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In the variety of tea categories, spring tea is renowned for its superior quality with the saying “an ounce of spring tea is worth an ounce of gold,” while Pu'er tea values “age.” So, should Pu'er tea also pursue spring tea? 1What is Spring Tea? Spring tea refers to the first buds and leaves that emerge from the tea plant after winter, typically collected from after the Start of Spring to before the Grain Rain. Due to the temperate climate and abundant rainfall in spring, the tea plants accumulate rich nutrients during the winter dormancy period. As a result, spring tea often features plump buds and tender leaves with intense aroma and refreshing taste. For green tea, oolong tea, and other teas that are not fermented or only semi-fermented, spring tea is undoubtedly the best choice, as these types emphasize fresh, crisp mouthfeel and brisk aroma. However, for Pu'er tea, choosing spring tea serves more purposes than just these two aspects. 2Pu'er Tea: Unique Charm of Aging Pu'er tea is divided into raw (sheng) Pu'er and ripe (shou) Pu'er, both of which share the characteristic of improving in quality over time through aging. The charm of Pu'er tea lies in…

Having quality tea requires proper storage to ensure the best color, aroma, and taste when consumed. Different types of teas, such as dark teas and Pu'er teas, can maximize their collection value when stored under the right conditions. So, to enjoy good tea, you also need to store it properly.Storing tea at home, are you doing it right? The main factors causing tea degradation include: One, light; Two, temperature; Three, moisture content of the tea; Four, air humidity; Five, oxygen; Six, microorganisms; Seven, odor contamination; The degradation caused by microorganisms is influenced by factors such as temperature, moisture, and oxygen, while odor contamination is related to the storage environment. The key to storing tea is to protect it from pressure, dampness, seal it, shield it from light, and prevent it from absorbing odors. Different types of teas require different storage methods based on their aging process and nature. White Tea White tea is the most original and simplest processed type of tea. White tea is durable in storage and its preservation is relatively environmentally friendly, not requiring low-temperature preservation; instead, it just needs to be kept away from odors at room temperature. Moreover, it has a certain potential for transformation…

In fact, many people love tea, and Kunming is a relatively ideal region for storing tea. It's generally good for storing Pu'er tea, but storing Pu'er tea requires consideration from multiple aspects. Therefore, we will introduce the correct method of storing Pu'er tea in Kunming (also known as the Kunming warehouse). Kunming Warehouse (Photographed by National Tea Center) When storing Pu'er tea, people should first pay attention to keeping it away from items with strong odors, and secondly, avoid direct sunlight. However, what many do not realize is that the temperature and humidity of the storage space are also very important. According to one tea enthusiast, the room where they store their tea is on the second floor of a four-story duplex, with hardwood floors. The morning sun can slant into the room but does not directly shine on the tea, and after 10 am, the room no longer receives sunlight. According to statistics, in the area where the tea is piled, the average temperature/humidity during the rainy season (early May to early October) is: 28.5°C/72%, with the highest temperature/humidity being: 32°C/78%; during the dry season (late October to late April), the average temperature/humidity is: 20°C/48%, with the lowest temperature/humidity…

In recent years, the Jinggu Autonomous County of the Dai and Yi Nationalities has been working hard to build up renowned ancient tea mountains such as Yangta, Lianhe, Kuzhushan, Bolin, Nanban, and Wenzhe. The county has accelerated organic certification for tea plantations, leading to a continuous increase in the economic benefits of the tea industry. Currently, Fengshan Town in Jinggu County has 30,300 mu of tea plantations, producing 1,080 tons of tea annually, with a total output value of 85.76 million yuan. Among these, 6,000 mu are ancient tree tea plantations, yielding 108 tons of tea with an output value of 20.52 million yuan. Nancuishan and Dingbashan are two ancient tea mountains in Wenzhe Village, Fengshan Town. In 2024, Wenzhe Village became a practice site for the Yunnan Provincial Ethnic Tea Culture Research Association’s Wisdom Cloud Ridge initiative, while the ancient tea garden on Dingbashan became a teaching base for Pu'er tea species research. Bolin Village in Fengshan Town is also a village that relies on tea production. It has a total of over 6,000 mu of tea plantations. Among these, more than 1,500 mu are ancient tree tea plantations over 100 years old, over 3,000 mu are large tree…

At the tea table, ancient tree tea is a topic that never runs out of conversation. It represents a niche market within Pu'er teas and stands for the highest quality of Yunnan Pu'er teas. The rise in popularity of ancient tree tea has inevitably brought about controversies and differing opinions. To better understand ancient tree tea, let's explore these three lesser-known facts that reveal the true nature of this special tea. 1. Why is a century-old age used as the dividing line for ancient tree tea? Setting any specific point in time as the dividing line between ancient and younger trees presents an unavoidable issue – the quality of the tea leaves does not undergo a qualitative change at the moment it crosses that line. Due to wars, epidemics, and other reasons during the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican period, tea production in Yunnan suffered greatly, and planting of tea trees was largely halted for several decades. Using a century as the dividing line for ancient tree tea effectively spans several decades, and the difference in age between such trees results in discernible differences in quality. Therefore, setting the standard for ancient tree tea at a century old is…

Autumn is a season of gradually decreasing temperatures and increasing day-night temperature differences. Days are sunny, while nights become progressively colder. This climate has a significant impact on the human body. As temperatures drop, our metabolism slows down, and the immune system becomes relatively weaker, making us more susceptible to infections from external pathogens. Additionally, cold weather can cause dry skin and increase the likelihood of catching a cold. During this transition from autumn to winter, when cold invades, it's also the best time to drink tea. Drinking more tea in late autumn not only helps us adapt to changes in temperature but also offers numerous health benefits. Let's delve into why we should drink more tea during the autumn and winter seasons, and perhaps discover which type of tea you might prefer. What Kinds of Tea Should You Drink in Autumn? 1. Aged Teas: Pu'er, White Tea, Dark Tea ① Aged teas have a gentle nature and ample tea energy, helping the body expel dampness through sweating. Therefore, when drinking aged teas, use large cups or bowls, and always consume them hot. ② The microorganisms and beneficial bacteria in aged teas act as regulators for the digestive tract. ③…

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…

Generally, it takes about 70 days for ripe Pu'er tea to fully mature through pile fermentation. Today, let's take a look at the characteristics of each stage during the fermentation process of ripe Pu'er tea. How long does the fermentation time for ripe Pu'er tea last? First maturity: Around 10 days. At this stage, if the ripe Pu'er tea is brewed, the leaves will be apricot yellow and soft, the liquor color will be apricot yellow with turbidity and fuzz, and the taste will mainly be bitter and astringent with a slight astringency in the sweetness. Second maturity: Approximately 18 days. At this stage, if the ripe Pu'er tea is brewed, the leaves will be light yellow and soft, the liquor color will be yellow and turbid with much fuzz, and the taste will mainly be bitter and astringent but with a faster return to sweetness. Third maturity: About 25 days. At this stage, if the ripe Pu'er tea is brewed, the leaves will turn slightly red with a yellow hue, the liquor color will be yellow with a faint red hue, and the taste will mainly be bitter and astringent with a quick return to sweetness, occurring around 20…

For beginners, the concept of daily tea is somewhat misleading. For example, if someone cannot distinguish between the six major types of tea and is unsure about their personal preferences, it's too early to discuss daily tea. However, for seasoned tea drinkers who drink tea every day, not having a suitable daily tea can be quite inconvenient and uncomfortable, as constantly grappling with the same issue is a sign of immaturity. Experienced tea drinkers around us often spend considerable time selecting their daily tea. Since everyone has different constitutions, determining which type of tea feels most comfortable to drink requires trying out various teas over an extended period. After comparing and tasting different teas for a long time, if one finds a particular tea that leaves them feeling refreshed and they never tire of drinking, it can be considered as daily tea. Of course, the price of this tea should also fall within an acceptable range. Some teas are unsuitable for daily consumption. The first category includes rare products. For example, famous ancient tree teas from specific mountains, where there might only be dozens of trees producing a few dozen kilograms of dried tea annually, yet there are many buyers.…

How to choose the right Pu'er ripened tea for yourself Taste preference: Consider whether you prefer a rich and strong, smooth and sweet, or other unique flavors. If you like a strong taste, choose one with a heavier fermentation degree; if you prefer sweetness, look for one made from better raw materials and with moderate fermentation. Body reaction: If your stomach is more sensitive, it's advisable to choose ripened tea with moderate fermentation and less stimulation; if your constitution tends to be cold, ripened tea is generally more suitable. Aroma type: Some ripened teas have different aromas such as aged, jujube, glutinous rice, etc. Choose based on your preference for aroma. Brand and reputation: Choose well-known brands or manufacturers with good reputations, as their quality is generally more reliable. Price range: Based on your financial capability, determine an acceptable price range and select high-quality teas within this range. Tasting: Try to sample the tea before purchasing to judge whether it suits you through actual tasting. Observe the appearance: Ripened teas with neat and clean leaves and fewer fragments usually indicate more care in both raw materials and production techniques. Tea infusion color: A bright, clear, and reddish infusion often reflects…

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,…

The air is crisp and dry in autumn, a season when lungs are particularly vulnerable. Drinking tea properly at this time can help alleviate the dryness of the season and moisturize the lungs. A "weather map" has been developed for tea drinking, offering guidance tailored to different individuals based on the unique properties of various teas. Green Tea Green tea is unfermented. Teas like Longjing, Biluochun, and Sparrow's Tongue all belong to this category. Characteristics: Clear green liquor and leaves. Green tea is commonly believed to have effects such as lowering blood lipids, reducing blood pressure, and aiding weight loss. Regular smokers may benefit from drinking green tea, which can mitigate the harmful effects of nicotine. White Tea White tea is a slightly fermented tea. Pai Mu Tan (White Peony), Gongmei (Tribute Eyebrow), and Bai Hao Yinzhen (Silver Needle) are all examples of white tea. There is a folk saying that white tea is "a year's tea, three years' medicine, and seven years' treasure." White tea possesses excellent health benefits. In addition to the common nutrients found in other teas, it contains essential active enzymes. Medical studies have shown that regular consumption of white tea can significantly increase the activity…

Stored tea The storage time and conditions are crucial for the quality of tea, affecting its chemical components as well as its aroma, taste, and biological activity. Therefore, investigating the changes in chemical components during tea storage is of great significance to maintaining or improving tea quality and enhancing its economic benefits. One, Polyphenols Polyphenols are important bioactive substances separated and purified from tea leaves, accounting for 18% to 36% of the dry weight of tea. The changes and levels of polyphenols in Pu'er tea have a significant impact on its quality. Generally, polyphenols in Pu'er tea tend to decrease to varying degrees during natural storage. Feng Chaohao et al. found that the content of polyphenols in Pu'er tea decreases with extended storage time and higher temperatures, and the decline is more pronounced in teas with higher moisture content. Luo Longxin et al. discovered that the total polyphenol content tends to increase initially and then decrease later. Wang Yang's study showed that catechin content generally decreases, with raw cakes showing a larger and more noticeable change, while ripe cakes and loose tea show a relatively mild and less obvious change. Two, Amino Acids The content and composition of amino acids…

How to judge through tasting Pu'er tea worth long-term storage 1. Key Points: Look at the Inner Quality For newly made raw teas or those within two to three years old, weak aroma, bland taste, and poor mouthfeel coordination indicate insufficient or even inferior inner quality. These lack the material basis for improving with age and are not suitable for storage. For aged teas, in addition to considering aroma, taste, and mouthfeel coordination, we must also consider current drinkability, transformation degree, and potential for further transformation. If a ten-year-old cake tastes mediocre and the leaves lack vitality, its potential for further transformation is likely limited or non-existent, making it unsuitable for storage. For ripe teas, in addition to aroma, taste, and mouthfeel coordination, the evaluation of the infused leaves is crucial to assess the quality of the materials and fermentation process. 2. Basic Methods: Steeping | Boiling | Infused Leaf Evaluation To determine if a Pu'er tea is suitable for long-term storage, it is essential to evaluate whether there are any prominent or fatal flaws in the materials, processing, or storage. Unlike regular brewing that tends to emphasize strengths and hide weaknesses, evaluation brewing focuses on finding faults. Based on…

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…

Chinese tea culture is the culture of tea production and consumption in China. China is the birthplace of tea, and it is said that Chinese people began to discover and utilize tea during the time of the legendary Shennong, which is no less than 4,700 years ago. To this day, among the Han people, there is a custom of using tea as a gift, and there are unique tea-drinking characteristics in places like Yunnan. As one of the seven daily necessities (firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea), drinking tea was very common in ancient China. Drinking tea can prolong life, beautify the body, and maintain health. So what components are in tea? And what benefits do they provide? Tea polyphenols are the most abundant soluble components in tea and are the primary substances responsible for its health and wellness benefits. The most typical representative is catechin (polyphenol), which has multiple effects including antioxidant (elimination of oxygen free radicals), reduction of the risk of cardiovascular disease, lowering of blood lipids, reduction of body fat formation, and modification of gut microbiota ecology. 1. Tea can reduce the risk and mortality of cardiovascular diseases According to research reports, Japanese researchers…

As the summer heat intensifies, many tea enthusiasts are less inclined to drink hot tea, and as a result, cold brewed tea has become a refreshing companion for many.Several scientific studies have confirmed that cold brewing does indeed extract the internal substances from tea leaves. However, due to the lower temperature, there are fewer water-soluble extracts and a slower release rate, which creates a distinct taste compared to hot brewed tea. What advantages does cold brewed tea offer over hot tea? And where do the misconceptions about cold brewing lie? Advantages of Cold Brewed Tea 1. Lower Caffeine Content. The caffeine in tea leaves is more easily dissolved in hot water but is less soluble in cold water. Therefore, cold brewed tea contains relatively lower levels of caffeine, making it an ideal choice for those who are sensitive to caffeine or wish to enjoy a cup of tea in the evening without affecting their sleep. 2. Stronger Antioxidant Activity. Studies show that teas such as black tea, green tea, white tea, and oolong tea, when cold brewed, produce tea infusions with stronger antioxidant activity than those prepared by hot brewing. This means that cold brewed tea has a greater ability…

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…

Pu'er tea is known as a drinkable antique, renowned for its characteristic of improving with age. As the culture of Pu'er tea becomes increasingly popular, more and more people are becoming enamored with the collection of aged Pu'er teas. How should one go about selecting aged Pu'er tea? Does the value of Pu'er tea increase with its age? How can one select high-quality aged tea? ① Judging the Raw Material For teas produced before 2008, there was no distinction between ancient and younger trees, nor concepts like single-origin or tall-tree teas. Therefore, the focus here is on judging the grade of the tea: special grade, first grade, third grade, fifth grade, etc., and determining the season of harvest. Additionally, prior to 2008, most Pu'er tea production was handled by larger factories. Among the products of the four state-owned factories, there were very few pure batches; blending was highly prevalent in both raw and ripe teas, as well as black teas. (Thus, if you observe unevenness and a mix of sizes in the leaf base, it may be due to blending.) Generally, the higher the grade of the dry tea, the stronger the leaf base activity and the higher the price…

There are two scenarios when Pu'er tea has expired: if the quality of the tea remains good with no off or musty odors, it can still be consumed normally; however, if the tea's quality has deteriorated significantly, showing signs such as a strong musty smell, extensive mold growth, a soft texture, and higher moisture content, then the tea should not be consumed. Can Aged Pu'er Tea Be Consumed After Its Expiration Date? Generally, we can see an expiration date on the packaging of Pu'er tea. However, we often hear that Pu'er tea can be stored for a long time and its flavor improves with age, which can lead to confusion about whether there is actually an expiration date. In reality, Pu'er tea does not have a strict expiration date. Why, then, is there an expiration date on the packaging? This is simply due to food and drug safety regulations. The most significant difference between Pu'er tea and other teas lies in its characteristic of becoming more fragrant with age. As a post-fermented tea, the taste of new tea is not as good as aged tea. Over long-term storage, the internal qualities of Pu'er tea undergo transformations through interactions with air…

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication for Yunnan large-leaf white tea. The simplest definition of Yunnan white tea can be quite literal, meaning "white tea from Yunnan." However, this can often lead to misunderstandings. For example, does it refer to "white tea produced in Yunnan" or "white tea made from Yunnan tea leaves"? Is it "a tea that appears white" or "a tea processed using white tea methods?" There are many teas on the market called white tea, and the concepts can easily become confusing. Even today, some people still think of Anji white tea when they hear "white tea," which is clearly an inaccurate definition that can lead to misunderstandings. Therefore, before accurately defining Yunnan white tea, we need to establish a standard to rely on. Although there is no national standard for Yunnan white tea yet, since Yunnan white tea belongs to the category of Chinese teas, the standard it relies on is the traditional white tea among the six major tea categories. In his article "Theory and Practice of Tea Classification" published in the "Tea Industry Bulletin" in 1978, Professor Chen Chuan pointed out: "Based on the system of production methods and quality, as well as customary classification,…

Wet-warehouse Pu'er tea has a darker and deeper liquor color, not clear or bright, unless the degree of wet storage is very light, it's an aged tea, or it has been out of the wet warehouse for many years, in which case it may appear clear and glossy. The liquor is smooth and sweet, with a full mouthfeel; properly stored tea often surpasses dry-stored tea. However, the biggest drawback is that no matter how long it is removed from the wet warehouse, it will always have a warehouse flavor. A few key points for identifying wet-warehouse tea can be made through comprehensive judgment based on appearance, liquor color, mouthfeel, and infused leaves. Characteristics of dampened tea: One: Basically, there will be white bloom; severe cases show yellow spots, green mold, or black fuzz. For those stored with less humidity, the tea surface still appears glossy. Two: The tea leaves are indistinct, lacking luster. Three: The center of the tea cake is hard while the edges crumble. Four: There is often evidence of tea bugs, white, stringy residue, and droppings. Five: The outer wrapping paper and inner flyers easily have tea stains. Six: The liquor color is dark, leaning towards black,…

The seven correct steps for brewing tea: boiling water, washing cups, adding tea, steeping, pouring tea, serving tea, and savoring tea. The first step is to boil the water for brewing. The second step is to rinse the teaware with boiling water. The third step is to add tea to the cup. The fourth step is to pour water into the cup to steep the tea. The fifth step is to pour the tea into the tea cups. The sixth step is to serve the tea to guests. The seventh step is to enjoy the tea with guests or friends. 1. Boiling Water To brew good tea, start by finding the most suitable water, with purified water or mineral water being the preferred choices among soft waters. One requirement for brewing tea is that the water needs to be boiled. Regardless of whether you are using 80°C or 90°C water for steeping, make sure to first bring it to a full boil at 100°C, then let it cool to the desired temperature. (Generally, tender green teas can be brewed with water around 80°C, while black teas use water around 90°C, and Pu'er or dark teas should be steeped in 100°C…

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…