It's All About Tea

Hei Cha is a post-fermented tea from China (and Shou Pu-erh is one of its forms), that underwent microbial fermentation - a process distinct from oxidation.

Hei Cha (黑茶) translates as "Black Tea." We also sometimes refer to it as "Dark Tea" to not confuse it with what we call "Black Tea" in the West. That's right, Hei Cha is China's 'real' Black Tea. The history of this tea goes back to the late Ming / early Qing dynasties. Although processing methods of Dark Tea have evolved over time, people throughout China still highly revere this tea as a regional specialty and historical attribute. (Read more)

What makes a loose-leaf tea high quality? Beyond avoiding tea bags, there are seven key factors – from leaf uniformity and cultivar to harvest timing, elevation, growing practices, and packaging – that separate exceptional tea from an ordinary one. (Read more)

Many Gong Fu tea brewers divide into two categories: the ones who prefer to only use gaiwan; and the ones who stick with the trusty dusty teapot. Of course, there's also a third category — those who use both. We see ourselves as the third category. 

When using the gaiwan some things which may be intimidating are the hot water temperature and the unusual way of gripping this tea vessel. Sure, using a teapot will usually ensure that your fingers don't get burned. However, if you follow the steps to properly using a gaiwan, the chances of burning yourself are just as minimal as with a teapot! (Read more)

We couldn’t think of a better time to introduce this post to you. With the chilly weather outside, there’s nothing lovelier than the smell of roasted tea spreading throughout our lodgings. In a few simple steps, you can have your own roasted green tea — Hojicha at home, plus enjoy the wonderful scent of the tea. (Read more)