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Introduction Brief overview of Chinese tea culture Chinese tea culture is an ancient tradition steeped in history, philosophy, and artistry. It dates back thousands of years, with tea drinking originating in ancient China around the Shang Dynasty (16th – 11th century BC). Over the centuries, tea has transformed from a medicinal drink into a… [Read more]
Introduction to Oolong Tea Oolong tea, a traditional Chinese beverage, occupies a unique space in the tea world, bridging the gap between green and black teas. Known for its rich flavour profile and complexity, oolong is semi-oxidized, which contributes to its distinctive characteristics. The name “oolong” translates to “black dragon” in Chinese, a nod… [Read more]
Understand the Importance of Selecting the Right Tea Set When it comes to enjoying a good cup of tea, the choice of tea set can profoundly influence the overall experience. A tea set is not merely a collection of cups, pots, and saucers; it is a symbol of culture, tradition, and a cherished ritual… [Read more]
Introduction to Tea Party Themes Tea parties are a delightful way to gather friends and family for an afternoon of conversation, laughter, and, of course, delicious tea. They offer a perfect opportunity to showcase creativity through themes that can transform an ordinary gathering into an enchanting experience. The beauty of hosting a tea party… [Read more]
Origins The history of black tea can be traced to the late Ming Dynasty in the Fujian Province of China. There are various legends about how it came to be but the very first black tea was Zhen Shan Xiao Zhong, otherwise known as Lapsang Souchong. Fujian is still the main production area but Anhui […] [Read more]
Genmaicha (brown rice tea) is a blend of Japanese green tea and roasted rice. They are typically mixed in a 1:1 ratio so the caffeine is somewhat lower than other green teas. No one is sure exactly how this tea came to be. The most probable story is that adding toasted rice helped poorer families […] [Read more]
Puerh gets most of the spotlight when it comes to dark tea but there is so much more out there to explore. Liu An is a type of heicha that is produced in China’s Anhui Province. I recently purchased a basket through a group buy so I thought this was the perfect opportunity to highlight this […] [Read more]
A Google+ follower asked what matcha is. This question inspired me to start a series that spotlights the different types of tea. What is Matcha? Matcha is a finely ground green tea from Japan. Before harvest, the tea bushes are shaded from the sun for about 20 days. This slows their growth and increases the […] [Read more]
Shopping for a clay teapot can be an exciting yet arduous exercise. There isn’t a lot of information available, especially for those that are just starting out. This post is meant as a basic guide but I wouldn’t consider myself an expert on clay pots by any means. Yixing is the type of clay discussed […] [Read more]
Bi Luo Chun, otherwise known as Green Snail Spring, is a green tea from the Dongting region of China’s Jiangsu Province. You might also see it called Pi Luo Chun. There are many lists of China’s 10 most famous teas but Bi Luo Chin is usually near the top of them, second only to Dragonwell. […] [Read more]