Chapter V · The Brewing: Taste and body — 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: Text and editions — 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: Misreadings — 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: Modern tea science — 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: One-page summary — Those planted without firm rooting rarely flourish. The method is…
"Those planted without firm rooting rarely flourish. The method is like growing melons: after three years the leaves may be gathered."
Chapter VIII · The Producing Regions: Taste and body — 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."
Chapter VII · The History: Text and editions — When Emperor Hui of Jin, fleeing in the dust, returned…
"When Emperor Hui of Jin, fleeing in the dust, returned to Luoyang, the eunuch presented tea in an earthen bowl to the Son of Heaven."
Chapter VI · The Drinking: Misreadings — As a beverage, tea began with Shennong, the Divine Farmer…
"As a beverage, tea began with Shennong, the Divine Farmer, and became known through the Duke of Zhou of Lu."
Chapter IV · The Vessels: Terroir — Ladle it with a gourd into the bowls, so that…
"Ladle it with a gourd into the bowls, so that the foam is evenly divided. The foam — the froth — is the flower of the soup."
Chapter III · The Making: Close reading — Some praise tea that is glossy, black, and even —…
"Some praise tea that is glossy, black, and even — that is the lowest judgment. Some praise what is wrinkled, yellow, and uneven — that is a middling judgment. But to call everythi