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Refined Chinese tea comes in different types, each preparation of tea offers distinctive flavor and aroma. The essence of this tea is determined by the processing technique and the kind of tea leaf utilized.
Green tea is one of the most common Chinese teas. The leaves during production have not undergone oxidation of any sorts. Fresh leaves are together rolled, steamed, or pan-fried to lock in the goodness, called chlorophyll. This process gives this class of tea its green color and fresh, grassy flavor.
Renowned types of green tea include Longjing, popularly called Dragon Well, and Biluochun, meaning "Green Snail Braids"). Both have unique flavors and are very popular in China and overseas.
Oolong tea lies between green tea and black tea in terms of oxidation. Oolong teas can be 10% to 80% oxidized depending on what is required. The leaves are rolled and twisted, which come out during oxidation.
The most well-known Oolong teas include Tieguanyin, also known as Iron Goddess of Mercy, and Da Hong Pao, which means Big Red Robe. These teas have complex flavors, often floral and fruity, and changing with every infusion.
Of all the Chinese teas, white tea is the least processed. It is mainly picked and dried in the sun, which leaves it very delicate and pure. It is aged rather than processed, with a very soft and sweet flavor.
Jasmine tea is another famous Chinese tea. This tea is green or black tea scented with jasmine flowers. The scent is crafted to allow the blossoms to infuse the tea with a floral aroma. It is absorbed by the blossoms, which is then a fragrant and soothing cup of tea.
Black tea is fully oxidized, giving it a darker color and stronger flavor compared to Oolong tea. In China, black tea is mainly referred to as red tea because of its reddish-brown infusion color.
Famous Chinese black teas are Keemun and Dian Hong. Keemun tea has a sweet and honey-like flavor while Dian Hong tea has earthy and malty flavors.
Pu-erh tea is a fermented tea that ages over time. This aging process can take a couple of years or even decades. There are two types of Pu-erh tea: raw (Sheng) and ripe (Shou). Raw Pu-erh is aged naturally while ripe Pu-erh undergoes a forced fermentation process.
Refined Chinese teas are traditionally associated with several health benefits, many proven through scientific research and some based on centuries of cultural beliefs.
Health Benefits
Many of the teas refined Chinese tea benefits s help with weight management. Green tea, for instance, contains catechins that boost metabolism and aid in fat oxidation.
This type of tea is therefore useful for individuals trying to reduce their body weight. It helps to increase its function as an aid to losing weight in a healthy way.
Antioxidant Properties
Antioxidants are abundant in refined Chinese teas, particularly in green and white varieties. Antioxidants are chemicals that inhibit oxidative damage to cells by free radicals.
Free radicals are highly unstable molecules that can damage cellular components. Antioxidants fight these Radicals and consequently help in decreasing the risk of chronic diseases.
Mental Clarity and Focus
Chinese refined teas such as Pu-erh and Oolong contain L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation without drowsiness. When combined with caffeine, L-theanine improves focus and mental clarity.
This makes Chinese tea a good drink when trying to concentrate on mental tasks or studying.
Detoxification
Chinese tea culture attaches great importance to detoxifying the body, and many refined Chinese teas are believed to support this process.
Taiwanese Dung Feng Mei Liu, for instance, is traditionally used to cleanse the liver and remove toxins from the body. The detoxifying properties of antioxidants are believed to contribute to overall health.
Anti-aging
Jasmine Pearls tea is often associated with anti-aging effects due to its high antioxidant content. It is a Chinese tea refined and aged by a technique that minimizes oxidation while preserving polyphenols.
Antioxidants work to combat free radicals, which are implicated in the aging process. This slows down the skin aging process and helps to maintain skin elasticity and youthfulness.
Chinese tea, a common drink in China, consists mainly of tea leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant. However, there are quite a few differences depending on the type of tea and how it is processed. They include:
Tea Leaves
Chinese refined teas use very young tea leaves, often the top buds and leaves of the tea plant. This is the reason white tea is delicate and a bud-only tea is so fine. These young leaves contain high quantities of amino acids and antioxidants.
Jasmine Blossoms
Jasmine tea is a refined Chinese tea famous for its fragrance and flavor. Jasmine tea uses green or black tea leaves that are scented with jasmine blossoms.
The jasmine flowers are just picked and then allowed to wilt. They are then packed around the tea leaves and allowed to soak for several days.
Blending Ingredients
To refine and improve its flavor, refined Chinese teas are often blended with other ingredients. Jasmine tea, for example, is primarily black or green tea.
Additional flavoring might be added to it, such as herbs, spices, or fruits. Masala chai is a classic example of black tea blended with spices and milk, offering a soothing and flavorful beverage.
Aging Materials
Pu-erh tea is unique compared to other refined Chinese teas in that it undergoes fermentation. Raw Pu-erh tea is aged naturally, while ripe Pu-erh tea is fermented in a moist environment.
This aging process is known to develop rich, complex flavors and allows the tea to mature.
Water
Water used in brewing refined Chinese tea is very important to release its full flavor and health benefits. Pure and clean water is used to steep the tea leaves.
For lighter teas like green and white, use cool, soft water. For stronger teas like black and Pu-erh, use boiling and hard water.
There are many refined Chinese teas, each of which has a unique manufacturing process. Here is an overview of the most famous varieties:
Green tea is the most famous refined Chinese tea bustling with activity. It is made by pan-frying or steaming the tea leaves to prevent oxidation. This process preserves the tea's natural green color and fresh flavor.
This tea is partly oxidized, which gives it a unique flavor profile. Oolong teas are bruised to allow a small amount of oxidation to take place before rolling and cooking the leaves.
The level of oxidation can change the flavor, making it anywhere between green tea (lightly oxidized) and black tea (fully oxidized).
Jasmine tea is one of the most famous refined Chinese teas. It is made by scenting green or black tea with jasmine blossoms. The tea leaves are mixed with fresh jasmine flowers, which are allowed to wilt.
The flowers are then removed and the leaves dried. Some producers will repeat this process several times to enhance the jasmine flavor.
Pu-erh tea is unique among refined Chinese teas due to its fermentation process. Raw Pu-erh (Sheng) tea is made from sun-dried tea leaves that are pressed into cakes and aged naturally.
This aging process can take several years, developing the tea's character. Ripe Pu-erh (Shou) tea undergoes a forced fermentation process that simulates aging.
Not fully processed, this tea is simply wilted and dried. It is made from young tea buds and leaves. The most famous white tea, Bai Hao, is made from tea buds covered in fine white hairs.
Just pluck it and let it wither in the sun, and that's all they do to make it into white tea. They neither roll nor oxidize the leaves at all.
Packaging and storing refined Chinese tea is critical in maintaining its quality. During packaging, use airtight containers to prevent exposure to air and moisture.
Tea is usually stored in tins, glass jars, or sealed bags. Store the tea in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, heat, and odor. Keep the jasmine tea in a different container from other teas to prevent it from absorbing scents.
When it comes to quality and safety, there are quite a few key factors to consider regarding refined Chinese tea. They are:
Source of Tea Leaves
The quality level Chinese tea leaves are accessed via the Camellia sinensis plant makes all the difference. Renowned tea-producing regions in China have a long history and expertise in cultivating tea.
Regions like Yunnan, Fujian, and Hangzhou are known for producing high-quality tea leaves. Location where the tea is grown greatly affects its flavor, aroma, and overall quality.
Harvesting
Pick only the youngest leaves and buds for refined Chinese tea. The precise and careful picking process is crucial for ensuring the highest quality level of tea.
As for the harvesting season, most teas are harvested during spring when the leaves are the freshest. A few varieties like Pu-erh may be harvested during the summer months as well.
Oxidation and Dryging
Oxidation control is key in maintaining the quality and safety of refined Chinese tea. Master the processing techniques used in oxidation and drying to ensure no microbial activity survives.
Drying methods like pan-frying and steaming effectively kill enzymes that cause oxidation. This ensures the tea remains safe for consumption.
Quality Control
Strict quality control measures are in place to ensure the safety of consuming refined Chinese tea. These include testing for pesticide residues, heavy metals, and other contaminants.
Reputable tea producers adhere to international safety standards to ensure their products are safe for consumers.
Certifications
When choosing refined Chinese tea, look out for relevant certifications. Organic certification ensures no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers were used in growing the tea.
This makes organic Chinese refined tea a safer and healthier option for consumers. Other certifications like fair trade not only ensure the tea is safe to consume but also supports ethical labor practices.
Brewing Guidelines
To ensure safety and retain quality, follow proper brewing guidelines. Use filtered water to brew the tea to avoid any impurities that may affect the flavor.
Brewing temperature and steeping time vary depending on the type of tea. Following these guidelines ensures the tea releases its full flavor without compromising safety.
A1: Refined Chinese tea goes through meticulous processing and aging, resulting in more complex flavors and improved health benefits. Regular Chinese tea often lacks this level of refinement and expertise in production.
A2: The most essential step when steeping refined Chinese tea is paying close attention to the water temperature. Use cool water for delicate teas like green and white while use boiling water for robust varieties like black and Pu-erh.
A3: Yes, it is best to use purified or filtered water to brew Chinese tea. Water can significantly affect the flavor and quality of the tea. For this reason, using purified water ensures that no impurities interfere with the tea's taste.
A4: Yes, Jasmine tea, alongside other Chinese refined teas, is often believed to help detoxify the body. It contains antioxidants that support the natural detoxification processes of the liver and kidneys.
A5: The word "refined" refers to the meticulous and specialized processes involved in production. This includes oxidation, aging, and scenting, which enhance the tea's quality, flavors, and health benefits.
