Superfine Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong Black Tea

Superfine Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong Black Tea

Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong is produced in one protected, natural area deep in a mountain valley of the Wu Yi Shan. It was created on Wuyi Mountain, which is also the birthplace of oolongs and home to some of the finest in the world.  This incredible tea is organically-grown and traditionally crafted in a 20-step process that involves 3 different phases of smoking over pine wood.  It is grown and smoked in Tong Mu, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

It is there, primarily in Tong Mu Village and adjacent small tea villages, that this smoked Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong tea is made. The fresh leaf comes from tea gardens that are located in the vicinity of the smoking sheds. Here, the fresh leaf is processed and smoked during the production of this unique black tea. The leaf is essentially given a 'cold smoking' during processing, which gives this tea a lightly-smoked character while maintaining flavor and finesse.

Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong is produced in limited quantity each spring. it is elegant, light and exotic, quite different than the assertively smokey (or ‘tarry) Lapsang Souchong that is made for export.

The smoky, campfire fragrance augments the rich, velvety black tea body without overwhelming it.  Unlike low-grade lapsang souchongs available in the West, the smokey aroma remains until the very last steeping.

Brewing Instruction:

Brewing tool: cups, bottles, tea wears, tea bags

Water temperature: 170° - 185° F

Amount of tea: 1 table spoon 

Amount of water: 6 - 10 oz.

Steeping Time:
Put the hot water & tea into a cup. Stirring the tea will help make the tea flavor come out faster.

Stir for about 30 - 60 seconds for the first cup, strain it out.

If you want more tea after the first cup, put more water back in the cup, steep for another 30 - 90 seconds, then strain it. out

This amount of tea leaves can make 2 - 3 cups of tea.

Try to keep infusion time to 15 - 20 seconds. Don’t worry if the tea isn’t very strong – it’s not supposed to be, at least not at the beginning. After 2 - 3 brews, the leaves will wake up and start yielding a dark red color. That’s when you should keep steeping time under 60 seconds. After another 3 - 4 brews, as the potency of the tea decreases, feel free to gradually increase the length of infusion time to maintain the desired level of strength

Drinking tips:

• Black tea is 100% fermented, it has more caffeine than green tea. We suggest drinking the black tea during the day. Because of the full fermentation, it contains less tea polyphenols, it is more mellow to the stomach. It will also coat the membrane to protect the stomach.  If you have stomach problems such as acid reflux, stomach ulcer, sensitive stomach ect., we suggest you drink more black tea and drink less green tea, oolong tea, or coffee.

Black tea is a good option to form part of your diet because of its several health benefits, most of which can be attributed to its favorable nutritional profile. Due to increased oxidation, black tea is more flavourful and caffeine laden than its other counterparts. Moreover, the flavor of black tea can be retained for a much longer time than other teas. The black tea benefits for health are given below.

1. Cardiovascular Benefits: Research has proved that consumption of black tea reduces the propensity of cardiovascular problems. The antioxidants such as flavonoids present in black tea prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. It prevents the damage to blood stream and artery walls and lowers the risk of heart disease. In fact, consumption of black tea has been found to reverse a coronary artery disease called endothelial vasomotor dysfunction. This dysfunction also leads to other coronary diseases. Black tea flavonoids are effective in improving coronary vasodilation and reducing blood clots. Polyphenols and manganese present in black tea reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by helping cardiac muscle function.
2. Cancer Prevention: The antioxidants called polyphenols found in black tea help in preventing the formation of potential carcinogens in the body, resulting in prevention of certain cancers like ovarian, lung, prostrate, colourectal and bladder cancers. Studies have revealed that black tea is effective in preventing stomach, prostate and breast cancer. Black tea contains a compound called TF-2 which is responsible for causing apoptosis (programmed death of cancer cells) while the normal cells remain unaffected. Additionally, black tea can also significantly reduce the risk of oral cancer in those who smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products. Black tea also prevents cancer by inhibiting the formation and growth of malignant tumours.
3. Eliminates Free Radicals: Free radicals in the body can cause various cell damages such as blood clot formation, cancer and atherosclerosis. Consumption of unhealthy food increases the number of free radicals in your body. The antioxidants present in black tea remove these harmful free radicals, thus protecting the body from diseases such as Alzheimer’s and heart diseases. Black tea with lemon is a good choice to make for this action.
4. Boosts the Immune System: A strong immune system is necessary for fighting bacteria and viruses that can cause illnesses. Black tea contains substances called ‘tannins’ which have the ability to fight viruses such as influenza, dysentery, hepatitis, colds and flu. One such tannin called ‘catechin’ helps in suppressing tumours. The alkylamine antigens in black tea boost immune response. Drinking 3 to 4 cups of black tea each day helps in lowering inflammation and eliminates harmful pathogen.
5. Oral Health: The catechin antioxidants contained in black tea help in the reduction of oral cancers. Polyphenols and tannin act as antibiotics, thus inhibiting bacteria that cause tooth decay. Black tea contains fluoride which fights bad breath and prevents tooth decay by eradicating harmful bacteria from oral cavity. A daily dose of two cups black tea provides around 1.5 mg fluorides.
6. Stimulates the Brain and Nervous System: Black tea contains lower levels of caffeine than coffee. The low amounts of caffeine promote blood flow in the brain without stimulating the heart and improve mental alertness and concentration. The amino acid L-theanine found in black tea can help you relax and concentrate fully on tasks. Consumption of four cups of black tea daily for one month has been found to reduce the levels of stress hormone cortisol. The caffeine in black tea boosts your memory and studies have suggested that consumption of black tea on a regular basis protects against Parkinson’s disease.
7. Benefits the Digestive Tract: The tannins in black tea are beneficial for digestion. These tannins help combat gastric and intestinal illnesses by having a therapeutic effect. Besides, they exercise an anti-diarrheal effect and help in decreasing intestinal activity. The polyphenols help in lowering intestinal inflammation suffered by patients of irritable bowel syndrome.
8. Healthy Bones and Connective Tissue: The powerful phytochemicals in black tea help in strengthening the bones and connective tissue. In fact, research has proved that black tea drinkers have comparatively healthier bones.
9. More Energy: Due to caffeine, black tea is considered as an energizing drink which increases efficiency. Caffeine, when taken in moderation, acts as a stimulant by increasing brain function and alertness. In fact, the stimulating effect of caffeine in black tea is more than that of coffee and cola. Black tea has another compound called ‘theophylline’ which stimulates the respiratory system, heart and kidneys. Thus, these compounds help in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.
10. Aids in Weight Loss: Being ultra-low in sodium, fat and calories, black tea is highly beneficial for people who want to lose weight and helps in maintaining a healthy weight. Thus, it acts as an effective substitute for unhealthy soda drinks by preventing the intake of weight-gain causing calories. Beverages containing higher amounts of fat can cause lethal conditions and diseases. Black tea also boosts the metabolic activity and thus, aids in weight loss.
11. Lowers Cholesterol: Black tea is effective in decreasing your level of triglycerides. It can reduce your LDL or bad cholesterol, thus reducing the risk of heart disease. Drinking several cups of black tea improves the functioning of your arteries and does not allow cholesterol to build up inside them.
12. Other Benefits: The antioxidants catechins strengthen the blood vessels and tannin increases the resistance of the body against various infections. In addition, black tea inhibits allergic responses, retards tumor growth and can even delay the onset of diabetes.
13. Skin Benefits: In addition to its various health benefits, black tea is also considered good for your skin. Black tea is rich in vitamins B2, C and E; minerals such as magnesium, potassium and zinc and some essential polyphenols and tannin. Thus, its nutritional value makes it beneficial for skin in many ways.

- Due to its high caffeine content, compared to other teas, drinking black tea can kill oral viruses and thus, help in preventing skin infections and keeping your skin blemish free.

- Placing moist tea bags under your eyes helps in reducing puffiness.

- Black tea also helps in reducing mimic wrinkles and preventing pre-mature ageing and pimples. Thus, those suffering from these skin problems can try having one or two cups of black tea daily for beneficial results.

- The antioxidants present in black tea provide protection against skin cancer.

- The extract of black tea acts as a sun blocking agent when applied on skin.

- Polyphenols and tannins present in black tea accelerate the process of skin regeneration.

- Black tea contributes to glowing and blemish-free skin. Tannins protect your skin from the harmful impact of environment, improve blood circulation and fight bacteria in your body, thus providing protection against skin diseases.

4. Hair Benefits:

Due to abundance of antioxidants and caffeine, black tea is considered extremely beneficial for hair. Black tea can be incorporated into your hair care regimen for stronger and damage free hair. The various benefits of black tea for hair are given below.

- Caffeine present in black tea helps in decreasing DHT (Dihydrotestosterone), a hormone found in the scalp which causes hair loss. Thus, black tea helps in increasing hair thickness and lowering hair loss.

- Another benefit of caffeine is that it stimulates hair growth when used once in a month. (Excess usage of caffeine should be avoided as it may stunt growth).

- Using black tea rinses as part of your hair care regimen adds shine, luster and natural darkness to your hair because of its dark hue. For this purpose, add 3 bags of tea to 6 cups of boiling water. After keeping this mix for an hour at room temperature, pour it on your head and wrap your hair in a towel. Wash your hair normally after an hour or two.

- Black tea acts as a natural dyeing agent and is suitable for women who have dark black or brown hair and want to get rid of grey hair or fading hair dyes. It darkens your hair besides adding shine and bringing out natural highlights.

5. Nutritional Value Of Black Tea:

Just like other teas, black tea contains caffeine, amino acids, carbohydrates, proteins, potassium, minerals, manganese, fluoride and polyphenols. In addition to these, it also contains catechins, tannin, guanine, purine, gallic esters and xanthine. The antioxidants polyphenols are associated with a number of health benefits. The nutritional profile of black tea comprises of the following.

Low Sodium and Calories: Black tea has a low sodium and calorie content provided that you do not add any sweeteners. Thus, it is advantageous for people who want to lose weight or just maintain optimum weight. It can be a great substitute to unhealthy soft drinks or colas which have a high content of sodium and fat.

Antioxidants: Black tea contains complex flavonoid, polyphenols that play an important role in antioxidant consumption and disease prevention.  A cup of black tea contains an average of 200 mg of flavonoids. The flavonoid polyphenols, thearubigins and theaflavins act as powerful antioxidants. Research has observed that drinking three cups of black tea per day for two weeks results in increased concentration of flavonoids in the blood by 25%.

Hence, black tea is extremely beneficial for your health, hair and skin. However, it should be consumed in moderation as large doses can cause side effects like digestive problems, varicose veins, insomnia, acidity, palpitations and the like.