Sweet tea should be simple: just water, ice, tea bags, sugar, and maybe a squeeze of lemon or lime. Boil the water, brew the tea, stir in the sugar, and pour it over ice. But as with many simple recipes, especially in Southern cooking, there are lots of little tweaks that can elevate a drink from just okay to amazing. One trick? Adding a pinch of baking soda to your sweet tea. Sounds weird? Pointless? Or maybe genius? It’s all about the science and your brewing technique. We usually think these tips are kind of useless; after all, many of us grew up enjoying sweet tea with no special tricks, a ..read more

“De Zhong” refers to a classic Yixing teapot shape, crafted by the esteemed potter Shao Daheng. It’s inspired by an ancient percussion instrument “zhong”, resulting in a cylindrical teapot body, which gives it a sense of stability. An Yixing teapot is a type of traditional Chinese teapot made from clay found in the Yixing region of Jiangsu province, China. These teapots are highly prized by tea enthusiasts for their unique clay composition and ability to enhance the flavor of tea. They are known for their simple designs, as well as their functionality in brewing tea. The history of Yixing teap ..read more

In today’s blog post, we will explore the classic Shui Ping teapot design, beloved across southern China as well as one of the most popular teapot shapes worldwide. With a history spanning 500 years back to the Ming Dynasty, this teapot’s form has remained largely unchanged. Over the centuries, it has set the standard for assessing the craftsmanship of aspiring ceramists from Yixing and has served as a benchmark for judging the quality of tea. The design gained popularity alongside the Gong Fu tea culture, becoming a household name in Yixing’s ceramic industry. But how did this come to be? His ..read more

Among the different types of Yixing clay, Hong Ni, also known as red clay, is one of the most popular and stands out for its unique properties. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about Hong Ni Yixing clay, from its varieties and history to its benefits in brewing tea. What is Hong Ni Clay? Hong Ni, or “red clay,” is a type of Yixing clay that turns red after being fired in a kiln. This type of clay makes up roughly 8% of all Yixing zisha clay and is known for its unique properties that make it ideal for creating teapots. The clay is sourced from Huanglong Mountain and ..read more

The Margarita is a classic cocktail beloved for its perfect balance of tangy lime, smooth tequila, and a hint of sweetness. It’s a drink that evokes sunny beaches and summer breezes, making it a favorite for those who crave a refreshing and zesty experience. But if you’re looking to elevate this iconic cocktail with a unique twist, infusing it with green tea is the way to go! Infusing your margarita with green tea adds an intriguing layer of flavor—lightly vegetal, slightly sweet, and delightfully refreshing. Green tea is not only known for its health benefits but also for its cooling properti ..read more

The classic Mai Tai, a vibrant mix of rum, lime, orgeat, and orange curaçao, is a staple of tiki culture, celebrated for its balance of sweet, sour, and nutty flavors. Infusing it with black tea adds depth, while introducing a rich and bitter note that complements the cocktail’s tropical essence. A Black Tea Infused Mai Tai is perfect for late afternoon or early evening, especially during summer or warm, breezy days. It’s ideal for sipping at a beachside gathering, a backyard barbecue, or while unwinding after a long day. The infusion brings a sophisticated twist, making it a great choice for ..read more

Pu-erh tea, a uniquely fermented tea from Yunnan Province in China, has been prized for its complex flavors, health benefits, and aging potential. One of the key factors often discussed by tea enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals alike is the caffeine content in these teas. Understanding the differences in caffeine levels between raw and ripe pu erh tea requires an exploration of their production processes, chemical composition, and aging factors. The Basics of Pu-erh Tea Production Before discussing caffeine content, it’s essential to first understand how raw and ripe pu erh teas are ..read more

Tea is a beloved beverage that has been enjoyed for centuries and holds a significant place in the cultures around the world. While it originated in China, tea drinking customs have spread across the globe, with each country having its own unique traditions and rituals surrounding this popular drink. In this blog post, we will explore the rich tea culture in different countries such as China, Japan, India, the UK, the US and more. From traditional brewing methods to the role of tea in social gatherings, let’s take a journey through the diverse world of tea and discover how it brings people tog ..read more

If you’re a tea enthusiast or a food blogger, you’ve likely explored making the ultimate tea with milk. But have you ever wondered, whether you can drink oolong tea with milk? The answer is a resounding yes! This blog will guide you through the fascinating world of oolong tea, its compatibility with milk, and how to create the perfect oolong milk tea. What is Oolong Tea? Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea known for its unique processing method that involves partial oxidation. Originating from Fujian and Guangdong provinces, oolong tea has a rich history that spans centuries. The name “ool ..read more

Tea tasting is more than just drinking tea. It’s an experience that engages all your senses. Whether you’re savoring the highest grade of Fujian white tea or sampling a strong Assam, knowing how to taste tea can boost your appreciation for this timeless beverage. Unlike regular tea drinking, tea tasting involves a mindful approach to observing the aroma, appearance and flavor. It’s a bit like wine tasting but viewed as less pretentious and a lot more relaxing. Understanding the Basics Tea tasting the practice of analyzing and appreciating the flavors, aromas and qualities of differen ..read more