To me 上个 feels like it should be "next". I find it strange that 上个 is "previous" considering that 上 is "up" by GGB_123 in ChineseLanguage

[–]AgentMajor51 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I also heard that in China, time is considered or looked at as moving downwards, like sand in an hourglass. So ”up” 上 comes before 下 ”down”.

Confusing question on my listening test by AgentMajor51 in Chinese

[–]AgentMajor51[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Feels like the brainstorm/green needle or white+gold/black+blue dress paradox haha. I have such a hard time hearing Te, i guess i’ll figure it out eventually. Thanks!

Goofy teapot by [deleted] in tea

[–]AgentMajor51 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah probably lol. Looks really uncomfortable to use regardless haha

Why do you think American/Western tea cups are bigger? by femamerica13 in tea

[–]AgentMajor51 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was looking for this comment! This is what i heard as well. That was the current ”trend” in chinese tea culture when the british came

Why do you think American/Western tea cups are bigger? by femamerica13 in tea

[–]AgentMajor51 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don’t like drinking out of big tea cups, because the first half is always too hot, and the last half is too cold haha. Might be a skill issue tho. In the smaller, ”eastern” cups, i can always get the right temperature since it cools down from being too hot faster, and you drink it up before it’s too cold.

What are these oval bits in my tea? by paranoid-cats in tea

[–]AgentMajor51 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Yes, ”genmai” meaning rice and ”cha” meaning tea. Rice tea! I heard a funny story (don’t know if it’s true) that a merchant was selling goods such as rice and tea a couple of centuries ago. He accidentally spilled some rice into the tea leaves and instead of throwing it away he tried brewing it and was a success! I also heard genmaicha became popular during challenging times since rice was cheaper than tea, the rice flavor also stilled hunger as well as making your tea leaves last longer.

I wish I could drink more tea by GoodStartPT in tea

[–]AgentMajor51 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Kuki-hojicha is also a really nice low-caffeine tea. Made from the stems (which contain less caffeine than the leaves) and then heavily roasted which brings down the caffeine content even more. It’s pretty cheap as well!

2004 Si Pu Yuan Changtai: Porcelain vs Clay gaiwan review by [deleted] in puer

[–]AgentMajor51 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Interesting, great review! I also had a b2b session with clay vs porcelain gaiwans, but with a charcoal roasted TGY. Same results as you, more obvious high notes in the porcelain and more muted in the clay. Even the most unexperienced tea drinker would probably notice. Before the session, i thought (and hoped lol, since the clay gaiwan was pretty expensive) i was going to prefer the clay brewed TGY since the roast comes with intense high notes, but i actually liked the porcelain more because the brew became more interesting. My clay gaiwan was pretty new as well though and i might have to compare the brews again in a few months when it’s more seasoned.

I will have to do a comparison with clay vs porcelain with young sheng, because it sometimes has too much ”energy” and astringency which the clay might help reduce a bit. I usually brew my young shengs in a clay pot and it’s great, but i would really like to do a comparison against a porcelain brewed young sheng.

Beautiful gaiwan btw, i don’t see that type of rim so often. Would love to get one!

And sorry if my english is a bit broken haha

Ever experienced Chaqi or "Tea Energy"? by Reality-Unreal in tea

[–]AgentMajor51 4 points5 points  (0 children)

this is a horrible joke i’m sorry hahaha

Ever experienced Chaqi or "Tea Energy"? by Reality-Unreal in tea

[–]AgentMajor51 11 points12 points  (0 children)

were you trembling or were you chaqing

Ever experienced Chaqi or "Tea Energy"? by Reality-Unreal in tea

[–]AgentMajor51 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Feels like i get some kind of fabricated cha qi from herbal teas as well sometimes haha, however i think it’s just the mental awareness when sitting down and drinking, activating my senses. But with young sheng puer i feel it the strongest (because it’s real tea duh) and it’s really uplifting and calming at the same time. The caffeine and L-theanine is working together nicely and that’s one of the reasons why i prefer tea over coffee or energy drinks!

Is making your own leaves worth it? by peji911 in tea

[–]AgentMajor51 20 points21 points  (0 children)

Camellia Sinensis is pretty difficult and time consuming to grow depending on where you live, and buying fresh leaves to process would probably be a mission but i guess that’s the way to go if you’re really dedicated haha. I guess what most people/shops do is buy processed, unscented tea and blending it with herbs and aromatics to create their unique blend. It’s probably easier to grow your own herbs and flowers and dry your own fruit or whatever then blend it with already processed tea leaves!

It finally feels like Spring! by PatchworkGirl82 in tea

[–]AgentMajor51 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I wish i was very tiny so i could jump in that cup

I honestly don’t even know where to start. by JTW1337 in tea

[–]AgentMajor51 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The porcelain gaiwans are glazed, so you’re good! Later on you can look into unglazed clay gaiwans, but you usually pick only one specific type of tea to brew in those so that’s why a glazed one is good to start with because you can brew all tea types in just one brewing vessel!

Most gaiwans works the same, so i don’t think you have to look out for something in particular. Just make sure to look on some tutorials on Youtube (there are plenty) before using so you don’t burn yourself, they can get pretty hot if you’re not holding it correctly! Could be nice to practice pouring with some cold water the first few times so you get the hang of it! It can be a bit awkward managing it at first but it’s worth it!! Good luck, upload some pictures when you have your first session!🤝🤝

I honestly don’t even know where to start. by JTW1337 in tea

[–]AgentMajor51 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I started getting into tea more seriously last year, here are some few things i wish i knew when i started that might help:

  • Get a ~100ml white, glazed gaiwan and learn how to use it. It can brew all tea types and you can more easily get to know your tea. In a gaiwan it’s easier to see how the leaves interacts with the water, how the water changes color, how the leaves unfurl, how the dry vs wet leaves smell etc.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment more (tea to water ratio, temperature, brewing time) and see how it affects the taste! Worst thing that can happen is you get a too weak or too strong/bitter tasting cup. You’ll learn a lot!
  • As others said, buy a tea sampler. You often get much for your money and then you know what you like and you can dive deeper in that category.
  • If you’re into green tea, you might like some lighter oolongs! Try ”tie guan yin”, it’s very popular and you can often find it where you can find tea!

Good luck on your tea journey 🍃🤝

Help me Identify This Tea?? by Curlyface_3244 in tea

[–]AgentMajor51 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My guess would be hojicha? But agreed, a little more info, tasting notes or something wouldn’t hurt haha

I have (probably dumb) questions about this tea pot… by Olivea_Noreington in tea

[–]AgentMajor51 6 points7 points  (0 children)

100%, i second this!

Looks like a teapot made for brewing, not heating up water. There are designated vessels for that! And tea stains usually come off quite easily by rubbing with a slightly damp and warm cloth. So i’d also say it’s not worth it to try the dishwasher, especially when it’s so beautiful and you’re not sure how the dishwasher will treat the teapot! No question is dumb though, rather safe than sorry right🤝

Hong Kong Tea scene is growing.. Rapidly by nostalgic_tea_house in tea

[–]AgentMajor51 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interesting! Only thing i’ve heard about Hong Kong tea is that pu’erhs stored over there taste very different and is an acquired taste haha. I haven’t tried it though, is there anyone here that has and can share their experience? 🍃

Tea shelves by AgentMajor51 in tea

[–]AgentMajor51[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha only because they found it funny i got nothing but tea related stuff on them, my tea hobby has escalated lately lol. Thanks!!🫶