It's All About Tea

In China, the homeland of tea, tea lovers and connoisseurs usually consume tea in its pure state. That way, they can appreciate the depth of flavor and aroma unique to each tea type and variety. Yet, there's a parallel tradition that intertwines the age-old wisdom of medicine with tea by creating tea blends that are both therapeutic and aromatic. Mixing loose leaf tea with herbs, flowers, or fruits isn't random. It's mostly about enhancing tea's natural benefits. It also adds a twist of flavor and aroma that makes each sip a little more special. TCM doctors, tea experts, and tea lovers thoughtfully crafted these tea blends, balancing the health benefits and the sensory pleasures of the brew.

As we dive into the most popular blends for each tea type, we're not just exploring flavors. We step into a world where tea enhances our daily lives, addresses specific problems, or brings certain benefits, offering both health and pleasure in every cup. Ready to mix things up? (Read More)

Brewing the perfect cup of tea – the hailed summit that every tea lover strives for during the years of practice and dedication! Indeed, to brew tea in the best way is an art that includes several key components: the quality of the tea leaves, the temperature and nature of the water, and the steeping time, considered the Holy Trinity of them all. When it comes to fine tuning, though, some low-key factors strongly impact the outcome. The technique used for pouring water is one of them. While most of us pay close attention to the type of tea and the water temperature, the way we pour water over our tea leaves often goes overlooked. Yet, it's a crucial step that can significantly influence our tea's flavor, aroma, and overall enjoyment.

In this blog post, we dive into water-pouring techniques for brewing tea. It might surprise you, but how you pour water can transform your tea experience. Every detail matters, from the height of the pour to the speed and the angle. Whether you're a seasoned tea enthusiast or just starting to explore the vast universe of tea, understanding these techniques can elevate your brew to new heights. So, grab your favorite teapot (or gaiwan) and let's explore how a simple change in your pouring method can unleash the full potential of your tea leaves (Read More)

Dan Cong Oolong has over 500 identified aromatic compounds – more than any other tea type. But where does that extraordinary aroma come from? This article explores the science behind Dancong Oolong taste and aroma: leaf chemistry, the Zuo Qing process, terroir, tree age, and how aging transforms the cup over time (Read More)

In the previous blog post, we explored a hidden gem in the 22-million megapolis of Shenzhen – a tea house-turned-private museum of a renowned tea person, lover, and collector. Mr. Chen, the president of the Chaoshan Tea Association in Shenzhen, has a lifelong passion for tea and Gongfu Cha culture. With him as our guide, we embarked on a journey through time, discovering antique Gongfu Cha memorabilia, the air of then-times, and the stories hidden behind those objects.

In this blog post, we continue our journey in the Gongfu Cha realm, sipping high-quality almond-flavored Dancong Wulong, diving into the history and present of Gongfu Cha, as well as its representation in the daily life of local Chaozhou people (Read More)

A tea journey anywhere in Guangdong would not be complete without a visit dedicated to Gongfu tea culture and practice. Lucky for us, the 22-million megapolis of Shenzhen is not just near Chaozhou, the cradle of Gongfu tea. Many Chaozhou people moved there in the last four decades, making Shenzhen their new home. They have carried their culture and customs with them, establishing some of the most vibrant Gongfu tea communities in China and beyond. Currently, there are several tea associations, as well as a great number of tea companies and tea spaces originating from Chaozhou. They are engaged in the production and trade with Chaozhou-grown tea. At the same time, they promote and develop the Gongfu tea culture, shaping its new face and serving as a bridge between past and present times.

While in Shenzhen, we were lucky to meet with a notable figure in the Gongfu tea world, the president of the Chaoshan Tea Association in Shenzhen. Mr. Chen is a tea person who runs their own tea company and is a long-time collector of Gongfu tea culture artifacts and memorabilia. In an effort to preserve and pass on the legacy of his Chaoshan predecessors, he has turned his tea space into a private museum dedicated to Gongfu tea culture. (Read More)