After the Major Snow solar term, temperatures drop and the weather turns colder. Dark Tea has a gentle nature and a smooth taste, making it perfect for winter consumption. Drinking dark tea in winter moisturizes the throat and replenishes bodily fluids, while also helping to cut through oils and fats and soothe the nerves and stomach.

Dark tea has a long history dating back to the times of the Ancient Tea Horse Road, when it was a staple drink for nomadic tribes on the borders, known for its ability to break down fat, ease digestion, and provide vitamins. Drinking dark tea in winter is beneficial in many ways, and there are various methods to enjoy it. Here are some suggestions:

01

Traditional Drinking Methods

① Boiled Tea

Use a pot and stove, adding an appropriate amount of tea leaves according to the capacity of the pot. Rinse the dark tea with boiling water first before placing it in the pot to boil. Boil slowly, then once boiling, continue to cook for about 5 minutes before drinking. The tea will be rich and smooth, with a pleasant aroma filling the room.

② Steeped Tea

You can use a lidded bowl or a purple clay Teapot. Rinse the utensils with boiling water first, then discard the water. Add around 5 grams of dry tea (adjust according to personal preference) and pour in boiling water. Filter out the tea liquor and enjoy. At this point, the tea liquor will be bright and clear, a delight for the eyes.

02

Mixed Drinking Methods

① Citron Peel + Goji Berries + Dark Tea

Citron peel helps regulate qi and strengthen the spleen, aiding digestion and reducing greasiness. Goji berries can cool and nourish the liver, enhancing immunity. Combined with dark tea, this makes for an excellent health-promoting beverage.

The preparation method is simple: using the lidded bowl brewing method, steep 8 grams of dark tea with boiling water, filter out the tea liquor, then add two pieces of citron peel and about 10 grams of goji berries to the tea liquor. This “health tea” is now ready.

② Chrysanthemum + Dark Tea

Chrysanthemum has a slightly cold nature, while dark tea is gentle. Together, they complement each other well. The refreshing fragrance of chrysanthemum paired with the mellow taste of dark tea provides a delightful experience. Simply place two chrysanthemum flowers into your dark tea.

It's worth noting that both chrysanthemum and dark tea have heat-clearing and detoxifying properties, making them particularly suitable for those with a hot constitution.

③ Honey + Dark Tea

Dark tea was traded far and wide in ancient times, reaching places like Tibet and Xinjiang. At that time, people in the northwest would add milk, salt, honey, and other condiments to their tea. Nowadays, the method of drinking dark tea with honey involves letting the brewed tea cool slightly, then stirring in honey evenly.

Honey is known as a cure for a hundred ailments and a harmonizer of a hundred medicines. When paired with the gentle nature and stomach-soothing properties of dark tea, it mitigates the stimulating effect of honey on cold digestive systems. Drinking this regularly helps cleanse the intestines, detoxify the body, and prevent colds.

Note: Boiling water can destroy the nutrients in honey, so it's best to add the honey to the tea when it has cooled to around 50-60°C for optimal nutritional benefits.

④ Milk Tea + Dark Tea

Dark tea is renowned for its sweet aftertaste, leaving a lingering sweetness in the mouth. The unique creaminess of milk complements the tea's aroma and sweetness, creating a satisfying and memorable taste.

“Milk tea + dark tea” is especially suited to urban white-collar workers who enjoy afternoon tea, served alongside tasty snacks for a more fashionable and enjoyable experience.

⑤ Fruit & Flower Tea + Dark Tea

Fruit and flower tea, also known as fruit tea, can theoretically be made from various dried fruits and edible dried flowers. Mixing fruit and flower tea with dark tea significantly increases the content of fruit acids, vitamins, and minerals, making it ideal for soothing the stomach, detoxifying, and beautifying the skin. This blend is more suitable for beauty-conscious women who appreciate romance.

The above suggestions are for reference only. Dark tea stands up to the test of time, with a stable character. Its charm is indescribable.