It's All About Tea — chinese tea

Jin Hou Black Tea, otherwise known as Golden Monkey Black Tea, is a relatively old Chinese tea. In an era when only green teas were consumed, alongside the only black tea being Lapsang Souchong, Jin Hou came about to meet export desires. Black tea was already growing immense popularity in the west. While locals back in China didn't necessarily have a taste for the tea themselves, they experimented with farming techniques to produce some delicious black teas. (Read more)

Anji Bai Cha is a young tea. Anji Bai Cha cultivar was first discovered in 1982. As the name suggests, Anji Bai Cha comes from Anji County in Zhejiang province. It is still predominantly produced in Anji County, although a few other farms in other parts of Zhejiang Province also produce this tea. Anji Bai Cha has a very short harvesting period, making it one of China's rarest and most exquisite teas. Anji Bai Cha translates to "White Tea from Anji," although it is actually a Green Tea. Why? Let's follow its long history to find out! (Read more)

Most commonly, Chen Pi (citrus peel) is associated with Pu-erh or aged White teas. It is no wonder that particularly post-fermented and aged teas go best with the dried citrus peel. Both have deep, earthy flavors that complement each other, with Chen Pi adding brightness and sweetness to the tea’s depth. Aside from tea, its use is widespread in Chinese medicine. Many people choose to drink Chen Pi tea precisely because of the benefits it brings, according to Chinese medicine. (Read more)

Chaozhou in Guangdong province is an enticing area of China holding mountains of tea traditions, literally. The city of Chaozhou is near Phoenix Mountain, the birthplace of aromatic Dan Cong Oolongs. There, the tea bushes grow semi-wild on high elevations amid fragrant fruit gardens.

Gong Fu Cha is a Chinese tea brewing practice that emerged in Chaozhou during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). It emphasizes small brewing vessels, a high leaf-to-water ratio, and several brief infusions using the same tea leaves. 

In other parts of China, you may find plenty of people practicing various tea brewing methods, like grandpa-style tea or western brewing. However, in Chaozhou, tea drinkers prefer to stick to their roots. Even today, the province’s tea traditions are highly treasured and preserved, playing an integral part in the community's social life. If you happen to be in a locals' presence for long enough, they are likely to treat you to Gongfu style tea. (Read more)