Chapter I · The Origin: Modern tea science — If one takes qini in place of ginseng, none of…
"If one takes qini in place of ginseng, none of the six ailments will be cured. Understand how ginseng may mislead, and the pitfalls of tea become clear."
Chapter I · The Origin: Practice today — Tea is a fine and noble tree of the South…
"Tea is a fine and noble tree of the South. It may stand one or two feet tall, or reach many dozens of feet. In the mountain gorges of Bashan, there are trees so thick that two men
Chapter VIII · The Producing Regions: Vessels and fire — In Huainan Circuit, Guangzhou is best, Yiyang and Shuzhou next…
"In Huainan Circuit, Guangzhou is best, Yiyang and Shuzhou next, Shouzhou lower, and Qizhou and Huangzhou lowest."
Chapter VII · The History: Words and things — Among the Three Sovereigns, Shennong the Fiery Emperor; of the…
"Among the Three Sovereigns, Shennong the Fiery Emperor; of the Zhou, the Duke of Zhou Dan of Lu; Yan Ying, prime minister of Qi; and of the Han, the immortals Dan Qiu-zi and Huang
Chapter V · The Brewing: Misreadings — The finest powder is fine as rice-grains; the inferior is…
"The finest powder is fine as rice-grains; the inferior is coarse as water-chestnuts."
Chapter IV · The Vessels: Modern tea science — For the fire, charcoal is best, and sturdy firewood next…
"For the fire, charcoal is best, and sturdy firewood next. Charcoal that has been used for roasting, stained with fat and rankness, as well as resinous wood and rotten utensils, mu
Chapter III · The Making: One-page summary — On rainy days do not pick; on clear days with…
"On rainy days do not pick; on clear days with clouds do not pick; only on perfectly clear days pick."
Chapter II · The Implements: Making — The pestle and mortar, also called dui, are best when…
"The pestle and mortar, also called dui, are best when they have long been in constant use."
Chapter I · The Origin: Plain reading — Wild tea is best; that of the garden is inferior…
"Wild tea is best; that of the garden is inferior. On sunny cliffs beneath shady woods, the purple buds are best and the green ones inferior; buds like bamboo shoots are best, slen
Chapter VIII · The Producing Regions: Misreadings — In Qianzhong, teas of Enzhou, Bozhou, Feizhou, and Yizhou are…
"In Qianzhong, teas of Enzhou, Bozhou, Feizhou, and Yizhou are only occasionally obtained, yet their flavor is excellent."