Browse practical guides to Chinese tea brewing, tea types, teaware, buying, and storage.
White tea is the most delicate and least processed of all teas — and a perfect entry point for anyone new to Chinese tea. It’s subtle, sweet, and almost impossible to brew badly. This guide explains what white tea is, how it’s made, and the famous white teas you should know. What Is White Tea? … Read more
Oolong is the chameleon of the tea world — partially oxidized, it can taste floral and light or dark and roasted. If you’ve heard the name but aren’t sure what it actually is, this guide is for you. This guide explains what oolong tea is, its two main styles, and why it’s the favorite of … Read more
Pu-erh is the most unusual tea in the world — a fermented, aged tea that improves with time, like wine. If you’ve only drunk green or black tea, pu-erh is a completely different experience. This guide explains what pu-erh tea is, the difference between its two types, and what makes it so special. What Is … Read more
Green tea and oolong are two of the most popular Chinese teas — but they’re often confused. They come from the same plant and differ mainly in how much they’re oxidized, which changes everything about their flavor and brewing. This guide breaks down the difference between green tea and oolong tea. The Key Difference: Oxidation … Read more
Walk into a tea shop and you’ll see dozens of names — Dragon Well, Iron Goddess, Silver Needle, Big Red Robe. They all fall into six categories of Chinese tea, determined by how the leaves are processed. This guide explains the six types of Chinese tea, what makes each unique, and the famous teas you … Read more
Most “bad” Chinese tea is actually good tea brewed wrong. The difference between a bitter, disappointing cup and a great one usually comes down to a handful of simple mistakes. This guide covers the most common Chinese tea brewing mistakes and how to fix each one. 1. Water Too Hot (for Delicate Teas) The mistake: … Read more
One of the biggest differences between good whole-leaf Chinese tea and ordinary tea bags is that whole leaf can be steeped many times — each infusion tastes different, unfolding new layers of flavor. This guide explains how many times you can steep Chinese tea, and how to get the most out of your leaves. Why … Read more
Water temperature is the single most common reason home-brewed Chinese tea tastes bitter — or weak and flat. Different teas need different temperatures, and getting this right is the fastest way to better tea. This guide is your complete reference for Chinese tea brewing temperatures, plus how to hit them without fancy equipment. Why Temperature … Read more
Oolong tea is often called the “in-between” tea — partially oxidized, it sits between green and black tea, with a range of flavors from light and floral to dark and roasted. It’s also the tea that shines in gongfu brewing. This guide explains what oolong is and how to brew it properly. What Is Oolong … Read more
Pu-erh is China’s most unique tea — a fermented, aged tea with deep, earthy flavors that improve with time, like wine. It’s brewed differently from most teas, and getting it right unlocks a whole world of flavor. This guide explains what pu-erh is and how to brew it properly. What Is Pu-erh Tea? Pu-erh (普洱) … Read more