Guide

There’s nothing quite like the aroma and taste of a fresh cup of loose leaf tea. By brewing whole tea leaves at home, you can craft a delicious, soothing cup of tea and fully appreciate its nuanced flavor. You can get the best flavor out of high-quality loose leaf tea by following a few easy procedures, regardless of whether you enjoy powerful black teas, vegetal green teas, sweet white teas, or complex oolongs. We'll go over the tips for brewing a great cup of loose leaf tea at home, from picking the best loose leaf tea to streamlining the brewing procedure. Continue reading for advice on choosing tea, necessary tools, perfect brewing instructions, and more. Let's start from the beginning with how to select premium quality loose leaf tea... II. Selecting High Quality Loose Leaf Tea The starting point for brewing great tasting loose leaf tea is choosing fresh, high-grade tea leaves. Here are some tips for selecting premium quality loose leaf tea: ● Check the expiration date and look for the production date or "packed on" date. Fresher tea leaves make better tea. ● Buy from reputable sellers and tea companies known for quality, like iTeaworld. This helps ensure you get freshly packed tea direct from the source. ● Look for whole leaf tea rather than broken leaves or dust. Whole leaves contain the most flavor oils. ● Consider the tea type and grade. Higher grade black, green and oolong tea will provide more complexity. ● Store tea properly in a sealed opaque package in a cool, dark space to preserve freshness and prevent moisture. ● Buy tea in smaller quantities more often for ultimate freshness. Tea leaves stale over time. With high quality loose leaf tea leaves from a reputable seller like iTeaworld, you'll have an excellent foundation for creating delicious tea. III. Brewing Methods Once you have flavorful, fresh loose leaf tea leaves, it's time to brew them into a tasty cup of tea. There are two main brewing methods to try: Western style vs. Eastern gongfu style Western Style Tea leaves are steeped in a teapot, infuser, or strainer in the Western method of brewing. Black tea and various oolongs are frequently brewed using this technique. Simply pour loose tea into a tea ball, teapot with a strainer, or infuser basket. Then, depending on the type of tea, add freshly heated water and let steep for 3-5 minutes before serving. To get the required strength, change the tea to water ratio. Gongfu Style A more delicate tea, whether oolong, white, or green, is frequently prepared using the traditional Chinese technique known as gongfu. It entails steeping in smaller teaware several times for brief periods of time. Utilize a tiny teapot, such as a gaiwan or kyusu. more tea leaves per amount of water. Pour into a serving pitcher after a quick infusion of 15 to 45 seconds. Repeat the short steeps 3–6 times after that. Both brewing techniques yield flavorful tea. Try different flavors to determine your choice. IV. Optimizing Flavor Brewing loose leaf tea is as much art as science. Try these tips to coax the most flavor possible from your tea leaves: ● Always start with fresh, filtered water. Soft, pure water allows the tea's flavors to shine. ● Pay attention to water temperature. Each tea type has an ideal temp that releases its flavors. Cooler for green tea, hotter for black. ● Experiment with steeping times. Taste testing shorter and longer steeps will help perfect the strength and development of flavors. ● Adjust the tea leaf to water ratio. More leaves or less water results in a stronger brew, while less tea or more water creates a milder infusion. ● Try multiple shorter steeps versus one long one. This progressively extracts different nuances with each subsequent steep. ● Use a small vessel like a gaiwan or teapot so aromas are concentrated. Brew into a cup instead of pot to prevent oversteeping. You may achieve the right flavor profile for each tea by dialing in the ideal water, time, temperature, and tea ratio. To create your ideal cup of tea, taste test the ingredients and tweak the settings. V. Serving and Enjoying Tea After mastering the brew, here are some tips for optimally serving and savoring your loose leaf tea: 1. Pour the freshly brewed tea into pre-heated teacups or mugs to maintain the proper drinking temperature. 2. Consider adding milk, honey or lemon to black, green or herbal teas. Sweeteners like sugar or agave complement floral white teas. 3. Pair teas with light snacks like scones, cookies, finger sandwiches or fruit. The light fare enhances the tea experience. 4. Develop your palate by cupping the tea and slurping to aerate it. Take time to appreciate the aroma and complex flavors. 5. Use clear glass teaware to admire the tea's color. Observe how the leaves unfurl and expand during steeping. 6. Brew different tea types side by side to compare flavors. Chinese teas like green, white, oolong and loose leaf black tea make an educational tasting. 7. Enjoy the ritual of preparing and sipping tea. Brewing loose tea is a calming, meditative process. Properly serving tea helps preserve the aroma, temperature and taste of your leafy brew. Sipping slowly lets you fully appreciate all of the subtle flavors and sensations. VI. Conclusion Crafting flavorful loose leaf tea at home is an enjoyable ritual that lets you fully appreciate the nuances of premium tea. With high-quality leaves, proper brewing techniques, and mindful sipping, you can create a wonderful tea experience. Want to explore more about loose leaf teas or discover authentic Chinese teas? Check out iTeaworld, a brand dedicated to supplying quality loose leaf teas and educating on tea culture. The iTeaworld website offers an array of premium Chinese teas like famous Dahongpao and yunnan black tea sourced directly from China. They also provide beginner-friendly sampler sets so you can taste different teas. Beyond supplying delicious teas, iTeaworld shares extensive blogs expanding on Chinese tea history, steeping methods, health benefits and more. Any tea lover will enjoy learning from their articles. Visit iTeaworld if you're new to loose leaf tea or interested in Chinese tea culture to buy great teas, read informative blogs, and expand your understanding of tea. Allow their high-quality teas and wisdom to enrich your personal tea experience.

What is Loose Leaf Tea? Loose leaf tea refers to tea leaves that are neither chopped finely nor packed into tea bags. The tea leaves are whole or nearly whole and can more freely expand when steeped in hot water, allowing for fuller flavor and aroma compared to bagged teas. The origins of loose leaf tea can be traced back thousands of years in China, where it was first cultivated and brewed into a hot beverage. It spread across Asia and eventually made its way through the Silk Road to Europe and beyond. Nowadays, loose leaf tea is globally enjoyed for its vast range of flavors, aromas, and health benefits. This article will explore the incredible diversity found in loose leaf tea. From hearty black teas to floral green teas and everything in between, there is a vast world of loose leaf tea waiting to be discovered. The options are endless when you go beyond the tea bag and dive into the wide world of loose leaf tea. Major Types of Loose Leaf Tea Type 1：Black Tea Black tea is one of the most popular types of loose leaf tea globally. It goes through more oxidation during processing compared to other teas, resulting in a bold, robust flavor profile. Famous black tea producing regions include Assam, Ceylon, and Darjeeling in India, as well as Yunnan and other provinces in China. First off, Assam black tea originates in northeast India's Assam area. It makes a fantastic breakfast tea and has a thick, malty flavor. Ceylon black tea originates in Sri Lanka and has flavors that range from zesty and lemony to robust and peppery. In India's Darjeeling region, black Darjeeling tea is grown. It tastes delightfully of muscatel, with fruity and floral undertones. In addition, China also produces high quality loose leaf black tea, many from Yunnan province. Yunnan black tea is known for its golden tips and sweet, reddish liquor. Guangxi old tree black tea comes from ancient tea trees in Guangxi province. It brews to a deep red color and has a gentle, lingering aftertaste. While the Souchong Black Tea from iTeaworld is produced using modern techniques and has a delightful flowery scent, the wild Souchong Black Tea from the high mountains of Guangxi is produced using traditional techniques and has a pine smoke scent. The Guangdong province's Yingde black tea has a malty flavor and a chocolatey scent. There is incredible diversity even within the category of loose leaf black tea. Exploring different growing regions and production methods results in a myriad of flavor profiles to discover. Type 2：Oolong tea Oolong tea is partially oxidized, giving them rich flavor and aroma. Famous varieties include Tieguanyin, Da Hong Pao, Dong Ding, Ali Shan, Dan Cong and Milk Oolong. Tieguanyin is one of the most popular Chinese oolongs, with a fragrant, orchid-like taste and floral aroma. It is produced in Fujian province. DaHongPao is a classic Wuyi Mountain oolong with roasted, mineral notes and a smooth, mellow character. Dong Ding is a ball-rolled Taiwan oolong with a light bussy fragrance and vegetal flavor. Ali Shan oolong is grown in Taiwan's Ali Mountain and tastes bold and creamy, with honey-like sweetness. Dan Cong oolong is known for its elegant phoenix single-bush teas, with floral and fruity flavors. Milk oolong is made with a special process to give it a creamy, milky taste and silky texture. Oolong tea has a huge spectrum of flavors from flowery and fruity to deep and roasted. The partial oxidation allows for amazing complexity. Type 3：Green tea Green teas including Sencha, Matcha, Gunpowder, Longjing, and Gyokuro are well-liked varieties. The most popular Japanese green tea, sencha, has a grassy, vegetal flavor. In the tea ceremony, matcha, a brilliant green powdered tea, is utilized. The leaves used to make gunpowder green tea are rolled into pellets, giving it a strong, smoky flavor. Longjing, often known as Dragonwell, is a mild, nutty tea from Hangzhou, China. Japanese green tea with a darkened finish called gyokuro has a delicate, sweet flavor. Green teas are unoxidized, retaining their fresh, leafy flavors and aromas. The lack of oxidation also preserves the maximum amount of antioxidants in green tea. Type 4：White tea Known white teas include White Peony, Silver Needle, and Shou Mei. Silver Needle has a sweet, delicate flavor and is prepared from unopened tea buds that are covered with white hairs. For a richer flavor, White Peony combines both buds and leaves. White tea with a lot of flavor is called Shou Mei. The least processed variety of tea, white tea is picked before the buds have fully opened. It is low in caffeine and has a mild, energizing flavor. Low processing contributes to maintaining a high level of antioxidants. What Flavor Can Tea Has? Loose leaf teas can have a myriad of complex flavor profiles. Some common flavor notes include: Floral : Teas with this profile have fragrant, sweet floral notes like jasmine, rose, lotus, and orchid. Examples are Fenghuang Dan Cong Oolong tea and Tai Ping Hou Kui green tea. Fruity: Fruity teas taste like various fruits. They may have citrusy notes like grapefruit or berries, or stone fruit flavors like peach, apricot, and lychee. Fruit teas include Formosa oolong and Taiwan Beauty black tea. Nutty: Nutty flavors like almond, chestnut, and hazelnut can be found in teas like Gyokuro green tea and Jin Xuan Milk oolong. Earthy: Earthy teas have grounding, vegetal tastes like spinach, artichoke, beetroot, and mushroom. Fujian green teas are known for their fresh, earthy quality. Smoky: Smokiness comes from drying/roasting methods. Lapsang souchong black tea has an intense smoky flavor, while Wuyi yancha oolongs have mild roasted notes. Sweet: Some teas taste naturally sweet, like ripe pu’erh tea and Taiwanese oriental beauty oolong which has honey-like sweetness. Savory: Savory flavors include umami, brothy, malty tastes. Keemun black tea has a rich umami flavor, while gyokuro green tea has savoriness. Health Benefits of Drinking Loose Leaf Tea In addition to their wonderful flavors, loose leaf teas offer many potential health benefits: Antioxidants: Tea contains polyphenols and catechins, which are antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals and reduce cellular damage. Green and white teas have high levels due to minimal processing. Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases: Studies show tea may lower risks of certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. The antioxidants are thought to contribute to these risk reductions. Mental Alertness: L-theanine, an amino acid that enhances calm focus and concentration, is found in tea along with caffeine. There is a mild energetic impact from the caffeine. Hydration: Though often thought dehydrating, research suggests tea can be just as hydrating as water depending on strength. It provides plenty of water content without excess diuretic effect. Weight Loss: Tea may boost metabolism and fat burning, particularly oolong and green teas. The combination of antioxidants, caffeine, and catechins may contribute to increasing energy expenditure. Regularly enjoying the best loose leaf tea for you can promote overall wellness. However, it's important to note that specific health benefits may vary depending on the type and strength of the individual tea. Where to Buy Loose Leaf Tea? Recommendable Chinese tea brand iTeaworld sells famous black and oolong teas from China in loose leaf form. For those who want to sample Chinese best loose leaf tea, they also have a very friendly variety for tea newbies. I encourage you to learn more about the company, look at their website and Instagram, and, of course, try some organic wines at a great price. They frequently share really fascinating information.

 Review by  Olivia C  Read the original Reddit post here  Like many other tea enjoyers here, I was approached by Iteaworld and kindly offered to sample a selection of their classic teas. For this first review, I tested 2 oolongs and 2 black teas, paired with cheeses with the help of a very nice cheesemonger near my workplace! All teas were brewed Western style in a teapot. From top to bottom: Tie Guanyin & Gorgonzola by the spoon🍵As soon as the sachet is open, you're hit with a flowery scent. Upon tasting it, the fragrant smell is still (pleasantly) omnipresent and a fresh green aftertaste lingers in your mouth. Why use a mouthwash when you can drink this Tieguanyin? Slight astringency and buttery feel as it rolls on your tongue. Thirst-quenching tea, an ode to freshness.🧀Paired with the Gorgonzola: the Tieguanyin tones down the saltiness of the cheese by a lot! The cheese enhances the flowery profile of the tea and made me pinpoint that fragrance as "jasmine" whereas when I tried the tea by itself, I could only think of "generic white flowers". The TGY's astringency also accentuates the creaminess of the Gorgonzola. Nice complementary pairing! Fenhuang Dancong & l'Étivaz🍵Wow. It is as if a sentient passion fruit grabbed my nose when I smelled the leaves. After drinking the liquor, I couldn't find any roasted notes, only cooked exotic fruits with a bit of honey and a pleasant touch of tartness. The tea tasted sweet and I detected a geranium aroma. A bit more astringent than the TGY but still with a velvety mouth feel.🧀Paired with the Étivaz: a congruent combination! My cheesemonger mentioned this cheese had hints of pineapple so she believed it would pair harmoniously with the Fenhuang Dancong and she was right! I'm not saying you'll feel like eating a fruit salad tho haha! The pairing is very smooth, and the cheese adds the nutty notes that I thought were lacking in the tea. A nice waltz between the Étivaz' tanginess and the Fenhuang Dancong's flowery notes. Somehow, the cheese made the geranium aroma turn into roses. Yingde black tea & Brillat-Savarin🍵The dried leaves with golden tips were beautiful. They also smelled like fresh mushrooms. After tasting it, all I could think of was PETRICHOR. A nice Sunday afternoon walk through the forest in late October, when you have to watch your footsteps or you'd skid over a wet fallen leaf. With a dark chocolate bar in your pocket for a quick snack. The liquor was pleasantly acidic, mineral and had a woody, chocolatey, malty presence. I think I oversteeped it the first time though, because when I reached the bottom of the teapot it was way too bitter and tannic.🧀Paired with the Brillat-Savarin: ah, yes, my favorite cheese. A triple cream cheese, the "foie gras" of the cheese world. Fun story: as I was drinking this Yingde black tea, I instinctively wanted to add a creamer to it. When I asked the cheesemonger for a recommendation, I didn't want to influence her choice and only told her that this black tea tasted very mineral, mushrooms and petrichor. Deep down, I was hoping so much she'd recommend the Brillat-Savarin (try it if you can, the texture and taste will be carved in your memory), so, when she did, I cheered with joy! The mineral flavors of the tea enhanced the lacteal creaminess of this already super creamy cheese. The rind tasted like mushrooms so it had a nice dialogue with the woody side of this tea. And once more, the cheese made the flowery scent more palpable and softened the back tea's maltiness. Lapsang Souchong & Bonde de Gatine🍵I don't enjoy Lapsang Souchongs as they remind me of herbal medicine so I hoped this unsmoked version would suit me better. It still was too powerful to my taste. The tea had a very heady wood profile, felt sweet and had almost no astringency. At first, it vividly evoked me grapes or lychees, then this aroma mellowed down and turned into honey. It had a pleasant light bitterness but the more I drank, the less I could handle the heady perfume.🧀Paired with the Bonde de Gatine: as much as I didn't want to influence the cheesemonger's choice in the previous pairing, I asked for a strong salty cheese to mask the heady aroma of the Lapsang Souchong. She obliged by selecting this dry goat cheese. The combination worked wonders: the goatish flavors took over the pine notes. Maybe a bit too much but it allowed for the honey notes to come out at full force! It was like a goat frolicking in a bees farm! All in all, it was a very exciting, satisfying experience and I was delighted to combine two of my cultures in this tasting atelier. The teas enhanced the creaminess and milky flavors of the cheeses, while the cheeses highlighted the vegetal profiles of the teas. I hope you enjoyed reading my thoughts as much I enjoyed discovering the teas and cheeses!Thanks again to iTeaworld for enriching my tea journey!

Review by lesenoriteblog, Read the original blog here.  Marca: iteaworld Línea: Oolong Tea Selection Origen: Shenzhen, China Web: https://iteaworld.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/itea_world/ ¡Buen día, Tealovers! Ya de regreso con las reseñas y si eres tan fan del té oolong como yo, ¡seguro disfrutarás mucho esta! Hace poco tuve el placer de descubrir esta marca y debo admitir que me ha sorprendido gratamente. Les comparto mi experiencia. ¿Quién es iTeaWorld? Hace poco, me contactaron para presentarme sus productos y quiero compartirles mi experiencia. Para ponerlos en contexto: iTeaWorld es una empresa de té chino y una plataforma dedicada a los amantes del té. Su enfoque es enseñarnos de manera amena y entretenida cómo degustar el té en hebra. Además de ser expertos en té, también son productores. En sus plantaciones, encontrarás una variedad de árboles de alta montaña, árboles antiguos, silvestres y modernos, entre otros. Además, se preocupan por la naturaleza. Su compromiso con la sostenibilidad y la conservación ambiental es evidente en su trabajo y esfuerzos para proteger el medio ambiente. Más adelante cuento sobre eso. Son la puerta de entrada al fascinante universo del té chino, con un enfoque en el aprendizaje y la pasión por el sabor. Sobre Oolong Tea Selection Oolong Tea Selection：Dentro de su variedad de productos, encontramos la que yo elegí, que es una caja de sámpler (perfectas para regalar además) con una variedad de 4 tipos de té oolong con diferentes niveles de oxidación. Estos tés vienen en forma de hebras sueltas, lo que permite disfrutarlos y prepararlos de la manera que más te guste. Envases de té individual Personalmente, opté por prepararlos en un Gaiwan para vivir la experiencia completa. Hebras ya infusionadas Hablemos de Fenghuang Dancong Fenghuang Dancong: Este oolong tiene sus raíces en Wudong village, en la ciudad de Chaozhou, Guangdong. Proveniente de árboles silvestres y antiguos. Hablemos de  Dahongpao Dahongpao: Originario de las montañas Wuyi en Fujian, este oolong proviene de jardines modernos de alta montaña. Este té es de aroma dulce y herbal, me recuerda mucho al eucalipto, la hebra es de tono oscuro por su oxidación y una vez infusionado aparece ese aroma a tostado, pareciera que estás tomando un té negro por su oscuridad. No es de mis favoritos. Hablemos de Minnan Narcissus Minnan Narcissus: Procedente de los campos de Gongguan en Yongchun, Fujian, este oolong se cultiva en jardines modernos en las alturas. Es de aroma frutal y dulce, una vez infusionado se vuelve levemente ahumado y astringente, es de un sabor suave, pero tiene mucho cuerpo. Hablemos de Tie Guanyin Tie Guanyin: Proveniente de los terrenos de Gande en Anxi, Fujian, este oolong proviene de jardines modernos en las alturas y se ha convertido en mi absoluto favorito.   Sus hebras son de un verde intenso y muy arrepolladas, completamente diferentes al resto, sueltan un aroma muy herbal.  En infusión es delicado, refrescante, ligero y muy herbal. Mi estilo de oolong. Su Packaging ¿Hablemos de empaques que combinan belleza y funcionalidad? Porque este me encanto. Además de ser respetuoso con el medio ambiente, utilizando papel certificado por el Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) y tintas a base de soja, su diseño es hermoso, delicado y elegante. Cada té viene listo para preparar y muy bien sellado para que nada se escape y la caja tiene un sistema de cerrado muy original. Trae la información precisa y útil que necesitamos tanto para la preparación del té como para conocer más sobre el producto y la empresa. *Desde la web, iTeaworld nos invita a preparar los tés en Gaiwan con estas instrucciones: Utilizando 3 a 5 g de té en hebra, en agua caliente filtrada entre 90 a 100 °C, en un tiempo de infusión de 15 segundos. Con un máximo de hasta 7 infusiones por té.   ¿Los recomiendo? Recomendado, fue una maravillosa experiencia para descubrir tés diferentes, la cantidad de té es ideal para uno solo o para compartir de una cata de té en grupos pequeños. Además, es un regalo perfecto para esa amiga apasionada del té (podría ser yo). ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Itea World con envíos ultrarápidos a nivel mundial. En mi caso, ¡mi pedido llegó en tan solo una semana! Los invito a conocer esta marca, revisar su web e Instagram donde constantemente comparten contenido muy interesante si quieres aprender un poquito más del té y claro a probar unos tecitos orgánicos y de alta calidad a precios accesibles. Blog: Le Señorité | Encuéntrame en RRSS @lesenoritecl | Comenta aquí abajo y comparte! |  Chile ¿Qué les pareció, son tan fan del Oolong como yo?

Also known as Dahongpao, this iconic Wuyi rock tea (Yancha) is famed for its charcoal roast, cliff-grown terroir and layered aroma. This guide explains the name’s legends, why it’s famous, terroir grades (Zhengyan/Banyan/Zhoucha), varieties like Qidan vs. commercial blends, picking, roasting, and craftsmanship—with the original long-form details available below and all videos collected at the end. Authentic Wuyi origin Charcoal-roasted Cliff-grown terroir Shop Rock Tea Collection › What Is Da Hong Pao (Dahongpao)? Watch related video ↓ Da Hong Pao is the most representative Wuyi rock tea (Yancha) from Fujian, China. It belongs to Chinese oolong tea. Within oolong, northern Fujian Wuyi styles are called rock tea for their cliffside terroir and mineral-tinged taste. It’s long regarded as the “king” of Wuyi teas and among China’s most famous teas. Why Is It Called “Da Hong Pao” (Big Red Robe)? Watch related video ↓ Long ago, during the Ming Dynasty, a young scholar was hurrying to Beijing to take the all-important imperial exam. As he made his way through the winding paths of the Wuyi Mountains, he suddenly collapsed near Tianxin Temple, stricken with sharp stomach pains. A kind abbot saw the scholar’s suffering and offered him a cup of tea brewed from the temple’s treasured bushes. After drinking it, the scholar’s pain faded, and his strength returned. With gratitude in his heart, he pressed on to Beijing. When the results were announced, he had earned the highest honor—first place in the imperial exam, a title that came with a brilliant red robe. Remembering the tea that had saved his life, he journeyed back to Tianxin Temple. Standing before the tea bushes, he removed his robe and draped it over the plants as a gesture of deep respect. From that day forward, the tea became known as “Da Hong Pao”—the Big Red Robe. Of course, this is not the only tale. Some say the scholar later offered the tea to the emperor himself. The empress, who was gravely ill, drank the tea and soon recovered. The emperor, overjoyed, gifted the scholar a red robe, which he laid over the original tea bushes. And then there is the lighthearted “monkey-picking” legend, where clever monkeys were said to climb the cliffs and pluck the precious leaves from places humans could not reach. These stories differ, but they all share a common theme: Da Hong Pao is a tea so extraordinary that people wove legends around it. Why Is Da Hong Pao So Famous in China? Watch related video ↓ There are two main reasons why Da Hong Pao holds such a legendary status in China: Its unique natural growing environment, which gives the tea an extraordinary quality. The extreme rarity of the original “mother trees.” The mother trees of Da Hong Pao grow in a place called Jiulong Pavilion, near Tianxin Temple in the Wuyi Mountains of Fujian Province. Nestled between sheer rock walls, six ancient tea bushes thrive in this protected niche. The terrain provides an ideal balance of sunlight and shade. In the morning, the bushes receive direct sunshine, but by midday the surrounding cliffs block the harshest rays—just as ancient tea texts describe: “The finest tea grows in the shade of high mountains, kissed by morning sun.” Modern tea cultivation also echoes this wisdom, often using shade trees to protect leaves from scorching light. Here, the cliffs themselves act as nature’s shade. Another gift of this location is the mountain stream that flows past the tea bushes. The stream continuously nourishes the soil, carrying minerals from weathered rocks. As the Classic of Tea records: “The best tea grows on weathered rock, medium-grade tea on gravel, and inferior tea on loess.” The mother trees of Da Hong Pao embody this perfect environment, which is why their leaves produce such unmatched quality. But beyond the environment, scarcity is key. Only six original Da Hong Pao trees exist—three believed to be over 400 years old and the others more than 200 years old. Together, they yield less than a single pound of tea per year. This rarity has made the tea a cultural treasure. In China, when people speak of the very best Da Hong Pao, they mean the leaves from these mother trees. It is hailed as the “King of Wuyi Rock Tea,” recognized among China’s top ten famous teas, and even presented as a national gift. Da Hong Pao (Classic) Type: Commercial/Blended Aroma & Taste: Incense-like roast, balanced, approachable Best For: Everyday Yancha, first-time DHP $19.99   Shop Now Qidan Da Hong Pao Type: Purebred (closer lineage)Aroma & Taste: Deeper focus, darker fruit, long finishBest For: Enthusiasts, varietal clarity $69.99  Shop Qidan › Da Hong Pao as a National Gift (1972) Watch related video ↓ One of the most famous diplomatic stories about Da Hong Pao comes from President Nixon’s historic visit to China in 1972. At the time, Chairman Mao Zedong regarded Da Hong Pao as so rare and precious that he chose it as a national gift. He presented Nixon with a small jar of tea leaves from the original mother trees. Nixon was puzzled. China was the world’s leading producer of tea, so why was he being given such a tiny amount? Sensing his doubt, Premier Zhou Enlai offered a witty explanation. He said, “Mr. President, Chairman Mao has already given you half of our country. How can you still not be satisfied?” Nixon was taken aback and asked what he meant. Zhou then explained: the mother trees of Da Hong Pao were imperial tribute tea for generations, and their total annual yield was only eight taels (about 300 grams). The jar presented to Nixon contained four taels—literally half of the yearly harvest. The story quickly became legendary, symbolizing both the extraordinary rarity of Da Hong Pao and its place in Chinese cultural diplomacy. Classification of Da Hong Pao 1. The Mother Trees Watch related video ↓ When people talk about Da Hong Pao, the first distinction to make is between the legendary Mother Tree Da Hong Pao and the later cultivated varieties. The Mother Trees are the six ancient tea bushes growing on the cliffs of Jiulong Pavilion in the Wuyi Mountains. They are over 300 years old and so rare that almost no one has the chance to taste their leaves. In fact, during the Wuyi Mountain Spring Tea Festival in 2005, just 20 grams of authentic Mother Tree Da Hong Pao sold for more than 200,000 yuan (about $30,000 USD)—a price recorded in official documents. But rarity comes at a cost. By the early 2000s, the centuries-old trees had grown fragile, and their survival was at risk. In 2006, the Chinese government issued an official ban on harvesting leaves from the Mother Trees in order to protect them. This means that since 2006, no matter who you are—wealthy or ordinary—you can no longer drink tea made directly from the Mother Trees. What remains are carefully preserved samples in museums and history books, while the reputation of Da Hong Pao continues through cultivated varieties propagated from those original bushes. 2. Qidan Da Hong Pao (Purebred Da Hong Pao)Watch related video ↓ After the original Mother Trees were declared off-limits for harvesting, scientists worked to preserve their lineage. In the 1980s, the Fujian Provincial Tea Research Institute took cuttings from the second and sixth Mother Trees and propagated them through asexual reproduction. These seedlings, later planted widely in Wuyi Mountain, became known as Qidan. From a varietal perspective, Qidan is the closest genetic match to the Mother Trees, which is why it is often referred to as “purebred Da Hong Pao.” 3. Commercial/Blended DahongpaoWatch related video ↓ As Wuyi rock tea regained popularity in the 1990s, consumer demand for Da Hong Pao far exceeded what Qidan alone could supply. Tea masters responded by creating blended versions—what we now call Commercial Da Hong Pao. These blends usually combine Qidan with other Wuyi rock teas such as Shui Xian (Narcissus), Rou Gui (Cinnamon), or cultivar “105.” The guiding principle is that the final tea should not taste distinctly like any single ingredient; instead, it should achieve a balanced, harmonious flavor unique to Da Hong Pao. The best commercial blends often feature Qidan combined with Shui Xian or Rou Gui, sometimes producing distinctive notes such as an osmanthus-like fragrance. Lower-grade versions, however, may contain little or no Qidan at all, relying entirely on other cultivars like Shui Xian, Rou Gui, 105, or even White Cockscomb Tea. From the perspective of varietal authenticity, commercial Da Hong Pao is the furthest removed from the original Mother Trees. But from a market perspective, it is by far the most widely available form of Da Hong Pao today—and the one most tea drinkers are familiar with. Type Origin Key Features Availability Mother Tree Da Hong Pao Six ancient tea bushes at Jiulong Pavilion, Wuyi Mountain Over 300–400 years old, imperial tribute tea, legendary status No longer harvested since 2006 (protected) Qidan Da Hong Pao (Purebred) Propagated in the 1980s from cuttings of the 2nd & 6th Mother Trees Genetically closest to the Mother Trees, stable quality Limited but available; considered the most authentic Commercial Da Hong Pao (Blended) Created in the 1990s using blends of Qidan + other Wuyi rock teas (e.g., Shui Xian, Rou Gui, 105) Balanced flavor, sometimes osmanthus-like fragrance; furthest from the original in variety Widely available; the type most people drink today Picking Standards & Leaf Handling Watch related video ↓ The art of picking Da Hong Pao centers on three goals: strong aroma, rich flavor, and visual beauty. To achieve this, the leaves must be harvested at just the right level of maturity. Leaf Maturity Stages Tea leaves go through a clear growth cycle—from tiny buds, to one bud with two leaves, and finally to fully opened leaves. Growers classify the harvest stage as: Small Open-Face: the new bud has unfolded, but the young leaf is still less than half the size of the next leaf. Medium Open-Face: the new leaf is more than half but not yet equal in size to the second leaf. Large Open-Face: the new leaf has grown to the same size as the second leaf. Among these, small open-face picking is considered the finest. It produces leaves with concentrated aroma and balanced flavor, though it requires the most skill and favorable weather conditions. Handling Fresh Leaves Once picked, fresh leaves are extremely delicate. They must be kept in a well-ventilated place to breathe naturally, almost as if they were still on the tree. Using nylon bags or stacking leaves too high can cause them to smother or bruise. When pressure damages the internal water channels of the leaves, moisture release becomes uneven, which lowers tea quality. Why It Matters The care taken during harvest—choosing the right maturity and ensuring gentle handling—directly determines the final quality of Da Hong Pao. Every detail, from the timing of picking to the way fresh leaves are stored, preserves the tea’s unique character. Wuyi Terroir Grades: Zhengyan / Banyan / Zhoucha / Wai Mountain Watch related video ↓ Many tea lovers know the concept of Wuyi Rock Tea.What is the evaluation system of Wuyi Dahongpao?The answer is that according to the growing area of the tea tree, it is categorized into Zheng Yan, Ban Yan, Zhou Cha, and Wai Mountain.Zheng Yan produces the best oolong tea, the others are second best. Zhengyan: Zheng Yan tea is grown in the Wuyi Mountain scenic area. Core scenic area; deepest “rock rhyme”. Banyan: Planted on a large scale outside of the Wuyi Mountain Scenic Area, but still within Wuyi Mountain. Zhoucha: Planted in large areas of the plains around Wuyi Mountain. Wai Mountain: outside Wuyi. Compare terroirs: our Rock Tea Collection features core Zhengyan, Zhengyan, Banyan and Zhoucha for side-by-side tasting. Explore › Rock Tea Collection Type:Sampler (Core Zhengyan/Zhengyan/Banyan/Zhoucha)Aroma & Taste: Terroir side-by-side comparisonBest For: Exploration, gifting $69.99   Explore Set › Why Pick in Spring and Bake in Autumn?Watch related video ↓ Da Hong Pao follows a unique production rhythm: picking in April/May, roasting in September/October. This has to do with the two types of water inside tea leaves: Free water: evaporates easily during the first roasting. Bound water: locked inside the leaf cells, harder to remove. If roasted only once, the inner water remains, leaving a green, raw taste. That’s why Da Hong Pao undergoes two stages of roasting: First roasting – removes surface moisture. Second roasting (after ~6 months) – allows internal moisture to redistribute, then removes it completely, while also softening any harsh “fire” notes. This slow, patient process means that the best Da Hong Pao is not ready until late autumn or the following year. As people in Wuyi Mountain say: “Every family sells tea from the next year.” Fresh tea may taste sharp and overly roasted, but after months of resting, it develops the smooth, mellow aroma Da Hong Pao is famous for. Why Do Some Lots Smell "Baked" or Toasty? Watch related video ↓ Da Hong Pao is processed in two stages; a second charcoal roast (Sep/Oct) reduces moisture (<6%) and refines aroma. Over-high temperature can yield stronger “baked” notes; with rest, fresh “fire” softens. Craftsmanship of Dahongpao Watch related video ↓ Signature Steps Withering: two sun / two dry Make Green (Zuo Qing): shake → rest → hand work (red-edged leaves) Double fry & roll Charcoal roasting (often twice, months apart) Taste & Brewing Quick Guide Taste Profile Incense-like aromatics, mineral “rock rhyme”, cocoa/stone-fruit hints, clean roasted finish. Zhengyan often shows the deepest resonance. Brewing (Gongfu / Mug) Gongfu: 6–8 g / 100 ml, 95–100 °C, 8–15 s infusions; many steeps. Mug/Teapot: 2–3 g / 250–300 ml, 95 °C, 2–3 min; re-steep 2–3×. Tip: If freshly roasted, decant and air briefly to let “fire” soften. Niche Yancha picks: consider a bundle featuring Rougui (cinnamon spice), Shuixian (orchid/mineral), and rarer cultivars for deeper exploration. See bundle › Ready to taste authentic Wuyi rock tea? Compare terroirs with our Rock Tea Collection, or go straight for Qidan or a classic Da Hong Pao. Shop Rock Tea Collection › Back to top ↑ Da Hong Pao – Video Library Explore all related clips in one place. Tap a thumbnail to play. What’s your tea today? Dahongpao Why is it called Dahongpao? Why is it well-known? Mao & Nixon anecdote Mother-tree Dahongpao Qidan (purebred) Commercial/Blended DHP Picking standards Origin & terroir Baked/toasty notes Pick & bake timing Craftsmanship (process) Enjoy authentic Da Hong Pao at home Shop Now  

  There are two typical representative teas of Minnan Oolong, let's compare these two teas today! 1. Tieguanyin 2. Minnan Narcissus In China, there are three major production areas of Oolong tea Northern Fujian Oolong Minnan Oolong Guangdong Oolong Taiwan Oolong   Today we mainly talk about Minnan oolong.Among them, Tieguanyin is the most typical representative of Minnan Oolong and is also the most widely recognized.Apart from Tieguanyin, Minnan Narcissus, Yongchun fo shou, and Zhangping Shui Xian are also well-known varieties of Minnan Oolong.Why did iTeaworld choose Tieguanyin and Minnan Narcissus?It is because they are both well-known teas with good quality and have a long history.   Why is this tea called Tieguanyin？     At the beginning of the 18th century, there was a local tea farmer in Anxi who believed in Buddhism, and he made tea offerings to Guan Shiyin Bodhisattva every dayOnce when he went out to inspect the tea plantation, he found a tree in a cave. The leaves were large and shiny, it was a very special leaf, so he took it home to process it into oolong teaAfter making it, he found that the flavor of oolong tea made from this leaf was very different.So he transplanted the tea tree back and propagated it with plugs.The tea grower thought that this tea was given to him by the Bodhisattva Guanshiyin, and because the color of the tea is very similar to the color of iron, which is "tie" in Chinese, it was named tieguanyin tea.   Types of Tieguanyin     There are two types of Tieguanyin tea, one is the traditional charcoal roasted Tieguanyin tea and the other is the modern craft Tieguanyin tea.Traditional Tieguanyin tea: sandy green in color.Modern Tieguanyin tea: bright green color in appearanceModern Tieguanyin has a similar taste to green tea.iTeaworld chose this Anxi Tieguanyin tea for two main reasonsFirst, it is from the authentic Anxi High Mountain tea plantation.Secondly, it is a traditional charcoal-roasted tea.This allows people to experience the different charms of traditional Chinese craftsmanship.   How to brew Tieguanyin tea?     Tieguanyin is a low-fermented tea, so more attention should be paid to its aromaTherefore, it is best to brew in a wide-mouth bowl, so that the tea leaves can fully unfold in the tea brothIt is also recommended to choose the "high brewing" method, that is, pouring hot water into the tea cups from a higher distance, to better stimulate the aroma of Tieguanyin.   About "Guanyinyun" of Tieguanyin tea   About "Yun" Many of our famous Chinese teas have the word "yun".For example, Tieguanyin tea has "Guanyin Yun", Minbei Oolong tea has "Smoke Yun", and Monocotyledon tea has "Alpine Yun".Tea with "yun" is beyond ordinary tea.Tea that can be called "yun" can not only give you material enjoyment but also bring spiritual pursuit.It can make people happy   About "Guanyin Yun"   "Guanyin Yun" is a unique quality characteristic of Tieguanyin tea. It is a bit mysterious to say, what will change with the different feelings of the tea tasters In my opinion, I understand that "Guanyin yun" refers to the throat after drinking arrogant, there is a kind of alpine tea unique sense of coolness! And the sweetness of Tieguanyin will make you feel the "yun" of the unusual!Ordinary tea can seldom give you such a rich and multi-layered feeling! Only the core production area and the superior traditional craftsmanship can produce the "Guanyin yun" Tieguanyin tea.   Differences between Minnan Narcissus and Tie Guanyin     The core difference lies in the difference in the degree of oxidation, i.e. the different processing techniques, with Tieguanyin having a much lower degree of oxidation.Oolong tea is a semi-fermented tea, known in Western terminology as oxidized tea, with a degree of oxidation between completely unoxidized green tea and fully oxidized black teaDifferent varieties of tea and different origins of tea masters may allow the tea to oxidize to different degrees again during processing.Tieguanyin is a very low-oxidized tea, and tea masters feel that a low level of oxidation can be more conducive to the development of its characteristics and advantagesMinnan Narcissus has no advantage over Tieguanyin in terms of aroma, but its taste is more mellow and rich.Therefore, the tea master will make it oxidized to a higher degree, to oxidize the tea polyphenols into theaflavin or thearubigin, which further enhances the mellowness of the tea broth.  Characteristics of Minnan Narcissus     The characteristics of Minnan Narcissus tea are weak aroma, but rich in water and mellow taste.Minnan Narcissus tea is a semi-tree tea with a trunk.iTeaworld's Minnan Narcissus tea is selected from Yongchun Tea Factory.Yongchun Tea Factory is a decades-old tea factory founded by the Indonesian Chinese.The raw material for our Minnan Narcissus tea comes from tea trees planted in the 1950s and 1960s.It's basically 70, 80 years old now or more   Why did iTeaworld choose this Minnan Narcissus? Because older tea trees are sweeter and the tea broth is more mellow.And the production process of the old tea factory is more traditionalIt allows people to experience the real traditional Minnan Narcissus tea.   What is the aroma of Minnan Narcissus tea?     There are two kinds of aromas of Minnan Narcissus tea.One kind of aroma is a variety of aromas (orchid)The other is the aroma of the dancong aromas, which is the aroma that will appear only when the tree is older, similar to the aroma of rice dumpling leaves.Compared with the common Minnan Narcissus, iTeaworld's Minnan Narcissus has unique dancong aromas.And due to the old age of the trees, this tea has a mellow flavor and good sweetness!There is a sweetness in your throat when you drink it, and it will be sweet back, which is unique to old tree tea.   Comparison of brewing methods between Tieguanyin and Minnan Narcissus tea   Tea set: Minnan Narcissus tea should be brewed in purple sand pots or thick teacups.Tieguanyin tea is light and elegant, suitable for thin-lid teacups, and better able to set off its aroma   Water temperature: Tieguanyin's oxidization degree is relatively low, the brewing water temperature can be a little lower.For Minnan Narcissus, the water temperature must be high!   Tea water ratio: Tieguanyin's tea-to-water ratio is 1:30The ratio of tea to water for Minnan Narcissus is 1:35.   Brewing time: Tieguanyin's brewing time is shorter, and Minnan Narcissus's brewing time is longer.The brewing time for Minnan Narcissus can be 10 seconds, and Tieguanyin can be 8 or 7 seconds.  Drinking Time Suggestion     I like to drink Tieguanyin in the summer or in the morning, it makes me feel more happy and elegant.As for Minnan Narcissus, I would drink this tea in winter or in the eveningOld tree tea is very strong and mellow, and very calm after drinking it   Preservation Method   The preservation of oolong tea is the same as black tea and green tea, it must be sealed.Storage environment temperature should be below 25 degrees and humidity below 65 degrees.No odor, no light, no strong light, such an environment will be betterAs Tieguanyin has a low level of oxidation, after one year or 36 months, its taste will deteriorate with oxidation and become very unpleasant to drink.Minnan Narcissus is made by the traditional oolong tea process, with deeper fermentation, and tastes better when stored for 5 or 10 yearsI have seen many people on the internet say that old oolong tea tastes good, but the premise is that the process needs to be traditional oolong tea processThe deeper the fermentation, the longer the tea is stored, the better the flavor. The tea-drinking atmosphere and the pursuit of tea aesthetics in China are very different from other countries.I think everyone should not be fixed in a certain area, but try more and compare more.So that the understanding of tea will be clearer.

About Yunnan Black Tea Yunnan black tea is one of the late but very famous black teas.As the technology slowly matured, Yunnan black tea began to be well-known.Yunnan black tea is a large-leaf variety. Large-leaf varieties have high polyphenol content and relatively low ester content, so Yunnan black tea will have a strong flavor.In the 1980s and 1990s, Yunnan black tea was the State Council's foreign guest tea or national gift tea. iTeaworld's  Yunnan Black Tea   The origin of the Yunnan black tea we drink today is in the core production area of Fengqing.This place is called Dawangtian, and the tea factory is also called Dawangtian Tea Factory, which was formerly known as the old Fengqing Tea FactoryThe reason why we choose this Yunnan black tea for our customers is mainly because of its cost-effectiveness.After many comparisons, we finally chose this Yunnan black tea.This Yunnan black tea has two major advantages, one is the strong aroma and the other is the mellow flavor.The ecological environment and altitude of the tea plantation are very good, and the grade is one bud and two leaves.iTeaworld black tea is priced at only US$9.90/100g, which is perfect for milk tea! This is a memorable loose leaf black tea that will suit most people's tastes How to brew Yunnan Black Tea?   1. Thick Gaiwan 2. Infuse water to a fixed point of the cup from a lower height Tea Set Options: Thicker white porcelain bowl Brewing Method: For teas that are known for their flavor, we recommend using the "low point brewing" method when filling with water.This method means "filling the tea cup with water from a lower height to a fixed point".This brewing method brings out the best flavor of Yunnan black tea. This method is also suitable for strong-flavored black teas such as Yingde Black Tea and Wild Souchong Black Tea. Tea Pitching Amount: The amount of tea thrown is similar to other black teas.In the case of a gaiwan, for example, we will use the classic method, which is 1/3 of the volume of the gaiwan.If using other vessels, we remember that the ratio of tea to water should be between 1:20 and 1:35.Because Yunnan black tea is slightly more concentrated, it can be adjusted to a lower amount than the tea water, 1:20 or 1:15 is sufficientIf the amount of tea is too much, i.e. the ratio of tea to water is too high, the concentration will tend to be offensive and the bitterness and astringency will be more pronounced.   Characteristics of Yunnan Black Tea   The greatest characteristic of Yunnan black tea is its unique honey flavor.Because of the high altitude raw materials used, it has a sweet and mellow flavor with a sweet aftertaste.Secondly, the number of times Yunnan black tea is brewed should be the most except for wild tea and ancient tree tea.Therefore, Yunnan black tea has a strong tea flavor and is most suitable for brewing milk tea. How Does it compare to foreign black teas?   If you compare Yunnan black tea with them, the difference is not that bigWhat is the only difference between us and them?It is the way Chinese people drink tea is different from the way other countries drink tea.Chinese people drink tea by tasting, to savor the difference between this tea and that tea.In addition to the basic flavors we have already talked about, we need to talk about the flavor of the tea and what cultural attributes this tea has.Broken black tea is particularly popular in Europe and the United States, why is broken black tea particularly popular? Because the substances inside the broken black tea are easily precipitated when it is chopped, and the more they are precipitated, the stronger the flavor of the tea.If you compare it with black tea from Assam, Darjeeling, and other European and American countries.From the excellence of raw material origins to the research and development of processing technology, to the accumulation of innovation, I think China's tea still has a great advantage!China needs to slowly make the aesthetic logic of tea clear and share with everyone why we drink tea the way we do!I believe that our tea culture will be understood by more people, and I believe that we can let the people of the world recognize China's unique tea culture!

Review by teafancier.com Read the original Reddit post here  iTeaworld – Black Tea Selection   As I’m sure I’ve mentioned before, we love a bit of free tea here at Tea Fancier Towers. And when iTeaworld got in touch to ask if they could send me some tea, I leapt on their offer. They offered to send me one big ol’ box of any tea of my choosing and selection boxes of black and oolong tea. And here’s where I – in my haste – made a bit of a miscalculation. For my main box, I asked for Wild Souchong tea which, as anyone who knows me well enough to know that I hate Lapsang Souchong will appreciate, was an odd choice.     The thing is, you do get unsmoked souchong teas. They don’t grow like that. And for some reason, I thought it was one of those. Also, I was seduced by the romanticism of tea leaves from wild trees. Because rather than the neat, tidy tea bushes most favoured by plantationeers, Wild Souchong comes from huge, old tea trees in the Guangxi mountains. As iTeaworld’s website says, “Tea from wild tea trees has an unruly wild characteristic”, and goshdammit, I really liked the idea of some unruliness in my teacup. But it’s smoked. And, so, as much as it pains me to say so, and even though I can see that this is clearly a high-quality batch of tea leaves, this tea is not for me. Nor was the Lapsang Souchong, which came in the selection box. I will endeavour to rehome both teas so they can be with someone who loves them in ways I can’t. But, tea friends, let us move swiftly on and talk of happier things like the absolutely bloody amazing Yunnan and Yingde black teas, which iTeaworld also included in the chinese black tea selection box.   Yunnan Black Tea Yunnan Black Tea: This is a marvellous sweetish dark blend that makes me want to employ words like honeyed and caramel when describing it. It’s brisk, though. It might lure you in with its seductive smoothness, but then it will slap you round the chops to remind you that you’ve had a substantial cup of tea that is not mucking about. It’s top-quality stuff. In fact, it reminds me of the blends that Curious Tea sell. It’s a seriously good large-leaved single estate lovingly-produced black tea blend that tastes so beautifully and absolutely of tea that I wish it could somehow be an immersive full-body experience. (I don’t want to bathe in the tea, you understand. And want, in some way, to become the tea.)   Yingde Black Tea And if you thought me talking about iTeaworld’s Yunnan was some overexcited fangirling, well, whoa, hold tight because I am about to get even more effusive. Yingde black tea is even better than Yunnan in ways that I am not tea-experty enough to articulate. It has a fresh, flowery taste with an aroma that is quite rose-petal-y. (Although, as always, I feel the need to point out that what this tea primarily tastes of is tea. And jolly good tea at that.)   And the dried leaves are beautiful, long, twisty, twirly works of art. Just look at these beauties! All of iTeaworld’s chinese black tea selection are comprised of satisfyingly whole leaves, which makes me feel connected to the plants that produced them in a way that I don’t with your more chopped-up processed tea. (I said I was going to get even more effusive with this one but, as it turns out, I can’t actually think of a way to top “I want to become the tea” in terms of hyperbole.) The only thing that could possibly mar my enjoyment of this magnificent brew is the nagging voice telling me that this was the tea I should have chosen as my main tea rather than Wild Souchong. Not that I’m complaining. I got to try some amazingly good teas for absolutely nothing. And I have drunk an insane amount of high-quality tea over the last couple of hours so I’m high as a kite. And I still have an Oolong selection box to work my way through! I’m a very lucky Tea Fancier.

Souchong Black Tea  What is Souchong Black Tea? Where did Souchong Black Tea come from? How many types of Souchong Black Tea are there? How to Brew Souchong Black Tea? How to Choose Souchong Black Tea? Preservation Methods for Souchong Black Tea Price of Souchong Black Tea Tongmuguan Black Tea Brands What is Souchong Black Tea? Souchong Black Tea is the earliest black tea in China and the world.Because it is produced in Tongmuguan, it is also known as Tongmuguan Souchong Black Tea.Souchong Black Tea was the most famous black tea exported from China to England at that time. Where did Souchong Black Tea come from? It all started by chance, the origin of Souchong Black Tea was accidental.In ancient China, during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, the Qing army attacked Wuyi Mountain in Fujian Province and came to Tongmuguan.As soon as the tea farmers saw the army coming, they left the tea leaves they were processing and ran to the mountains to hide.The Qing army came to this village and ate, drank, and lived there. Many Qing troops slept on the tea leaves.The next day the Qing army withdrew, after the withdrawal the people back, to see the tea leaves and fresh leaves have turned red, it was too late to do other processing, so they rushed to use pine firewood to dry, and then knead tea.After the tea was made, they began to taste it and found that the tea made in this way had a great change from the previous, before it was green tea broth, and now the brewed tea broth is red!Tea farmers don't want to waste the tea leaves and bring this tea to the tea market to sell.Many customers have drank this tea and feedback that the flavor is delicious! Later they optimized this tea process.This is the origin of Tongmuguan Souchong Black Tea. How many types of Souchong Black Tea are there? Two types of processes 1. Traditional craft (pine smoke aroma)2. Modern craft (floral flavor) There are generally two types, one with traditional craftsmanship and one with modern craftsmanship. Traditional processes: Traditional Souchong Black Tea has pine wood drying in the production process, which gives it a unique pine smoke aroma.The soup color of souchong black tea of traditional craft is slightly darker, with the unique aroma of pine smoke.The Wild Souchong Black Tea offered by iTeaworld is made using traditional techniques.Wild Souchong Black Tea is made from wild tea trees and has a pine-smoke aroma. Modern processes: The modern process is basically based on nectar flavor.The biggest characteristic is that the tea soup is orange-yellow in color, with an obvious floral aroma and no pine smoke aroma.iTeaworld's Souchong Black Tea is made using modern techniques and has a floral aroma with a hint of sweetness. How to Brew Souchong Black Tea? Choice of Tea Set Usually, you should choose an open bowl.You can use a glass or porcelain gaiwan for brewing.The tea leaves can fully unfold in this open bowl, which is more conducive to the release of tea leaves. Brewing Temperature Loose Leaf Black Tea is usually brewed in water between 80 and 90 degrees Celsius.We are now choosing this traditional crafted Souchong Black Tea, which is pure wild tea and wild alpine tea.For high mountain tea or wild tea, it is recommended to use 100 degrees of water. Brewing Time The first three brews are usually 10 seconds.Between three and seven brews, we can add about 5 seconds in turn.In traditional Chinese Kung Fu tea, if using a gaiwan, add 1/3 of the amount of tea (1/3 of the capacity of the gaiwan).Compared with Yunnan Black Tea or Yingde Black Tea, the amount of tea for Souchong Black Tea is appropriately less because it is relatively less oxidized. How to Choose Souchong Black Tea? New tea lovers: We recommend choosing a modern refined Souchong Black Tea.Because it is just pure nectar flavor that suits most people's taste. Senior tea lovers/people who like traditionally crafted tea: We suggest choosing traditionally crafted Souchong Black Tea.Drinking traditional Souchong Black Tea warms the body and has the effect of replenishing the pancreas.The traditional craftsmanship of Souchong Black Tea is drying with pine wood and then charcoal, the overall feeling is very mellow and rich.The modern process is a bit cleaner. Preservation Methods for Souchong Black Tea Whether it is a traditional or modern craft, try to keep it sealed, The black tea should not oxidize too fast and do not absorb moisture.You can use self-sealing bags, or use tinplate boxes, and tinplate cans, or use tinplate cans.Keep it sealed in a place where the temperature is below 25 degrees Celsius and the humidity is below 65%. Shelf life of black tea China's regulation should be 24 months to 36 months.After the 1990s, tea drinking has become more popular and the aesthetic dimension of tea drinking has been rising.Then there are also many people who found that in some traditional small-breed black tea, the longer the preservation of the tea, the more flavorful it is. Price of Souchong Black Tea First of all, distinguish whether it is inside or outside Tongmuguan.Tea inside Tongmu Pass is definitely more than twice as expensive as in other places.Please note that even inside Tongmuguan, there are high mountain tea and wild tea.Tongmuguan inside the real old tree wild tea to a few thousand dollars per catty, so there is no way to clarify the purchase price!The second needs to clarify the origin of its raw materials and its process characteristics.On the basis of the same raw materials, the same process, and flavor, choose the one with better cost performance.This is a suitable method, but it is difficult for consumers.Over the years, we have also been honing our skills to understand what type of tea fits what price point.iTeaworld insists that customers can get better quality for the same price. Tongmuguan black tea brands Nice brand 1. ZhengShanTang Tea 2. YuanZheng Tea 3. Junde Tea Tongmuguan black tea is in a small category, there have been a few brands that do very well.One is Mr. Jiang Yuanxun, the founder of Tongmuguan black tea, who founded ZhengShanTang.He has two brands, Zhengshantang is his premium brand and Yuanxun is his mid-range tea brand.The other one is the founder of Jin Jun Mei tea handmade, which is Mr. Liang Jun de with his brand Junde.Basically, if you buy the Tongmuguan black tea from Junde, Zhengshantang, and Yuanzheng, you will know what it tastes like.Apart from trying the authentic Tongmuguan Souchong Black Tea.You can also buy iTeaworld's Souchong Black Tea online to try it out.iTeaworld's two types of Souchong Black Tea are very good in terms of both raw materials and craftsmanship and are priced at a very reasonable price, making them cost-effective.

Oolong tea is a unique type of organic tea in China, and is highly sought after for its unique taste and health benefits. Oolong tea offers the advantages of both green tea and black tea, with the mellowness of black tea but stronger astringency than black tea, and the freshness of green tea but without the astringency of green tea. Read on to discover the benefits of drinking oolong tea! Benefits of Oolong Tea Facilitate Weight Loss Refreshing and Relaxing Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory Protect Teeth Benefits of Oolong Tea Oolong tea contains a variety of nutrients, including tea polyphenols, plant alkaloids, proteins, amino acids, vitamins, pectin, organic acids, lipopolysaccharides, sugars, enzymes, pigments, etc. Regular consumption of oolong tea has specific benefits for the human body. Facilitate Weight Loss If you want to lose weight, try drinking Loose Leaf Oolong Tea. Oolong tea has the effect of dissolving fat. Because the main component in tea - tannic acid, has a close relationship with fat metabolism. Oolong tea can lower blood cholesterol levels. Compared with black tea and green tea, oolong tea can not only stimulate the activity of pancreatic lipolytic enzymes, reduce the absorption of sugar and fatty food, but also accelerate the increase of body heat, promote fat burning, and reduce the accumulation of abdominal fat. Refreshing and Relaxing If you are tired of drinking coffee, drinking oolong tea is also a good choice for energy in the morning. The caffeine in oolong tea can promote the excitement of the central nervous system, can enhance the excitement process of the cerebral cortex, and then play a refreshing role in eliminating fatigue. Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory Oolong tea contains a large amount of tea polyphenols, which can effectively inhibit the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria and viruses, and have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Protect Teeth The effect you can't think of is that oolong tea can also protect teeth! Oolong tea has a high fluorine content, of which 10 mg to 15 mg per 100 grams of dry tea, a large part of which is water-soluble. Drinking oolong tea can increase the intake of fluorine, so as to achieve the best tooth protection. Recommended Oolong Tea iTeaworld offers a wide range of oolong teas of good quality at the right price.For example, Tie Guanyin, Minnan Narcissus, Dahongpao, and Fenghuang Dancong.These are all well-known Chinese Oolong teas.In addition to this, iTeaworld also offers an Oolong Tea Sampler.It contains the four teas mentioned above. You can experience them all at once! Tieguanyin Tieguanyin--This is an oolong tea famous for its light flavor. The tea leaves are curlyWhen you take the first sip you will feel a light creamy texture. There is no astringency at all and the taste is smooth and freshGreat for those who are trying oolong tea for the first timeMinnan NarcissusMinnan Shuixian--This is one of iTeaworld's highly acclaimed teas. The floral natural sweetness is perfectly balanced and the rich roasted flavor excites the taste buds. This is a perfect morning cup of tea!Fenghuang DancongEvery tea lover will be satisfied with Fenghuang Dancong. There are no bad reviews!Very strong peach flavor hits the nose. The taste is delicate and smooth with a sweet flavorThis is a great milanxiang Fenghuang Dancong!DahongpaoDahongpao is a very well known oolong tea from China. It has a dense, creamy texture and a sweet, mineral taste that will give you a rocky tea experienceThe above four oolong loose leaf teas are all selected by iTeaworld, synthesizing the taste evaluations and tea quality judgments from several 20+ years old tea lovers. Perfect for tea lovers who want to savor a variety of Chinese Oolong teas at once. If you are interested in Oolong tea, why don't you try them out and experience the special taste of Oolong tea and its efficacy together!

Tea and biscuit pairingWhat biscuits go well with oolong tea?In this review, Alicia B paired the iTeaworld oolong tea with the corresponding biscuitsHave a sip of tea and a bite of biscuit. enjoy life quietly

There are very many types of black tea, and in China, Yingde black tea is renowned as one of the top three types of black teas. Follow the founder of iTeaworld to get to know this famous black tea!

In traditional Chinese medicine, tea leaves are used as medicinal herbs for treatment. For tea therapy, the tea tree must have good therapeutic effects, and the selection of tea leaves with therapeutic properties should primarily consider wild tea trees and ancient tea trees growing in the dense mountains of southern China, with minimal human intervention. Many such tea trees can be found in China, and authentic wild and ancient tree teas can be purchased online at iTeaworld.

Today’s Perks from iTeaworld First order ships free (U.S. 50% off shipping; free over $39.99 / $99.99) Free tea samples with every order 30‑Day Satisfaction Guarantee Faster delivery: now up to 7 days quicker Shop Iced‑Tea‑Friendly Teas › Table of Contents Why Choose Chinese Tea for Iced Tea Best Chinese Teas for Iced Tea How to Make Chinese Iced Tea (3 Easy Methods) Brewing Time & Storage Tips Iced Tea Comparison Table FAQ – Chinese Iced Tea Shop the Best Teas for Iced Tea Why Choose Chinese Tea for Iced Tea Aromatic & layered – florals, honeyed sweetness, and refreshing greenery. Naturally sweet – cold brewing reduces bitterness and highlights umami. Healthy & clean – no added sugar needed. Versatile – great as cold brew, hot brew then chill, or ice‑melt styles. Serving tip: Add ice and a slice of citrus (lemon/yuzu) to brighten the tea without sweeteners. Sweetness control: If needed, use a splash of simple syrup or honey; start with 1–2 tsp per 500ml. Best Chinese Teas for Iced Tea Choose teas that are fresh, aromatic, and tender. The picks below are especially good for chinese iced tea and cold brew chinese tea: Green Tea Biluochun – fragrant and refreshing; Huangshan Maofeng – orchid‑like aroma; Enshi Yulu – steamed style with a clean, seaweed note. Shop Biluochun ›   Shop Huangshan Maofeng ›   Shop Enshi Yulu › 1. White Tea Pick fresher lots like Silver Needle or White Peony for a floral, honeyed iced tea. (Brew gently; see methods below.) 2. Oolong Tea Lightly oxidized, aromatic oolongs shine on ice. If you want a fruit‑forward style, look for Dancong or other high‑aroma oolongs. 3. Black Tea Choose sweet and aromatic styles (e.g., Yunnan/Keemun‑like profiles). Smoke‑heavy styles (e.g., classic Lapsang) are better hot. 4. Floral/Herbal Blends Jasmine, osmanthus, and peach‑accented blends are crowd‑pleasers. For a clean finish, keep the brew time moderate. Sampler shortcut: Not sure which to pick? Try a mixed set and compare on ice: Flower Tea Sampler, Cold Brew Tea Sampler or Top 10 classic Chinese Oolong sampler. How to Make Chinese Iced Tea (3 Easy Methods) Method 1: Cold Brew (Clean & Sweet) Ratio: 1g tea : 100–150ml mineral water (lighter at 1:150; richer at 1:100). Combine & chill: Add tea to a bottle, fill with water, shake gently, refrigerate. Time: 4–8 hours depending on tea and taste (see “Brewing Time” below). Serve: Strain, pour over ice, garnish with citrus if desired. Method 2: Hot Brew, Then Chill (Faster Aroma Release) Add tea to a heat‑safe vessel. Pour in about half the total water as hot (e.g., 80–90°C), then top with cold water. Stir, cool to room temp, and refrigerate. Method 3: Ice‑Melt (On‑the‑Go) Fill a cup with ice; add tea leaves (about 3g per 300–400ml). Let the melting ice extract flavor; swirl occasionally and strain to serve. Brewing Time & Storage Tips Green/White/Light Oolong: 4–6 hours cold brew; check early to avoid over‑extraction. Aromatic Black: 6–8 hours cold brew for round sweetness. Storage: Keep sealed in the fridge and finish within 24–72 hours (best flavor within 24–48h). Hygiene: Use clean teaware and fresh water; avoid touching leaves with wet hands. FAQ – Chinese Iced Tea How to make Chinese iced tea?Use one of the three methods above. For the cleanest, sweetest results, try cold brew with a 1:100–150 tea‑to‑water ratio for 4–6 hours. Which Chinese tea is best for iced tea?Fresh, aromatic greens (e.g., Biluochun, Huangshan Maofeng, Enshi Yulu) and lightly oxidized oolongs are excellent. For black tea, pick sweeter, aromatic styles. How long does iced tea last in the fridge?Best within 24–48 hours; finish within 72 hours in a sealed container. Shop the Best Teas for Iced Tea First order ships free (U.S. customers 50% off shipping; free over $39.99 / $99.99) Free tea samples with every order (Buy 1 get 1; Buy 2 get 2; Buy 3+ get 3 unique samples) 30‑Day Satisfaction Guarantee — full refund if not satisfied Faster Delivery — now up to 7 days faster Shop Iced‑Tea‑Friendly Teas › Back to top ↑  

I have no affiliation with this vendor, these are my own subjective tasting notes. I appreciated the opportunity to taste these samples and see what they have to offer. These are all very nice teas and I enjoyed the opportunity to taste them.

First of all, I was very pleased that these teas were generally a noticeable step above your average specialty tea store. A few of the teas were solid but mundane, but most of them were clearly of a higher quality and a few were real surprises.

1 The Aromatic Substances in Tea Can Help People Relax 2.1 Tea Can Help to Diminish Inflammation 2.2 Green Tea Has a Good Effect of Removing Dark Circles Under Your Eyes 2.3 It Is Easy to Think That the Newly-Made Tea Is of Better Quality People like tea for various reasons. Many people choose tea as their daily drink because they have experienced the magical benefits of tea. Tea is like a kind of safe elixir in our life. It can help us to cure and relieve minor problems of our body. Meanwhile, we don’t have to suffer from the side effects of drugs.  In this article, we'll explore some of the best loose leaf teas, including loose leaf oolong tea and loose leaf black teas, as well as classic tea collection packs to reveal their health benefits. 1. The Aromatic Substances in Tea Can Help People Relax Aromatic substances have effects on mood and emotion. It is beneficial to reduce anxiety and release pressure. Aromatic substances are usually used in emotive therapy and emotion enhancement. Flower tea (jasmine tea, rose tea, osmanthus tea, etc.) contains high levels of aromatic substances and the effects of flower tea are the best. The reason why aromatic substances can help people relax is that aromatic substances have very small molecules. The small scale of these substances makes them easy to be transported to the “emotional brain” by olfactory cells. The “emotional brain”, also called the cerebral limbic system, is the place that has the most profound effects on people’s emotions and memories. The psychological and emotional states of a person are decided and controlled by the cerebral limbic system. 2. Besides Calming the Heart and Comforting the Soul, There Are Some Other Magic Things About Tea 2.1 Tea Can Help to Diminish Inflammation The tea, with a feature of one leaf on one leaf bud, which is picked before March or April, has an immediate effect on esophagitis. The tea polyphenol can effectively control and kill germs, so it has an obvious anti-inflammatory effect. The tea made by tender one-leaf bud contains the highest level of tea polyphenol. 2.2 Green Tea Has a Good Effect of Removing Dark Circles Under Your Eyes If you apply brewed green tea bags around your eyes at night, the effect would be better. 2.3 It Is Easy to Think That the Newly-Made Tea Is of Better Quality In contrast, some tea, such as Pu’er tea, Liubao tea, white tea, Hunan dark tea, and Sichuan Tibetan tea, is better when their age is older. Tea stored for many years is rare and quite valuable. 3. Health Benefits of Loose Leaf Oolong Tea Loose leaf oolong tea is a tea with a unique taste and a variety of benefits, here are the benefits of loose leaf oolong tea1. Weight control:Oolong tea is rich in tea polyphenols, which help increase metabolism, which allows you to accelerate fat burning for weight loss.2. Enhance heart health:A large number of studies have argued that oolong tea can lower cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.3. Refreshing:Oolong tea contains caffeine, which can replace coffee to provide you with caffeine, which is healthier than coffee to make you refreshed!Drinking a cup of oolong tea in the morning has the same effect as drinking a cup of coffee.4.Recommended Oolong Tea:We highly recommend Fenghuang Dancong, which is a tea with a very strong peach aroma. It has a smooth taste with a sweet flavor. Very suitable for most people's tasteWe also recommend Dahongpao Oolong Tea. This is a well-known Chinese oolong tea with a unique flavor and is a famous rock tea. It is an oolong tea that is well worth trying Health benefits of loose leaf black tea The health benefits of loose leaf black tea, which has a rich flavor and is also rich in a variety of benefits, include:1. Elevates mood:Black tea is rich in theanine, an amino acid unique to tea, which helps to soothe the body and mind, reduce stress and make you feel better.2. Maintaining bone health:Black tea is rich in minerals such as manganese and potassium, which are good for maintaining bone health.3. Promotes digestion:Black tea is mild and can be consumed by people with weak spleen and stomach. If there is a loss of appetite, you can also drink black tea in moderation, can make people appetite, promote digestion and absorption, but also able to relieve grease. 4.Recommended black tea: Yingde black tea is highly recommended. Yingde black tea is China's national gift tea, once used to entertain the British Prime Minister. It has a strong taste and sweet flavor, which is very suitable for people who are new to drinking tea.Guangxi old tree black tea is also recommended. This is a very special black tea from iTeaworld, the tea leaves come from hundred years old trees, full of the feeling of nature. The amazing benefits of tea are not only limited to these, but there are many other benefits, such as improving concentration, improving skin health, protecting teeth, and so on.Therefore, tea is the perfect choice for your daily drink. There is a wide variety of choices and all of them can bring you health benefits!Try various types of loose leaf teas and experience the amazing benefits of tea. Make tea a part of your daily life.

There are old tea trees of hundreds of years, or even thousands of years, in regions like Yunnan Province, Guizhou Province, and Guangxi Province in China. Since 2015, iTeaworld has been working on the conservation and management of old tea trees in Guilin, Guangxi Province. Now, iTeaworld has developed more than 100 mu old tree tea gardens and has managed more than 2000 old tea trees over 100 years old. Meanwhile, iTeaworld has developed and managed more than 6000 mu ecologically wildly-growing tea gardens. In these sexually wildly growing tea gardens, tea trees grow together with other colonies of animals and plants. Tea produced from these tea trees contains natural and abundant tea substances and keeps better flavors. The Wild Tea and Old Tree Tea in iTeaworld product series use fresh leaves of wild tea trees or old tea trees. The features of Wild Tea products and Old Tree Tea products are as follows: 1. Wild Tea and Old Tree Tea belong to sexual tea, which uses seeds to reproduce. This kind of tea is also called group species. Compared with asexual tea trees, sexual group tea trees have obvious main roots and the root system is well-developed. This kind of root system is advantageous for tea trees to absorb mineral substances deep in the soil. Consequently, sexual group tea tree species have richer flavors. It can be proved by the higher level of water extract substances and amino acids in the tea. Meanwhile, there are various species in sexual group tea trees. It means that this kind of tea has leaves of different tea tree species. It is a natural blend of more abundant flavors. 2. The management of wild tea trees and old tea trees uses traditional farming methods. Compared with modern tea gardens (terrace tea gardens) management, the main feature of traditional farming methods is the low planting density (one tea tree in an area of 6-8 m²). In this condition, tea trees grow in a relatively natural environment. The shapes of the tea trees are larger and the tea yield is lower. Tea produced by traditional farming methods has richer flavors and the bitterness is not obvious. In contrast, terrace tea under modern management is planted densely. The root system of terrace tea is under-developed. The shapes of the tea trees are small and the tea yield is high. Such kind of tea is insipid and tasteless and the bitterness is very obvious. 3. Wild Tea and Old Tree Tea are only picked once every year in spring. Generally, wild tea trees and old tree tea trees are located in the deep mountains and forests at high altitudes. The weather is cold and the temperature varies widely from day to night. There is a long growing cycle of tea trees and the germination rate is low. As a result, the tea is only picked once in spring. In summer and autumn, tea cannot be picked because of the low production, which is due to the lack of manual intervention and fattening. In contrast, the terrace tea trees are pruned every spring to enhance the germination rate. Also, fertilizers are added to the trees to enhance growth. Therefore, terrace tea can be picked in four seasons in a year. When other conditions are the same, yield is inversely proportional to quality. That’s one of the reasons why Wild Tea and Old Tree Tea have better tastes. 4. Wild tea gardens and old tree tea gardens have a more diverse ecological environment. Compared with terrace tea gardens, there are two advantages of wild tea gardens and old tree tea gardens. First, in wild tea gardens and old tree tea gardens, tea trees grow together with other animals and plants, which results in a more balanced ecological environment. Meanwhile, abundant fallen leaves, animal feces, and microorganisms help to create more nutritious soils. Second, growing on the slopes and under the shades of other plants, tea trees in wild tea gardens and old tree tea gardens are in obvious diffused light conditions. Such conditions bring higher levels of amino acids in Wild Tea and Old Tree Tea. Thus, Wild Tea and Old Tree Tea are more fragrant and less bitter. The following old tree loose leaf teas are available from iTeaworldThese tea trees are 100 years oldPurchase and enjoy the natural, organic centennial teas! Fenghuang Dancong The most aromatic oolong tea from old tea trees is over 100 years old. Guangxi Old Tree Black Tea Made from fresh leaves of old tea trees over 100 years old. Minnan Narcissus Oolong Tea From 60 years old tea plantation, resistant to brewing, high sweetness More than half of the teas from the old tea plantations have a better taste than other modern tea gardens, and more than half of the teas from the old tea plantations have a better flavor.If you haven't tried old tree tea, we highly recommend you try it!You will experience a very different taste!Old Tree Tea is sweeter and mellow.I believe you will fall in love with old tree tea

Da Youcha is a local tea-drinking custom in Guangxi. Da (make) refers to the preparation process of this unique food, and Youcha (oil tea) is the name of this unique food. The climate of Guangxi is cold and wet. Drinking Youcha keeps people away from cold and helps people prevent disease. Da Youcha is a kind of wisdom that has been passed down from generation to generation. It is said that the local people will feel sick if they do not drink Youcha for a day. The common ingredients of Youcha are glutinous rice, peanuts, corn kernels, chopped scallions, tea and oil, etc. More abundant ingredients are added to Youcha when it is served to guests. The taste of Youcha is unique and rich. When you try is at the first time, you may not be used to the taste. But you will gradually fall in love with it after drinking it for several times.

Make a cup of tea at the top of the mountain. Look at the mists and listen to the mountain wind.