoal brazier with a few friends or family, placing some teapots and roasting persimmons, sweet potatoes, mandarins, and more, accompanied by the bubbling sound of boiling tea, sipping tea, eating fruits, and chatting, feeling the passage of time... Recently, as temperatures across the country have gradually dropped, a trend of "tea boiling by brazier" has become increasingly popular on social media platforms. Just like the camping craze in summer, the winter tea-boiling craze has also undergone modernization Let's take a look at this new wave of "New Chinese-style Tea Boiling by Brazier"! In fact, tea boiling by brazier is not a new thing. It began in the Northern and Southern Dynasties and flourished during the Tang and Song Dynasties. Up to the present day, it has always carried the unique tea culture of China. Tea Boiling by Brazier Tang Dynasty Lu Yu "Tea boiling by brazier" was known as a tea banquet in the Tang Dynasty. In his book "The Classic of Tea," Lu Yu summarized detailed steps and ingredients for boiling tea: For fuel: "Use charcoal first, then strong wood"; For water: "Mountain spring water is best, river water is second,…

Tea, this ancient and magical beverage, carries thousands of years of history and culture, exuding a unique charm and occupying an important place in people's lives. Tea is undoubtedly one of the world's greatest beverages. Its prevalence and consumption far exceed those of other drinks, with billions of cups around the globe carrying its rich flavor each year. Compared to carbonated drinks, wine, and others, tea stands out due to the endless mysteries and unique values it holds. In fresh tea leaves, water and dry matter form the basic components. Through extensive research, over 700 chemical constituents have been identified in tea. The complex layers of taste we experience when sipping tea—such as bitterness, aftertaste, astringency, sweetness—and the diverse aromas, including floral, fruity, tender, and honey-like scents, are all due to the richness of these substances. Among the many components, three stand out as particularly crucial, indispensable treasures of tea. First is tea polyphenols, often referred to as preservatives for the human body. They are present in high concentrations in tea, ranging from 18% to 36%, making them a critical component. Numerous studies on the antioxidant functions of tea focus on tea polyphenols. Free radicals can attack human tissues and…

A cup of clear tea, sipped leisurely, its bitterness and sweetness intertwine into poetry, much like the storms and sunshine of life’s journey, complementing each other. The aroma of the tea rises gently, not only warming the hands but also soothing the sharp edges of time tenderly. This tranquil afternoon, a celestial melody floats with the breeze, entwining with the tea’s fragrance to create a haven for the soul. Tea is the soft-spoken voice of time; every drop of its liquor carries the depth of the past and the aspirations for the future. Silent yet rich in flavor, it nourishes our souls, making them richer and fuller. Life is like tea, progressing from youthful innocence to mature poise, where the initial bitterness and challenges eventually transform into a lingering sweetness, becoming a balm for the spirit, teaching us resilience and equanimity. Emotions are embedded in tea, profound and far-reaching. In the swirling aroma, memories of warmth quietly surface—whether passionate love or enduring familial ties, just like this tea, they need to be savored slowly to understand their deeper meaning. Tea, like a kind elder, listens silently to our heart’s whispers and offers the warmest comfort. Life, like the tea in…

Summer has arrived, and in hot and humid conditions, people often sweat profusely and suffer from intense thirst, as well as feelings of dizziness and fatigue; in severe cases, they may experience chest tightness. How delightful it would be to enjoy a refreshing drink at such times! However, drinking too much or excessively cold beverages is not so pleasant. Hot Tea Is Ideal for Hot Weather and Sweating So, what kind of drink should people choose during the scorching summer months to cool down and relieve heat without harming their health? According to traditional Chinese health theories, when sweating heavily due to heat, drinking a cup of hot tea can not only quench thirst but also induce light perspiration, allowing the body to release heat through sweat while stopping thirst. Tea is rich in various vitamins and trace elements, as well as polyphenols and alkaloids. Drinking tea in summer not only replenishes fluids and cools the body but also revitalizes the mind and supplements beneficial nutrients, promoting health and preventing illness. Different types of tea are suitable for individuals with different constitutions. Green tea is recommended for healthy individuals, while those with cold stomachs should opt for black tea or…

The ancients said, “All medicines are for the cure of diseases; tea is the medicine for all illnesses.” This does not mean that tea can cure all diseases, but rather suggests that regular consumption of tea benefits health. This statement reflects the place of tea in Chinese culture over thousands of years. As the saying goes, “We work when the sun rises and rest when it sets.” Drinking tea should also follow the natural order of things. Today, let's talk about how to drink tea in accordance with the principles of time-based health preservation during three different periods of the day. Green Tea in the Morning To Boost Vital Energy and Uplift Spirit “The morning is the most important part of the day,” as the yang energy, which has been nourished overnight, becomes active again in the morning. This is the best time to enjoy a cup of green tea. Green tea, being unfermented, retains more of its natural substances, including vitamins. It helps the spleen and stomach digest food, distributing its essence throughout the body's organs, thus nourishing the heart and brain, ensuring that you remain energetic throughout the morning. However, shortly after waking up, the yang energy has…

Drinking tea is not just about a beverage; it's a way of life. Whether it's a cup of light tea in the morning or afternoon tea time, choosing the right tea brewing tools can significantly enhance the taste and aroma of your tea. So, how do you pick the right tea brewing tools for you? (Image source: network, delete upon request) Ceramic Tea Ware: A Perfect Combination of Tradition and Quality Ceramic tea ware is favored for its excellent heat retention and ability to protect the tea broth. It maintains the temperature of the tea broth, ensuring each sip is full of rich fragrance. Different ceramic teapots have different brewing effects, from purple clay pots to white porcelain pots, each offering a unique tea ceremony experience. Glass Tea Ware: Transparent Appreciation of Every Detail of the Tea Glass tea ware gives a clear and pure feeling, allowing you to see the process of the tea leaves unfolding in the water. It does not affect the original flavor of the tea broth, making it especially suitable for tea enthusiasts who value visual enjoyment. In addition, glass material is odorless and tasteless, causing minimal interference with the tea broth, making it a…

In the long river of history, Chinese traditional culture shines like a brilliant pearl, radiating endless brilliance. Poetry, as one of its splendid blossoms, conveys the wisdom and emotions of the ancients through its concise language and profound imagery. In the distant Tang Dynasty, the poet Li Bai, with his bold and unrestrained brushstrokes, painted vivid pictures of magnificent natural landscapes for us. "A waterfall plunges three thousand feet, as if the Milky Way has fallen from the ninth heaven." When we recite these timeless lines, we can almost see the majestic waterfall cascading down the cliff, feeling the surging passion in the poet's heart. These few words encapsulate the poet's awe and admiration for nature, becoming a classic in Chinese ancient poetry. Just like these lines, white tea also has its unique charm and essence, which needs to be savored and understood with our hearts. Mentioning white tea, it is like a gentle beauty quietly blooming its beauty over time. A tea enthusiast once asked, "Where does the essence of white tea lie—in which infusion?" This is a question worth exploring deeply. Some say that the first infusion of white tea is the most essential. When the newly unfurled…

Lapsang Souchong is a unique black tea produced in the Tongmu Pass area of Wuyi Mountain, Fujian Province, China. It not only has a long history but is also renowned worldwide for its distinctive smoky aroma and rich flavor. Known as the "ancestor of black teas," Lapsang Souchong is not just a memorable beverage but also a precious member of the black tea family. Origin and History of Lapsang Souchong The history of Lapsang Souchong can be traced back to the Chongzhen period of the Ming Dynasty (around 1640). According to legend, at that time, tea farmers in the Tongmu Pass region were making green tea when they had to flee due to war, delaying the processing of the tea leaves. To prevent spoilage, they dried the leaves over pine wood, accidentally creating a unique pine smoke aroma, thus giving birth to Lapsang Souchong. Unique Production Process The production process of Lapsang Souchong is uniquely crafted, mainly consisting of withering, rolling, fermentation, and drying. What sets Lapsang Souchong apart from other black teas is the use of pine wood for smoking during the drying process, which imparts a strong pine smoke aroma to the tea leaves. This traditional method not…

When it comes to Changning's wild tea, many people think of the large tea trees in front of and behind the houses, by the fields and on the edges of lands in villages such as Mangshui Yanjiang and Wenquan Lianxi. "Changning is covered with wild tea plants, much like other primitive species, they have been preserved since before the Quaternary glaciation." As recorded in the 'Changning Tea Chronicle,' there are many wild teas distributed in the vast forests of Changning, coexisting with other species to form a world of biodiversity. There are many such wild teas in the great forest on the eastern bank of the Lancang River at Agan Liangzi. "Our village of Agan has many wild teas; in just the collective forest contracted and managed by our villagers, over 4,000 ancient wild tea trees have already been discovered," introduced Tea Jianhu, the Party Secretary of the Agan Village Committee. He added that Agan Village is located between three mountains and two depressions on the eastern bank of the Cangjiang River, where numerous ancient tea trees have been found, with more than 6,000 registered after an investigation. Following Tea Jianhu and a group of villagers on their journey to…

Tea is winter's soulmate. "Around the hearth it's brewed," for those who love life, it's a wonderful thought. In these four words, there's not only the red clay brazier, charcoal fire, people gathered around, and tea, but also an infinite sense of beauty. To ordinary folks, it's a common affair in everyday life; To literati and refined scholars, it adds elegance, embodying a unique spirit of appreciating things. Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi wrote: "Newly brewed wine with green froth, a small red clay brazier. As evening falls and snow seems imminent, could we share a cup?"; he also wrote "bamboo cabinet filled with tea, a red clay stove for cooking." These lines encompass both invitations to friends and refined scholars, as well as simple meals in daily life. Du Xiaoshan wrote: "When guests come on a cold night, tea serves as wine, the bamboo stove's water boils, the fire just turns red. The same moonlight by the window as usual, yet with plum blossoms, everything feels different." Serving guests, gathered around the hearth for conversation, brewing tea to warm the heart and mind, just as Huang Tingjian described it: "Like old friends returning from afar, unable to speak, yet…

War-Time Exports Plunge into a Lull After the outbreak of the Anti-Japanese War, Shanghai and Guangzhou fell to the enemy, and China's tea export market shifted to Hong Kong. In 1938, the National Government's Ministry of Finance Trade Committee implemented a unified purchase and sales system for tea nationwide, which concentrated exports through Hong Kong, causing a surge in Hong Kong's tea export volume. According to statistics recorded in the book China's Tea Trade and Tea Industry Finance, the total amount of tea exported in 1937 was 30,661,700 yuan, 30,787,300 yuan in 1938, and reached 33,054,100 yuan in 1939. Traditional tea shops in Hong Kong are mostly found in Sai Wan and Sheung Wan areas. However, this prosperity didn't last long. In December 1941, the Pacific War broke out. Hong Kong and various regions in Southeast Asia were occupied, leading to a plunge in tea consumption in these areas. China's tea exports through Hong Kong also entered a state of paralysis. Due to the temporary interruption of the tea shipping line from Wuzhou to Hong Kong, exports of Liubao tea to Hong Kong were virtually cut off. After the end of World War II, the prospects for Hong Kong's foreign…