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When Tea Had Many Names: How the Ancients Spoke to a Leaf
If you read enough old Chinese texts about tea, one thing becomes clear very quickly: the ancients rarely called tea just tea. They gave it nicknames. They gave it personalities. Sometimes they gave it a sense of humor. Long before tea became a commodity with grades, SKUs, and tasting wheels, it lived in language as something closer to a companion. A helper. A quiet friend that showed up when the mind was tired or the night grew long. Over the years, people gave the tea many
Dec 22, 20256 min read
Taiwan’s “Old-Tree” Assamica: Heritage Trees of Large-Leaf Tea
In Taiwan’s mountainous tea regions grow not only the familiar small-leaf oolong varieties but also enduring stands of large-leaf...
Aug 15, 20253 min read
Why are Eastern European Tea Drinkers Crazy about the Babushka Thermos?
For me, the Deer vacuum flasks are a perfect symbol of this emerging tea culture.
Mar 8, 20255 min read
Hei Cha vs. Hong Cha – The Difference Between Dark and Red Tea
The terms Hei Cha (黑茶) and Hong Cha (红茶) often cause confusion because they are interpreted differently in the West than in China. While...
Feb 25, 20252 min read
Muzha Tieguanyin Tea Competition
The Muzha Tieguanyin Tea Competition is one of the most prestigious events in Taiwan’s tea industry, recognizing the finest Tieguanyin...
Feb 5, 20256 min read
How a Tiny Leafhopper Creates Some of the World’s Most Exquisite Teas
When you think about the most exquisite teas in the world, what comes to mind? Ancient mountain farms, skilled hands plucking tender...
Feb 3, 20255 min read
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