Dark tea is named for its black appearance in the finished product. It is one of the six major types of tea and is a post-fermented tea, primarily produced in regions such as Hunan, Hubei, Shaanxi, Anhui, Sichuan, Yunnan, and others. Traditional dark tea is made from mature dark tea leaves, which are mainly used to produce compressed teas. So, besides pairing it with milk tea, what other teas can be combined with dark tea? When combining dark tea with milk, note that boiling water or hot tea should not be used to mix with the milk, as this could cause the milk to curdle and reduce its nutritional value. It is recommended to wait until the dark tea has cooled to between 60 and 80 degrees Celsius before adding the milk. This will preserve the nutrients and improve the taste. In addition, dark tea and milk can also be prepared by boiling. The taste of boiled dark tea, especially aged dark tea, becomes smoother. After cooling it down to between 60 and 80 degrees Celsius, pour in the milk for an even richer and sweeter flavor. Alternatively, you can add some honey for seasoning, which may pleasantly surprise you!…

August 7th marked the beginning of the autumn season in 2024. The term "the first cup of milk tea in autumn" predictably topped the trending topics. Young people's social media feeds were inundated with various tea beverages. Gifting milk tea has become a new way of social interaction among young people. Many tea beverage brands launched limited-time promotions. Several milk tea shops experienced a surge in orders. According to data from Meituan Group Buying, milk tea consumption reached an instant peak at 2:00 PM nationwide on the first day of autumn. The volume of group buying orders for milk tea increased by 156% compared to the same period last year. The first day of autumn was jokingly referred to as the "Milk Tea Double Eleven." If your "first cup of milk tea in autumn" was a floral or green tea-based beverage, then you likely enjoyed tea leaves sourced from Rongxian. In recent years, as the Chinese new-style tea beverage market continues to boom, leading national tea beverage companies have come to Rongxian seeking cooperation. This year in particular, flowers like gardenias and jasmine have become new favorites in the tea beverage industry. As the "Floral Tea Capital of China," many…

Dark tea is named for its black appearance when finished. It is one of the six major categories of tea and is a post-fermented tea. The main production areas are in Hunan, Hubei, Shaanxi, Anhui, Sichuan, Yunnan, and other regions. Traditional dark tea is made from mature raw dark tea leaves, which are primarily used as the main ingredient for compressed teas. Can dark tea be paired with milk? Dark tea contains rich vitamins and minerals, while milk has a high content of proteins and minerals. Combining dark tea with milk is not only nutritious but also very healthy. Therefore, it is possible to brew dark tea with milk. In Northwest China, many people like to mix dark tea with milk and add a moderate amount of salt, creating a cup of milk tea with a distinctive Western Chinese flavor! It's really convenient and simple! When brewing dark tea with milk, note that boiling water or hot tea should not be used to mix with the milk, as this can cause the milk to curdle and reduce the nutritional value. It is recommended to wait until the dark tea has cooled to between 60-80°C before adding the milk. This will…

Black tea and milk can indeed be enjoyed together—think of the classic combination in milk tea. Some people say that milk should not be consumed with tea, as the calcium in milk can bind with oxalic acid in the tea, making it unabsorbable. This theory doesn’t hold up. Compared to vegetables, tea is not a major source of oxalic acid. A teabag contains 4-6 mg of oxalic acid per gram, and each molecule of oxalic acid can bind with two calcium ions. The molecular weight of oxalic acid and the atomic weight of two calcium ions are roughly in a 1:1 ratio. Brewing a cup of tea typically requires 1-2 grams of tea (for most people), which would contain no more than 12 mg of oxalic acid, resulting in a loss of only 12 mg of calcium. However, half a cup of milk (100 grams) contains 100-120 mg of calcium, so even if 12 mg were lost, it would only be one-tenth of the total, not something to worry about, and certainly not leading to osteoporosis. Can I Add Milk Directly to Black Tea? Milk can be added directly to black tea. Milk is rich in protein, calcium, and other…

Sheng (raw) Pu'er tea is made by naturally aging freshly picked tea leaves, a product of sun-dried tea that has not undergone the process of wet-piling fermentation. It is characterized by its bitterness that turns into a sweet aftertaste and its astringency that lingers, creating an endless charm. While much discussion often surrounds the benefits of ripe Pu'er tea, let's take a closer look at the wonders of raw Pu'er: 1. The Anti-Aging Secret of Beauties Sheng Pu'er tea shares many similarities with green tea, notably its antioxidant properties. In the minds of most people, antioxidants are synonymous with anti-aging. But what causes aging in the first place? It's all down to free radicals. The oxygen we inhale combines with fats and sugars in our bodies to produce energy, which fuels our daily activities. However, during this process, a small portion of oxygen transforms into free radicals, also known as oxidants. Remember from junior high chemistry that these can cause metals to rust? Imagine these free radicals running rampant through your body over time, causing it to "rust." Sheng Pu'er tea acts like a law enforcer, using its effective chemical components and various vitamins to neutralize these pesky free radicals.…

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,…

Purple clay teapots are powerful tools for brewing tea, and to make the most of their performance, one must understand both the pot and the tea. As the saying goes, "one pot for one type of tea," different pots pair with different teas. Here we will use six types of clay materials as examples to explore how to best match pots and teas to achieve optimal results.ImageToday, from the perspective of clay properties, we will explain how to correctly match purple clay teapots with various teas to enhance the flavor experience!【Original Segment Mud】Original segment mud appears as a pale green layered mineral that turns a milky yellow after firing. It is found within the strata of Yellow Dragon Mountain, coexisting with purple clay, only a few centimeters thick, situated between the upper layer of purple clay and the rock plate. This material is characterized as having "more bones than flesh." Brewing Recommendation: Oolong tea (lightly roasted series) and green tea are perfect matches, as well as Tie Guan Yin (moderately or heavily roasted series).【Bottom Trough Purple Clay】Purple clay can be divided into three categories: top, middle, and bottom trough clays. Bottom trough purple clay is found at the very bottom…

Black tea is rich in nutrients such as carotene, vitamin A, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, caffeine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, glutamic acid, alanine, asparagine, and many more. As a fully fermented tea, it has a dark, lustrous appearance and a sweet, rich aroma, hence its name. Its main benefits are to improve digestion and promote diuresis. The Benefits and Nutritional Value of Black Tea 1. Relieves Fatigue The caffeine in black tea can stimulate the cerebral cortex and excite the central nervous system. It also has an excitatory effect on the cardiovascular system and heart, strengthening heartbeats and accelerating blood circulation, thus promoting metabolism and helping the body to sweat. This helps speed up the excretion of lactic acid and other metabolic waste products, effectively relieving fatigue. 2. Cools and Relieves Summer Heat Components in black tea such as polyphenols, sugars, amino acids, and pectin can stimulate the secretion of saliva in the mouth and produce a cooling sensation. Meanwhile, caffeine controls the hypothalamic temperature center, regulating body temperature. It also stimulates the kidneys to promote heat and waste excretion, maintaining physiological balance within the body. 3. Promotes Diuresis The caffeine and aromatic substances in black tea help strengthen renal blood…

You should try to avoid drinking tea in the evening. Tea contains a relatively high amount of polyphenols and caffeine, which can stimulate the central nervous system. If you drink tea in the evening, it may increase the activity of brain cells, causing the central nervous system to become excited and making it difficult to fall asleep. Can I Drink Tea in the Evening? Generally, you shouldn't drink tea in the evening, as the polyphenols in tea can cause excitement in the central nervous system, affecting sleep quality. However, some people may need to stay up late for various reasons and can drink tea in moderation, which can help them stay alert. Drinking tea in moderation can help keep you alert and promote blood circulation in the body. However, the polyphenols in tea can stimulate the central nervous system, potentially affecting sleep quality. In particular, those with poor sleep quality may experience insomnia after drinking tea in the evening, which can interfere with the rest of the brain and cause feelings of fatigue. Therefore, people with poor sleep quality or difficulty falling asleep are not recommended to drink tea. However, due to differences in work schedules, some people may need…

"Ten thousand poems in sixty years," Lu You was one of the foremost poets of the Song Dynasty. When it comes to tea poetry, he is an indispensable figure, standing as a splendid cultural milestone in the history of Chinese tea poetry. Lu You was born into a prominent family; both his parents were from influential clans. He received a fine education from a young age and took the imperial examination administered by the Ministry of Rites during the reign of Emperor Gaozong but was dismissed by Qin Hui. In middle age, he traveled to Shu (Sichuan), leading a military life, and in his later years, he retired to his hometown. Born in a Tea Region Lu You was born in Shanyin (present-day Shaoxing, Zhejiang), a region known for its tea culture. From a young age, he was immersed in the tea-drinking culture. Mount Kuaiji was famous for producing Rizhu tea, and Lu You had a particular fondness for his hometown's teas, with Rizhu tea being at the top, followed by olive tea and Dingkeng tea, all of which found their way into his poetic works. He spared no effort in praising his hometown's fine teas in his poetry. One…

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…

Black tea, characterized by its red infusion and warm, sweet taste, is rich in proteins and has effects such as invigorating the mind, relieving fatigue. The red leaves and infusion of black tea give a sense of warmth; it can be consumed with milk or sugar to generate heat and warm the stomach; it also aids digestion and removes grease, which is beneficial during the winter when one consumes more fatty foods. So, does drinking black tea frequently cause heatiness? Does Drinking Black Tea Frequently Cause Heatiness? Generally, if you start drinking large amounts of newly made tea before it has cooled down, this can lead to heatiness. For example, black tea harvested and processed in April usually becomes available around June; at this time, it's advisable to wait a bit longer before consuming it. As someone who is prone to heatiness, if I buy black tea in June, I would store it until July or later before starting to drink it. By then, the drying effect of the new tea will have dissipated, and during this period of rest, the black tea will have mellowed, becoming smoother and richer in flavor. Incidentally, most teas tend to cause heatiness when…

Green tea retains a large amount of the natural substances found in fresh leaves. It preserves over 85% of the tea polyphenols and caffeine, around 50% of the chlorophyll, and loses very little of its vitamins. This results in the characteristic features of green tea: clear broth and green leaves with a strong astringent taste. Green Tea Glass Cup Brewing Method Clean the tea cup, then pour 85–90°C water into the cup, followed by adding the green tea. Generally, there is no need to cover the cup. The green tea leaves will slowly sink on their own, though at different rates; some will fall straight down, others will descend gradually, and some may float up and down before settling at the bottom of the cup. As the dry tea absorbs water, the leaves gradually unfurl, revealing their original appearance as single buds or leaves. The buds resemble spears or swords, while the leaves look like flags. The aroma of the tea rises from the surface of the broth, creating a refreshing and pleasant scent. Observe the color of the broth, which may range from yellow-green to clear, milky-white with a slight green hue, or light green with a hint of…

Black tea is a fully fermented tea, with a dark brown and lustrous color and a sweet, rich aroma, hence its name. Its main benefits are to invigorate the stomach and aid digestion, as well as to promote diuresis and reduce swelling. What are the effects and benefits of black tea? Firstly, it has a stimulating and fatigue-relieving effect, as black tea can excite the central nervous system, speed up blood circulation, which is conducive to metabolism, helping to concentrate and eliminate fatigue. Secondly, black tea has a saliva-stimulating and heat-clearing effect. The polyphenols, sugars, amino acids, pectin, etc., in black tea can stimulate the secretion of saliva. The caffeine it contains can control the body temperature center in the hypothalamus, maintaining physiological balance within the body and achieving the effect of stimulating saliva secretion and clearing heat. Thirdly, drinking black tea has a diuretic and swelling-reducing effect. The caffeine in black tea can dilate the microvessels of the kidneys and inhibit the reabsorption of water by the renal tubules, increasing urine volume. This helps to eliminate lactic acid, uric acid, excess salts, harmful substances, etc., from the body and can alleviate edema caused by heart disease or kidney disease.…

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…

In the scorching summer heat, milk tea shops that use various famous Chinese teas to create thirst-quenching drinks can be found on every street corner. The lingering aftertaste of these refreshing beverages is enchanting. When it comes to drinking tea, it's a Chinese invention that has benefited all of humanity. From the tea-chewing practices of ancient Chinese ancestors to the tea porridge of the Shang and Zhou dynasties, from the tea brewing methods of the Tang Dynasty to the tea whisking of the Song Dynasty, and from the infusion practices of the Ming Dynasty that have continued to this day, no other beverage has permeated Chinese history as deeply as tea, which is also widely embraced around the world. The "Elixir" Developed by the Ba-Shu People "Tea is a fine tree of the southern regions." This is the opening sentence of the world's earliest known treatise on tea, The Classic of Tea, written by Lu Yu of the Tang Dynasty. Wild tea trees originated in the southwestern region of Ba-Shu (modern-day Sichuan and Chongqing), with a history dating back over ten thousand years. When the ancestors of the Ba-Shu people wandered through dense primeval forests, they encountered these magical leaves.…

The optimal water temperature for brewing black tea is between 85-95 degrees Celsius. During the brewing process, the water temperature should be adjusted based on factors such as the strength and type of the tea leaves. When brewing, it's important to control the water temperature and we need to master the timing to brew black tea at different concentrations. Of course, you can also adjust the taste by adding sugar or milk according to personal preference. Black Tea Brewing Temperature and Time Fresh cold water should be poured into a kettle and boiled until it reaches 100°C, which is then suitable for brewing. Fresh water that meets drinking standards contains air, which helps fully release the aroma of black tea. Overnight water, water boiled twice, and hot water from a thermos are not suitable for brewing black tea. Professional tea cans will indicate the strength of the tea, and the brewing time can be decided based on this strength, ranging from 2 minutes to 3 and a half minutes for strengths 1 to 4. What is the Ideal Water Temperature for Brewing Black Tea? The water temperature for brewing black tea depends on its quality! The quality of black tea…

Basic Introduction to Astragalus Divine Tea The inventor of "Astragalus Divine Tea," Professor Zheng Yi, is a member of the company's board. He comes from a family with a long tradition in Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been dedicated to researching health supplements beneficial to human health since the early 1980s. In Jiegdake, Greater Khingan, he researched and produced "Astragalus Tea." In 1992, he was invited to Beidaihe, where he developed and produced "Astragalus Divine Tea" containing marine biological resources. This product earned a national invention patent, and as a result, the State Council named him a national expert with outstanding contributions to China's science and technology, granting him a lifelong special government allowance. To cater to modern consumer trends and healthy living concepts while meeting the diverse health needs of different groups, "Astragalus Divine Tea" has developed a range of personalized products, including black tea, green tea, men's, women's, joyous, slimming, and non-intoxicating types. In 2004, "Astragalus Divine Tea" was designated by the Beidaihe District Government as a "Tourist Souvenir," making it an upscale and fashionable gift embodying health culture, tourism culture, and tea art culture. It is the ideal choice for gifts, hosting guests, honoring elders, and conference…

Dark tea is a post-fermented tea and both boiling and brewing are great methods. There's no rule that it can only be boiled or only brewed; for example, some northern regions prefer boiling while southern areas tend to brew the tea. Therefore, there's no good or bad between brewing and boiling dark tea—it depends on different people, places, ages, and grades of raw materials. There's no absolute answer. How to Drink Dark Tea Best? 1. Traditional Method (Boiling) Sit around a stove, enjoy fine tea, and talk about life—it's very pleasant. It's recommended to brew the tea about five times before boiling. For urban indoor use, a "clay pot + induction cooker" is suggested. Take about 6 grams of tea and heat the water to around 60 degrees Celsius before adding the tea (first rinse the dark tea with boiling water before placing it in the teapot). Slowly boil the tea, then continue boiling for about 5 minutes after it comes to a boil before drinking. 2. Iced Tea Method Use cooled water or mineral water. First rinse the tea with boiling water, then put the tea into a cup (bottle/pot) filled with cold water. In an indoor environment, you…

Chinese tea has undergone various transformations throughout its long history, symbolizing the brilliance of our culture.Throughout different eras, ancient Chinese people underwent numerous changes in their understanding of tea, its consumption, and its functional development. In terms of drinking tea, the ancients invented a variety of brewing methods, one of which is the ancient yet novel method of brewing tea. However, there are differences between brewing and infusing tea, both in terms of historical origin and specific steps involved. I. In Ancient Times, the Distinction Between Brewing and Infusing Tea Brewing tea may be unfamiliar to many young tea enthusiasts, sounding quite novel. However, according to historical records, the practice of brewing tea had its origins during the Wei, Jin, and Southern and Northern Dynasties. At this time, tea was sometimes brewed on its own but more often combined with ingredients such as green onions, ginger, and orange peels, known as "Ming drink." Occasionally, it was also brewed with porridge or vegetables, referred to as "Ming porridge" or "Ming vegetable." After undergoing changes, the method of brewing tea became prevalent during the prosperous Tang Dynasty. The "Tea Sage" Lu Yu, drawing from the tea-drinking practices of his predecessors and through…