Feel the magic of Chinese tea!
The history of Chinese tea is a long tale of improvement . Generations of growers and producers have perfected the Chinese way of producing tea and its many unique regional varieties. The discovery of tea is attributed to the legendary Emperor Shennong , who lived approximately 5,000 years ago. His far-sighted decrees required, among other things, boiling water intended for drinking. The story goes that one summer day, while visiting a remote part of his kingdom, the emperor and his court stopped to rest. According to his orders, the servants began to prepare water for drinking. Dry leaves from a nearby bush fell into the boiling water , creating a brown infusion . As a scientist, the emperor was interested in the new drink, drank it and found it very refreshing . According to legend, tea was discovered in 2737 BC .
Tea quickly became an extremely popular drink that is an integral part of Chinese culture . This led to numerous rituals and ceremonies surrounding tea because it was such an essential part of the Chinese way of life .
What is Gongfu?
The Gongfu tea ceremony is a traditional Chinese ritual that focuses on preparing and tasting tea with great precision and aesthetics . The word " Gongfu " means the art of doing something well , so this ceremony symbolizes the philosophy of investing time , effort and care to create a truly artistic tea experience.
What does it take to create a Gongfu tea ceremony?
During the Gongfu ceremony, it is important to properly prepare and serve tea. Special vessels are used, such as clay kettles, cups, trays and brewing tools. The tea brewing process is carefully controlled , and each stage has its own rules, such as the number of tea leaves used, water temperature and brewing time.
The Gongfu tea ceremony is about enjoying the taste and aroma of tea, as well as focusing on the present moment and experiencing peace . During the ceremony, participants can observe the beauty of developing tea leaves , admire the smell of the infusion and enjoy every sip of tea. This unique experience introduces harmony and balance between man and nature.
What types of oriental teas are there?
green tea
Green tea is one of the least processed varieties . The leaves are minimally processed , which preserves their natural properties . It is characterized by a greenish color, delicate taste and slightly grassy aroma. Considered one of the healthiest teas due to its high content of antioxidants and nutrients . It contains catechins , which have a beneficial effect on health. It can support the immune system , speed up metabolism , influence heart and brain health, and have anti-cancer properties. The most famous type of green tea is Dragon Well (Long Jing) tea, produced in Hangzhou.
White tea
Like green tea, white tea leaves are minimally processed , harvested before the buds are fully developed and subjected to minimal processing. It is characterized by a delicate , subtly sweet taste and a light floral aroma . White tea is usually lighter in color than green tea. Contains antioxidants such as catechins . It helps maintain good health , nourishes the body and supports the immune system . White tea is often appreciated for its antioxidant properties and may have a positive impact on skin health . It is also low in caffeine , which makes it popular among people looking for a milder energy boost than classic black tea.
Oolong tea
Oolong is a type of semi-fermented tea. The Oolong production process lies between that of green tea (unfermented) and black tea (fully fermented). It is characterized by a variety of flavors and aromas that can range from slightly floral and fruity to full and rich with woody and nutty notes. Oolong also has a unique, velvety character and delicate sweetness . It contains natural antioxidants , minerals and vitamins that may help maintain a healthy heart, regulate blood sugar levels, support metabolism and strengthen the immune system . The most famous types of Oolong tea are the Iron Buddha ( Tie Guan Yin ) from Fujian and the Great Red Robe ( Da Hong Pao ) from the Wuyi Mountains.
Yellow tea
Yellow tea is less popular and harder to obtain than other types of tea. It is particularly appreciated in China , where it is considered an exclusive drink of high quality and valuable properties . It is a delicate tea with a specific production process, which includes a characteristic men huan ( yellowing ) phase. The process of making yellow tea involves a short period of non-enzymatic fermentation . Then the leaves undergo a yellowing phase, as a result of which they acquire a characteristic yellow color . The finished infusion is delicate in taste, has a subtle sweet aroma and a smooth texture . It is a mild drink, intermediate between green and black tea. It contains antioxidants that have a positive effect on health. It may help protect the body against free radicals and support the immune system . The most famous yellow tea is Junshan Yinzhen from Hunan Province.
Black tea
Black tea is called red tea ( hong cha ) in Chinese, referring to the color of the infusion after it is brewed. The production process includes full fermentation , which gives the leaves and infusion a dark color . A characteristic feature of black tea is its rich , full flavor with notes of caramel , honey , wood and fruit . It is an aromatic and expressive drink, often with a delicate sweetness . One of the most popular types of black tea is Keemun ( Gimen ) from Anhui Province and Lapsang Souchong ( Zhengshan Xiaozhong ), which has a unique taste.
Post-fermented tea
One of the most valued and characteristic varieties of post-fermented tea is Pu-erh , which comes from the Yunnan province in China. Tea leaves are fermented both during production and during ripening. It is characterized by a deep , earthy flavor , with notes of wood , mushrooms and sometimes slightly earthy aromas . Pu-erh can also have a subtle sweetness and a smooth , velvety texture . It is often appreciated for its health benefits . It is believed that it can aid digestion , regulate cholesterol levels , support weight loss and detoxify the body . Some high-quality Pu-erhas are kept for many years , and older teas are highly appreciated among tea lovers. They are usually sold in round bricks , which are marked with the year and region of production.
In China , tea is more than just a drink . Tea plays a significant role in Chinese culture to this day. In addition to drinking it with meals , it is commonly offered to guests and performed in tea ceremonies during weddings and Chinese New Year . At Basilur, we pay tribute to this rich history of Chinese tea through the Basilur Chinese Collection, which has been prepared in accordance with the customs and traditions of the Orient .
