Clay

Many teas are not suitable for direct steeping in boiling water. For example, green tea, young or lightly aged raw Pu'er, black tea, and even oolong tea. Teas that are suitable for steeping tend to be coarser and older, such as dark teas or white teas that have been aged longer. If we consider steeping a tea for an entire night or day and it still isn’t bitter or astringent, and is even better than when brewed, the likely candidate would be old Liubao tea. Old Liubao tea can be brewed, steeped, or boiled. It is highly cost-effective, easy to store, beneficial to health, and most importantly, suitable for the majority of people's constitutions. This makes it all the more remarkable. This is also why I have come to appreciate and endorse Liubao tea more and more. The longer I spend in Wuzhou, Guangxi, and Liubao Town, the more I fall in love with Liubao tea, whether it’s made using traditional methods yielding the “Liubao character,” or modern processes producing rich, dark, aged flavors. I am increasingly influenced by the local custom of drinking Liubao tea here. In the mountains of Liubao Town, laborers often drink fresh tea. Whether it’s…

In recent years, with the rapid increase of new enthusiasts of purple clay teapots, many have developed an interest in the cultural depth behind purple clay. While enjoying these teapots, they wish to deepen their understanding and gradually come to truly appreciate the culture of purple clay. Tea Mountain: Purple clay teapots are known for their good breathability. The tea stains that adhere to the pot over long-term use are commonly referred to as a "tea mountain." Aging: Also called "nurturing the soil," this is the final processing step for purple clay. Prepared and kneaded clay is placed in ceramic jars and stored in a damp, shady area to undergo aging and transformation. Aging Period: This refers to the time from when the prepared and kneaded clay is placed in a damp, shady area to begin aging. Just like aged wine stored in underground cellars, the longer the aging period, the more lustrous and elegant the resulting teapot will be. The minimum aging period should be at least three months. Patina: After years of use, a natural and unique sheen forms on the surface of the teapot. This sheen is restrained and deep in color. Sun Line: In the bottom…

The storage conditions for white tea should be well-ventilated, avoiding direct sunlight, and kept in a dry area without any strong odors. By well-ventilated, we mean the storage area should have doors and windows and not be completely sealed off, like a basement. The standard method for storing tea involves a three-layer sealing technique. First, use a food-grade plastic bag, squeeze out as much air as possible, and tie it tightly.Secondly, use an aluminum foil bag and also tie it securely. The purpose of this layer is to block out light. Finally, place the bags inside a cardboard box and close it. For exceptionally long-term storage, you can add another shipping box and seal the corners with clear tape. How to Store Fuding White Tea? Storing Fuding White Tea is relatively simple; unopened packages can be stored in cardboard boxes or large clay jars. However, if you are dealing with single cakes, especially those that have been opened, they should be sealed in food-grade bags and then placed in airtight containers such as tea cans. The fungi involved in the post-fermentation process of Fuding White Tea require an anaerobic environment to thrive. If the tea is exposed to frequent ventilation,…

After the Summer Solstice, temperatures will gradually rise over the next two months, making it the hottest time of the year. In this era where everyone is talking about "living healthily," drinking tea is the right way to beat the heat! With tea, different types of tea have different methods of production and distinct characteristics. What kinds of tea should one drink in different seasons? And what kind of teapot goes well with them? Tea nurtures the teapot, and the teapot nurtures the tea. Sandstone nurtures people, and people nurture sandstone. √ The Mysteries of Health Benefits of Purple Clay Teapots Purple clay consists of multiple minerals, including illite, kaolin, quartz, mica chips, iron, and other trace elements essential to the human body. It also has a dual-pore structure, making it suitable for brewing tea. Therefore, many tea enthusiasts now prefer purple clay teapots as their choice of tea utensils. 1. White Tea White tea is known for its "one-year tea, three-year medicine, seven-year treasure" reputation. Drinking some aged white tea can help clear heat and fire, generate saliva, and relieve cough. Drinking white tea helps to cool down, eliminate heat, and reduce inflammation, making it the best companion for…

For novice enthusiasts, this question is quite common. For example, "I've been using my teapot for Tieguanyin, but recently I've developed a liking for Tung Ting Oolong. Can I brew it in the same pot? Will it harm the pot?" In principle, this practice is not recommended, as everyone knows the rule of "one pot for one tea." However, we don't have to be limited by this. There are methods, though they may be a bit troublesome. First, let's discuss what the rule of "one pot for one tea" means. Purple clay is a mixture of various minerals such as quartz, hematite, mica, and clay. The pores in purple clay teapots are formed at the interfaces between these minerals and within small clay aggregates. This is known as a dual-pore structure. The dual-pore structure is due to both the inherent structure of the purple clay and the pores left behind during firing when different minerals contract at varying rates. The interfacial pores between the various minerals are typically chain-like, some being interconnected while others are closed. The pores within the small clay aggregates are closed if they are internal and open if they are on the surface of the aggregate.…

Pu'er tea: How should it be stored for the best results? For tea intended for consumption in the short term, it is recommended to store it in a sealed aluminum bag. Open when breaking up the tea, and return it to the sealed bag after taking out what you need. In addition to sealed aluminum bags, you can also choose airtight glazed porcelain jars, tightly sealed tin cans, purple clay pots, etc., as long as the seal is secure, it will prevent excessive oxidation. Some people have the habit of storing broken tea leaves in a purple clay pot, but this might actually lead to excessive oxidation, diminishing the taste of the tea. This is because the tea in a purple clay pot comes into contact with oxygen, which can eliminate substances that cause off-flavors, bitterness, and sourness. However, if left for too long, it can lead to a dispersed texture and significant degradation of active compounds. Therefore, it is not recommended to store Pu'er tea in a purple clay pot for long-term preservation. How should Pu'er tea be stored long-term? First, store it in a sealed container in a clean, dark, and humidity-controlled environment. Second, compressed tea is preferred,…

Often, when others are nurturing their pots, especially when they steep tea in the pot at night, they like to leave the tea leaves and strong tea broth in the pot overnight. They think this accelerates the formation of a patina, making the process of nurturing the pot more efficient and effortless, with tangible results. However, this is not the case. When nurturing a pot, the effect only occurs when the tea broth is hot and the pot itself is warm. Firstly, can tea leaves and tea be left overnight in a purple clay pot? The answer is no. When nurturing a pot, the effect only occurs when the tea broth is hot and the pot itself is warm. The tea broth, along with the steam, penetrates the pores of the pot, and the tea oils seep through the surface of the pot. After repeated wiping with a tea cloth, a patina forms. The tea leaves and tea broth left overnight in the pot lose their effectiveness once they cool down. Leaving tea leaves and tea broth in the pot overnight for extended periods, especially during hot summer nights, can easily lead to the growth of harmful substances inside the…

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…

Starting from the clay, define the standards for a good purple clay teapot! Often, some teapot enthusiasts ask: "Do you have good teapots?" I usually respond by asking them: "What kind of teapot can be considered a good one?" Some say "teapots made by famous masters are good teapots," while answers like "pure clay and reasonable price" are few and far between. It's no wonder, given the uneven knowledge about purple clay, there aren't many people who truly understand what it is. The question: "Do you have good teapots?" reveals their inner doubts and lack of confidence, indicating that they really don't know what makes a good purple clay teapot. For ordinary enthusiasts, buying a purple clay teapot not only serves to make tea taste better but is also for the pleasure of nurturing it and its potential appreciation in value, hoping for a legendary outcome—becoming more beautiful and valuable over time. However, they often overlook important factors such as the quality of the clay, craftsmanship, the maker's reputation, and market availability. In today's market flooded with fakes and mass-produced items, it's already difficult to find a pure purple clay teapot without harmful additives. Buying a teapot that can appreciate…

Some teapot enthusiasts surely have more than one purple clay teapot at home, but it's not possible to use every teapot daily. Some teapots might only be used after 2-3 months or a used teapot may be set aside for future use. At this point, some people might put the teapot away without any treatment, which is not good for the teapot itself. So, what should you pay attention to when storing a used purple clay teapot? 1. A used purple clay teapot must be thoroughly air-dried; there should be no moisture inside. To check if the teapot is dry, place a piece of tissue paper inside, cover it, and see if the tissue is damp the next day. 2. A used teapot should not be wrapped up or placed in a box directly, as the tea residue inside can easily mold. 3. Store the teapot in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Do not store it in a damp location. Ideally, have a special shelf or cabinet for your teapots at home. 4. If the teapot is not going to be used for a long time, place some dry tea leaves inside—the same type of tea that has…

Pu'er tea, due to its unique production process, is essentially a food product without an expiration date, much like wine. After a certain period of effective sealing, the tea undergoes natural fermentation. Over time, the quality and taste of Pu'er tea significantly improve. Therefore, the claim that Pu'er tea becomes more aromatic and enjoyable as it ages is entirely credible. As long as it's stored properly, older Pu'er tea becomes increasingly valuable. Is Pu'er Tea More Aromatic with Age? Generally speaking, Pu'er tea can be consumed immediately after production, but it has a rather strong flavor. As storage time increases, the taste becomes richer and smoother. Under specific storage conditions, Pu'er tea can be preserved for extended periods. During storage, Pu'er tea continues to ferment. Various components in the tea react with microorganisms through oxidation and polymerization, such as the slow reaction of polyphenols under the influence of enzymes to form fragrant compounds. The aroma evolves from a complex mix of scents to a single, rich aroma. The optimal storage time for raw Pu'er tea is 10 to 25 years, while for ripe Pu'er tea, it is 8 to 15 years. To achieve a rich flavor, it is recommended to…

Auction houses see Zisha teapots sold for millions, deterring many ordinary people. Is Zisha collecting just a game for the rich? You might be overthinking it… While making teapots is an art, most of us buy them for practical use! So, as an ordinary person, how can you enjoy a Zisha teapot? Get a Basic Understanding If this is your first encounter with Zisha teapots and you haven't established your own aesthetic system yet, you should start by learning how to inspect the basic craftsmanship of a teapot. Before buying a teapot, consider purchasing 2-3 practical books on Zisha to read carefully. Books usually introduce the basics of Zisha, reference standards, aesthetic criteria, and appraisals. Read widely, listen attentively, and ask questions. For things you don’t understand, seek advice from experienced friends. Once you have a basic understanding of Zisha, you can then find purchase targets based on your financial capability and plan. Clarify Your Purpose When buying a teapot, clarify your purpose. Are you buying it for tea drinking and personal cultivation, or for collection or investment? This is important. If it's for personal tea drinking, you'll have higher requirements for the teapot’s tea compatibility and practicality. Conditions like…

The term “zhan,” seldom mentioned these days, is much like the object it represents, no longer used in everyday life. According to the dictionary: a zhan is a small, shallow bowl. So what is Jian ware? Jian ware specifically refers to porcelain tea bowls produced in the kilns of Jianyang, Fujian Province. Generally speaking, these bowls have wide mouths and narrow feet, with thick, coarse bodies. The exterior lower part of the bowl and the foot are unglazed, exposing the body of the bowl. The clay and glaze for Jian ware come from its place of origin, Jianyang. Due to their high iron content and the thickness of the clay, the exposed body appears grayish-black, commonly referred to as an iron body. The glaze colors range from deep black, dark blue-black, to purple. At the high temperature of 1350 degrees Celsius reached in the kiln during firing, iron ions precipitate out and flow across the glaze surface, forming unique and beautiful patterns known as "hare's fur," making the Jian ware bowls more widely recognized by this name. The Chinese civilization is the only ancient culture that has been continuously passed down in an orderly manner and remains vibrant to this…

The wealthy man loved tea and was hospitable. He especially appreciated guests who knew their tea. Whoever came to his house to drink tea, regardless of whether they were rich or poor, he would instruct his servants to serve them well. One day, a beggar in tattered clothes appeared at the wealthy man's doorstep. Instead of asking for food, he simply requested a bowl of tea. The servant promptly invited him inside and poured him a bowl of tea. The beggar looked at it and said, “This tea isn’t good.” Seeing that he seemed to know his tea, the servant quickly fetched better tea. The beggar sniffed and remarked, “This is good tea, but the water isn’t right. It needs mountain spring water of the finest quality.” The servant recognized his expertise and hurriedly used reserved spring water to brew another pot. The beggar tasted it and said, “The water is good, but the wood used to boil it isn’t right. The wood should be from the shady side of a famous mountain, as the wood from the sunny side is too soft, while that from the shady side is firmer and harder.” The servant confirmed that this man was…

Some tea enthusiasts, when buying a teapot, notice flaws on its surface and conclude that the pot is not made of purple clay. If you share this view, then you are greatly mistaken! Let me tell you that if your teapot has some minor flaws, it does not mean the clay is of poor quality; instead, it confirms that your purple clay teapot is made of genuine material. The saying goes, “There is no such thing as pure gold or perfect man,” so how can there be so many flawless items? Some enthusiasts believe that for the high price they paid for their purple clay teapot, it should not have any flaws. Why are the purple clay teapots on Taobao perfect and tempting in price with all sorts of discounts, while my teapot is so expensive and still has flaws? This boils down to a lack of understanding of purple clay. Today, let's look at what common flaws typically appear in top-grade unprocessed materials. 01 Bursting Bubbles (Bursting Sand Particles) The appearance of bursting bubbles, bursting sand particles, and bursting mud indicates pure sand particle materials or materials with a very high sand content. During firing in the kiln, the…

More and more people are interested in learning about and purchasing purple clay teapots. When selecting one, everyone hopes to buy a good one. So, how do you evaluate a purple clay teapot? Today, I'll teach you how to identify its quality! Clay Identification Method Avoid teapots that look bright and shiny at first glance. ▲ High-temperature Dingcun Qing Jingzhou Shipiáo Reason: Teapots made from original mine clay do not have bright colors, nor do they shine. While good clay produces a pleasant water color when fired, it will never be glossy. Select teapots with a rich sand feel and visible iron and mica. Reason: The sand feel is the most obvious characteristic of the clay. Even glossy Zhuni teapots have a sand feel. If a teapot is overly glossy, be cautious. Original mine clay contains abundant mica and iron ore, which is evident after firing. Acid-washed clay, on the other hand, lacks iron content and appears dull. Workmanship Identification Method Pay attention to details for round, square, and ribbed teapots. Reason: For round teapots, fullness and roundness are crucial. The body should not have any concavities or uneven spots. The same applies to square and ribbed teapots, which should…

The north wind sweeps the ground, blowing away fallen leaves and bringing a sky full of snow. It covers rooftops, blankets fields, and decorates mountains and rivers like a painting, transforming everything into a new scene. Today, we have heavy snow. Heavy snow signifies the start of mid-winter. Winter is a season that chills everything, and our bodies are quick to react to the cold. The stronger the cold winds blow, the more we tend to huddle up. To ensure our bodies function well in the cold, drinking hot tea at the right times is an excellent choice. Black Tea Wards Off Cold and Warms the Stomach To dispel the chill and enhance your ability to withstand the cold, black tea, with its warm nature, rich proteins, and sugars, can generate heat and warm the abdomen. Persistently using tea for mouth rinsing during winter can kill bacteria and reduce inflammation, while direct consumption can also help prevent influenza. One of the most appealing aspects of black tea is its versatility; you can add various ingredients according to your taste preferences to create your own unique flavor profile. Oolong Tea Reduces Fat and Relieves Greasiness The pharmacological effects of oolong tea…

Building a Pu'er tea home storage room has always been a challenging issue for many novice tea enthusiasts. Clean, shaded from light, moisture-proof, and odor-free, it needs to ensure breathability while preventing excessive oxidation. Different solutions are required for long-term and short-term storage, and choosing and using the right tea storage containers can be difficult... Today, this article by Lu Li aims to solve various problems related to storing tea at home for novice tea enthusiasts. Long-Term Storage The first principle of building a Pu'er tea home storage room is to store the tea in a clean, shaded from light, moisture-proof, and stable environment while regularly monitoring and adjusting the temperature and humidity of the room. Temperature: The temperature for storing Pu'er tea should generally be around 18-32°C; temperatures too high or too low are detrimental to the aging process. Avoid direct exposure to air conditioning, quartz lamps, and sunlight. Humidity: Relative humidity should be kept around 55%-75%; too high or too low a humidity level is also not conducive to the transformation of Pu'er tea. A hygrometer can be purchased to accurately monitor changes in humidity within the room. Tea enthusiasts in the north need to pay particular attention…

Storing tea after prying it open is generally a practice during the tea waking process. When a tea product is freshly retrieved from storage, it requires a period of tea waking to improve its taste. Prying the tea open can expedite this process; however, for long-term storage, it is not recommended to pry the tea open as doing so is detrimental to preserving the aroma and flavor of the tea. The shape in which tea products are pressed is the result of repeated experimentation by craftsmen to ensure optimal aging quality. Storing the tea after prying it open alters this intended aging process. Containers for Storing Pried Pu'er Tea 1. Storing Pried Pu'er Tea in Porcelain Jars Porcelain jars have good airtightness. If the tea has already aged well, storing it in a porcelain jar can enhance the concentration of its aroma. Additionally, teas with a softer mouthfeel from large trees can also be considered for storage in porcelain jars to continue their aging process. 2. Storing Pried Pu'er Tea in Clay Jars Small purple clay jars without any off-flavors are ideal. They effectively eliminate unwanted odors and flavors and promote good aging. After some time, they can help reduce…

The simplest and best method to store tea cakes is by using the original packaging, keeping the tea in an unopened state within a room that is well-ventilated and breathable. No additional handling is required; just maintain the tea cake’s original packaging, taking advantage of the bamboo leaves’ breathability for aging. Methods for Storing Tea Cakes at Home To store tea cakes, place them in a dry, wind-sheltered environment, which allows them to be preserved for an extended period. During storage, ensure regular ventilation to maintain appropriate air humidity. This process enables the tea to undergo proper maturation, producing more beneficial substances for the human body. It also enhances the aroma and flavor, making it richer and more mellow. Another method for long-term storage involves using quicklime, especially suitable for small quantities stored at home. Prepare a dry box lined with quicklime, then place the tea cakes (still in their original packaging) directly on the quicklime. Layer another batch of quicklime above the tea cakes, and repeat this pattern until the box is full. Seal the box and place it in a cool, well-ventilated area. Replace the quicklime every two months to extend the tea cakes’ shelf life. Charcoal can…

Tea drinking requires utensils. The Western Han Dynasty's literary work, Zhuangyue, mentions "preparing tea and all its implements, covering them after the feast," which is the earliest reference to "tea utensils" in Chinese history. Historically, goldware, woodenware, pottery, weapons, ceremonial objects, and wine vessels were all referred to as "utensils." Tea utensils are no exception. The beauty of these objects complements the tea infusion, preserves its aroma, and each type of tea utensil has a unique beauty and practical use. Firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea are essential for daily life in China. There is also the saying that "tea is the cure for all diseases" and "without tea one day, digestion is sluggish; without tea for three days, illness ensues." Today, drinking tea is not only a healthy lifestyle but also a pursuit of spiritual elevation. So, what should be included on the tea table of a true tea lover? 01 Purple Clay Teapot Sixyi Hall Reduction-fired Ziyan Shibo Teapot The purple clay teapot is considered the premier tea utensil, ideal for brewing tea. Firstly, purple clay contains natural iron beneficial to health, and long-term use of a purple clay teapot avoids the intake of harmful…

Original mine Dicong Qing is the top-grade material among purple clays, akin to being the "top student" in its category.Not only is it widely loved by pot enthusiasts, but it was also the most favored clay by the late master of zisha, Gu Jingzhou.It can be said that owning a pure and outstanding Dicong Qing zisha teapot is one of every player's wish lists. What is Dicong Qing?Dicong Qing originates from Huanglong Mountain in Yixing, Jiangsu, and belongs to the premium ore materials among purple clays. It was originally produced from the No. 4 pit in Huanglong Mountain, later from the No. 5 pit and Taisi mine, with the No. 4 pit being the best!What is meant by Dicong Qing? In the past, purple clay was called blue clay, and as it is buried deep within the mountain, ancestors primarily relied on experience for exploration, conducting trench probes. Typically, purple clay was found at the bottom of these trenches (the bottom trench), hence the term "Dicong Qing" (bottom trench blue clay) became customary.Regarding Dicong Qing, there are names like "No. 1 Dicong Qing," "No. 2 Dicong Qing," Toucang Qing, and Er (or Zhong) Cang Qing, with various explanations due to…

A set of exquisite tea wares paired with a good tea that is full of color, aroma, and taste can be said to complement each other perfectly. Since ancient times, one of the important manifestations of people's attention to the art of tea drinking has been their emphasis on the artistry of the tea ware itself. Therefore, to drink good tea, one cannot do without the corresponding tea wares. Ceramic Tea Wares The clay used for ceramics is fine, and the firing temperature is high; the body is relatively thin, and when struck it produces a crisp sound. Because the surface of ceramic wares is smooth and dense, they do not absorb water or flavor. Moreover, ceramic tea wares conduct heat quickly and do not absorb aroma, so they can fully express the character of the tea, producing a fragrant and fresh taste when brewing tea. Due to these characteristics, ceramic tea wares are particularly suitable for brewing teas with a light and uplifting style. Suitable for brewing: Teas made from tender leaves such as green tea, floral-scented black teas, and lightly fragranced oolong teas like Tieguanyin, new white teas like Baihao Yinzhen, etc. Earthenware Tea Wares The clay used…

Tea plants are perennial economic crops, and the construction of tea gardens significantly impacts the management efficiency of the gardens for decades to come. The value of temperature-sensitive white tea is based on harvesting fresh leaves with good whitening characteristics. Therefore, when establishing a tea garden, one should choose an ecological environment that promotes whitening as much as possible and create a foundation for the garden that meets and enhances whitening. ### Tea Garden Conditions The conditions required for temperature-sensitive white tea gardens must not only meet the basic ecology necessary for tea plant growth but also fulfill the conditions required for ideal whitening performance, including natural elements such as temperature, light, soil, and water. Among these, temperature is the decisive factor. When planning the layout of tea areas, one must also consider conditions related to quality and safety, economic factors, and the optimal canopy models for different varieties. #### (1) Climatic Conditions Among the four major tea regions, the suitable areas for temperature-sensitive white tea are mainly concentrated in the North River tea region, the northern part of the Southwest tea region, and the central and northern parts of the South River tea region. The expansion areas are distributed…