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Chinese writer and philosopher Sun Lu Yu Tzu, in his classic The Art of War and Tea (孫子兵法茶经), notes that tea bricks can do more damage to the enemy with their pointy ends, but tea cakes taste better after the battle is over.
Ive gone through a half dozen hygrometer gor puer and cigars and ive found the cigar oasis caliber iv to be the best, most reliable hygrometer.
You definitely want a digital one, and even most of the digital ones have pretty large accuracy ranges and have to be recalibrated pretty frequently. Not only does that come factory calibrated, i havent had to recalibrate either of the ones i purchased, and they are always within 1% of the test atmosphere. I cant recommend them enough.
I have this Govee Smart Hygrometer Thermometer.
Only $12, works great and has a bluetooth connection to your phone where you can track the temp and relative humidity. Pretty great IMHO.
Maybe something like this? I’m also looking to move my setup beyond mylar and boveda. I just worry about winter storms knocking out power, causing a quick drop in temp hitting the dew point. Would I just have to be sure to open it to drop the humidity?
iPower 10" x 20.5" Warm Hydroponic Seedling Heat Mat and Digital Thermostat Control Combo Set for Seed Germination, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IDQD32Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_C5HSVCX9ZG6MN7PY53J4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I took out one of the notes: https://pic8.co/sh/M534nL.jpg
translated by an online OCR page:
(Guo Silong) ZHENGSILONG Yiwu Seven Sages "Yiwu seven trade" " hundred Ji Shufen"after another new product, for the media Dapu Ear raising hobbies more groups of camellia Fan, Yi Wu seven trade retreat The early one of the seven mountains of the King's Mountain Sai Baiping Ji tree was used Raw materials, made separately, mixed packaging point one division(one mention) A total of seven pieces,each with its own banana and mouth or, Lei Youpin When you are iron, you can feel the difference between the social tools, such as ・・ ・・ * Yi Wu Zhengshan November 8, 2013
This is a seven cake pack, so maybe each cake represents a famous tea mountain of the region?
You'll definitely want the 10"x14", it can fit two 400g cakes side by side and (sometimes a third depending on compression), or two 500g cakes, or seven 200g cakes. Highly recommend these, they are 7 mil so they are very durable, and the ziplocks haven't failed me in over a full continuous year of use.
Considering that the width x length on the 1 gallon bag is already cutting it so close for 1 full size cake, I suspect the half-gallon bag would be too small.
I used to wrap some of my old tea with food wrapping paper (Amazon_Link)
Chinese medicine sells herbs in these too i believe
How dry are your local conditions? Do you have central heating running?
If you have at least 50%RH I think it's OK to just have the cakes lying around in the wrappers for a couple of weeks. If you're going the mylar bags and bovedas route, it won't be ruined by the time you get stocked up.
As for tins, I have the half-dozen pack of these. They are just about the right size for a broken up 100g tuo or quarter cake of daily drinker. 6 is not too many to have IMO.
I've used a packable woodgas stove (similar to this) to heat water in a titanium pan (which I can fuel with twigs).
You can make a nice boiled tea from a fairly small amount of compressed puer. So it's quite efficient for camping. I also use Dian-Hong for boiling a sort of hot sweet milk-tea (you can add butter, dried milk or evaporated milk etc).
I use a simple pan and strain it into a large Stanley Thermos. You can also put just boiled water in the thermos and add semi-spent leaves in the morning. By the afternoon it'll turn into a nice round tea soup.
Very warming when at camp.
They make titanium teaware. I really like the look of this one
I've used mylar bags and a Boveda pack, but over time have found Cambro 6-qt food storage containers more convenient. I've been using them for three to four years now with no problem. They're translucent, so it's easy to find the cake I'm looking for. I've had no difficulty keeping the RH where I want with a Boveda pack no matter how full the container is.
Available at Amazon, but can be found for less elsewhere. https://www.amazon.com/Cambro-RFS6PP190-Container-Polypropylene-Translucent/dp/B005INDQSC
I've used mylar, but over time have found Cambro 6-qt food storage containers more convenient. I've stored my cakes in them for three to four years now with no problem. They're translucent, so it's easy to find the cake I'm looking for. I've had no difficulty keeping the RH where I want with a Boveda pack.
Available at Amazon, but can be found for less elsewhere. https://www.amazon.com/Cambro-RFS6PP190-Container-Polypropylene-Translucent/dp/B005INDQSC
I use Cambro 6-qt food storage containers. I've been storing my cakes in them for three to four years now with no problem. I find them much more convenient than mylar which I have also used. It's easy to keep the RH where I want with a Boveda pack.
Available at Amazon, but can be found for less elsewhere. https://www.amazon.com/Cambro-RFS6PP190-Container-Polypropylene-Translucent/dp/B005INDQSC
And just as an example of what I was talking about:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RMX7MBZ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1
This one is made from good clay, it's inexpensive, good quality craftsmanship, and is on Amazon. I can vouch for this one because I have used it myself. And the design makes it ideal for puerh; it's very similar to what they call an "easy gaiwan" in function, but made with unglazed clay.
Don't listen to the doubters. This is the cake you are looking for, and so are they, even if they don't admit it.
It is not only less than $20, it is less than $19, and shipping is free.
Forget about the price tag though, because this is a very unusual shou that actually tastes a lot more like 30+-year-old sheng than any shou I have encountered at any price point.
What kind of kettle did you get? I've been using one of the Taiwanese Anta Pottery kettles (very similar to the Lin's Ceramics kettles) daily for just over 2 years and it's not nearly as fragile as I would have thought. Though I suppose not all clay kettles are created equal, the volcanic clay used in this kettle seems extremely durable and high fired.
I've just been using a regular old hot plate from Amazon so far with good results.
This is what I've got: https://www.amazon.com/Vayepro-Portable-Electric-Electirc-Compatible/dp/B09D9957P9
I originally had this: https://www.amazon.com/Cooking-Electric-Handles-Kitchen-Camping/dp/B07SW2M2WL
Except it had an infrared burner instead of a cast iron one, but I can't find the infrared model on Amazon anymore. It worked (for 2 years) until earlier this year when it started having problems with the knob spinning endlessly past the max heat setting and then not always shutting off when turned the other direction. I removed the knob and Mickey Moused it, and it worked until I was able to order the replacement above, but it was janky as hell and probably not safe.
The Vayepro seems to be of a little higher quality than the Sunavo, and I'm happy with it for what it is: a cheap run of the mill hot plate. The cast iron burner doesn't heat up as quickly as the infrared one does, but it seems alot more substantial, heats more evenly and has less hot spots, and retains heat for alot longer.
There are certainly higher quality hot plates available, but the above have worked for me without breaking the bank. Let us know what you decide on.
I’ve used a ThermoPro TP19H for a year or two with no difficulties. $17.99 USD at Amazon https://www.amazon.com/ThermoPro-Thermometer-Grilling-Waterproof-Ambidextrous/dp/B07XXSYLL8/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=2OKP077M2D9LU&keywords=thermopro+meat+thermometer&qid=1660381560&sprefix=thermop%2Caps%2C318&sr=8-3
These are quality bone china b&w cups: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08H17SZNC?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details; amazing for the price. But maybe they are a little small for sheng puer; better for shou.
Maybe I should be specific. I get this https://www.amazon.com/Jinglong-Tea-Factory-Original-Pu-erh/dp/B07CRW2B6K/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=Jinglong+Tea+Factory&qid=1658948947&sr=8-4
It’s consistently good for what I like and 100% better than Lipton. I didn’t like the lumberslut but maybe I’ll revisit. I’ve been doing a lot more of the white teas and they are super good as long as I don’t get lazy and brew as above. They don’t seem to “sit” in my refrigerator well, and maybe are better hot.
That can open up all sorts of additional questions. Taste will change not just based on age, raw/ripe, but also age of tree/bush, leaf size, and so on. What really helped me was getting a copy of A Glossary of Chinese Puerh Tea. Here’s what the cover looks like: https://www.amazon.com/Glossary-Chinese-Puerh-Tea/dp/9578964455
Is this marketed as a "travel" set? Mostly that means easy to pack into a smaller space and carry with you, but not great for outdoors as they are often still made of breakable materials. Perhaps you want something like this instead?
Ok, slightly bad news and mea culpa, my fault here, but I meant to recommend this 2006 ripe version.
I have never tried the raw but I am intrigued that it's the same company and also supposedly from 2006. I still recommend you try the ripe but please also report on your experience with the raw (both of them, really).
Sistema KLIP IT Utility Collection Bakery Box Food Storage Container, 14.8 Cup, Clear/Blue | BPA Free https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001XSNP00/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_8615213TM20DFPM5SGTT?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 with 69% bovedas for me. I don’t mix shou and sheng in storage.
I use these filters in-line under the sink for the cold water tap. Filters out chlorine and other undesirables but not minerals. Works for drinking water, tea/coffee, and I brew beer with it too!
CuZn UC-200 Under Counter Water Filter - 50K Ultra High Capacity - Made in USA https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000923524/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3SQ5QJ7AAXJ1PMH8K15C?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Some people use a thermos for late steeps. However, I don’t like a thermos for early steeps because the tea cooks a bit too much, even after you’ve removed the leaves. Brew the early steeps in your gaiwan. When it is getting weak, dump into something like this Zojirushi Stainless Steel Travel Mug with Tea Leaf Filter, 11-Ounce/0.34-Liter, Deep Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C4OE790/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_WAQSGBRRRVSMRHMY03Z4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
In all fairness the cicada is in great shape! The tea table was just a cheapie fro Amazon
Bamboo Chinese Gongfu Tea Tray Table Box With Water Storage for Kungfu Tea Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B097T6NB2V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_MT1JCHKGRA5MVCJJPG0D?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Happy cake day!
Haiwan TF makes a range of Purple ripes from Menghai material, Yunnansourcing has them, this one also very good special production:
https://www.amazon.com/Purple-Ziyun-Haiwan-Comrade-Brick/dp/B07SPY2WTW
There is a $18 device you can wire up to a heat source will turn the heat on and off to maintain a particular temperature.
Like this, as an example:
VIVOSUN Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Temperature Controller 40–108 ºF for Seedlings, Germination, Rooting, Fermentation and Reptiles https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015F4VFGI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_W6BBT2FNJ0GFT6Z87YMV?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
You just need to add a heat source, could be a lightbulb in a glass jar with crumpled foil in the bottom.
I just ordered one of these
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09MQJNHKV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I think the bingslayer blink linked would work the same
Of the three you have displayed (I tried to look up a website) the square is the most eye-catching. That box is used by two entities of repute: Zhongcha and Gupuerh. I haven't looked to see if that square is still produced by Zhongcha, if it is, then it most certainly comes from the Kunming TF, the maker of one of the ripe standard bearers, 7581, and I assume that all those squares are also 7581. TBH, I dunno if KMTF works with more than maybe 3 ripe recipes which they repackage in numerous ways. You should learn to recognize the Zhongcha/KMTFicon, as it is synonymous with Chinese factory tea.
In '99 Gupuer emerged on the scene, also known as the Simao Gupuer TF or Simao TF. These are all appellations that you will find on their wrappers. Their '99 square is famous and expensive. It is also very good, exceptionally smooth and rich. I'm unaware of any productions after '07 and they haven't made any effort to explain to me or anyone else I know why.
So, that box is famous and you have a good inner impulse to have selected it. There are soooooooo many factories that have imitated that design or out-and-out faked it. This is a complicated matter, but this is NOT faked, and it's hard to say that it is even blah. It may just need more time or the proper conditions to express itself. I don't think of Brussels or any place in the peninsular region of the Asian landmass usually referred to as Europe as being a place to purchase puerh. I NEVER would buy from there. NEVER, though I might consider southern Spain or areas in and around the horn that borders the Red Sea, where they don't drink puerh.
As a minor matter of detail, you purchased one square, one mini-cake, and one tuo.
Happy hunting!
Those mugs are beautiful but having done mug tea at work forever I found that good tea was more my goal. Ceramic strainers most often aren't big enough for the leaves to truly give their all. The drainage is also problematic with small leaves. You end up with over steeping from fragments in the mug. After much comparison of strainer size to price, I picked this. It is working well. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084JTH4LH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
If I buy another I will spend somewhat more and get a strainer so large it goes to the bottom of the cup. They almost make a large gong fu pot experience. They are harder to find though :)
By definition, porcelain and similar finishes on teaware should be pretty much inert and safe.
This is the gaiwan I always recommend to people - it's clay but has a porcelain interior lining. Excellent heat retention for puerh, too.
https://www.amazon.com/Yixing-Teacup-Kungfu-Classic-Gaiwan/dp/B071RTTVJ9/
I love that 60 ml YS gaiwan and would recommend everyone own a few for quick sessions, horizontal tastings, and sampling tea, but it definitely doesn't do the trick for a proper session with puerh. The heat loss is so great with the low amount of water that you can't really go as "deep" into understanding a tea.
Each way of drinking tea has pros and cons. Not saying the tiny gaiwan is bad but I wouldn't rely on it as my only vessel.
I've found this to be great.
Gaiwan Yixing Zisha Clay Teacup 4oz Tureen Chinese Kung Fu Sancai Tray Cup Tea Set Bowl Saucer with Lid(red) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071NH2JJ5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_585HKK2JT2KTQJ6JPQ3B?psc=1
Interesting. Getting into lab grade would push past common micron size. The finest things I have found advertised for food is 400 mesh, which is 37 micron. https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09GB9Z2M2/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_QD66C12AANNYE8H1R5YH
And these which are for cannabis extraction, down to 25 micron.
https://www.bubblebag.com/20-32-gallon-labs-single-bags-lbl1.html
Though it says no hot water but that may be in that specific application not for our intended purpose.
I was looking at something like this Borosilicate Glass Buchner Filtering Funnel with Fine Frit but I haven't looked too far into it yet; too see if it can handle temperature swings and if everything is food grade. For now, I'm going to try that superfine Gong Fu strainer from Tea and Whisk to see if that does the trick.
I ordered a set of strainers from Amazon, they should be here in a few days. If they are decent I’ll let you know. I’m currently using a strainer that came with a travel tea set. It worked okay for almost a year, but the mesh is wearing out. A large hole developed and it’s separating from the rim. The whole thing is small enough that it falls into the fairness cup if bumped.
Thought this volcanic rock strainer looked interesting. It’s not metal, but might have similar effects like clay since it can be enhancing/muting.
Get the LP 2021 beginner puerh package for him and for you (be sure to order to separate addresses). No brainer for $5 + shipping. Then go from there based on what he likes.
Not sure if he has a matched gaiwan and cup set but the combo of a 100 ml inexpensive, non-porous clay gaiwan like this one and 100 ml cup is a great way to get into tea also.
I have a few of these and they work great friend
I think you may be better off going for a cast iron tetsubin. I have this one and it's fantastic. the cast iron has a very nice effect on the water (making it richer and sweeter and more full). A lot more durable than clay, more noticeable effect, way more durable.
It is not a stupid idea and there's even a book for exactly what you want, if I understand you correctly.
It's called "First Step to Chinese Puerh Tea."
The back half of it is a photo atlas of wrappers and tea cakes, going back to... IDK, the 1930s?
Some foodsafe containers
Bovida 62%
Inexpensive Hygrometers
Look for any 8x10/8.5x11 frame, preferably with a mat.
I bought these Giftgarden 8.5x11 Picture Frame with Mat frames from Amazon. Works for hanging on the wall or stand-alone.
They're about $24 for 4 frames, so relatively cheap, obviously you could spend a ton more. I had some cheaper ones that were about $3 each but they were pretty lame and I broke a couple because they were front-loaded.
These containers are similar but have the bases made of glass, they might be better for your heating experiments
So crimson lotus has a gungfu2go thermos that works pretty well. I've had it for a few months and it's been holding up. here
Looks like they're out of stock atm. May wanna email to see when.
I have been eyeing this bad boy cheap enough not to care. Small enough to be travel.
If you find something else cool. Lmk
https://www.amazon.com/Channellock-HP-4A-Coated-Acetate-Handle/dp/B00RMR1X82
I find that a small pick crushes fewer leaves. Most that you buy are very poorly fixed to their handles or too thick. The straight 2” awl from this set works wonders for me.
Maybe I just dont know what Im talking about, but this seems a bit more than the typical fake menghai teas on Amazon, given the work someone made to make it look official. There are "TAETAE" teabags and even a "10th Anniversary Ripe" that doesnt look like a ripe at all. I came upon it looking to see if there was any way to get just released Menghai blends on Amazon, given that it strikes me as odd that its so difficult in the west to get recent releases through an official channel online through a major western site like Amazon or Ebay. Maybe Im wrong and thats asking too much, it just seems like an easy and efficient way to move product to the west, and a place like Amazon should be able to accommodate their storage climate needs.
But this popped out because they offer supposed genuine Menghai blends, as well as a plethora of products I dont think even exist, at least a cursory search didnt bring anything up. I am a bit new to drinking puer, so maybe these products do exist and Im wrong.
Is this the sensorpush device you have? It seems like a lot of reviewers have found calibration issues?
I would get a Thermometer/Hygrometer that shows 24hr high/lows so you can get an idea of any swings. also many cheap Hygrometers can be off by quite a bit so I would try and get one that you can calibrate.
for example i intend to get this for my own use: https://www.amazon.com/AcuRite-01083-Thermometer-Hygrometer-Calibration/dp/B01HDW58GS
Am I going crazy, or is there... a tiny teacup and saucer photoshopped into the image?
Like others, I too have had some confusion between this Lin Hao and Yin Hao. They use the same logo, so is one a knockoff, or did the factory change its name?
Actually, I have 5 tuos of Yin Hao in my sheng box at home. I got them a while ago on amazon from this listing, but I haven't opened any of them. I have no idea what they taste like.
> My very first KTM order was 130 cakes ( !!! ) ... it only showed me the darkest side of John Hou
Shame about that, tho I've been put off ever since I realize I couldn't trust anything consistently. I could sample, and then his Dayi guy change or whatever.
> It's been some very intensive 13 months where i've read/watched/learned as much as possible in any format while trying to pick interesting cakes... but looks like i might have missed both references O__o , would you be so kind to point me to both ( book/docummentary ) ? not realizing what TCUC stands for right now.
Oh my god you're gonna absolutely LOVE THIS. Puer: Tea Caravans and Urban Chic is a 2013 ethnography largely focusing on the people of Yiwu township, and Mr. Zheng is a large focus, even appearing in this documentary where you can see him source is maocha. I'm so excited you get to read this/watch this. Make sure to drink some ZSL as you do. :D
PLEASE report back :)
> Just mentioned on another post now, but forgot to mention an early conversation with Tiago where he mentioned that there's more Fangmingyuan available, only he chose to keep 'em stored in China so they improve/age faster. Therefore, if you buy any Fangmingyuan later that's sold out now... more likely you'll be getting an improved version.
Glad to hear! FOMO assuaged. Besides, I'm mostly interested in ZSL for their 2020/2021 stuff, so if the 2015 sells out I'm not going to defenestrate myself or anything.
I haven't tried them, but Jinglong Tea Factory offers cakes of shou called #1, #3, #5, #7 that each contain a single grade of tea. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N12VQFB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_hznMFbD9NN8A7
Edit: oh, and there are certainly a lot of cakes out there made of huangpian, the biggest leaves.
I use these hygrometers. They're nice in that they can be recalibrated after testing with a calibration kit.
I use the big 320 gram pack, but it's probably overkill. Worst thing that happens is I have to replace it less frequently.
This set is on amazon. link
I’ve used it and it works well. Probably better tools out there, but for the price I was impressed
They probably don't need to be "aired out" since nothing from W2T is going to have storage notes. Humidified storage doesn't have to be difficult to set up, though - a plastic bin with a cup of wet salt in it will do (finding a plastic bin that doesn't smell bad is the hardest part). You can also use a Ziploc bag with a Boveda pack in it. I use these for my bins (I can actually get them cheaper from a local tobacconist than from Amazon, though).
Drying out tea won't usually make it taste bad, it just won't be as good as if it were properly humidified.
I use this hygrometer. It's pretty cheap and was way off when it arrived. It's also pretty finicky to adjust the first time but it can be done. Try using this calibration kit.
Right now I have this guy. I bought it exactly two weeks before CL posted theirs. DOUNGURI Bamboo Tea Tumbler Mug with Strainer Infuser
A bit out of left field, but you could buy an Aeropress and give that a shot. Maybe pick up a metal filter if you find yourself liking it.