Travel

Chinese tea together with its inseparable Chinese tea sets has been around for more than two centuries. China, being known as the homeland of tea, exports more than 90% of tea across the globe. Between tea, cocoa, and coffee — tea is consumed by most number of people in the world.

People from different countries name their teas in different ways. In Russia, tea is called “cha’i”, it is pronounced as “chaye” in their local tongue. China and the Philippines have more or less the same local name for tea. In China, it’s called “cha” and “tsa-a” in the Philippines. They may not have the same spelling, but they do sound the same when spoken out loud.

It was only after the 17th and 18th century that Americans and Europeans were able to appreciate tea. Japan started its passion for tea after the 6th century. People around the world started enjoying their teas sometime in their lives, but there is no question that the passion for tea started in China, specifically a small town called Yixing.

Teas from China are classified in several categories and most of them are bundled according to how they are made.

1. Green tea: The only variety of tea that can keep its natural color even after brewing is the green tea. Green teas that yield the perfect tea leaves are the following: Longjing tea of Zhejiang, Maofeng from the mountains of Anhui, and Biluochun of the Jiangsu province.

2. Black tea: Black tea or “red tea” is the only type of tea that is fermented before it is baked. The tea leaves that work best with this class of teas are: Qihong of Anhui, Dianhong of Yunnan, and Suhong of Jiangsu.

3. Wulong tea: A wulong tea is a special mix of tea that comprises of half of the green tea and half of the black tea. This type of tea is mostly popular in the south-eastern parts of China that includes Fujian, Guandong, and Taiwan.

4. Compressed tea: Compressed teas are also known as “brick teas” because of their shape. Most compressed teas are shaped in such manner so that they can be readily stored and used by consumers. The provinces that cater to these types of tea include Hunan, Hubei, Yunnan, and Sichuan.

5. Scented teas: Scented teas are popular because of their aroma. Magnolia and Jasmine flower extracts are the used in conjunction with tea to create an exotic aroma while adding a unique twist to the flavour.

Tea sets are durable, high quality dishes that are used when serving tea. These dishes are popular during afternoon tea gatherings or formal tea parties. Tea sets are made of bone china, porcelain, and silver.

In China, the most popular type of tea set is made of Yixing clay. Historically, teas were believed to be brewed from these Yixing clay pots and are served to the guests after it has been cooled enough to drink. The Yixing tea set is named after a town in the eastern province of Jiangsu, China.

Assessing the quality of a tea set may post a challenge for most people, but it is easy than what most people think. The easiest way to check its quality is to tap two pots together. If a metallic sound can be heard, then we can be assured of its quality.

Another way of assessing the quality of a tea pot is to fill it with water until the water touches its rim. To see if the pot is made of high quality material, smooth flowing water should be seen when pouring the pot. Do not forget to close the lead before pouring the water since pressure inside the pot is needed to properly assess it.

The Yixing tea pots are also known for their ability to retain the flavour of tea. When a tea is brewed using the Yixing pot for a long period of time, a coating is created, and this coating preserves the natural flavour of tea. Washing the pot with soap will wash away the coating, this is the reason why these types of teapots should only be washed with water and air dried.

Teas have different flavours and mixes to choose from and undeniably it has become part of the everyday lives of most people. Teas are more flavourful when they are served in their proper tea sets. Yixing, the oldest Chinese tea set available, is the best tandem when enjoying a cup of Chinese tea because it is not only the flavour of the tea that matters, but also the essence and tradition as well.

Author S. Cheng is a home and lifestyle magazine editor based in Beijing, China. She has a niche for Chinese Tea Sets and many other chinese style of living. Check out her site about the Chinese Tea Sets here.

categories: tea sets,tea cups,green tea,chinese tea,tea,beverages,drinks,china,asia,culture

Picnic gift baskets are a fun gift idea and also very practical. You can just either buy a picnic gift basket at a department store, or if you have enough time to spare, make one. It is much more personalized and you can match the gift picnic basket with the recipient.

If you are going to make your own gift picnic baskets, you’ll need a large picnic basket with a large handle, some lively plastic tablecloth as the lining. Plastic spoons and forks, paper plates, napkins, knives and serving utensils in cheery colors.

If you are going to buy a gift picnic basket, the basic necessities like food containers, flatware, wine bottle compartments, glasses, plates, cutting boards, knives, salt and pepper shakers, cork screws and napkins are included and have their own individual place. I have compiled a list of picnic gift baskets that are categorized according to function or theme:

1. If you want a picnic gift basket that opens both ways simultaneously or one or the other, the two-fold picnic gift baskets will suit them best. Dry food and clothing can be packed on one side, while you pack the other picnic essential on the other.

2. If your party is a huge drinker on wine or liter soda, the shelved picnic gift baskets works best. These baskets are designed for packing your drinks and some food which is the frequent picnicker.

3. If you need to eat food while travelling to your destination, the house-like picnic gift baskets suit them best. They are really created to look like houses so they open on either top side so you can still food that you have packed without disturbing the rest. It even has extra space for feeding bottles and for all the extra stuff that you may need.

4. If you are bringing kids along or you are just a kid at heart, there are picnic gift baskets that have teddy bears and flowers as themes for linings and compartments. They can also be made with lively and bright cheery colors that are enough to brighten anyone’s day.

5. Two-fold picnic gift basket. These are baskets that you can open simultaneously or one by one. They are divided in half so you can bring clothing or picnic blankets on one side, then the picnic essentials on the other.

Sophie likes to be outdoors. you can read her articles on picnic basket for 4 and wicker picnic basket.

categories: picnic baskets,picnic basket,backpacks,backpack,travel,gifts,romance,food,drinks,outdoors

Living in a big city, I can choose from about ten different coffee makers within a few blocks of my apartment. This is a great thing that I definitely try to take advantage of.

Not too long ago, I discovered what has quickly become my favorite source for coffee in the city. While this may sound like a bit of a stretch, I mean it when I say that this could very well be the best cup of coffee in the entire city.

Stumptown Coffee Roasters is a Portland chain with a very homegrown approach. While they’ve maintained a limited number of locations, the company’s owner recently relocated to Brooklyn, bringing about a few new locations in the New York area.

It seems that everything on the menu may very well be great. I’ve heard others say this, and the theory has proved true thus far. The coffee is higher grade than anything you’ll find at Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts, and it’s hard for me to go back to those after trying Stumptown’s roast.

Interestingly enough, the prices aren’t much higher than those that you’d find at a Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts. This is a great thing when you consider the difference in the quality of the beans. One negative is the fact that they only accept cash, though I don’t know if that’s specific to the location I’ve been to.

I’m not alone when I say that this is the best coffee I’ve ever had. The chain has won numerous awards, and those who’ve tried it seem to be just as hooked as I am.

I’ve seen people on both the East coast and the West coast claiming that Stumptown brews the best coffee they’ve ever had. It’s rare to find a brand that wins such universal acclaim, especially in coffee cities like Seattle.

If you have a Stumptown near you, consider yourself lucky and try it out. If you don’t, hope that the chain expands, and take advantage of any traveling opportunity you may get and try it out.

If you enjoy this writer’s style, read his articles about Armani suits for men and the Armani tuxedo.

categories: coffee,food,drinks,gourmet,happiness,product reviews,hobbies,business,culture,art,leisure,health,awards

Temperature of room where wine is stored: Wine usually tastes best when kept at room temperature, or 55 degrees. Here’s where it gets difficult — sparkling wine should be kept in a wine refrigerator, while white wines are best kept in temperatures of 45 degrees. Temperature controlled wine refrigerators allow you to set the temperature based on the wines you most frequently store, but wine racks placed in a cooler spot of your home will do just as good. Just make sure that the spot you decide to store your wine isn’t next to a heater or vent, as any fluctuations in temperature can impact the taste of the wines, as well the quality.

Height: When using a wine rack, keep this rule of thumb in mind — sparkling wines on the bottom shelf, white wines in the middle, and reds on the top. This rule comes into play with the thought that heat rises, so keep the wines that are best served cooler towards the bottom.

Wine rack surroundings: Did you know that keeping a wine next to fruit or vegetables can cause the wine to mold? Foods that are known to rot can send the moldy flavors into a cork of the wine, causing the wine to have unfavorable smells and tastes.

Keep Wine Away from Sunlight: When wine is exposed to light, it can age faster and lose it’s flavor. Keep your wine racks or or any wine stored in a rerigerator away from any sources of natural light, and preferably in a darker area of your home.

Sideways: Keeping wine on it’s side will keep the wine in contact with the cork, preventing air from escaping into the wine bottle. Different types of wine racks will allow you to tilt the wine to an optimal level, allowing the wine cork to stay wet and prevent oxygen from coming in.

Air Circulation of storage room: Wine can mold. If wine is kept in a closet or dark room, make sure that there is a steady amount of circulation. Just like you wouldn’t keep clothes in a moldy closet, make sure your that the place you choose to store your wine is clean and free of mold.

Temperature: Wine should generally be kept at room temperature, or 55 degrees. Here’s where it gets tricky — sparkling wine should be kept in a wine refrigerator, while white wines are best kept in temperatures of 45 degrees. Temperature controlled wine refrigerators allow you to set the temperature based on the wines you most frequently store, but a simple wine rack placed in a cooler spot of your home will do just fine. Just make sure that the spot you decide to store your wine isn’t next to a heater or vent, as fluctuations in temperature can impact the taste of the wines.

Height: When using a wine rack, keep this rule of thumb in mind — sparkling wines on the bottom shelf, white wines in the middle, and reds on the top. This rule comes into play with the thought that heat rises, so keep the wines that are best served cooler towards the bottom.

Wine rack surroundings: Did you know that keeping a wine next to fruit or vegetables can cause the wine to mold? Foods that are known to rot can send the moldy flavors into a cork of the wine, causing the wine to have unfavorable smells and tastes.

Keep Wine Away from Sunlight: When wine is exposed to light, it can age faster and lose it’s flavor. Keep your wine racks or or any wine stored in a rerigerator away from any sources of natural light, and preferably in a darker area of your home.

Sideways: Keeping wine on it’s side will keep the wine in contact with the cork, preventing air from escaping into the wine bottle. Different types of wine racks will allow you to tilt the wine to an optimal level, allowing the wine cork to stay wet and prevent oxygen from coming in.

Air Circulation: Wine can mold. If you keep wine hidden in a closet or dark room, make sure that there is a steady amount of circulation. Just like you wouldn’t keep clothes in a moldy closet, make sure your that the place you store your wine is clean and free of mold.