Teapot Infuser
Posted on Thursday, July 8th, 2010 at 3:09 pm
China’s Well-Known Tea Regions
Although all tea is produced from the plant Camellia sinensis, the qualities of specific teas vary from region to region. Local variations in climate, elevation, and soil types contribute to the flavors of any given tea, expressing a sense of place analogous to the concept of terroir in fine wines. Methods of harvesting, production, and curing also affect the final tea product. Indeed, everything from mass-produced commercial teas to rare, hand-harvested teas produced on small farms is available.
In Western civilization, the image of tea is that of a British tea time – bone white porcelain china, black tea bags, and perhaps some sugar or cream, with the tea coming from tea-growing regions of India. Or sometimes tea is assumed to refer to iced tea, a popular year-round drink in the southern U. S. Tea enthusiasts quickly learn that these are just a small part of the tea world, there are many types of teas available, and that one of the most important influences on a tea’s flavor is the region where it was produced.
Akin to the many French wine-producing regions, several regions of China are known for their tea production. Since tea plants are living things, they can be bred to vary from farm to farm in the region, or even plant to plant on the same farm. There are many almanacs and encyclopedias that cover the vast regions of Chinese tea producers, but the following is a short list of some of the most well-known.
Fujian
This region is typically thought of as the birthplace of tea, and as such is the most well-known. Written works document Fujian as producing tea as far back as 400AD, but it’s commonly accepted that tea has been grown and drunk here since 2000BC. The famous and earliest written book on tea, the Cha Ching, by Lu Yu, calls out Fujian province as one of the oldest tea producing regions. The legends usually highlight Fujian as the mother of tea.
Many varieties of tea originate in Fujian province. White, green, and even black and oolong teas are produced here, and are often held in high regard by default. The popular gentle jasmine-scented green tea gets its best examples from Fujian. On the other end of the spectrum, the bold Lapsang Souchong black tea, which has a strong campfire aroma is also produced in Fujian.
Zhejiang
The light, sweet green teas from this relatively new (by Chinese tea-producing standards) region are famous for their slightly fruity undertones. Often found designated as Bi Luo Chun, this relatively expensive and refined green is justifiably famous, and most often consumed unadulterated by sugar or other sweetening agents.
Hunan
The well-known needle teas come from this region, with flavor developed from the elevation, weather, and unique soil. The Mao Jian teas are green teas with smaller leaves. The leaves have very fine growths, giving them the nickname needles or hair. The exclusive silver needle white teas also come from the plants in this region.
To brew the best quality loose leaf tea, you’ll need teaware like cast iron teapots, Yixing teapots, or kyusu teapots.
Teaze Infuser – Gravity Drop Teapot Infuser
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Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp 1.7-Liter Stainless Steel Cordless Electric Kettle $79.99 This Cuisinart Perfectemp Cordless Electric Programmable Kettle offers latest innovation for this product category%2E Heating water will never be easier with this handsome brushed stainless steel kettle%2E Great for making tea%2C hot chocolate or instant soups%2E It will quickly bring 1%2E75 quarts of water to a boil and then turn itself off%2E… |
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Adagio Teas Ingenuitea Teapot Enjoy the superior flavor of tea with this ingenious teapot. Steep loose tea as easily as using a bag. With three easy steps your tea is ready to enjoy. Step 1: Place tea leaves and hot water inside. Steep according to taste. Step 2: Placing teapot atop a cup opens a valve at bottom. Tea flows down. Step 3: Your cup is ready. Toss the teaves and place teapot in dishwasher. Durable, microwavea… |
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Progressive Stainless Steel Mesh Tea Ball $0.01 Rid yourself of your ties to teabags, and welcome the versatility of a tea ball. Able to handle single cups, teapots, and even stockpots, this tea ball can be used for loose leaf tea, bouquet garni, or spices for your winter mulled wine. The attached hook lets the ball hang from your teapot or panhandle and is easily removable when your herbs have fully steeped. Made of high-quality steel, the tea… |
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Primula Gift Set of 12 Assorted Green Tea With Fresh Jasmine Flowers $14.99 Primula Flowering Teas are produced by artisans in China. The flowering teas are compounded of premium-grade Green Tea, known for its antioxidents and healthful properties, with all natural flowers. The green tea has also been blended with jasmine to make for an aromatic scent. This package includes green tea with 12 different styles and colors…. |
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The TeaSpot Steeping Lime Mug with Infuser & Lid (16-Ounce Cup) $16.95 New! Prepare traditional tea with modern technology and design. This ergonomic three piece systems allows you to steep the perfect mug of tea with elegance and ease. This 16 oz porcelain steeping mug system with mug, infuser basket and lid/saucer is just perfect for making steeped tea effortlessly. Masterfully handcrafted in porcelain, the 16 oz steeping vessel is ideal for brewing loose leaf tea… |
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Revolution Tea Dragon Eye Oolong Tea, 20-Count Tea Bags (Pack of 6) $33.00 Oolong teas are semi-fermented and fall somewhere between a green and a black in intensity. The color is a golden brown and the smoky floral flavor finishes clean and smooth. Dragon eye oolong begins with the finest quality oolong tea available. This smooth, well-rounded elixir blends smoky Chinese oolong with safflower, peach and apricots…. |
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Tea for Two Teapot Tea Infuser $3.75 Two for tea and tea for two__what a perfect way to say “Thank you!” The warmth and coziness of Kate Aspen’s charming tea infuser is precisely the feeling you’ll bring to your guests when you choose this enchanting favor for your event. It’s imaginatively created, whimsical elegance, gorgeously gift-boxed and ready to share. Features and facts: Stainless-steel, teapot-shaped tea infuser with chain… |
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Infusion Glass Press Infuser Tea Pot Teapot 500cc $15.00 Enjoy perfectly brewed tea simply and conveniently. Fill the upper vessel with your favorite tea leaves, wait for a minute to brew, and the press the button on top. Voila! The filtered tea drops down in the bottom chamber, perfectly brewed. This system is similar to the ”French Press” method of making coffee. It has the advantage of being simple and easy to clean, and allows a tea connoisseu… |
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Infusion Glass Press Infuser Tea Pot Teapot 1000cc $18.00 Enjoy perfectly brewed tea simply and conveniently. Fill the upper vessel with your favorite tea leaves, wait for a minute to brew, and the press the button on top. Voila! The filtered tea drops down in the bottom chamber, perfectly brewed. This system is similar to the ”French Press” method of making coffee. It has the advantage of being simple and easy to clean, and allows a tea connoisseu… |
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The Tea Spot Steeping Mug, 3-Piece Handcrafted Porcelain Ceramic Tea Mug with Infuser & Lid, 16-Ounce, color: Blue Sky $17.19 Enjoy tea for one without the hassle of preparing a full pot with this steeping mug set by The Tea Spot. Hand crafted out of stylish blue porcelain, the mug insulates and keeps your tea warm and drinkable. The set includes an infusing insert for your loose leaf teas, along with a matching lid. Loose teas are known to bring superior flavor and freshness to your cup, and can be inserted directly int… |
