Tea, this rich fragrance originating from the ancient East, is not only deeply rooted in the long history of the Chinese nation but also demonstrates its unique charm and allure globally. China, as the birthplace of tea, holds a pivotal position in the global tea culture field with its profound and extensive tea culture. From being a noble symbol exclusive to the royal family to an ordinary daily beverage for the common people, from the serene and elegant tea houses to the bustling streets, the diversity and richness of Chinese tea culture have been fully displayed and inherited across this vast land.
I. Historical Origins of Chinese Tea Legend has it that Shennong, when tasting all kinds of herbs, accidentally discovered tea leaves, which opened a new chapter in the history of tea. Initially, tea leaves were regarded as precious medicinal herbs and later gradually integrated into people’s daily lives and became an indispensable beverage. Development Track: The tea culture has undergone thousands of years of evolution, and each dynasty has left its unique mark. The tea ceremony in the Tang Dynasty, the whipped tea in the Song Dynasty, and the steeped tea in the Ming and Qing dynasties all have their own characteristics and jointly constitute the glorious chapters of Chinese tea culture. Global Influence: Through the Silk Road, Chinese tea culture and tea leaves have spread to all parts of the world, having a profound impact on global tea-drinking habits. Tea has become a bridge and link connecting Eastern and Western cultures. II. An Overview of the Six Categories of Chinese Tea Green Tea: Renowned for its fresh and refreshing taste and rich nutritional value. West Lake Longjing is famous for its flat and smooth leaves and unique bean fragrance; Biluochun has won wide acclaim for its spiral-shaped leaves and fresh aroma. Black Tea: Fully fermented black tea, such as Qimen Black Tea, is deeply loved for its mellow taste and warm color; Lapsang Souchong, as one of the world’s earliest black teas, has a distinctive flavor. Oolong Tea (Blue Tea): Semi-fermented oolong tea, such as Tieguanyin, is known for its strong aroma and diverse flavors; Dahongpao is famous for its unique “rock rhyme”. White Tea: Slightly fermented white tea, such as Baihao Yinzhen, is favored for its elegant taste and significant health benefits; Bai Mudan is highly regarded for its tea leaves that resemble peonies in shape. Yellow Tea: The unique yellowing process gives yellow tea its distinctive aroma and taste. Well-known teas such as Junshan Yinzhen and Mengding Huangya are renowned for their unique qualities. Dark Tea: Post-fermented dark tea, such as Pu-erh Tea, is highly sought after for its aging potential and unique flavor; Liubao Tea is famous for its unique piling fermentation process and aged flavor. III. Analysis of Tea-making Techniques Picking: The picking standards and seasons vary for different types of tea. Each tea leaf contains the essence of the season.Killing Green: This is a crucial step in the production of green and oolong teas, aimed at halting the enzymatic oxidation of tea leaves to preserve their green color.
Fermentation: The degree of fermentation determines the category of tea. Green tea is non-fermented, black tea is fully fermented, and oolong tea falls somewhere in between. Drying: By controlling the moisture content, the quality and flavor of the tea leaves are ensured. Special Processes: Techniques such as the yellowing process in yellow tea and the piling process in dark tea give tea its unique flavor and quality. Tea Appreciation and Brewing Skills: When appreciating tea, one must observe its color, smell its aroma, taste its flavor, and admire its shape. Different types of tea have different brewing methods. The correct brewing method can maximize the display of the tea’s flavor and quality. For instance, green tea is suitable for brewing with water at 80-85°C for 2-3 minutes; black tea requires water at 90-95°C for 3-5 minutes; oolong tea is better brewed with water at 95-100°C, gradually increasing the brewing time with each infusion. Choosing the appropriate brewing utensils and methods is key to appreciating tea.
