Uncover the true spirit of Chinese tea culture. From its deep traditions to brewing tips, learn how to enjoy tea like a connoisseur.
As the founder of Fong’s Tea, I’ve spent years sourcing, tasting, and drinking pu-erh both in Yunnan and here in the U.S. I’ll be honest—my very first encounter with a ripe pu-erh wasn’t love at first sip. It had a…
Pu-erh tea — a fermented tea from Yunnan, China — is cherished for its unique flavor and potential digestive health benefits. Traditional use and emerging research both suggest that Pu-erh can support gut function, reshape the microbiome, and improve comfort…
Zhu Ni (朱泥), or red clay, is a fascinating yet controversial clay in the world of Yixing teapots. Many tea lovers and collectors describe it in vivid terms: warm like jade, smooth as silk, and glowing like bright cinnabar. At…
Introduction If you are new to Chinese tea, you may have heard that Yixing teapots are special.However, many explanations focus on tradition or mystique, while few clearly explain what a Yixing teapot actually is and when it truly improves tea.…
In The Essence of Zisha (Part I): An Exploration of Yixing Teapot Permeability, we explored porosity. In Part II: Unmasking the “Da Hong Pao” (Big Red Robe) Clay Myth, we uncovered the truth about “Da Hong Pao”. Today, we look…
Important Disambiguation:Before we dive in, please note that this article discusses “Da Hong Pao Clay” (a controversial Yixing ore). This is entirely different from the famous [Da Hong Pao Oolong Tea] from the Wuyi Mountains. While they share a prestigious name, one is a…
The permeability (or breathability) of an Yixing Zisha teapot is often referred to with mystical reverence, yet its function is rooted firmly in material science, mineral composition, and unique craftsmanship. This article delves into the scientific basis of Zisha’s famed…
(A must-read for beginners and those frequently scalded—experienced tea brewers may skip.) The Gaiwan (lidded bowl) is the heart of Chinese tea ceremony, but mastering it often comes with a steep, and painful, learning curve. This guide focuses strictly on…
For many newcomers, approaching a compressed Pu-erh tea cake (Bingcha) can be daunting. If you are looking to start your collection, browse our curated selection of fine Pu-erh tea cakes today. The goal of prying the tea is simple: to…
In today’s hyper-connected world, distraction is the default state. The average knowledge worker switches tasks every 3 minutes—and it takes up to 23 minutes to fully regain deep focus after an interruption. Yet hidden within an ancient ritual lies a…
