There is a saying, “bitterness finishes and sweetness arrives,” which describes tea perfectly. When humans first discovered tea leaves, they chewed them fresh. Though bitter at first, it provided a surge of energy, followed by a mouthwatering, lingering sweetness. This magical sensation led early foragers to view tea as an essential wild plant. Today, sweet
A friend recently recommended some new offerings from Lin Sang Coffee, so I decided to pick up three different profiles to try out and share my thoughts with you all. Chokoreeto The first one is Chokoreeto. Word is this is Lin Sang Coffee’s #1 bestseller, and opening the bag immediately fills the air with a
Indian Assam Black Tea is one of the most popular black teas in the world. Produced in the state of Assam in northeastern India, its tropical climate and rich soil create a bold, rich, and full-bodied tea with a strong astringency, making it a truly memorable brew. Terroir & Characteristics of Assam Tea The hot
A fellow tea enthusiast recently asked me, “Where is the most beautiful tea garden in Taiwan?” While Taiwan is home to countless breathtaking tea plantations, here are my personal top four favorites. If you would like to visit them in person, these four hidden tea plantation gems are definitely worth adding to your travel bucket
Is waiting for spring tea getting unbearable? As winter draws to a close and spring approaches each year, tea lovers reach out to us with many questions—with the “Alishan spring tea harvest schedule” being one of the most popular. We’ve compiled the most common questions to give you a complete guide to Alishan spring tea
When it comes to Japanese green tea, matcha is undoubtedly the most iconic. This ultra-fine green tea powder is not only the heart of the Japanese tea ceremony, but its vibrant green hue and rich, distinct flavor have captivated tea lovers worldwide. From traditional ceremonies to matcha drinks and baked treats, its versatility goes far
In Eastern tea culture, spring tea is celebrated as the highest quality harvest of the year. Among spring teas, “Mingqian tea” (pre-Qingming tea) is considered the absolute finest, often commanding prices several times higher than regular spring tea. But what exactly is Mingqian tea, and why is it so highly prized? What Is Mingqian Tea
Kabusecha is a premium Japanese green tea, written in Japanese as 覆茶 (かぶせ茶). Like Gyokuro and Matcha, it undergoes a shaded cultivation process prior to harvesting. Although it is shaded for a shorter period than Gyokuro, Kabusecha remains one of Japan’s most iconic fine green teas. Characteristics of Kabusecha Shaded Cultivation About 7 to 10
When talking about Qingxin Dahao, many people’s first question is how to pronounce the character 「冇」 (mǎo).In Mandarin Zhuyin, it is pronounced the same as 「某」 (mǎo), and in Taiwanese Hokkien, it is pronounced “phànn” (similar to “pa”). It is often simply referred to as “Dahao.” Now that we know how to pronounce its name,
Rooibos tea is a traditional herbal tisane native to South Africa, grown primarily in the Cederberg Mountains near Cape Town. Although commonly referred to as tea, it does not come from the traditional tea plant (Camellia sinensis), but rather from the red bush plant (Aspalathus linearis), a member of the legume family. 5 Key Health
Black tea is the most popular tea variety in the world, loved by tea enthusiasts for its rich flavor and high nutritional value. Drinking black tea offers numerous benefits, such as boosting energy, promoting digestion, and strengthening immunity. However, it can also have potential downsides for some people, such as insomnia or stomach discomfort. This
Ceylon high-grown black tea comes from the elevated regions of Sri Lanka, a country with a rich history of tea production whose black teas are cherished by tea lovers worldwide. Grown primarily in Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands, its unique climate and geography create exceptional high-quality teas with distinctive flavor profiles. Sri Lankan Highlands The highland
Tea is categorized into six major classes: green tea, white tea, yellow tea, oolong tea (qing tea), black tea, and dark tea. Classification depends mainly on the tea’s oxidation level, leaf appearance, and tea liquor color. Here are the key characteristics of each tea class: Characteristics of the Six Tea Types Green Tea Unfermented tea
Quick Update on the 2025 High Mountain Winter Tea Harvest!Checking on the tea gardens up in the mountains over the past few days, this year’s winter crop shows a clear divide in quality: top-tier gardens are looking beautiful, while others are struggling—the contrast is quite noticeable. This is likely tied to the heavy rainfall in
When people think of Japanese green tea, steaming often comes to mind first. Famous teas like Gyokuro and Matcha both use this technique. However, there is also a traditional Japanese green tea pan-fired in iron pans: Kamairicha (釜炒り茶). Known for its distinct toasted aroma and smooth, mellow taste, Kamairicha offers a uniquely delicious green tea
