Guide

Green tea in a glass

Guide

The Allure of Excellent Green Tea: A First Flush Springtime Gem

on Feb 20 2025
In the world of tea, few things are as highly cherished as excellent green tea, especially the first flush varieties. Revered by tea lovers worldwide for their unique flavor and rare harvest, these teas are more than just a seasonal delight—they embody nature’s freshest gift. Often seen as a symbol of renewal, excellent green tea captures the essence of spring, making it a standout choice among premium green teas. But what makes excellent green tea like the first flush so special? Let’s take a deeper dive into the factors that contribute to its unmatched quality and why it deserves a place in your tea collection. The First Spring Buds: Where Excellent Green Tea Meets Nature The magic of excellent green tea lies in its precise harvesting timeline. The term "First Spring" refers to the earliest buds that sprout as the season of spring begins. These are the first leaves to appear after the long, cold winter. "First Harvest" is the very first batch of tea leaves plucked during this period, typically before the tea tree has fully awakened from its winter dormancy. This delicate process results in tender, vibrant buds packed with nutrients, giving the tea its characteristic depth of flavor and aroma. For example, the renowned Dragon Well (Longjing), harvested from the hills around Hangzhou, represents a perfect first flush tea. Its smooth, slightly nutty flavor and sweet finish embody the freshness of early spring. The Beauty of Excellent Green Tea Visually, excellent green tea is nothing short of stunning. The leaves are delicate, plump, and vibrant green, with fine downy hairs that signal the tea's youthful freshness. When dried, the leaves are tightly rolled, forming uniform, beautiful strips, often with a clear white down that speaks to their top-tier quality. As you brew the leaves, they unfold in the water, revealing their delicate beauty and releasing a subtle, elegant fragrance. The resulting bright green liquor is strikingly clear, offering a refreshing aroma that signals the coming of spring with every sip. Biluochun, with its tightly curled leaves, is an example of a tea that expresses this characteristic perfectly, offering a delicate, sweet flavor profile with floral undertones that transport you straight to the lush hills where it’s harvested. Tasting Excellent Green Tea: A Refreshing Experience Tasting excellent green tea is an experience all its own. The moment it touches your tongue, a burst of freshness and vitality blossoms. Unlike the bitterness associated with summer tea or the dullness of autumn tea, first flush green tea carries the unique sweetness and purity of spring. It has a smooth, fresh taste with lingering floral notes that leave you feeling rejuvenated. The Huangshan Mao Feng offers just this kind of experience, with its tender leaves and rich, floral aroma that refreshes and delights with every sip. Its subtle sweetness and pleasant aftertaste make it an excellent choice for those seeking a complex, refreshing cup. Why Excellent Green Tea is So Rare Despite its delicate charm, excellent green tea is incredibly rare. This rarity stems not only from the short harvest window but also from the difficulty of harvesting. Since the buds grow slowly at the start of the season, the yield is low, making it harder to produce. Tea farmers must work quickly and skillfully, carefully selecting the most tender leaves. It’s a process that requires significant expertise and patience, which is why excellent green tea is considered one of the most luxurious varieties of tea. For those who seek out the finest examples of this rare tea, Enshi Yulu is an exceptional choice. Its soft, delicate flavor and subtle sweetness are a testament to the precision required to craft such a rare tea. The tender leaves are carefully plucked and processed to bring out a smooth, clean taste, perfect for the discerning tea lover. Crafting Perfection: The Making of Excellent Green Tea The production process of excellent green tea is just as meticulous as its harvest. To preserve the tea's natural qualities and delicate flavors, tea masters employ both traditional and modern techniques. The tea is carefully processed through several stages, from fixing (or "killing green") to rolling and drying. Each step is designed to maximize the flavor and aroma, ensuring the tea reaches its full potential. Savor the Spring with iTeaworld’s Premium Excellent Green Tea Take a moment to savor the refreshing, rejuvenating taste of spring with iTeaworld’s premium excellent green tea. Whether you choose Dragon Well, Biluochun, Huangshan Mao Feng, or Enshi Yulu, each cup offers a glimpse of nature’s seasonal gift, captured in every sip. Your taste buds will thank you—and your soul will too.
wild-tea-and-tea-farming-everything-you-need-to-know

Guide

Wild Tea and Tea Farming: Everything You Need to Know

on Jun 19 2024
People always hope for tea of better taste and quality, which is one of the driving forces behind the thriving tea industry. This is also why there are many well-known Chinese tea varieties, as well as some niche loose leaf tea, such as Chinese wild tea. Although wild tea is produced in small quantities, it has always existed and is loved by many for its unique flavor. How Do Wild Tea Trees Grow? The tea trees we commonly see are those grown in tea gardens, which take the form of shrubs. These tea trees are planted and pruned neatly. However, wild tea trees exhibit a more diverse array of forms for this species:  Some tea trees were once part of tea gardens, but were later abandoned by humans and have grown naturally in the wild. Such tea trees often grow into large clusters, surpassing human height.  There are also wild tea trees scattered under large trees in forests, taking the form of wild shrubs.  Some wild tea trees grow in forests and have been growing for many years, evolving from shrub form into tall trees, reaching heights of over ten meters.  Additionally, there are ancient tea tree communities in the primeval forests of Yunnan. These tea trees have a long history, with some being over a thousand years old. Special Growing Environment of Wild Tea Trees Wild tea trees generally grow in remote, seldom-visited places. These areas often have excellent natural environments:  Warm and humid climate: wild tea trees typically grow in southern China and tend to be near water sources.  Biodiverse ecosystems: wild tea trees grow alongside other animals and plants, becoming part of the ecosystem.  High-quality soil conditions: The areas where wild tea trees grow often have humus soil, soil mixed with rocks, and other high-quality soil types. The excellent growing environment of wild tea makes it exceptionally delicious and healthier. Therefore, wild tea is very suitable as tea gift sets for family and friends. If you are unsure which flavor of wild tea to choose, it is recommended to start with a loose leaf tea sampler, which is more economical and convenient. The Significance of Wild Tea Trees for Tea Varieties Most tea trees in tea gardens are propagated through cuttings, ensuring the uniformity and stability of the tea varieties in the gardens. Wild tea trees, on the other hand, reproduce through seeds and exhibit a richer variety of species. For example, the wild tea trees on a single mountain might all be different in terms of leaf morphology and the taste of the tea they produce. This multi-variety coexistence of wild tea trees has many advantages. On one hand, this population mode allows wild tea to better resist natural disasters and pests. Additionally, wild tea trees preserve a rich genetic pool for tea varieties. Management of Wild Tea Trees Wild tea trees are generally unmanaged. Occasionally, farmers may clear the weeds around wild tea trees. Can wild tea trees completely avoid the application of pesticides and fertilizers? This is not certain. Currently, farmers who harvest and process wild tea not only sell it but also consume it themselves. Therefore, it is uncommon for farmers to deliberately apply pesticides and fertilizers to wild tea trees. Before purchasing wild tea, it is recommended to check for organic testing and certification by professional organizations to ensure that you are buying qualified organic loose leaf tea. Harvesting of Wild Tea Currently, wild tea can only be harvested by hand. If you want to make wild oolong tea, you can purchase more mature fresh leaves from farmers. However, it is not yet feasible to harvest wild tea with strict specifications, such as picking only buds or one bud with one leaf. The quality of fresh leaves from wild tea trees varies depending on their specific location within the same region. Generally, fresh leaves from wild tea trees growing in more remote areas with better natural environments fetch higher prices. When locals make wild tea for their own consumption, they also go to more remote areas to harvest. According to the locals, the wild tea from those places does taste better. Due to the difficulty and labor intensity of harvesting wild tea, it is often only picked once in the spring in many areas. Tea Farmers in Wild Tea Regions Areas where wild tea trees grow usually have beautiful landscapes and good environments. At the same time, these regions are often very poor and economically underdeveloped. From the wild tea-producing areas we have visited, the local farmers are generally quite poor. Most farmers who harvest wild tea hope to increase their income through this method. Currently, wild tea has not yet developed into large-scale production and sales. In many regions, the reality is that local small-scale farmers harvest and process the tea themselves. Due to the exceptionally high quality of fresh leaves from wild tea, the resulting tea stands out in aroma and taste. For example, wild black tea tends to be richer, and wild green tea has a fresher and more uplifting aroma. Therefore, wild tea also has a relatively stable group of buyers. Although wild tea is relatively niche, it fills in several gaps that tea garden tea might lack, such as a richer variety of tea tree species and exceptionally superior growing environments. In fact, the number of tea gardens with excellent growing environments is very limited. Some of China's best loose leaf tea is also limited in production and expensive. For example, the tea gardens in the “Three Pits and Two Gullies" area of Wuyi Mountain produce what is probably the best oolong tea in China. These tea gardens produce a limited amount of fresh leaves each year, and the high-quality tea made from them sells out quickly at high prices. When it comes to wild tea, however, if you seek tea trees with equally excellent growing environments, you will find many more options. This might be one of the significances of the existence of wild tea. The above is what we know about wild tea. If there are any other aspects you would like to learn about, feel free to discuss them with us.
Chinese Tea - wild tea | iTeaworld

Guide

The 5 Best Chinese Wild Tea in 2024

on Jun 17 2024
If you are looking for healthy and delicious loose leaf tea, you might want to check out Chinese wild tea. Chinese wild tea is made from fresh leaves of tea trees that grow in the wild, offering a unique flavor. We have recently introduced a new batch of wild tea, which is delicious and diverse. Here are the main features of these wild teas:  2024 New Tea: This batch of wild tea was harvested in the spring of 2024. We bring you the freshest wild tea.  Variety of Choices: We offer a variety of wild green tea, wild black tea, and wild dark tea. Whether you prefer a rich or refreshing taste, you can find your perfect match here.  Delicious Taste: Wild tea is characterized by its high fragrance and rich taste, making it well worth tasting.  Suitable for: Wild tea is suitable for tea enthusiasts who pursue quality and taste. Wild tea also makes great healthy and delicious tea gift sets for family and friends. Wild Green Tea (40g $24.99) This wild green tea is characterized by its freshness and briskness. Even after multiple infusions, the aroma remains fresh and pleasant. This tea has a rich fragrance with a unique apple scent. Its taste is mellow and refreshing, slightly bitter at first, but quickly followed by a sweet aftertaste. The tea has a complex flavor profile and a long-lasting aftertaste.    Origin: This wild green tea comes from Kaishan Town, Hezhou City, Guangxi. The tea-producing area is surrounded by mountains on three sides, shrouded in mist all year round, at an altitude of about 1000 meters.    Tea Master: Chen Shangren has lived for generations in Dongnan Village, the most famous tea-producing area for Kaishan white hair tea. He specializes in processing these wild white hair teas (wild green tea). Wild Black Tea (40g $24.99) This wild black tea has an exceptionally rich flavor with a deep and lasting sweetness that is truly enjoyable. The tea has a strong floral aroma that infuses into the water. Its taste is rich and distinctly tea-flavored, with a complex and layered profile. Some of China's best loose leaf tea, like ripe Pu-erh and Yingde Black Tea, are renowned for their rich taste and complex layers. If you enjoy teas with a robust flavor, this wild black tea is not to be missed.    Origin: This wild black tea comes from the Daming Mountain area in Shanglin County, Nanning, Guangxi. The tea-producing area is at an altitude of about 900 meters.    Tea Master: Huang Jiamei's family has lived for generations at the foot of Daming Mountain in Shanglin County, Nanning. She has been drinking and making tea since childhood and is skilled in making Daming Mountain wild black tea and wild green tea. Wild Oolong Tea (40g $29.99) This wild oolong tea is characterized by its distinct aroma. When you hold the tea in your mouth, you will feel the aroma rush through your senses. Some famous oolong tea, such as Fenghuang Dancong and TieGuanyin, are considered the best oolong tea because of their fragrance. Therefore, this wild oolong tea is well worth tasting. The tea has a floral and fruity aroma that infuses into the water. Its taste is rich and refreshing, inducing salivation and leaving a clear, lingering aftertaste in the throat.    Origin: This tea comes from Lijiang Village, Longsheng County, Guilin, Guangxi. The area is surrounded by mountains, rich in organic soil, with strong sunlight and frequent rain, at an altitude of about 1000 meters.    Tea Master: Liu Hai's ancestral home is in Wuyi Mountain, the origin of Wuyi rock tea. He learned to make Wuyi rock tea and black tea from his elders since childhood. He is skilled in handcrafting traditional-style Wuyi rock tea. Wild White Tea (40g $24.99) This wild white tea stands out for its delicate tea liquor and rich floral aroma. It is a tea meant to be savored slowly. The tea has a distinct floral fragrance with a hint of bud aroma. Its taste is fresh, mellow, and sweet, with a long-lasting aftertaste.    Origin: This tea comes from Diantou Town, Fuding City, Ningde, Fujian Province. The tea-producing area shares the same geographic coordinates as the “golden latitude" for wine, known as the “golden latitude" for Fuding white tea. The average altitude here is over 600 meters.    Tea Master: Zhu Naihan has lived for generations in Guanyang Village, Diantou Town, Fuding City. He specializes in the traditional production of Fuding white tea. Wild Dark Tea (40g $24.99) This wild dark tea is shaped like ancient copper coins, with a glossy, dark appearance. The tea has a unique pine smoke aroma that is pure and long-lasting. Its taste is mellow, sweet, and soft, with a rich texture and a long-lasting aftertaste.    Origin: This tea comes from Anhua County, Yiyang City, Hunan Province, which is also the birthplace of Anhua dark tea. The tea-producing area is at an altitude of about 1000 meters.    Tea Master: Luo Gaoyang's family has been making tea for generations, with 13 generations involved in dark tea processing since the mid-Qing Dynasty. He started helping his elders with tea picking and processing at the age of ten. After reaching adulthood, in addition to inheriting his family's tea-making skills, he attended several dark tea-making workshops and earned the title of Senior Tea Master. What to Look for When Purchasing Wild Tea? Check for Detailed Origin Information Compared to other Chinese tea, the production of wild tea is very limited. The reasons for the low yield of wild tea include the small number of wild tea trees, the need for manual harvesting, and the high difficulty in processing wild tea. As a result, there are instances where plantation tea is sold but claimed to be wild tea. Before purchasing wild tea, be sure to check for detailed origin information and photos of the tea plantations. This will help ensure you are buying authentic, high-quality wild tea.    Check for Relevant Testing and Certification Wild tea trees grow without human management, so generally, no pesticides or fertilizers are involved in the growth of wild tea. If you are looking for organic loose leaf tea from China, you can consider looking within the range of Chinese wild tea. Before purchasing, check for organic testing and certification from professional organizations to ensure you are buying qualified organic loose leaf tea.    Consider Purchasing Samples Before Buying Full Packages Wild teas of different varieties have very different taste profiles. It's not advisable to buy large packages of tea until you are sure which type of loose leaf tea you prefer. You can start by trying samples using a loose leaf tea sampler. Once you've determined your preferred taste, then purchase full packages, which is more economical and practical. These 5 best Chinese wild teas not only showcase nature's bounty but also highlight the richness and diversity of wild teas. While tasting these teas, we not only experience the wonders of nature but also appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship of Chinese tea making. Let's raise our cups together and savor the endless charm of these wild teas.
Chinese Tea-enjoy the wild tea in the forest

Guide

A Beginner's Guide to Wild Tea: Brewing and Storage Methods

on Jun 07 2024
When selecting Chinese loose leaf tea, one might come across varieties such as wild tea. Due to its limited production, Chinese wild tea is relatively niche within Chinese tea. At the same time, Chinese wild tea is loved by many tea enthusiasts for its unique taste and aroma, and it is considered one of the best loose leaf tea. This article will explain information on the selection, brewing, and storage of wild tea, helping you to better enjoy the deliciousness of wild tea. Choosing Your Wild Tea In addition to tea trees grown in tea gardens, China also has some tea trees that grow wild and unmanaged. The tea made from the fresh leaves of these tea trees is called wild tea. Wild tea generally has characteristics such as a rich taste, high fragrance, and wild charm. Through different processing methods, wild tea can be made into various types such as wild green tea, wild black tea, wild white tea, and wild oolong tea. You can choose different wild teas based on your taste preferences. Additionally, because of the rarity of wild tea, you might encounter situations where tea garden tea is sold as wild tea. You can determine whether the tea you purchase is wild tea based on the following aspects. 1. Leaf Characteristics  Leaves are slender and thin, with fine leaf stems, giving a sense of nutrient deficiency.  Due to lack of sunlight exposure, the leaf color is lighter, tending towards yellow-green.  Can only be hand-picked, with uneven cuts on the stems. The tea trees grow naturally, leading to inconsistency in the tenderness and size of the leaves. Without any human management, the leaves often have insect holes. 2. Aroma and Taste  The aroma is more intense and lasting, with an elegant quality.  The tea flavor is richer, with a deep and lasting aftertaste, and a noticeable salivating effect.  Due to less sunlight exposure, there are more anthocyanins, which may cause the tea liquor to have a brownish tint. 3. Origin  Mostly sourced from remote mountainous areas or forests; exercise caution when source information is unclear. Since wild tea trees mostly grow in remote mountainous areas and are unmanaged, the growth process of wild tea trees generally involves no fertilizers or pesticides. If you want to purchase Chinese organic loose leaf tea, you can look within the range of Chinese wild tea. Before purchasing, make sure to check for organic testing and certification by professional organizations to ensure you are getting genuine organic loose leaf tea. How to Brew Wild Tea? The right brewing method can fully bring out the high fragrance and wild charm characteristics of wild loose leaf tea. Depending on the variety of wild tea, you should choose the appropriate brewing method. 1. Wild Green Tea Water Temperature: 80-90℃ Tea to Water Ratio: 1:40 Utensils: Porcelain bowl/Glass cup Steeping Time: 10-15 seconds Number of Infusions: 3-5 times 2. Wild White Tea Water Temperature: 80-90℃ Tea to Water Ratio: 1:30 Utensils: Porcelain bowl/Glass cup Steeping Time: 10-15 seconds Number of Infusions: 3-5 times 3. Wild Oolong Tea Water Temperature: 95-100℃ Tea to Water Ratio: 1:20 Utensils: Sand pot/Zisha teapot Steeping Time: 10-20 seconds Number of Infusions: 5-7 times 4. Wild Black Tea Water Temperature: 85-95℃ Tea to Water Ratio: 1:30 Utensils: Sand pot/Zisha teapot Steeping Time: 10-15 seconds Number of Infusions: 5-7 times 5. Wild Dark Tea Water Temperature: 95-100℃ Tea to Water Ratio: 1:20 Utensils: Sand pot/Zisha teapot Steeping Time: 15-20 seconds Number of Infusions: 5-7 times As the weather gradually becomes hot, besides using these conventional hot water brewing methods, you can also use cold brewing to steep loose leaf tea. Some loose leaf cold brew tea is very delicious and worth trying, especially during hot weather. How to Store Wild Tea? Appropriate storage will effectively preserve the aroma and taste of wild tea, while also achieving effective aging, helping you enjoy delicious tea for a long time. The storage methods for different varieties of wild tea vary significantly. Please choose the corresponding brewing method based on the variety. 1. Wild Green Tea Fresh wild green tea can be stored at room temperature for 8-9 months, or refrigerated for up to 18 months. Store wild green tea in an opaque and well-sealed container to avoid direct sunlight. 2. Wild White Tea Wild white tea is suitable for storage at room temperature, avoiding high temperatures and direct sunlight to prevent affecting the natural transformation of the tea leaves. Store wild white tea in a well-sealed container such as a porcelain jar or specialized tea container to maintain its aroma and quality. For long-term storage, you can use a three-layer packaging method with food-grade plastic bags, light-shielding aluminum foil bags, and paper boxes to ensure the purity and light-shielding effect of wild white tea. 3. Wild Oolong Tea For short-term storage of wild oolong tea, use well-sealed tea canisters and place them in a cool, dry place, avoiding direct sunlight and odors. For long-term aging of wild oolong tea while preserving the flavor of best oolong tea, opt for breathable Yixing clay pots or ceramic jars. Maintain appropriate humidity and ventilation to facilitate natural aging of the tea leaves. 4. Wild Black Tea Store wild black tea in sealed tea canisters to avoid direct sunlight and odors. Ideal storage conditions include room temperature around 18°C to 24°C, with relative humidity between 50% to 60%. 5. Wild Dark Tea Wild dark tea should be stored in an environment with a temperature maintained between 20°C to 30°C, avoiding high temperatures that can accelerate oxidation and change the quality of the tea leaves. The relative humidity in the storage environment should be kept between 60% to 70%, with regular ventilation to ensure proper oxygen supply and promote the tea leaves' maturation. Dark tea can be stored for several years, but it requires regular checks to ensure there are no issues like dampness, mold, or pests, and these issues should be addressed promptly. Apart from these delicious wild teas, there are many other diverse varieties of Chinese tea for you to choose from. You can start by trying some famous Chinese teas like Longjing, TieGuanyin, Da Hong Pao, and ripe Pu-erh. It's recommended to use a loose leaf tea sampler to try out various teas and then select your favorite flavors. Additionally, Chinese teas make wonderful gifts in the form of tea gift sets. We hope you discover more joy in the world of Chinese tea and experience the pleasure and tranquility it brings to your mind and body.
6 Delicious Chinese Wild Tea Recipes to Enjoy

Guide

6 Delicious Chinese Wild Tea Recipes to Enjoy

on May 25 2024
Chinese wild tea refers to tea made from the fresh leaves of tea trees growing in the wild. Compared to tea trees cultivated in plantations, these wild tea trees grow without human management and propagate through seeds. Additionally, these wild tea trees often thrive in remote areas with excellent natural environments. People may have heard of famous Chinese tea like Longjing and Lapsang Souchong, but wild tea names are less known. Compared to these well-known Chinese tea, Chinese wild tea is relatively niche. However, due to its unique aroma and flavor characteristics, wild tea has also won the favor of many tea enthusiasts. Whether it's wild black tea, wild green tea, or other varieties of wild tea, they all possess a strong fragrance and a distinct, rich tea flavor. Therefore, wild tea is delicious when tasted on its own and is also suitable for making a variety of tasty beverages. Loose leaf tea gift boxes containing wild tea are excellent choices as healthy and delicious tea gift sets for family and friends. Lemon Wild Black Tea The freshness of lemon and the floral and fruity aroma of black tea compose a wonderful symphony—fragrant, rich, and sweet. · Preparation Method:  Place wild black tea into a cup and add an appropriate amount of hot water to brew.  Add fresh lemon slices and let them steep for a moment.  You may add some honey to taste. The sweetness of honey can balance the bitterness of wild black tea, making the tea more pleasantly sweet. The fresh citrus aroma of lemon combined with the rich taste of wild black tea offers a unique flavor experience. The vitamin C in lemon also helps boost the immune system. Find more loose leaf black tea with our Black Tea Sampler.>>> Wild Black Tea Milk Tea What's the secret to making delicious milk tea? A rich and smooth tea infusion. Try making milk tea with wild black tea, and you won't be disappointed! · Preparation Method: 1. Brew wild black tea with hot water, then remove the tea leaves to obtain the tea infusion. Add an appropriate amount of milk and sugar to the tea infusion (adjust according to personal taste). Stir well, and it's ready to drink.   Milk tea made with wild black tea combines the aroma of tea with the smoothness of milk, perfect for tea lovers who enjoy the texture of milk tea. Wild Green Tea Juice This beverage offers a fresh and refreshing sensation, making it perfect for summer. · Preparation Method:  Brew wild green tea with water at 85-90°C (185-194°F), then remove the tea leaves to obtain the tea infusion.  Juice your favorite fruits (such as oranges or apples), or use store-bought fruit juice.  Thoroughly mix the green tea with the fruit juice to create a healthy drink. This blended beverage not only tastes great but also contains rich antioxidants and vitamins. Find more loose leaf green tea with our Green Tea Sampler.>>> Wild Oolong Tea Slushie You may have tried many fruit-flavored slushies, but a slushie made with wild oolong tea will give you a new experience—refreshing, palate-cleansing, and memorable. · Preparation Method: 1. Brew wild oolong tea with hot water, then remove the tea leaves to obtain the tea infusion. Let the tea cool down for a while. 2. Put the tea infusion, ice cubes, and a small amount of sugar or honey into a blender and blend until smooth to make the oolong tea slushie. This beverage has a delicate texture and is perfect as a refreshing summer treat. If you use some of the best oolong tea, such as Da Hong Pao, Tie Guanyin, or Fenghuang Dancong, to make this drink, it will have an even more distinctive flavor. Find more loose leaf oolong tea with our Oolong Tea Sampler.>>> Wild Dark Tea Butter Milk Tea This is a rich, smooth beverage that also aids digestion. · Preparation Method:  Add wild dark tea to an appropriate amount of water in a pot and boil to extract the tea infusion.  Add a suitable amount of milk, butter, and sugar to the tea infusion. Stir well and simmer on low heat for a while.  Pour out the tea infusion and strain out the tea leaves. Your wild dark tea butter milk tea is ready to enjoy. Find more loose leaf dark tea with our Dark Tea Sampler.>>> Herbal Wild White Tea If you want a tea with rich aromatic layers and a fresh, sweet taste, you should try herbal wild white tea! · Preparation Method:  Mix wild white tea with other herbs and flowers such as rose and chrysanthemum.  Add water at about 90°C (194°F) to the mixed tea and brew, then remove the tea leaves.  If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a small amount of sugar or honey. The addition of herbs and flowers not only enhances the flavor of wild white tea but also provides additional health benefits. Beverages made with wild tea are not only delicious but also a healthier choice. Wild tea is considered one of the best loose leaf tea in China. Because wild tea trees grow without human management, the likelihood of pesticide and fertilizer contamination is lower compared to plantation teas. If you are looking for delicious and healthy organic loose leaf tea from China, you can explore the range of Chinese wild teas. When purchasing, be sure to check for organic testing and certification by professional organizations. This will ensure that you are buying qualified organic loose leaf tea. We hope this article has provided you with new ideas for making beverages with wild tea. Besides using wild tea as an ingredient, other high-quality teas with strong flavors and rich aromas can also be used to create these delicious beverages.
Wild Tea

Guide

Is Chinese Wild Tea Black, Green, or Oolong Tea?

on May 21 2024
What determines whether a tea is black tea, green tea, or oolong tea? It is the processing method that determines whether a tea is black tea, green tea, or oolong tea.   Theoretically, fresh leaves from a tea plant can be made into any of the six major types of Chinese tea (green tea, white tea, yellow tea, oolong tea, black tea, and dark tea). For example, if you stir-fry freshly picked tea leaves in a pan until they wilt and soften, then manually roll the leaves into a certain shape, and finally dry them, you will get loose leaf green tea. If, during the above process, after rolling the tea leaves, you do not directly dry them but instead pile them in a warm, humid room to ferment for a period of time (several hours or even longer), and finally dry the fermented tea leaves, you will get loose leaf dark tea. Find more Chinese tea with our Chinese Tea Sampler.>>> So, what is wild tea? When we discuss wild tea, we are no longer focusing on the processing method of loose leaf tea but rather on the raw material—the fresh leaves. From the perspective of cultivation methods, tea trees can be divided into several types: tea trees in tea gardens, wild tea trees, and ancient tea trees (usually over a hundred years old), among others. Some teas are considered among the best loose leaf tea precisely because their raw materials are of excellent quality, such as ancient tree Pu-erh tea from Yunnan. Wild tea refers to tea made from fresh leaves of wild tea trees. Wild tea trees are those that grow in the wild without human management. These trees are generally sexually reproduced varieties that grow in remote and environmentally superior areas. Because they are not managed by humans, wild tea is much less likely to contain pesticides and fertilizers compared to other types of tea. If you are looking for organic loose leaf tea among Chinese teas, you might consider wild tea. Before purchasing, be sure to check for testing and certification from professional organizations to ensure you are buying qualified organic loose leaf tea. Then, what type of tea is wild tea exactly? Black, green or others? Depending on your needs, you can process fresh wild tea leaves into any of the six major types of tea. If you prefer oolong tea, you can choose to make the fresh wild tea leaves into wild loose leaf oolong tea. This is why tea enthusiasts encounter varieties like wild black tea, wild green tea, and wild oolong tea when selecting Chinese tea. We have had the opportunity to explore and learn about various types of wild tea. From what we have learned, different types of wild tea have their unique characteristics. Here are some examples:  Wild black tea: The aroma of dry wild black tea is evident even before brewing. After brewing, the tea liquor is bright orange-red with a pronounced aroma that is not superficial. The taste is rich, sweet, and refreshing, with a notable mouth-watering effect.  Wild green tea: Even after multiple brews, wild green tea maintains its fresh and pleasant aroma, which is one of the advantages of Chinese green tea. The taste of wild green tea is rich and sweet. It may be slightly bitter at first, but it quickly turns sweet. Some tea enthusiasts wonder if wild tea can be made using the specific processing method, such as Da Hong Pao processing method. The answer is yes, but in practice, such examples are rare. The world of Chinese tea is very diverse, with many possibilities. If you want to try different types of Chinese tea, it is recommended to start with a loose leaf tea sampler, which is more economical and convenient. What are the health benefits of wild tea? The health benefits of Chinese tea are directly related to the processing methods, with less association with the type of fresh leaves. For example, both wild black tea and tea garden black tea have good effects on promoting digestion. Here are the health benefits of different types of wild tea. Different types of wild teas can be suitable tea gift sets for family and friends. · Wild Green Tea: Wild green tea contains a large amount of tea polyphenols, especially catechins (EGCG), which have strong antioxidant properties. These help prevent cell damage and slow down the aging process. Additionally, they help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and assist in weight loss. Find more loose leaf green tea with our Green Tea Sampler.>>>   · Wild White Tea: Wild white tea is rich in tea polyphenols and amino acids, which have significant antioxidant effects and help enhance immunity. · Wild Yellow Tea: Wild yellow tea has a high content of tea polyphenols, and the production process generates a large number of digestive enzymes. Therefore, yellow tea has good antioxidant properties, enhances immunity, and improves digestion. · Wild Oolong Tea: As a semi-oxidized tea, wild oolong tea contains unique tea polyphenols and theaflavins, which have excellent antioxidant properties. These help combat free radicals, slow down cellular aging, and positively impact cardiovascular health. Wild oolong tea also aids in improving digestion, enhancing beauty, and helping control weight. Some of the best oolong tea is renowned for their aroma and have a soothing effect on mood. Find more loose leaf oolong tea with our Oolong Tea Sampler.>>> · Wild Black Tea: Wild black tea is rich in tea polyphenols and theaflavins, which have antioxidant properties that help delay aging and maintain cardiovascular health. Wild black tea also helps improve indigestion and spleen and stomach weakness. Find more loose leaf black tea with our Black Tea Sampler.>>> · Wild Dark Tea: Wild dark tea has antioxidant and metabolism-regulating effects. Because of the post-fermentation process of wild dark tea, it is especially suitable for those looking to improve gut health and control weight.
chinese wild tea

Guide

The Difference Between Chinese Wild Tea and Regular Tea

on May 21 2024
Compared to tea from Chinese tea plantations, Chinese wild tea is relatively niche, but it has also garnered much love from enthusiasts. Chinese wild tea refers to tea made from the fresh leaves of wild tea trees. Depending on different processing techniques, wild tea is classified into various categories such as wild loose leaf green tea, wild loose leaf black tea, wild loose leaf oolong tea, and wild loose leaf dark tea. Chinese wild tea trees are those that grow in natural outdoor environments, where their growth process is untouched by human intervention. These trees reproduce through seeds, coexist with wildlife, participate in natural competition, and exhibit robust vitality. What Makes Wild Tea Special? China already produces a large quantity of high-quality Chinese tea from tea plantations, so why has wild tea received so much attention? It's because of some unique aspects of wild tea compared to plantation tea. Sexual reproduction varieties: Tea trees in plantations are mostly propagated by cuttings, resulting in fixed genes and varieties. Wild tea trees, on the other hand, reproduce through seeds, leading to genetic randomness. Additionally, sexually reproduced wild tea trees often have more developed root systems, enhancing their ability to absorb nutrients from the soil. Symbiosis with other flora and fauna: Tea plantation trees grow in artificially managed environments with minimal presence of other flora and fauna. In contrast, wild tea trees grow scattered in natural outdoor environments, coexisting with various trees, shrubs, and wildlife. Limited yield: The growing area of wild tea trees is much smaller compared to tea plantations. Due to no human intervention, wild tea trees that grow in the wild for decades are often small, and the amount of fresh leaves available for harvest is minimal. Therefore, the yield of wild tea is much lower than that of plantation tea. Wild Tea Trees Generally Thrive in Superior Growing Environments Some Chinese teas are regarded as among the best loos leaf tea, and their popularity is closely linked to the excellent growing conditions of their tea trees. Da Hong Pao, known as one of the best oolong tea, is a typical example. Seasoned tea drinkers can discern subtle differences in taste. The places where wild tea trees grow are often remote and inaccessible to most people, boasting superior natural conditions. Typically, only locals who frequently venture into the mountains are aware of the distribution of these wild tea trees. Based on our observations, wild tea in a region is often picked and consumed by locals for many years before it spreads on a small scale. The quality of wild tea in the same region also varies. Generally, wild tea picked from areas with better natural environments in deep mountains tastes better than those picked from nearby mountains. This is the result of local tea pickers and producers' years of experience in tea harvesting and processing. Safer and Healthier Most tea plantation trees involve the use of fertilizers and pesticides during their growth to increase leaf yield and prevent pest damage. The growth process of wild tea trees is untouched by humans, with no involvement of pesticides or fertilizers. Therefore, if you want to purchase Chinese organic loose leaf tea, you can look within the scope of wild tea. Wild tea is safer, healthier, and is great for gifting as tea gift sets to family and friends. So, do all loose leaf tea labeled as wild tea not contain fertilizers or pesticides? This cannot be confirmed. Soil or water pollution in local wilderness areas or the spraying of pesticides and fertilizers on vegetation near wild tea trees may occur. Therefore, when purchasing wild tea, it is essential to understand the origin of the wild tea and whether there are corresponding tests and organic certifications. However, overall, the likelihood of wild tea containing pesticides and fertilizers is much lower than that of plantation tea. What Are the Characteristics of Wild Tea in Terms of Taste? Wild teas from different regions each have their own unique flavors. If you have the opportunity, exploring and tasting them would be a fascinating experience. Feel free to use a loose leaf tea sampler to explore the different tastes of tea. After tasting wild teas from various places, we have identified some common characteristics in their taste. On one hand, teas of the same type produced from wild tea trees, such as black tea, tend to have a richer taste and a more vibrant tea color. On the other hand, wild teas are known for their strong aroma. Whether it's freshly picked leaves or brewed tea, the fragrance is distinct and uplifting when held in the hand.
Have a cup of tea

Guide

Exploring Wild Chinese Tea: The Journey of Wild Tea from Forest to Cup

on May 14 2024
Walking in the forest, you accidentally stumble upon a wild tea tree. Excitedly, you pluck the loose leaves and brew them into a delicious tea. Sounds great, right? In reality, the situation could be much more complex, at least when it comes to Chinese wild tea. What does wild tea in China mean? If you're looking for wild tea trees in China, you'll need to head to the southern regions. The climate there is warm and humid, ideal for tea tree growth. If you find yourself near many artificially managed tea gardens, the chances of encountering wild tea trees are higher. Why is that? Because there's often a connection between wild tea trees and the tea trees in local gardens. In some places, some tea trees in local tea gardens are cultivated from these wild tea trees, and there are many such cases in Yunnan, a region renowned for Chinese tea production. In other places, this situation is even more prevalent, where local wild tea trees were once part of managed gardens but were later abandoned. As a result, these trees have been growing naturally in the wild for many years. In general, wild tea trees in China refer to tea trees growing in the wild without human intervention or management. If left unmanaged, how do wild tea trees avoid insect bites?  Insect bites aren't a concern. Generally, if insects have bitten the leaves, it doesn't affect the harvesting and consumption of wild tea leaves. As a result, it's common to see many insect holes on the leaves of wild tea trees. Occasionally, even freshly picked leaves may have insect holes. But this isn't a major issue. There's a famous Taiwanese oolong tea called Oriental Beauty, specifically known for its unique aroma and flavor achieved through insect bites on the tea leaves.  Farmers may perform simple management on wild tea trees. As the value of wild tea increases, some tea farmers who regularly harvest wild tea leaves may engage in simple management practices for some wild tea trees, such as periodically weeding around the tea trees and so on. Is there a possibility that someone might spray pesticides on wild tea trees? This situation is possible but not very likely. Because many farmers currently harvest wild tea for their own tea drinking. Generally, the likelihood of wild tea containing pesticides and fertilizers is much lower than that of tea from managed tea gardens. When purchasing wild tea, it's important to check for certifications from professional organizations to ensure that you're buying genuine Chinese organic loose leaf tea. How is wild tea harvested? Currently, the harvesting of wild tea can only be done manually. The growth conditions for wild tea vary across different regions in China, and the actual process may be more complicated than you imagine. Wild tea often grows in remote areas that are difficult for regular access; these areas are typically inaccessible by vehicles and require walking. Some wild tea trees have evolved from tea trees in managed gardens. These trees tend to grow in more concentrated areas, making harvesting somewhat easier. On the other hand, harvesting wild tea trees scattered in forests is more challenging. Harvesters need to trek through the forest for extended periods. In the forest, you may also encounter some unusual companions such as snakes, so you need to be extra careful at such times. What are the challenges in processing wild tea?  Irregular fresh leaves Wild tea trees are typically harvested only once a year during the spring season. When farmers go into the mountains, they harvest all the available fresh leaves from wild tea trees. Therefore, fresh leaves from wild tea trees cannot be as uniform in specification as those from managed tea gardens, such as full buds or one bud and one leaf specifications. The irregularity of fresh leaves means that the processing of wild tea involves more randomness and uncertainty.  Fresh leaves with unexpected moisture content Some wild tea trees grow under the shades of other tall trees throughout the year, resulting in high moisture content in their fresh leaves. On the other hand, there are wild tea trees that grow in very sunny locations, leading to drier fresh leaves. In general, the moisture content of fresh leaves from wild tea trees may vary from expectations, adding difficulty to the processing of wild tea. For example, if a tea master wants to make loose leaf green tea, the usual tea frying temperature and time may not be effective with wild tea leaves. If the tea master uses fresh leaves from wild tea trees to make loose leaf oolong tea, the time and intensity of the core processing step Yaoqing (shaking) also need to be adjusted accordingly. The outcome of Yaoqing (shaking) directly determines the success of making loose leaf oolong tea, which is crucial for producing the best oolong tea possible. Is it worth the difficulty to pick and produce wild tea? Wild tea does indeed have its value. In China, although the yield of wild tea is not high, it has always been popular. From our experience of tasting wild tea, it stands out in terms of aroma and flavor. Some people prefer famous Chinese teas such as Longjing, Da Hong Pao, and Tie Guanyin, while others appreciate the unique flavor of wild tea. If you want to taste the flavor of best loose leaf tea, give wild tea a try. Find more Chinese tea with our Chinese Sampler.>>> Additionally, what's fascinating about wild tea is its wild charm, which is subjective. Some people believe that wild tea has a unique wild charm, while others find this feeling too subtle to discern. If you want to experience this wild charm, you can compare wild tea with garden tea made using the same processing techniques. Garden tea tends to have a balanced taste across different levels, whereas wild tea also has corresponding taste levels but in a less balanced, irregular, and sometimes even rugged manner. If you have friends who are tea enthusiasts, you can choose tea gifts sets including wild tea for your friends. Your friends would be pleasantly surprised to receive wild tea. Chinese tea offers a wide variety of types, not just wild tea; there are many interesting varieties available. Feel free to explore the world of Chinese tea through a loose leaf tea sampler. We hope this sharing about wild tea has helped you gain more knowledge about tea and understand the stories behind these delicious teas.
The Secret of Chinese Wild Tea

Guide

The Secret of Chinese Wild Tea: Exploring Nature's Gift

on May 10 2024
Many Chinese tea enthusiasts may encounter tea names containing the word "wild" when selecting and purchasing Chinese tea. You might be curious, what does Chinese wild tea really mean? The following content may not be exhaustive, but we will answer some of your questions in detail. What Is Chinese Wild Tea? Chinese wild tea refers to tea made from the fresh leaves of wild tea trees. Wild tea trees in China generally grow in deep mountainous forests. These areas are often remote, so the growth process of wild tea trees is not intervened by humans; they grow and perish naturally. Typically, the growth process of wild tea does not involve the use of fertilizers or pesticides. If you're looking for organic loose leaf tea, you might consider choosing wild tea. Please make sure to check for organic testing and certification from professional organizations before making a purchase, to ensure that you are buying qualified Chinese organic loose leaf tea. Wild tea trees reproduce through seeds, and their varieties and the taste of the tea made from them are random, to some extent, they also possess more wildness. Where Do Chinese Wild Tea Trees Come from? The existence of wild tea trees sounds somewhat mysterious. Some might wonder, if we trace their origins, where do these wild tea trees come from? There are roughly two sources. Wild Type: These wild tea trees naturally grow in the wild, and their ancestors have been growing and reproducing in the wild for generations. The tea tree varieties we cultivate today are developed based on these wild tea trees. Cultivated Type: These wild tea trees originated from tea trees once planted by humans. In certain areas, tea plantations were established in the past; however, for various reasons, these plantations were abandoned. The tea trees and seeds left behind in these areas grew freely, forming extensive wild tea tree populations. In Which Regions of China Can Wild Tea Trees Be Found? Tea trees thrive in warm and humid environments. Therefore, wild tea trees in China are mainly distributed in the southern regions. Areas with wild tea distribution generally have two characteristics. The first characteristic is the presence of a favorable natural environment, including deep mountains and dense forests. The second characteristic is that these areas are often tea-producing regions with a certain number of tea plantations. Overall, the distribution of wild tea trees in China is relatively scattered. It is known that Yunnan, Sichuan, Fujian, Guizhou, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Zhejiang have the presence of wild tea trees. Why Does Wild Tea Have a Unique Flavor? Many of China's best loose leaf tea owe their reputation to the specific growing environments of their corresponding tea trees. For example, the renowned loose leaf green tea, Biluochun, is best produced in core regions such as those around Lake Taihu in Jiangsu Province. The water from Lake Taihu nurtures the highest-quality Biluochun. Other tea varieties, such as loose leaf oolong tea, also have many such examples. Da Hong Pao is arguably one of the best oolong tea, with excellent quality produced in the core region of Wuyi Mountain, where the tea trees grow in rocky soil, imparting a unique rocky charm to Da Hong Pao. The quality of Guangdong's famous oolong tea, Fenghuang Dancong, is also closely linked to its place of origin, with teas produced from high-altitude tea trees possessing a unique mountainous charm. It can be seen that factors such as soil, water, vegetation, and altitude in the growing areas have a significant impact on the quality of Chinese tea. The places where wild tea trees grow are often remote, with good water quality and soil formed from the forest's fallen leaves, known as humus. Therefore, wild tea has its unique taste. Comparing wild teas from different regions, we find that they share common characteristics: a richer taste, a distinct and high aroma, and a wild charm. Wild tea is not only suitable for personal enjoyment but also makes excellent tea gift sets for your tea-loving friends. Can All Teas Made from Leaves of Wild Tea Trees Be Consumed? Actually, not all fresh leaves from wild tea trees can be used to produce loose leaf tea. The wild teas we see on the market today are all teas that locals have been producing and consuming for many years. Locals have verified that these wild teas are safe to drink. In the pristine forests of Yunnan, there are numerous wild tea trees. Here, some varieties of wild tea trees are more primitive in evolution and differ greatly from the varieties of tea trees in plantations. The fresh leaves from such wild tea trees are not suitable for making tea. It is said that consuming tea made from these leaves may carry the risk of stomach upset. Wild tea is unique among Chinese teas. If you're interested in high-quality loose leaf tea, consider trying wild tea. Of course, you can also explore other types of Chinese tea through a loose leaf tea sampler. Chinese tea offers a rich variety for exploration. I hope you find more enjoyment in the world of Chinese tea.