Winter, the end, all things are stored. —— Monthly Order: Collection and Interpretation of the Seventy-Two Climates

The Start of Winter marks the beginning of the tenth month when the sun is located at 225° on the ecliptic, which is the transition point from the autumn metal qi to the winter water qi. As explained in Monthly Order: Collection and Interpretation of the Seventy-Two Climates: “Start means the beginning; Winter means the end.” The Start of Winter not only signifies the onset of winter but also a time for storing all things and avoiding the cold.

In Traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that one should avoid the cold and gradually enter a state of calmness. At this time, the Tea consumed should be warm, smooth, and moisturizing. It is recommended to drink aged teas, light teas, and less of the newly made teas that can be hot and dry. Let's take a look at how to drink tea most healthily after the Start of Winter.

Pu'er Ripened Tea

The first recommendation is ripened Pu'er tea (naturally fermented raw tea is similar) whose main active ingredients are theaflavins (TR), thearubigins (TF), theabrownins (TB), gallic acid, and vitamin C, among others. Through microbial action during the fermentation process of ripened Pu'er tea, large molecular polysaccharides are converted into a large amount of new soluble monosaccharides and oligosaccharides. During fermentation, the content of vitamin C also increases significantly. These substances play an important role in enhancing the function of the human immune system.

Furthermore, as early as in Compendium of Materia Medica, there is a record stating “Pu'er tea has a bitter taste and is potent. It can relieve the greasy and toxic effects of meat…and aid digestion,” mentioning the effects of Pu'er tea in relieving greasiness and aiding weight loss.

White Tea

White tea has a sweet and neutral flavor, without being stir-fried or roasted, making it naturally moist and not overly drying, suitable for consumption throughout the year. The production process of white tea is relatively simple, preserving more nutrients in the leaves, making drinking white tea even more beneficial for human health.

White tea is both fresh and mellow, with an elegant appearance and fragrant taste. Its aroma is rich and its broth color ranges from light for young white teas to golden, amber, orange, and red for aged white teas, captivating the body and mind. White tea nourishes both the eyes and the body!

Oolong Tea

Between green and black tea, neither cool nor warm, oolong tea can clear residual heat and restore body fluids. Rich in organic chemical components and inorganic mineral elements, regularly drinking oolong tea can help clear heat and toxins, lower blood lipids and cholesterol, and assist in reducing dryness and aiding weight loss. For example, Tieguanyin from the current season, with its autumn aroma, has had all its fire dryness removed and presents a calm and collected character, in harmony with the season.

Wuyi rock tea, where “every household boasts of last year's tea,” although the new tea of this year will soon complete its roasting and be available on the market, truly drinking rock tea means consuming the tea produced last year. The fire has fully subsided in these teas grown within the main rock area, and their flavors are stable, making them the optimal choice of beverage.

Phoenix Dancong comes in both fresh and traditional styles. Fresh style teas are best enjoyed with the current year's spring high-altitude teas; for the traditional style, aged Phoenix Dancong is smooth and warm, with elegant floral and fruity aromas, giving a feeling of clear skies and uplifting the spirit upon drinking.

Dark Tea

Dark tea, a fully fermented tea, is mild and harmonious. It can reduce blood lipids, blood sugar, and blood pressure, and is particularly beneficial for diabetics. Regular consumption of dark tea can help kill bacteria and reduce inflammation, treat gastrointestinal diseases, and delay aging. Used dark tea can also be reused to boil water, which can be used to soak feet to remove odor and reduce inflammation, or wash hair to eliminate dandruff and relieve itching.

Especially Guangxi Liubao tea, which has particularly beneficial anti-moisture and dehumidifying properties. Persistent consumption can help eliminate dampness, regulate the stomach and spleen, improve gastrointestinal functions, and remove dampness.

Jasmine Scented Tea

Jasmine scented tea, also known as jasmine-scented tea, is a type of tea made by blending specially shaped teas or refined green teas with jasmine flowers. It combines the rich and fresh fragrance of jasmine with the refreshing taste of green tea. Drinking a Cup of jasmine scented tea can refresh the mind, provide a cool and refreshing sensation, and relieve heat and thirst.

During the processing of jasmine scented tea, certain biochemical changes occur. Some polyphenols and tea tannins decompose into insoluble proteins under wet and warm conditions, breaking down into amino acids, which reduces the astringency of green tea and makes its taste fresher, richer, and smoother, making it easier to enjoy.