Notes, observations, and traces from time spent with tea.

Tea Times with Jing

brewing fenghuang dancong oolong tea

Why Phoenix Dancong Cannot Simply Be Brewed Fas...

Phoenix Dancong responds to brewing with remarkable sensitivity. Discover why quick pours alone rarely reveal its full character, and how small adjustments can unlock greater aroma, texture, and balance throughout...

Why Phoenix Dancong Cannot Simply Be Brewed Fas...

Phoenix Dancong responds to brewing with remarkable sensitivity. Discover why quick pours alone rarely reveal its full character, and how small adjustments can unlock greater aroma, texture, and balance throughout...

Qimen liu an cha basket

Qimen An Cha

Why was one of southern China's best-known dark teas named after a place where it was never made? This article traces the history of Qimen An Cha through forgotten trade...

Qimen An Cha

Why was one of southern China's best-known dark teas named after a place where it was never made? This article traces the history of Qimen An Cha through forgotten trade...

Oolong Tea Roasting - Part 3

Oolong Tea Roasting - Part 3

If charcoal and electric roasting both reach the same temperature, why doesn't the tea taste the same?

Oolong Tea Roasting - Part 3

If charcoal and electric roasting both reach the same temperature, why doesn't the tea taste the same?

making fire to roast oolong tea in fujian province

Oolong Tea Roasting - Part 2

In Part 1, we explored how temperature and time shape the flavour structure of roasted oolong tea. But if roast level is defined by heat, why can two teas roasted...

Oolong Tea Roasting - Part 2

In Part 1, we explored how temperature and time shape the flavour structure of roasted oolong tea. But if roast level is defined by heat, why can two teas roasted...

fire to roast anxi oolong in Fujian

Oolong Tea Roasting - Part 1

What actually happens inside an oolong leaf when heat is applied? Is roasting simply a matter of turning up the temperature — or is something far more precise at work? 

Oolong Tea Roasting - Part 1

What actually happens inside an oolong leaf when heat is applied? Is roasting simply a matter of turning up the temperature — or is something far more precise at work? 

hands shaking tea leaves in Wuyishan

Zuo Qing: How Movement Opens the Leaf

Zuo qing (做青) is the stage where internal compounds within the leaf begin to enter reaction. First recognised through repeated handling of fresh leaves, it became a defining part of...

Zuo Qing: How Movement Opens the Leaf

Zuo qing (做青) is the stage where internal compounds within the leaf begin to enter reaction. First recognised through repeated handling of fresh leaves, it became a defining part of...