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Showing posts from November, 2023

Great Green Tea: Half from West Lake, Half from Thousand Island Lake

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 When people think of China’s finest green tea, they picture West Lake in Hangzhou—the villages of Longjing and Meijiawu, Emperor Qianlong’s legendary “Eighteen Imperial Tea Bushes,” and a cup of flat, jade-green leaves releasing delicate chestnut notes. And they’re not wrong. West Lake Longjing is indeed one of China’s most iconic teas. But few know that 150 kilometers southwest of Hangzhou, amid the emerald waters of Thousand Island Lake, lies another chapter of tea history—one far older, equally profound, and unjustly overlooked. Here, during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), tribute tea known as Jiukeng Maojian was sent to the imperial court. Lu Yu, the Sage of Tea, recorded its origin in his Classic of Tea (Cha Jing). Centuries later, seeds from this very land would travel to Japan, Kenya, and beyond, shaping green tea across continents. Today, protected as a Class-I national water source, this region bans chemical pesticides entirely—yielding tea of unmatched purity and freshnes...
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The Evolving Journey of Longjing Tea

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  The first rays of sunlight peeked through fog lingering over West Lake, rousing Wei Zhou and I from rest. Our yearly ritual of steeping Longjing tea was soon to begin, but this year brought questions. As old friends discuss life's changes, so too traditions must bend to changing needs.  I set water to boil, thinking back to Longjing's origins here in Hangzhou centuries ago. Legend says a wandering monk first discovered its delicate flavor brewed near Xi Hu's shore. Peasants later harvested its tender shoots to complement plain rice. Through imperial courts and along Silk Road routes, renown grew for Longjing's balanced sweetness and aroma. In our teapot, I placed six grams of long, emerald leaves - a modest dose from Jixian County's rich terraces. Steeping ten seconds, we sipped the pale liquor brimming notes of honey-orchid and spring rain. Wei commented it seemed lighter this batch. I explained Jixian farmers now regulate fertilization, favoring complex organic ...
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Beware! There is a hidden secret in the 'tea' that does not require brewing...

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  Today, we are sharing a report from the Chinese police. The report details a recent case where the police cracked down on a drug trafficking ring involving the sale of a new type of drug called "tea". This drug does not require brewing and can be directly inhaled after being lit, causing hallucinations and dizziness. The Yanqi Reclamation Area Public Security Bureau received a tip in January this year that an unemployed person named Ai in their jurisdiction was suspected of selling this drug. The police immediately launched an investigation and eventually arrested the suspect and destroyed the entire drug trafficking network. This case serves as a reminder that we must remain vigilant against the proliferation of new drugs and take effective measures to combat them.  Cherish life and stay away from drugs! Recently, the Yanqi Reclamation Area Public Security Bureau of the Second Division of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps disclosed that it had cracked a series of ...
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Location: 中国浙江省杭州市
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Exploring the Science: Can Drinking Tea Really Prevent Cancer?

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  In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the potential health benefits of tea, particularly when it comes to preventing cancer. With its rich history and numerous varieties, tea has long been revered for its soothing and invigorating properties. But can it truly make a difference in the battle against such a formidable disease? In this article, we delve into the science behind tea and its supposed cancerfighting abilities. Before we dive into the research, it's important to understand the different types of tea. The most common varieties are black, green, white, and oolong, each with its own unique characteristics. While all tea comes from the same plant, Camellia sinensis, variations in processing result in the distinct flavors and colors of these different types. It's also worth noting that herbal teas, such as chamomile or peppermint, are not derived from the Camellia sinensis plant and therefore don't provide the same potential health benefits. Let's ...
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