"The zeng steamer is made of wood or earthenware, narrowed at the waist and sealed with clay. A bamboo tray serves as the grate, tied with bamboo strips. When steaming begins, the
"Those planted without firm rooting rarely flourish. The method is like growing melons: after three years the leaves may be gathered."
"In Qianzhong, teas of Enzhou, Bozhou, Feizhou, and Yizhou are only occasionally obtained, yet their flavor is excellent."
"Sima Xiangru's Fanyang pian lists among drugs wu-hui, jiegeng, yuanhua, kuandong, beimu, mubo, lou, qincao, shaoyao, gui, loulu, feilian, chuan-cha, bailian, baizhi, changpu, mang
"As a beverage, tea began with Shennong, the Divine Farmer, and became known through the Duke of Zhou of Lu."
"When the water first boils, skim off the film that rises on the surface, like black mica; drinking it spoils the flavor."
"From picking to sealing there are seven processes; from barbarian boots to frosted lotus there are eight grades."
"The chan cloth, also called yi, is made of oiled silk or worn rainwear. It is laid on the cheng base, and the gui mold set upon it to form the tea; when a cake is done, it is lift
"For heat and thirst, congested chest, headache, smarting eyes, restless limbs, or discomfort in all the joints — a few sips of tea rival the finest cream and nectar."
"But in towns and noble households, if one of the twenty-four vessels is missing, the tea ceremony is spoiled."