Planet Hero

Chinese tea sets: Preserving the Tradition of Chinese Teas

Dec 19

Sammia ChengChina Asia, Beverages, China, Chinese Tea, culture, Drinks, green tea, tea, tea cups, tea sets 1 Comment

Chinese tea together with its inseparable Chinese tea sets has been around for more than two centuries. China, being known as the homeland of tea, exports more than 90% of tea across the globe. Between tea, cocoa, and coffee — tea is consumed by most number of people in the world.

Tea has become a part of life for most cultures, but it is said that most tea trees from other countries have their origin in China. People from different cultures call tea in different names. In China, tea is called “cha”, more like “tsa-a” in the Philippines. Russians on the other hand, call their tea as “cha’i”, pronounced as “chaye”.

The adoration for tea obviously started in China. Japan, during the 6th century, started to share this love for tea, while it was not until the 17th and 18th century that Europe and America joined its Asian neighbours in this passion of tea drinking.

Teas from China are classified in several categories and most of them are bundled according to how they are made.

1. Green tea: The unique ability of green tea is that it can maintain is natural color despite being brewed. The best green tea leaves are found in the following provinces in China: Longjing tea of Zhejiang, Maofeng tea of Anhui, and Biluochun of the Jiangsu province.

2. Black tea: Teas that are fermented before they are baked are classified as black teas. These teas are also known as “red teas” by tea lovers. The best tea leaves for black teas are: Suhong of Jiangsu, Qihong of Anhui, and Dianhong of Yunnan.

3. Wulong tea: Wulong teas are popular in the south-eastern parts of China that includes Taiwan, Guandong, and Fujian. Wulong tea is simply a mixture of black tea and green tea.

4. Compressed tea: Compressed tea or “brick tea” is a variety of black tea that is compressed into a certain shaped to be stored and transported commercially to a large number of consumers. Brick teas are made in Hunan, Hubei, Yunnan, and Sichuan provinces.

5. Scented tea: Scented teas are popular because of their unique aroma. Jasmine and magnolia are the most commonly infused aromas since they create a calming scent and an exotic flavour.

Teas are best served with tea sets since they preserve the natural flavor of tea. Tea sets are high quality, durable set of dishes that are used for afternoon tea or a formal tea party. Most of these tea sets are made of porcelain, bone china, or silver.

In China, the most popular type of tea set is made of Yixing clay. Historically, teas were believed to be brewed from these Yixing clay pots and are served to the guests after it has been cooled enough to drink. The Yixing tea set is named after a town in the eastern province of Jiangsu, China.

Assessing the quality of a tea set may post a challenge for most people, but it is easy than what most people think. The easiest way to check its quality is to tap two pots together. If a metallic sound can be heard, then we can be assured of its quality.

Another way to assess the quality of a clay pot is to fill the pot with water while placing the lead on. A positive index that we are looking for is smooth free flowing water coming out from the pot. These attributes are commonly found in most Chinese tea sets.

Yixing pots are unique among all the other Chinese tea sets since it has the ability to enhance the natural flavour of tea, as it is used over a period of time. This is made possible by brewing tea inside the pot and allowing the tea to coat the insides of the pot. Washing the pot with soap will take away the coat, therefore, it is advisable to use warm water instead. Yixing is popular among tea aficionados because of this unique ability.

Teas have different flavours and mixes to choose from and undeniably it has become part of the everyday lives of most people. Teas are more flavourful when they are served in their proper tea sets. Yixing, the oldest Chinese tea set available, is the best tandem when enjoying a cup of Chinese tea because it is not only the flavour of the tea that matters, but also the essence and tradition as well.

S. Cheng is a home and lifestyle magazine editor based in Beijing, China. She has a niche for Chinese Tea Sets and many other chinese style of living. Check out her site about the Chinese Tea Sets here.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.