Silver

Region-specific, naturally processed, and uniquely beneficial—these are the common perceptions of Fuding White Tea. There is a certain art to brewing Fuding White Tea, and the method can vary depending on the type of white tea. Choosing the most suitable brewing method will result in an even more enjoyable cup of white tea.Types of Fuding White Tea Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yin Zhen) Silver Needle: Silver Needle is the pinnacle of white teas. It is made from the buds of white tea plants, named for its plump, silvery-white covered buds that stand straight like needles and shine with a silver hue. When brewed, the tea liquor is clear and apricot-yellow, with a strong presence of downy aroma, a sweet fragrance, and a fresh, sweet taste that refreshes the heart and lungs. The leaves stand upright in the cup, full and pleasing to the eye. White Peony (Bai Mudan) White Peony: White Peony is made from the first or second leaf and bud of the tea plant. It gets its name because the green leaves with silver-white down resemble flowers, and when brewed, the green leaves cradle the tender buds, much like a flower bud about to open. The finished product…

In Dai language, Yibang means “a place with tea trees and a water well.” Yibang Tea Mountain is located in the eastern part of Xiangming Township, Mengla County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. To its north lies Mengwang Township of Jinghong City, to its south is Manzhuan Tea Mountain, to its west is Gedeng Tea Mountain, and to its east is Yi Wu. It is situated at the pivotal point along the ancient route connecting the six major Puer tea mountains to Sime Hall under Pu'er Prefecture. As the central hub of the ancient Tea Horse Road leading to Tibet, it played a significant role in the region's trade. In 1570 (the fourth year of the Longqing period of the Ming Dynasty), the Cheli Prefectural Office divided the area into twelve regions, combining the six major tea mountains with Zhengdong. The administrative center was set up in Yibang. After the establishment of Pu'er Prefecture in 1729 (the seventh year of the Yongzheng period of the Qing Dynasty), the six major tea mountains came under its jurisdiction. Cao Dangzai was granted the position of local commander of Yibang for his military contributions and became responsible for managing the six major…

The European tea wares, though not as culturally profound as the Chinese ones, surpass them in design and decoration. The exquisite silver tea wares of Europe are a prime example in this regard. Today, we share with you content from Chapter Five of Yu Yue's book, Tea Fun in Various Colours: The Dissemination of Chinese Tea Abroad and Foreign Tea Affairs (published by Guangming Daily Press in August 1999). In the 17th century, the upper echelons of European society used porcelain teapots for tea drinking. Soon after, silversmiths created pure silver teapots and teaspoons. From 1755 to 1760, they began crafting silver-plated teapots with high artistic value. The early British silver teapots were most distinctive in the 18th century and were exported to American colonies in large numbers. Due to the preciousness of tea at the time, early silver teapots were mostly small. Some were lamp-shaped, some pear-shaped, with the lamp shape being the earliest, starting production in 1670. Pear-shaped silver teapots first appeared during Queen Anne's reign and remained popular through the ages. The first pear-shaped teapot in America was created by Boston's Cony, which is considered the oldest teapot on the continent. During King George I's reign, Lin…

From September 27 to November 6, 1989, Li Xu, one of the "Six Gentlemen of the Tea Horse Road," set out from Kunming alone or by hitchhiking and hiking, traveling through Tiger Leaping Gorge – Zhongdian – Deqin – Yanjing – Mangkang – Zuo Gong – Bangda – Baxoi – Ranwu – Bomi – Lhasa – Shannan, arriving in Xigaze, completing the first journey on the Yunnan-Tibet Tea Horse Road. Graduate students have an opportunity for an "academic visit" before writing their master's thesis, with a research fee of five hundred yuan. I was preparing to head to Tibet. My thesis was about literature and death, a question that had troubled me since childhood. I thought some enlightenment or answers would be found on that road. I had to continue from Lijiang and Zhongdian, following the path once trodden by mule trains. That road haunted my dreams. In 1986, while working as a lecturer in Zhongdian, I had already traveled extensively around northwest Yunnan, and so I spent all my time thinking about going further. During the summer vacation, I participated in the college entrance examination grading and earned 140 yuan. After piecing together 900 yuan, I borrowed some photographic…

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…

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…

The American Consulate in Xiamen's Gulangyu, Thriving on Tea The Boston Tea Party in December 1773 is often cited as the beginning of the American Revolution. Where did the Chinese tea come from? Was it from the port of Guangzhou or another port at that time? According to my current knowledge, scholars in China have not paid attention to this detail. In 1925, the English-language magazine "The China Weekly Review" (also known as "Millard's Review") published in Shanghai carried an article titled "Xiamen Tea Initiated the American Revolution," which quoted information from the National Geographic Society of America: "It was in Xiamen, one of the world’s main tea ports, where tea loaded onto ships in December 1773 led to the American Revolution a few months later." "Few people know that the port of Xiamen has a place in the history of the American Revolution." **The Starting Point** During modern times, the black tea consumed by Europeans mainly came from Fujian tea regions centered around the Wuyi Mountains. Tracing back to history, it was from the port of Xiamen that the British East India Company began its tea trade with China. As early as 1644, the British East India Company established…

Basic Introduction to Fanjingshan Cuifeng TeaFanjingshan Cuifeng Tea is one of the tea varieties produced in Yingjiang County, a county inhabited by Tujia and Miao ethnic groups in Guizhou Province. It is named after Mount Fanjing, the main peak of the Wuling Mountain range within the county. The product's raw materials are sourced from gardens of the Fuding Dahai tea cultivar growing at an altitude of 800-1300 meters on Mount Fanjing. The tea is characterized by its "tender green and fresh appearance, uniformity, cleanliness; lasting fragrance with a pronounced chestnut aroma; fresh, pure, and refreshing taste; tender green, clear broth; and complete, delicate, uniform, and lustrous green leaves," earning unanimous praise from industry experts and consumer favor. In 2005, it was approved for geographical indication protection. Product CharacteristicsIn June 1992, the Ministry of Agriculture's Tea Quality Supervision and Testing Center evaluated: "Fanjingshan Cuifeng Tea" has a green color, flat shape showing buds, spear-like form, persistent tender fragrance, fresh and mellow taste, and tender green broth and leaves. Its shape is plump and tender, with good quality and characteristics typical of famous teas. A certificate was awarded accordingly. Historical FolkloreYingjiang County has a long history of tea cultivation and has traditionally…

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…

Fuding, as a primary production area for white tea in China, boasts unique geographical climatic conditions and superior natural ecological environments. In 2021, the tea gardens in Fuding had an area of approximately 20,300 hectares available for picking, with a total tea production of 34,000 tons, including 26,500 tons of white tea; the comprehensive total value of the tea industry was 13.726 billion yuan, representing a year-on-year increase of 14.8%. The initial processing forms the foundation for the quality of white tea, and improvements in product quality help to strengthen the market competitiveness of Fuding white tea. The article traces the development of Fuding white tea, summarizes the main equipment and supporting technologies used in the processing of white tea during practical applications, and provides references for the initial processing production of Fuding white tea. It aims to promote the improvement of processing equipment and technologies, enhancing the cleanliness, standardization, and intelligence levels of production for Fuding white tea. 01 The Development of Fuding White Tea "Tea buds processed by fire are inferior, while those sun-dried are superior." Records about the method of making white tea date back to the Ming Dynasty. According to Zhang Tangheng's "Chinese Tea Processing," "In…

Treating Measles White tea prevents cancer, combats cancer, cools the body, detoxifies, and treats toothache. In particular, aged white tea can be used as a fever-reducing medicine for children with measles, and its antipyretic effect is better than that of antibiotics. In Northern China and in the Fujian production areas, it is widely regarded as an excellent medicine for treating and nursing patients with measles. Therefore, the Qing Dynasty celebrity Zhou Lianggong recorded in his “Min Xiao Ji” (Fujian Trivia): “White hair silver needle tea, produced in Hongxue Cave on Mount Daimu, is cold in nature and has effects similar to those of rhinoceros horn, making it a holy medicine for treating measles.” Promoting Blood Sugar Balance Market research on health teas shows that in addition to containing the usual nutrients found in other teas, white tea also contains essential active enzymes. Medical studies at home and abroad have proven that long-term consumption of white tea can significantly increase the activity of lipoprotein lipase in the body, promoting the metabolism of fat and effectively controlling the secretion of insulin, delaying the intestinal absorption of glucose, and helping to balance blood sugar levels. White tea is rich in multiple amino acids.…

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…

Brewing white tea with boiling water at 90-100 degrees Celsius is best. Using 100-degree water when brewing white tea allows its intrinsic substances to be better manifested, making the tea broth more robust and flavorful. If water that is not hot enough is used to brew white tea, the intrinsic substances of the tea will not be effectively released in a short time, resulting in a bland tasting tea broth. What is the Optimal Water Temperature for the First Infusion of White Tea? Generally speaking, for high-grade white teas with buds and small, thin leaves, if the first infusion is done at too high a temperature, the inner substances will be released too quickly, leading to issues such as the tea not being resilient to multiple infusions, bitterness, and dehydration. If the first infusion is at too high a temperature, what could have been an enjoyable drinking process becomes quite unpleasant. We experimented with many varieties of white tea and found that 95 degrees Celsius is the upper limit of the optimal temperature range for the first infusion. Regardless of whether it's cake tea, loose tea, new tea, or aged tea, the temperature for the first infusion should not exceed…

Different types of tea are best brewed at different temperatures: Green tea, white tea, and yellow tea should be brewed at temperatures between 80°C to 90°C; black tea, oolong tea, and dark tea are best brewed at 95°C to 100°C. The brewing temperature is determined by the degree of fermentation of the tea: teas with lower fermentation and higher freshness require a lower brewing temperature; those with higher fermentation and less freshness require a higher brewing temperature. The flavor of green tea is characterized by its fresh and brisk taste, so it's important to minimize the extraction of polyphenols and caffeine while preserving amino acids, chlorophyll, vitamin C, and other active substances. Given the variety and complexity of green teas, they can be further divided into three categories for brewing temperature. Japanese high-grade steamed green tea is a special type that is not commonly seen in China. These teas have a high content of amino acids and low levels of polyphenols, resulting in a fresh and brisk taste. The brewing temperature should be between a very low and low temperature range. The first infusion can be made at around 50°C, gradually increasing the temperature up to 70°C. For high-quality tender…

Raw Pu'er tea does not need to be boiled. From a tea-making process perspective, raw Pu'er tea is a type of tea that has not undergone fermentation. Its tea infusion has a strong flavor and a potent aroma, which can be fully activated through direct brewing. If you choose to boil it, the tea may become overcooked, resulting in a bitter and astringent taste. Moreover, when drinking raw Pu'er tea through brewing, there are certain requirements for the teaware used; it is best to use a purple clay pot. Typically, the method of boiling is chosen, although ripe tea can also be brewed, it just doesn’t produce an infusion as rich as when boiled. Is Pu'er Tea Suitable for Boiling? Experts have clearly stated that Pu'er tea is better suited for brewing and should not be boiled. This is because boiling Pu'er tea can easily result in a concentration that is too high, potentially affecting the spleen and stomach. It also makes it difficult to control the aroma and taste. This applies particularly to raw tea, as the boiling method would make the raw tea into a "paste-like" consistency, with a cloudy infusion and an even more bitter and astringent…

Basic Introduction to Baizhushan TeaBaizhushan tea is produced in the beautiful and mystical Chu ethnic "Tiger Dance" homeland, Shuangbai County, at an altitude of 2,300 meters, within the provincial nature reserve known as Baizhushan. The area features dense forests, intact vegetation, fertile soil, a mild climate, annual rainfall of 1,100 to 1,300 millimeters, and a soil pH value between 4.5 and 5.6, with clouds and mist shrouding the region throughout the year.Baizhushan tea is made from high-quality raw materials of the large-leaf variety native to Yunnan, processed using unique techniques and advanced technology. It is characterized by its attractive appearance, tightly twisted leaves, elegant shape, clear green and bright broth, rich and lasting aroma, fresh and mellow taste, and a long-lasting aftertaste. Produced in the scenic area of Shuangbai County, Chuxiong Prefecture, Yunnan Province, the origin is cloaked in mist and clouds all year round, has a high altitude, high humidity, fresh air, and sweet spring water. This tea is made from high-quality raw materials of the large-leaf tea variety native to Yunnan, using unique techniques and advanced technology. It is characterized by its attractive appearance, tightly twisted leaves, elegant shape, clear green and bright broth, rich and lasting aroma,…

Long-term and moderate tea drinking offers many health benefits. With a wide variety of teas, each type has different effects on the human body. Therefore, those who drink tea for health can choose the appropriate type of tea based on its properties and their own needs. The pace of modern life is accelerating, and people are under increasing stress from both life and work. Staying up late, getting angry, and feeling frustrated are common occurrences that gradually take a toll on the liver. Spring is the best season to nurture the liver, and the following types of tea are suitable for consumption during this period to protect the liver: 1. Green Tea Green tea is an unfermented tea that retains the natural color and nutritional components of the leaves. Rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols, catechins, and vitamin C, green tea can eliminate free radicals, lower blood lipids, combat fatigue, and improve the liver’s detoxification capacity. Common varieties of green tea include Longjing, Biluochun, and Huangshan Maofeng. 2. Chrysanthemum Tea Chrysanthemum tea is made from dried chrysanthemums. It can clear heat and toxins, calm the liver, and improve vision. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and blood pressure-lowering properties. Common chrysanthemum varieties…

“The vessel is the father of tea,” but what kind of tea ware should be used when brewing #Pu'er tea to best present its characteristics? When choosing, start from a practical perspective and then consider aesthetics and overall coordination. There are various types of vessels for brewing tea, made from materials such as porcelain, clay, glass, etc., in different shapes, including teapots and #gaiwans, among others. Today, I will share several commonly used tea wares for brewing Pu'er tea. 1. Gaiwan: Mr. Lu Xun once said, “To drink good tea, one must use a gaiwan.” Gaiwans are widely used and referred to as “versatile tea wares.” They can be used to brew almost any type of tea. For those who have not yet mastered brewing techniques, they may find them a bit hot to handle. White porcelain gaiwans do not absorb the aroma of the tea, have good heat dissipation, are easy to control and clean. They do not alter the intrinsic properties of the tea and can well present the quality of the tea, effectively revealing both its strengths and weaknesses; they are convenient for smelling the aroma, appreciating the liquor, and observing the leaves, making them essential tea…

Basic Introduction to Pucheng OsmanthusIn northern Fujian, Pucheng, which takes the osmanthus as its county flower, is a "world of golden grains." This ancient town with a history of osmanthus culture was honored as the "Osmanthus Capital of China" in 2007. The people of this mountain town widely plant osmanthus trees, holding them in high esteem and taking pride in them. Osmanthus belongs to the Oleaceae family and is also known as the wood osmanthus. The climate in Pucheng is suitable for osmanthus trees to absorb heat and moisture, thriving in sunlight. There are various types, including red osmanthus, golden osmanthus, and silver osmanthus.North of the city lies an osmanthus garden, where thousands of osmanthus trees grow on tiered slopes. In the ninth lunar month, when you visit to admire the osmanthus, you walk along winding mountain paths. On either side of the road and all over the mountains, you see green branches adorned with white flowers, jade-like twigs dotted with gold, clusters of flowers like brocades, and fragrance floating over the green hills. Standing under the trees, the tiny flowers gather together, pressing against each other, peeking out from the lush green leaves. The golden osmanthus is orange-yellow, the…

Almost all enthusiasts of purple clay pots are also tea lovers, as their love for drinking tea leads them to be particular about the utensils used for brewing, thus choosing the efficient purple clay pot. To obtain a good tea-drinking experience, brewing is indeed an important step, but storing tea also has a significant impact. Many enthusiasts use purple clay pots for brewing and purple clay jars for storage, demonstrating great attention to detail. However, just as there are rules for nurturing a purple clay pot when brewing tea, there are also specific considerations when using a purple clay jar for storing tea. Today, I will discuss how to properly store tea in a purple clay jar, so your tea can be preserved better. 1. Characteristics of Various Tea Jars Tea is a dried product that can absorb moisture and become damp, leading to changes in quality. It strongly absorbs water, odd odors, and its aroma is easily lost (thus, tea can also be used as a deodorizer, placed in a refrigerator to absorb odd odors). If tea is not stored properly, it can deteriorate. Therefore, the type of container used and where it's placed are important considerations. Tea jars…

The winter season is crucial for determining the quality of tea in the coming year! If the tea garden is properly managed during winter, the quality of the spring and even autumn teas in the following year will be excellent! As the saying goes: "Winter nourishment, spring tiger hunting on the mountain!" This principle also applies to winter management of tea gardens! To have a good tea mountain and beautiful tea garden, winter management of the tea garden is essential for producing high-quality Tieguanyin. To have a good tea mountain and beautiful tea garden, one must not hesitate to invest in the tea garden. Good tea comes from investment in the tea garden, proper picking, processing, and favorable weather conditions. Winter Management Methods for Tea Gardens 1. As the saying goes: "Deep digging with a hoe may not reveal gold but will surely unearth silver." Deep plowing of the tea garden involves turning over compacted old soil to expose fresh soil. This makes the soil loose and conducive for the growth of new roots. Old branches, leaves, and weeds are turned into the soil, reducing disease and pests. It also improves soil aeration and water retention, helping to conserve nutrients.…

Tea lovers often look forward to encountering good tea. But when they do come across a great tea, they might not know how to praise it. In such cases, the all-purpose term "melts in the mouth" is likely to be used again. Each industry has its own jargon, or what is often referred to as "insider lingo." Understanding professional terminology can help us better recognize and appreciate good tea. The saying goes that even among nine sons born to a dragon, each one is different. The six types of tea also have distinct personalities and varied styles. Each type of tea has its own criteria for evaluation and aesthetic appreciation. For example, a beard might be considered "sexy" on a man but would be "quirky" on a woman. Just like people, the same principle applies to tea. "Aged flavor" is generally seen as a flaw in most green teas, but it is a must-have characteristic for Sixpu tea and Pu'er tea. "Smoky pine aroma," which is usually indicative of subpar processing in most white teas, is actually a selling point for Lapsang Souchong black tea and dark-haired teas. Therefore, learning how to praise tea is a necessary course for tea…

Chinese people have loved drinking tea since ancient times, a tradition that has been passed down for over a thousand years. The sight of someone with a cup of tea always at hand is not uncommon. First, it's important to understand what type of tea suits your constitution. Below are some recommendations on choosing the right tea based on your individual condition. 1. Qi-Deficient Constitution Feeling fatigued and lacking energy, poor appetite and indigestion, tendency to break out in a cold sweat, and shortness of breath. [Tea Recommendation] Drink black teas such as Qimen Hongcha, Dian Hong, and Pu'er ripe tea, and consider adding two jujubes to your tea. 2. Blood Stagnation Constitution Dull complexion, dry skin, and tendency to develop bruises easily after minor bumps or bruises. [Tea Recommendation] Hawthorn red tea, green teas like Taiping Houkui, Dongting Biluochun, and Huangshan Maofeng. 3. Damp-Heat Constitution Oily face and nose, feeling feverish, irritable, and having dark yellow urine. [Tea Recommendation] Aged white tea, aged Wuyi rock tea, aged Phoenix oolong, goji berry red tea, and coix seed tea are all suitable options. 4. Qi-Depression Constitution Easily agitated and prone to insomnia, melancholy, and being overly sensitive. Lin Daiyu from "Dream…

    Huangshan Maofeng is one of the top ten famous teas in China, belonging to the green tea category. It is produced in the Huangshan (Huizhou) area of Anhui Province and is also known as Huizhou tea. Created by Xieyuda Tea Shop during the Qing Dynasty's Guangxu period. Every year around the Qingming and Guyu festivals, the tender buds of the initial flush from quality tea trees such as "Huangshan Zhong" and "Huangshan Dayezhong" are selected and hand-fried. The tea has a slightly curled shape, resembling a sparrow's tongue, with a green color that has a hint of yellow, silver down clearly visible, and golden-yellow fish-shaped leaves (commonly known as gold pieces). When infused, mist gathers at the top of the cup, the liquor is clear and light greenish-yellow, the leaf base is yellowish-green and lively, the taste is mellow and sweet, the aroma is like orchids, and the aftertaste is long-lasting. Due to the new tea being covered with white down and the bud tips having a sharp point, and because the fresh leaves are picked from the peaks of Huangshan, this tea is named Huangshan Maofeng.     The price range for Huangshan Maofeng tea is generally…