#Aged Pu-erh Tea

[backyardbrew1]

A Complete Guide to Buying Pu-erh Tea: Flavor, Health Benefits, and How to Choose the Best

Pu-erh tea, known for its distinct earthy flavor and unique fermentation process, has captivated tea lovers worldwide. Originating from the Yunnan province of China, pu-erh tea undergoes a special aging process, giving it complex flavors and health benefits. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about buying pu-erh tea, its varieties, health benefits, and how to select the perfect type to enjoy this exceptional tea fully.

What is Pu-erh Tea?

Pu-erh tea is a type of fermented tea named after the town of Pu-erh in Yunnan. Unlike other teas, pu-erh undergoes a microbial fermentation process after the leaves are dried and rolled. This process can take years, and the tea continues to age, developing deeper, more nuanced flavors over time. There are two main types of pu-erh tea:

Sheng (Raw) Pu-erh: This variety is traditionally aged over time. The tea leaves are processed, dried, and stored for several years, gradually developing a smooth, rich flavor. Sheng pu-erh has an intense, earthy taste, often described as woody or even slightly smoky.

Shou (Ripe) Pu-erh: This type is made by accelerating the aging process through microbial fermentation, giving it a dark color and smoother, mellow flavor. Shou pu-erh has a less complex taste than Sheng but is still rich and earthy, with a hint of sweetness.

How is Pu-erh Tea Made?

The process of making pu-erh tea is intricate and requires expert craftsmanship. The main steps include:

Harvesting: Fresh tea leaves are handpicked from tea trees.

Withering: Leaves are left to wither, reducing moisture content and preparing them for the next stages.

Kill-Green (Sha Qing): Heat is applied to stop natural oxidation, preserving the unique flavors of pu-erh tea.

Rolling: Leaves are hand-rolled to release flavors and essential oils.

Drying: Leaves are sun-dried, locking in the flavors and preparing them for fermentation.

Fermentation: This is where Sheng and Shou pu-erh differ. Sheng pu-erh is aged naturally, while Shou pu-erh undergoes a controlled fermentation process.

Why Buy Pu-erh Tea? The Health Benefits of Pu-erh

Pu-erh tea is celebrated not only for its flavor but also for its health benefits. Here are some reasons why pu-erh tea makes a fantastic addition to any tea collection:

Weight Loss: Pu-erh tea is often associated with weight management. It contains compounds that aid digestion and may help reduce fat absorption.

Improved Digestion: Pu-erh tea’s natural fermentation process produces probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health. Drinking pu-erh tea can help reduce bloating and improve digestive health.

Enhanced Energy Levels: Pu-erh contains caffeine, but in a more balanced amount than coffee, providing a gentle energy boost without the jitters.

Antioxidant Properties: The tea is rich in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals and support healthy aging.

Cholesterol Reduction: Studies suggest that pu-erh tea may lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, supporting cardiovascular health.

Calming Effects: Although it contains caffeine, pu-erh tea is known for its calming properties due to its unique compounds, making it a great choice for relaxation.

Choosing the Right Pu-erh Tea

When purchasing pu-erh tea, quality and authenticity are key. Here’s what to consider:

1. Type of Pu-erh: Sheng or Shou?

Sheng Pu-erh is ideal for those who enjoy a complex, robust flavor profile that evolves with each infusion. It's typically more expensive due to the lengthy aging process.

Shou Pu-erh is smoother and less intense, with a milder, sweeter taste. It’s a good option for beginners or those who prefer a less earthy flavor.

2. Age and Vintage

Pu-erh tea is often labeled with its year of production. Aged Sheng pu-erh can be compared to fine wine—the older it is, the more valuable and flavorful it becomes. Generally, older pu-erh teas have a richer, smoother taste, but newer teas can also be enjoyable if you prefer a more intense flavor.

3. Origin and Quality

When buying pu-erh tea, it’s essential to ensure it comes from the Yunnan province. True pu-erh must be sourced from this region to carry the authentic flavors and properties associated with the tea. Quality brands will specify the region and sometimes even the specific tea garden.

4. Form: Loose Leaf or Compressed?

Pu-erh tea is often available in two forms: loose leaves or compressed cakes (also known as “tuo cha” or “bing cha”). Loose-leaf pu-erh is convenient for quick brewing, while compressed pu-erh is ideal for long-term storage and aging.

5. Price and Budget

Quality pu-erh tea can be more costly than other types of tea due to its aging process and unique qualities. Decide on a budget that aligns with your expectations for quality, but be cautious of extremely cheap pu-erh, as it may lack authenticity or flavor depth.

Brewing Pu-erh Tea

Brewing pu-erh tea is an art, and the method you use can greatly influence the flavor. Here’s a simple guide for brewing a strong, flavorful cup of pu-erh tea:

Prepare the Tea: If using a compressed pu-erh cake, gently break off a piece (about 3-5 grams per cup).

Rinse the Leaves: Pour hot water over the tea leaves to rinse them, then discard the water. This step “awakens” the tea and removes any impurities.

Steep the Tea: Pour hot water (around 200°F/93°C) over the leaves and steep for 2-4 minutes. For a more robust flavor, increase the steeping time.

Re-steep: Pu-erh tea can be steeped multiple times, with each infusion offering a unique taste experience.

Buying Pu-erh Tea Online: Why Choose Backyard Brew?

For those ready to explore the world of pu-erh tea, Backyard Brew: Premium Pu-erh Teas offers a selection of high-quality options for both new and experienced tea enthusiasts. Backyard Brew’s pu-erh teas are carefully sourced from Yunnan, ensuring you experience the authentic taste and health benefits that this tea is known for.

Popular Ways to Enjoy Pu-erh Tea

Traditional Hot Brew

This is the most common method, allowing the flavors of pu-erh to fully develop and shine. Drinking pu-erh hot is a satisfying experience, especially for tea connoisseurs.

Iced Pu-erh Tea

For a refreshing twist, try pu-erh tea iced. Cold-brewing pu-erh tea brings out its earthy flavors while providing a lighter, crisp finish.

Pu-erh Tea Latte

A pu-erh tea latte combines the richness of pu-erh with the creaminess of milk. Brew a strong cup of pu-erh, add frothed milk, and a touch of sweetener for a cozy, satisfying drink.

FAQs About Buying Pu-erh Tea

Q1: How much pu-erh tea should I buy at once? A: If you’re new to pu-erh, start with a smaller amount (about 100 grams) to test its flavor profile. For aged pu-erh, buying in bulk is ideal since it will continue to improve with age.

Q2: Can I drink pu-erh tea daily? A: Yes, many people enjoy daily pu-erh tea, thanks to its moderate caffeine content and digestive benefits. Aim for 1-3 cups per day to enjoy its health advantages.

Q3: How long does pu-erh tea last? A: Pu-erh tea improves with age, especially when stored correctly. It can last for decades, with aged varieties often becoming more valuable over time.

Q4: What’s the best way to store pu-erh tea? A: Store pu-erh tea in a cool, dry place with good airflow. Avoid storing it in an airtight container, as pu-erh needs to breathe.

Q5: Is pu-erh tea suitable for beginners? A: Shou pu-erh, with its milder and smoother flavor, is ideal for beginners. As you develop a taste for it, you can explore Sheng pu-erh for a more intense experience.

Conclusion

Pu-erh tea offers an exceptional tea experience with its bold, earthy flavors and unique health benefits. Whether you prefer the smoothness of Shou or the intense depth of Sheng, there’s a pu-erh tea for every taste. By selecting high-quality pu-erh tea from reputable sources, like Backyard Brew, you can enjoy an authentic taste that will leave a lasting impression.

Explore the rich world of pu-erh tea and discover a tea that not only enhances your palate but also brings a range of health benefits. With each sip, you’re tasting tradition, depth, and a journey from the tea gardens of Yunnan straight to your cup.

[cultivatetastetea]

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[blood-orange-juice]

What are your favourite kinds of tea and how would you rank them?

(you can't ask me about tea and not get hit with a wall of text. so... enjoy)

I don't really rank teas, I think tea should be picked for the occasion, depending on the season, company, scenery, food pairing (if there's any), the quality and type of water available, etc. There isn't really a single best option.

Also good teas are a lot like wine, it matters a lot who made it and how. A simple variety that is processed with proper care and is fresh will be better than a low-grade or old tea of a fine variety.

That said, if I had to pick favorites...

Wu Yi oolongs. You just can't beat that flavour profile, the mix of flowers, roasted nuts and what they call "cliff melody" (basically Wu Yi mountains terroir). They are complex, versatile (some teas can be ruined by water that's too hard or to soft, with these guys it just draws out a different part of the flavour spectrum) and pair with anything. Proper tea ceremony? Perfect. Something to serve to guests with mild blue cheese and some nuts? Even better, cheese enhances the flower aspects, it's honestly better than any wine pairing. Casual cup that goes together with vegetables roasted with herbs (yes, I sometimes drink tea with my dinner)? Great as well.

My favorites would probably be Wu Yi Shui Xian (daffodil, a bit of dried plum and a bit of gentle smoke), Roi Gui (eglantine and cinnamon, roasted notes, a bit of malt) and Da Hong Pao (this one is tricky, the versions of DHP you can get your hands on without being a government official are all blends, so technically it can mean anything, but most versions keep a lovely balance of smoke, sweetness, currant flowers and metallic notes). Bei Dou if I can find it (bisquit, oak, orchid, smoke, a bit of minerality).

Jin Jun Mei. My autumn favorite, the *prettiest* tea in the universe when done right, with notes of malt, rye bread, and wild strawberies, usually still very good when done wrong (chocolate, rose, physalis plants, orchid...).

Dong Ding oolong, one that I would use for introducing someone to fine teas. Freshly cut grass, wild honey, a touch of caramel and what I can only describe as a feeling of cold wind from a lake. Delicate and ridiculously pretty.

Hei Cha, "true" black teas that are more fermented than even pu-erh. Teas of bordelines dwellers and northern barbarians and I am one, after all. "Korla Pear" Hua Zhuan is my latest favorite. Wood and pear notes, one can't really describe it. Lu Bao if you live in a dry climate and let it sit on a shelf for a couple of years is also very good (wet autumn leaves, ink, charcoal and snowdrop flowers). Don't ever drink it fresh, it's awful and bitter and has a note of rotten vegetables. If you can forget it on a shelf for twenty years it's a transcendent experience and I can't recommend it enough.

Anything white, really. White teas are a very special art. They are pretty much tea herbarium. They are made with next to no processing and mostly are just gently dried in the sun, so you get the purest interpretation of the leaf itself. This leads to... experiments. There are the classics, like Bai Mu Dan with its notes of peony, wormwood and plant milk. There's the experience of drinking teas gathered before Ching Ming (if the year is good), the first tea of the year with its gentle minerality that's a bit like the scent of thawing snow.

There are insane things like letting them age for years like you would shen pu-erhs (Yin Zhen is honestly better in this version, if you ask me), I can't really describe that scent, it's wildflowers and autumn leaves both and something that feels like a mix of wormwood fluff and dried strawberries.

There are leaves that would normally be used for pu-erhs processed as white teas and these tend to have lovely cantaloupe and honey flavour. Honestly, the fun part about white teas is often not just the taste but how punk are the things teamakers do with the leaf and the fact you can taste nuances that would be otherwise overshadowed by the processing technology.

Chinese yellow teas. I actually don't remember names, I used to pick them by scent. Some have a "flowers and ink" scent that is very precious to me.

I think that's about it. I can't choose a single favorite between these.

[not-poignant]

PIA. WHAT. please tell us about being a professional tea taster!!!!

Ahahaha, there's honestly not much to tell!

I fell into it completely by accident. I didn't actually even used to like tea, but that was because my only exposure was like, the milky sugary shit my english side of the family used to give me, and turns out, I don't like milk or sugar in my tea! I would've liked it just fine if they'd given it to me without those things.

(No shade to people who like milky sugary tea, I believe that stuff is the bomb if you love it, especially with biscuits).

However, a friend's older brother was just starting to be the first place in Western Australia to import in very high quality green, white, oolong and pu-erh teas into the state, and would do so by touring through China first, etc. This was before green tea drinking was really a 'thing' here (late 90s, early 00s), so they were here before any of the 'boutique' tea shops etc.

I started getting involved in tea ceremonies through said friend, started tasting the teas, and eventually we all realised I had a pretty good palate for it, and so I engaged in further training to help them write out their labels / brands etc. and eventually became a tea taster. I specialise in green and oolong, and started to get into white, but I think I miss too much of the nuance to do much more except enjoy it, lol.

Unfortunately their company never went far, they were outcompeted due to being at the crest of the 'green tea drinking is a thing' and while I kept it up for a while, I decided I didn't want to go the tea sommelier route (pairing tea with food), and just kept it up as a general skill, doing tea reviews for a couple of websites.

When I developed anemia, I had to stop drinking tea for a long time, because tea is actually one of the worst things you can drink if you have iron deficiency or any kind of anemia (yes, really, ask your hematologist if you don't believe me).

I can probably have about one/two cups a day now, and I'm one of those elitist bitches who has the temperature kettle (certain teas are best brewed at specific lower temperatures), and only drinks loose leaf tea with no milk, honey, lemon or sugar in sight and sets all my brewings to strict temperatures. But that's just because that's the way I like it. I can't stand matcha, unless it's in a matcha tiramisu. And my personal taste means nothing, because it's about other people's personal tastes. The tea you like says nothing in particular about you, except that you like it. :)

I once had a moment when we had some tradespeople come over and I offered them coffee/tea, and when they said tea, I realised they wanted like... a teabag brewed tea with milk and sugar and on the day we had no milk (I'm lactose intolerant) and only had green teas and I felt so embarrassed, lmao, so now I always carry some teabag tea for guests.

This is now my favourite brand:

And this is what they all look like.

I go through them a lot more slowly than I used to! And I don't drink much black tea anymore sadly due to reflux, but I'll still make time for it.

I can talk a little too much about different provinces, aging techniques, and more, but not enough to do it as a job anymore. But I loved it when I did it and I still love sharing green tea with the friends who love it these days.

Lmao me like 'there's not much to tell' but still manages to turn it into like 100 paragraphds fasdlkjfsa

[timeteaca]

From bush to mug: What do you know about tea? How the most popular drink in the world is created

Tea is drunk always and everywhere: at breakfast and before bed, in summer and winter, with sugar and lemon. But how much do we know about him? Why is black tea not black at all in a mug, but green tea has different shades from amber to gold? How is it grown and when is it harvested? And most importantly, how to drink and brew tea correctly? Together with Time Tea, we have compiled a tea guide and answered the main questions about the most popular drink in the world.

1. How tea is grown and harvested

White, green, black, oolong – despite the fact that there are many different teas in the world, they are all made from the same plant. It is called Camellia sinensis, or Chinese camellia. This is a small bush about a meter high, although closer to the south the plant becomes taller, stronger, branchier and more reminiscent of a tree. The first harvest is harvested five years after planting, but it is believed that the leaves gain maximum weight by the age of 50 (for this, the crop must be harvested regularly). Every year the bushes are pruned, and only the youngest, softest and juiciest leaves are selected for tea.

2. Where are tea leaves collected?

Tea grows in more than 30 countries. Although it was originally cultivated in China, the country still ranks first in terms of yield. It is followed by India and Sri Lanka – the British brought tea there in the 19th century, so these places are famous for their black varieties. Depending on where it is grown, the leaves differ in taste and color. Thus, African varieties have a reddish tint – all due to the fact that there is a lot of copper in the soil. Thanks to the ideal climate, the best varieties of tea grow in China, India, Sri Lanka and Kenya – they are used in TimeTea

3.What kind of tea is there?

In addition to the regions of growth, tea is divided according to the method of processing. There are six types in total – white, green, yellow, oolong, black and pu-erh. They differ mainly in the degree of fermentation. White is almost never fermented – the young buds just wither in the sun. Green is steamed, dried or fried. Black tea has the longest chain: dried leaves are rolled into plates, from which the juice is released. They are laid out on special trays, where the processes of oxidation, fermentation and fermentation take place – almost like wine production. It is at this point that the tea leaves turn dark in color.

4. How to tell if the tea is of high quality

The criteria differ depending on the variety, but there are several general principles. Examine the leaves – they should be approximately the same color and size. Make sure there are no twigs or dust in the package, and no foreign odors. When you have brewed the tea leaves, look at the water – it should be clear, even if it is strong pu-erh. The aroma of the drink should be light and the taste rich. If your green tea turns out bitter, it may be not only the poor quality of the leaves, but also the wrong water temperature or the wrong number of leaves.

5. How to brew the perfect cup of tea

The first thing you need is fresh, high-quality tea. The second is soft water. It should not contain minerals, salt or chlorine – use a filter or bottled water. For one cup you will need a teaspoon of tea. Remember that water should not boil for a long time: the taste of the drink depends on the oxygen content, which decreases with long boiling. The brewing time depends on the variety: black tea needs at least five minutes, while white tea needs less than a minute. After this, the tea leaves must be removed from the teapot or cup.

Discover the exquisite world of tea with Time Tea. Our selection of high-quality teas, including black, green, oolong, and more, is sourced from the finest regions worldwide. Whether you’re a connoisseur or just starting your tea journey, our premium teas promise an exceptional experience in every cup.

[snotsloth]

Orion D'Oschon

— B A S I C S

Name: Orion D'Oschon

Nicknames: Rion (mostly G'raha), Legs or Specs (mostly Kendra)

Age: 30ish

Nameday: 19th Sun of the 5th Astral Moon

Race: Xaela

Gender: Cis Male

Orientation: Bisexual

Profession: Warrior of Light, Aetherologist, part-time Historian, Botanist

— P H Y S I C A L     A S P E C T S

Hair: Burnt Umber (Very dark reddish brown), kept short except for a section of braids along his right temple. Orion's hair is very thick and dense, giving a matte or velvet effect in the light.

Eyes: Amber with golden limbal rings

Skin: Umber (a bit lighter than his hair but in the same color family)

Tattoos/scars: He's got a pretty big scar running down his left leg from the fight with Zenos in Rhalger's Reach, small surgical scars around his knees from where he had to have reconstructive work done after Endwalker, and a small Mol clan tattoo on his inner wrist.

— F A M I L Y

Parents: Dolgoon Qestir (father) and Odsetseg Mol (mother). Both are alive and well and living in Ul'Dah. They also use the D'OSchon surname in Eorzea.

Siblings: None.

Grandparents: Temulun Mol

In-laws and Other: Cousin - Cirina Mol. Various other cousins, aunts, and uncles within the Mol tribe. No In-laws, Kendra doesn't have any living family.

Pets: Birdlegs (chocobo), Lily (Eos, she's not a pet, but she's important and I wanted to list her), Walpole (a very bitchy Carbuncle).

— S K I L L S

Abilities: SCH main (Scholar questline is canon for him), aetherology (he started his work with the Scions as Y'shtola's personal assistant), experienced and competent field medic, unique echo manifestation gives him the ability to see the flow of aether around him in a synesthesia-like effect.

Hobbies: Reading, astrology (learned from his mom), botany and gardening, botanical drawing, alchemy, helping Kendra in the kitchen, knitting, letter writing.

— T R A I T S

Most Positive Trait: Orion has an inquisitive mind. His desire, not only to know but to fully understand phenomena has led him to several ground-breaking discoveries. And he does not hoard knowledge. He'll enthusiastically share his findings with anyone who cares to listen. He is also just as inquisitive and keen to understand in social situations, making him an empathetic and open-minded person in general.

Most Negative Trait: Orion has a deep-seated distrust of governments and other institutions of traditional authority. This is not without reason, or even some merit, but it can make him difficult to work with when it comes to large-scale endeavors. His words or actions have nearly cost the Scions a deal more than once.

— L I K E S

Colors: Blue, especially woad, ink, and rhotano blue / Green / White / Warm browns / Metalics, especially gold.

Smells: Sandalwood, cedar, oolong tea, jasmine (reminds him of Kendra's perfume), libraries and well-preserved old paper, and morning fog in the Dravanian highlands.

Textures: The downy fur of Kendra's ears / yarn spun from the karakul of the Azim Steppe / well-loved leather-bound books / smooth, expertly-blown alchemical glassware.

Drinks: Tea, especially oolong or pu-erh. If Orion does not have access to actual pu-erh, he will make an equivalent with the darkest Sharlayan-style tea blend he can find, a custom blend of additives he will not divulge, and karakul milk. Just tasting it once put Urianger in a sickbed for two days. / Botanical spirits such as gin and aperitifs. He's even made a few himself.

— O T H E R    D E T A I L S

Smokes: Medicinally smokes whatever variety of moko grass gets you stoned. He will also occasionally smoke tobacco socially, especially cigars.

Drinks: An adventurous but moderate drinker. He'll try anything at least once. He can occasionally be cajoled into heavier indulgence but that's abated as he's gotten older.

Drugs: There have been a few controlled "experiments" over the years.

Mount Issuance: Birdlegs is his primary mount that travels with him almost everywhere. The dusky, gigantic chocobo has become a bit of a legend in her own right. However, he does also technically have a yol as well, but has entrusted Cirina with his care because there's just not enough room on any of his properties for a bird of that size.

Been Arrested: For a mild-mannered professor type, Orion has been arrested so many times.

Tagged by:@ardberts🤍 tyyyy! Tagging: @physicalvocalist@sarenraegalpaladin@janzoo@airis-ray@ae-fond-seeker@captainqster@koijikido@adina--astra@iron-sparrow Sorry if you've already done this or been tagged before! I tried to pick mutuals I hadn't seen this from yet.

[awesomecopper]

Sebastian kept me company while I had tea today! My real life tea pet.

Today I had some 15 Years Aged Golden Melon Ripe Pu-erh Tea Tuo from Yunnan Sourcing. It’s good! I’m still developing my palate for puerhs in general, but this one is quite nice.

[believerindaydreams]

For the tea asks: matcha, blooming tea, chamomile, pu-erh

Fave book: oh that IS an impossible question

But if I had to make a Desert Island Discs choice it'd be Titus Groan. I could live off that book for ages.

(also it's bloody impossible to memorise, unlike the swathes of Under Milk Wood I have in my head now)

Fave flower: you know what, daffodils are the only flower I've ever bought for myself, entirely because I had a pound burning a hole in my pocket and they have daffodil sellers at the Wednesday market in Carmarthen

i turned out to be allergic but STILL

Fave movie: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Good morning to the cowboy mutuals :)

Three random facts:

today I am wearing buffalo check

I make a very nice fried breakfast

carry around a Filipino peso in my wallet

[yaflwlss]

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤis that NÜWA AKHMATOVA? a JUNIOR originally from MANHATTAN, they decided to come to ogden college to study FINE ARTS. they’re THE NEPO BABY on campus, but even they could get blamed for greer’s disappearance. ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ✶ ៹ㅤbasics ٬ stats ٬ analysis ٬ mobnav ٬ more ¡!

ᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟ𠥼 𝐬. 𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀¡!

ㅤㅤ✶ ៹ㅤnüwa vasilisa akhmatova is her name. ㅤㅤ✶ ៹ㅤTHE NEPO BABY is her label. ㅤㅤ✶ ៹ㅤtwenty-two years. ㅤㅤ✶ ៹ㅤamerican is her nationality. ㅤㅤ✶ ៹ㅤtatar-kazakh are the ethnicity. ㅤㅤ✶ ៹ㅤborn in manhattan, new york. ㅤㅤ✶ ៹ㅤcurrently studying fine arts. ㅤㅤ✶ ៹ㅤher extracurriculars are: ㅤㅤㅤㅤ▹ㅤcaptain of the swimming & diving team; ㅤㅤㅤㅤ▹ㅤplays cello, violin, and piano in the orchestra; ㅤㅤㅤㅤ▹ㅤmember of the dance team; ㅤㅤㅤㅤ▹ㅤfencing club; ㅤㅤㅤㅤ▹ㅤdj at the school radio station; ㅤㅤㅤㅤ▹ㅤeditor for the school paper. ㅤㅤ✶ ៹ㅤINTJ is her mbti. ㅤㅤ✶ ៹ㅤ1w9 is her enneagram. ㅤㅤ✶ ៹ㅤshe's pansexual demiromantic.

ᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟ᮫      𝕬 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲, 𝗶 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹. 𝗶 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗹¡!

ㅤㅤ.✶ ៸ㅤlooks can deceive: THE NEPO BABY caught giving THE LABEL side-eye at the library. could the sweet, innocent act be cracking? nüwa never liked competition when it came to 'good girls'—bet she’s got the dirt ready to spill. ㅤㅤ.✶ ៸ㅤa little birdie told us: THE NEPO BABY is way too chummy with THE LABEL. is it grades, blackmail, or something more? either way, nüwa has no problem playing the long game if it means getting ahead. ㅤㅤ.✶ ៸ㅤdouble trouble? THE NEPO BABY and THE LABEL might have more in common than you think. but don't be fooled—nüwa doesn’t like sharing the spotlight, especially with another heir to a fortune. ㅤㅤ.✶ ៸ㅤwhen beauty meets ambition: watch out, THE LABEL. THE NEPO BABY doesn’t appreciate anyone outshining her. heard whispers about sabotage on the swim team… wonder who’s pulling the strings? ㅤㅤ.✶ ៸ㅤpartners in crime? THE NEPO BABY and THE LABEL spotted sneaking out after hours. but this unlikely duo doesn’t look like they’re planning any innocent mischief. just what is nüwa getting herself into now? ㅤㅤ.✶ ៸ㅤplay nice, nüwa! THE NEPO BABY has been keeping a close eye on THE LABEL, and we’ve got a feeling it’s not out of kindness. competition’s heating up—let’s see who burns first. ㅤㅤ.✶ ៸ㅤpolitical strings being pulled? word is, THE NEPO BABY has her claws in THE LABEL. but for what? favour? power? don’t forget, nüwa’s always playing a long, strategic game. ㅤㅤ.✶ ៸ㅤsympathy? doubt it. THE NEPO BABY doesn’t do pity, but her sudden interest in THE LABEL’s rise might mean she’s got her own reasons for keeping this one close. ㅤㅤ.✶ ៸ㅤscandalous nights: THE NEPO BABY and THE LABEL leave destruction in their wake after another wild night. but is it just fun, or is nüwa using this connection to keep her secrets buried beneath the noise? ㅤㅤ.✶ ៸ㅤstill not over it: rumour has it that THE NEPO BABY still has unresolved issues with THE LABEL. Could nüwa’s obsession with THE GOLDEN GIRL have something to do with the past? and just how bitter did things really get? (exes)

ᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟ𠥼 𝐡. 𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗼𝗻𝘀¡!

nüwa has a love for complex coffee blends, especially cold brews. her favourite order is a lavender-infused iced latte with a shot of espresso, which she drinks daily to fuel her demanding routine.

she prefers to study late at night, often in the early hours, with dim lights and a quiet classical playlist in the background. the solitude helps her focus and feeds her need for perfection.

nüwa rides a sleek black ducati monster 821. for her, it’s not just a mode of transport but a symbol of freedom and control over her own narrative in a world that constantly watches her.

she always wears a specific scent—santal 33 by le labo—which lingers subtly, becoming part of her mysterious and distant allure.

while she’s a coffee lover, she also collects rare teas from around the world. her favourites are an aged pu-erh and a fragrant jasmine from the mountains of china, which she drinks during moments of reflection.

her guilty pleasure is watching classic films, especially hitchcock and noir cinema, which inspire her love for dark, suspenseful narratives.

besides wearing luxury scents, nüwa has a secret hobby of blending her own perfumes, mixing rare essential oils to create unique, personalised fragrances.

she has an enviable collection of custom leather jackets, each representing a different period of her life. some are minimalistic, while others are embroidered with personal symbols, hinting at deeper meanings.

before any major event or confrontation, nüwa applies her favourite matte red lipstick, viewing it as armour—a bold symbol of her confidence and inner strength.

she curates playlists filled with melancholic, alternative music, from bands like the xx and portishead to haunting classical pieces. these playlists are her companions during long drives or moments of introspection.

ᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟᅟ᮫      𝕬 come down to the black sea¡!

nüwa’s life is meticulously curated to project an image of cold sophistication. she rarely smiles, not because she lacks emotion, but because she considers emotions a form of weakness. her face is a perfect mask of indifference—one that tells the world she’s untouchable, a living embodiment of "numb elegance." behind the scenes, she carefully studies herself in mirrors to perfect her expressions, cultivating that distant look that borders on chilling.

nüwa’s notebooks are filled with endless observations—on her classmates, on her professors, on anyone who crosses her path. but her notes aren’t about academia; they’re about weaknesses, hidden desires, and vulnerabilities. each entry is annotated with cryptic symbols, secret codes, and foreign languages, transforming her notebooks into psychological profiles of everyone around her.

nüwa has an uncanny ability to twist situations to her advantage without ever seeming like the instigator. in group projects, social events, or even casual conversations, she subtly manoeuvres others to do her bidding, all while they think the decisions were their own. power, to nüwa, isn’t about direct control—it’s about making people believe they’re acting of their own free will when, in reality, she’s pulling the strings.

her sleep is haunted by violent, chaotic dreams, where people she knows—friends, enemies, lovers—are caught in brutal, nightmarish scenarios. these dreams often mirror her deepest fears and desires: greer drowning in a sea of blood, her father’s paintings burning in a gallery, or her mother, faceless, writing in the dark. nüwa never discusses these nightmares, but she wakes with a strange sense of satisfaction, as if the violence purges her of weakness.

beneath her icy exterior, nüwa harbours a private passion for poetry. her room is filled with collections of obscure poets, hidden behind art books and political essays. she reads them late at night, the words wrapping around her like a forbidden lover. poetry is her one escape from the relentless pursuit of perfection, offering her a glimpse into a world of beauty that feels too fragile to exist in her calculated reality.

every morning, nüwa spends exactly 45 minutes in front of her vanity, anointing herself with creams, serums, and perfumes. she refers to this as her ���war paint.” to her, beauty is a weapon, one as potent as her intellect. the act of applying her makeup is a meditative process, the only time she allows herself to feel fully in control before stepping out into the chaos of the world.

nüwa has an almost mystical connection to water. swimming is her meditation, the only place where she feels truly free. the cool, dark abyss beneath her is the only element that seems to understand her: silent, consuming, dangerous. she often stays underwater longer than necessary, letting herself drift in the silence, where no expectations can reach her.

despite her icy reputation, nüwa has mastered the art of appearing kind when it suits her. she knows precisely how to mimic compassion—holding a friend’s hand when they cry, offering words of comfort, helping someone who feels lost. but every gesture is calculated. she understands that people crave kindness, and so she offers it like a drug, addictive and fleeting, never enough to become vulnerable herself.

despite her elitist tendencies, nüwa maintains a close but secret friendship with a girl from a lower social class. the girl, a scholarship student, represents something nüwa both despises and envies: freedom from expectation. their friendship is based on an unspoken agreement—nüwa helps her financially, and in return, she remains silent about nüwa’s darkest tendencies. this relationship is the closest nüwa gets to genuine human connection.

though she outwardly celebrates her lineage, deep down, nüwa resents the constant comparisons to her parents. she hates that her achievements are always viewed through the lens of her mother’s pulitzer or her father’s international acclaim. in her darkest moments, she dreams of destroying their legacies—of burning their work and walking away from it all. but she knows she can never escape the akhmatova name, no matter how much she yearns for independence.

music is the only language nüwa truly speaks without filters. she plays the piano in the dead of night, allowing her emotions to pour through the keys in ways she never could in conversation. those who have heard her play describe it as both haunting and hypnotic, filled with the kind of sorrow that cannot be expressed in words. the piano, to her, is a confession of all the things she can never say.

every morning, nüwa begins her day with a freezing cold shower, claiming it’s to wake her mind and sharpen her senses. but in truth, it’s a form of self-punishment—a reminder that softness has no place in her life. the icy water is her way of hardening herself against the world, of freezing any vulnerability before it can surface.

her ambition knows no bounds, and she’s willing to destroy anyone who stands in her way. friends, lovers, even family—no one is immune to her ruthlessness when it comes to securing her future. she views human relationships as transactions, to be used and discarded when they no longer serve her purposes. the few who have seen this side of her fear it, but they are too ensnared in her web to escape.

though nüwa has had romantic relationships, she remains emotionally untouchable. she is a master of seduction, but when the time comes for true intimacy, she retreats behind an impenetrable wall. her lovers often leave frustrated, unable to break through the icy barrier she erects. to Nüwa, love is a weakness, a vulnerability she refuses to indulge.

in a drawer beneath her bed, nüwa keeps a box filled with letters, mementoes, and trinkets from people she’s manipulated over the years. some are love letters, others are notes of friendship, but all share one thing in common: they represent promises she has no intention of keeping. the box is a reminder of her power over others, a testament to the lives she’s touched and broken without a second thought.

to nüwa, life is an endless masquerade, and she’s grown accustomed to playing different roles depending on who’s watching. to her professors, she is the model student; to her friends, the compassionate confidante; to her enemies, the untouchable ice queen. she shifts between these roles with ease, knowing that her true self is hidden beneath layers of performance.

nüwa has a hidden talent for puzzles—especially those that seem impossible to solve. it’s her favourite pastime when she’s alone, working through complex riddles and mazes. to her, puzzles mirror her own life: complicated, multi-layered, and never fully solvable. the thrill isn’t in finding the solution but in the struggle to understand the pieces, much like how she views her existence.

[xray-vex]

For the ask game! 😊

17, 38, 44 and 45

17 - an earliest obsession you remember? -- answered in this post

38 - what’s the meaning behind your url? -- it's a pun on the 70s punk band X-ray Spex

44 - do you collect anything? -- also answered in this post

45 - favorite tea? -- okay, i will try to keep this brief!! i'm kind of a tea maniac so this is tough to answer, esp. since my favorite(s) change often, HOWEVERRRR, a few always-favorites that spring to mind are: pu-erh (compressed/fermented/aged black tea), lapsang souchong (pine-smoked black tea), Earl Grey Moonlight (from Adagio Tea), Twinings Blackcurrant tea, Big Red Robe (oolong), genmaicha (green with roasted brown rice), jasmine (green), various flavored dessert-y roobois blends, and a good malty Irish Breakfast (black tea).

[via: weird asks]

[immortalgodsx]

Shamura's Tea

First impressions:

Alright here we go! This tea has an epic blend of both black and pu-erh, orange, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and cardamom

So this tea definitely has a very earthy, spicy (?) smell and brews a rich reddish-brown color. Definitely smells at home in a library or surrounded by books. And pu-erh is supposedly a tea that gets better as it ages (like wine), so would be just fine if Shamura forgot they had it for a few decades.

Taste:

Honestly kinda mild. Maybe I should increase the spices level....

Good with cream and sugar though!

[watsername]

hellooooo!!! i was curious i've been looking for a good pu erh tea brand for ages do you have a favorite if u've tried it?? its been so long....

i will say pu erh is not something i’ve had often it’s not super widely available where i am like even my tea shop which sells a lot of rare and expensive shit like margaret’s hope darjeeling and jamaica blue mountain coffee beans doesn’t buy it in anymore not even on the website the only time i’ve had it was a gift from my chinese flatmate a couple years ago she gave me this

and we drank it at a lunar new year celebrations. the rest of our flat it was good tho i will say so im probably not the best person to ask about it however i do know there is a whole subreddit dedicated to pu erh so i would definitely check that out for recs on good quality tea

[oraclekleo]

"I like my Early Grey the way I like myself - intense, bitter and too hot for everyone." I LOVE THIS 😭 i'm gonna use it now.. also wow i never heard of anyone drinking tea that much and with an order too 😭 not complaining though! i heard tea is really healthy for u and i've been wanting to drink tea more regularly. do u know if tea is healthy to drink very often? and do u know the health benefits for some types of tea?

I think I have read that quote somewhere, it's not my own but feel free to use it 😂

And yes, tea is incredibly healthy. When you take it logically, it's basically water, which is healthy by itself, infused with additional vitamins and minerals from plants.

I have an encyclopedia book about tea, yes, I know a lot about it.

The only thing, one should always consider is the amount of caffein. The tea leaves, the actual leaves from the plant, always have caffein in them. Black tea, green tea, white tea... they do include caffeine and you might not want to drink them in the evening before sleep, for example, because they will keep you energized.

There's even a tea, that actually contains probiotics! Like kimchi or some yogurts! It's called Pu Erh and it actually ages similarly to wine, you can keep it for many years as it continues to mature. It's a very dark tea and has a lot of caffein in it. I have Pu Erh tea with grapefruit flavour for several years and once when I was drinking it from a big tea pot the whole morning, I felt my skin getting itchy and my fingers buzzing from all the caffein rush. So while it's healthy, you need to adjust the dosage. 😂

Bamboo tea, which is one of my favourite ones, is extremely subtle when it comes to taste, it's like grassy and pretty fresh. Bamboo leaves contain no caffein at all, so you can drink it all day long. It's suitable for children and pregnant women AND bamboo tea makes your hair and nails better.

I personally have a thing for herbal teas. While I do love all kinds of tea, the herbal ones just feel good. Herbal teas can help you to sort out many health issues. They are not the cure but they work well in a way they support your body healing and they are awesome as preventive measure, so you don't get sick so often. I for example drink tea daily and it has been more than 10 years since I was genuinelly ill. I mean, I do feel overly exhausted or sick sometimes but when I was a child I suffered from respiraroty diseases and fevers often. These days I rarely have any fever and if I feel sick it usually takes 2 days max. I'm pretty sure I only fall sick because I'm so exhausted and my body knows I won't slow down unless it forces me to do so. And guess what. I spend those 2 days of sickness drinking tea and I feel so much better on day 3. 😂 I have to stress out that this is my personal experience and just because tea makes me healthy, it doesn't mean it will cure other people's issues.

So! To answer you question - it's possible to drink nothing else but tea but you have to drink different kinds so you don't overdose yourself with coffein like I did. 😂

And I have mentioned the health benefits. At least some of them. There are more, obviously. For example many nutritionists suggest that the first thing you should do in the morning is to drink a glass of water and they actually recommend warm water, not cold. If you don't fancy just a pure warm water, here goes tea! Bedouins in the dessert drink hot tea despite the hot weather because tea (often hibiscus tea) hydrates you and at the same time supports sweating which cools you down. And I can confirm this from experience when I was drinking hot mango tea in the summer. It really works like charm for me 😂 Sage tea is good for aching throat. Lavender tea will help you sleep. Cinnamon tea will warm you up in winter, well... every hot tea will warm you up. 🤭

Tea is not only good for your body but it's good for mental health as well. Developing a tea ritual can make you feel so much more grounded and it can replace meditation if meditation as such isn't your thing. For example, I wake up and get out of bed every single morning, knowing I will enjoy a cup of tea. It's a constant. No matter what chaos the day will bring, the morning cup of tea is a moment I have for myself. I also always drink tea at 5 pm. That's the tea time. When it's close to 5 pm, my brain automatically starts demanding tea. Like a Pavlov's reflex. 😂 I also make myself a cup of tea when I'm doing tarot readings. These are my set rituals and in the ever changing and chaotic world, these are my anchors and they give me the peace of mind. As you see, you don't need a big thing to stay calm and sane. Tiny thing such as a cup of tea will do. 😊

So yeah! Tea is good. And it means much more than just a bevarage to me. 💖

Feel free to discuss tea with me anytime 😂

Kleo 🦄

[clavicula-ovis]

     » » @ofcryptid dares to ask; ❝ 🍛 CURRY AND RICE, 🍸 COCKTAIL GLASS, ☕️ HOT BEVERAGE for lucifer & diavolo! ( spencer in the bg taking notes ) ❞

     From Curious Minds Inquiring

   » What does your [character]'s typical dinner look like? Do they usually eat dinner? — If Lucifer isn't entirely occupied by work, he might remember to get some dinner; it's the meal closest to the end of the day, so it's the hardest to miss for him. When he does have dinner, he tries to balance it as much as he possibly can in terms of food groups — gotta make up for the meals he misses somehow. … But you might catch that he sneaks in some kind of spicy addition here or there often times. He can't help but crave it often.

   » What is your [character]’s favorite alcoholic drink, if they can drink? — The more vintage the Demonus, the better. He prefers the dry variants the most, but he won't complain if he gets a sweeter one. He's also ended up developing a taste for aged human world whiskey, even if it can't get him drunk at all; he simply finds the complexity of the taste quite delightful.

   » Does your [character] prefer coffee, tea, hot chocolate, milk, water, or some other drink? How do they like to take this drink? — Lucifer is someone who will take both coffee and tea... sometimes at the same time. His favourite drink is actually a blend of oolong tea mixed with black, dark-roasted coffee. When he is taking his tea, he prefers black tea that has been brewed to have a strong flavour, but will accept rooibos or oolong teas if they have a stronger body. Lucifer always takes his coffee plain with a darker roast, with nothing else added.

   » What does your [character]'s typical dinner look like? Do they usually eat dinner? — Diavolo's dinners are usually prepared by Barbatos around the same time every day, so he always has something balanced out. If he had a choice though, he'd prefer a dish a bit heavier on the meats and spices, with something fruity to finish it out.

   » What is your [character]’s favorite alcoholic drink, if they can drink? — Discounting the obvious of Demonus, there is a particular brand of Devildom-type rum brewed from nightmare sugarcane known as Kelpie's Secrets he is very fond of, though it's sold exclusively to a select group of nobility on custom order.

   » Does your [character] prefer coffee, tea, hot chocolate, milk, water, or some other drink? How do they like to take this drink? — Tea is his usual go-to; there's so many variants for all sorts of situations, but herbal and green teas are his usual choices — though he is known to enjoy Pu-erh tea from the human world when it comes around. When it comes to other beverages, Diavolo is known to indulge in coffee dressed with shadow bovine's milk and abyssal vanilla creamer topped with fresh-ground magma cinnamon, and when Barbatos isn't looking he'll happily chug down various brands of fruity, bubbly sodas. (Much to his butler's chagrin.)

[chineseteashop-blog]

I made this pot of 1992 Bansheng Shu loose puerh tea for my father at the tea shop, using his favourite Republic period longevity tea cup. He used to work with me there everyday before the pandemic, but now he only comes once a month. Whenever he does, we make sure to savor some of the most interesting and delicious aged teas we have. This particular puerh tea has a rich, earthy flavor with a smooth and mellow finish. It's been aged for over 30 years, which gives it a unique complexity and depth that you won't find in younger teas. It's a true treasure of the tea world, and I'm grateful to share it with my dad. Every time we drink tea together, we also talk about life, family, and everything in between. It's a simple pleasure that brings us closer and helps us appreciate each other more. I hope to continue this tradition for many years to come. Do you have any favorite teas to share with your loved ones? Let me know in the comments below!  #teatime #puerh #agedtea #familytime #pu-erh #rawpuerh #shengpuerh #loosepuerh #shoupuerh #gongfucha #yixing #yixingteapot #chinesetea #kongfutea #teaculture #teashopvancouver #chineseteashop #teavancouver (at The Chinese Tea Shop) https://www.instagram.com/p/CrVTBAGuyM8/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[anonymusbosch]

trying some pu-erh tea

- pulling out an aged block "2004? this is older than some college freshmen" and realizing that not only was that not a joke, it's older than some college sophomores

- tried two kinds and they taste like. tinkertoys