The Dave Chang Show Tea 101 With Steep LA's Sam Wang and Lydia Lin
Feb 13, 2025
Sam Wang and Lydia Lin, tea experts and co-owners of Steep LA, share their deep passion for tea. They dive into the fascinating world of tea types, explaining the nuances between black, green, oolong, and pu'er teas. The duo generously shares tips on brewing techniques and the importance of temperature for flavor. They also explore the art of tea infusions with alcohol and the significance of the Gaiwan in Chinese culture. Listeners will discover unique tea blends and innovative product trends, all while enjoying a light-hearted discussion on tea culture.
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Tea Categories and Origins
- There are six major categories of tea in Chinese culture: black (red), green, oolong, pu'er, white, and dark.
- All these teas can technically be made from the same plant through different processing methods, primarily oxidation.
Pu'er Tea Origins
- Pu'er tea's popularity in the US might be linked to the fermented beverage movement and perceived health benefits.
- It originated in Yunnan, China, when black tea fermented accidentally during shipment to the UK in the Qing dynasty.
Tea Plant Revelation
- Dave Chang and Chris Ying were surprised to learn that most teas originate from the same plant.
- This revelation is compared to learning that the world is not flat, highlighting a common misconception about tea.