Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from July, 2023

Happy Weekend, the Joy Brought by a Cup of Espresso

Today is a leisurely weekend, and I decided to take a little break by going downstairs to my Starbucks and simply unwind. In this place where a strong sense of happiness envelops you, I am savoring a cup of Espresso. The intense flavor and aroma of Espresso bring me a sense of clarity and joy. Sitting on a cozy sofa, my thoughts wander to the history and culture behind coffee. Espresso, a method invented by Italians in the early 20th century, has now become a part of the global tea-drinking culture. Besides the coffee itself, I am also fascinated by coffee cups. They showcase creativity and taste through various decorative forms like reliefs, paintings, and glazes, making sipping coffee an artistic enjoyment. So, on this weekend, I chose Espresso, and I chose to relish the delightful moments it brings at Starbucks. May each of us find our own Espresso moments in this bustling world.

Gilded History: The Art of Kintsugi

Kintsugi, also known as Kintsukuroi, is a unique and exquisite art form that goes beyond simple restoration; it embodies a philosophical perspective. Rooted in the rich cultural soil of Japan, Kintsugi involves repairing damaged pottery using various types of lacquer, such as raw lacquer, black lacquer, and Benpi lacquer, mixed with gold powder, silver powder, or platinum powder. Unlike conventional repair techniques, Kintsugi celebrates the history of an object by embracing its flaws, rather than concealing them. The process of Kintsugi is a ritualistic and respectful one, where artisans meticulously handle every imperfection, as if revealing the vessel's historical memory. Each patch and each thread of gold become an indelible mark of the pottery's life journey, breathing new life into them. These objects no longer remain inanimate artifacts but transform into vessels with captivating stories to tell. The philosophy of Kintsugi harmonizes with the Japanese aesthetic of "...

Cultural Harmony in Tea: Comparing the Japanese and Chinese Tea Ceremonies

 The Japanese tea ceremony, known as "chanoyu" or "sado," and the Chinese tea ceremony, known as "chayi" or "gongfu cha," have distinct cultural and stylistic differences. Here are some key differences between the two: Click to Learn more about this teaset at BestCeamics.cn 1. Origins and Influences: The Japanese tea ceremony has its roots in Zen Buddhism and was influenced by Chinese tea culture. It evolved as a meditative practice focused on mindfulness and the appreciation of simplicity. Chinese tea ceremonies have a longer history and encompass various regional tea traditions influenced by Taoism, Confucianism, and other cultural factors. Click to Learn more about this teaset at BestCeamics.cn 2. Tea Preparation: In the Japanese tea ceremony, matcha, a powdered green tea, is commonly used. It involves whisking the tea powder with hot water in a ritualistic manner to create a frothy beverage. Chinese tea ceremonies typically involve the use of...

Why do people drink tea or coffee?

People drink tea or coffee for various reasons, including personal preferences, cultural practices, and potential health benefits. Here are some common reasons why people enjoy these beverages: 1. Taste and Aroma: Tea and coffee offer distinct flavors and aromas that many people find enjoyable. The unique profiles of different teas and coffees, such as floral, fruity, earthy, or bold notes, appeal to individuals based on their taste preferences. 2. Energy Boost: Both tea and coffee contain caffeine, a natural stimulant that can provide an energy boost and increase alertness. The caffeine content in coffee is generally higher than that in tea, making coffee a popular choice for those seeking a stronger pick-me-up. 3. Social and Cultural Rituals: Tea and coffee have long-standing cultural significance and are often consumed as part of social rituals and gatherings. Sharing a cup of tea or coffee with friends, family, or colleagues can foster connections and create moments of relaxation a...

What happens to the tea leaves after they are used to make a cup of tea?

  After tea leaves are used to make a cup of tea, they can be disposed of in different ways depending on personal preference and environmental considerations. Here are a few common options: 1. Discarding as Organic Waste: Many people simply discard the used tea leaves as organic waste. This can include placing them in a compost bin or adding them to a compost pile to decompose and contribute to soil enrichment. 2. Reusing for Gardening: Some individuals repurpose used tea leaves by incorporating them into gardening practices. Tea leaves can be spread around plants as a natural mulch, added to compost, or used as a nutrient-rich addition to potting soil. 3. Skin and Hair Care: Tea leaves can be used for skincare or haircare purposes. They can be infused in warm water to create a soothing facial or hair rinse, offering potential benefits for the skin and hair. 4. Household Cleaning: The tannins in tea can have a cleaning effect. Used tea leaves can be used to scrub or polish surfaces...

What are the benefits of drinking Green Tea?

Drinking green tea has been associated with several potential health benefits due to its unique composition of bioactive compounds. While individual experiences may vary, here are some potential benefits of drinking green tea: 1. Antioxidant Properties: Green tea is rich in antioxidants, such as catechins and flavonoids, which help combat free radicals and protect cells from oxidative stress. These antioxidants may have potential benefits for overall health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. 2. Weight Management: Some studies suggest that green tea extract may help support weight management efforts by enhancing metabolism and fat oxidation. However, it's important to note that any effects on weight loss are generally modest, and maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise are key factors. 3. Heart Health: Regular consumption of green tea has been associated with potential cardiovascular benefits. It may help reduce the risk of heart disease by improving cholesterol lev...

Can drinking tea help with weight loss?

Drinking tea alone is unlikely to result in significant weight loss. However, incorporating tea into a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and regular exercise can potentially support weight management efforts. Here are a few ways in which tea may be beneficial: 1. Calorie-Free Beverage: Many varieties of tea, such as green tea and herbal teas, are naturally calorie-free when consumed without sweeteners or additives. Choosing tea as a beverage option instead of calorie-laden drinks like sugary sodas or sweetened coffee can help reduce overall calorie intake. 2. Potential Thermogenic Effects: Some studies suggest that certain types of tea, like green tea, may have a minor thermogenic effect, which means they could potentially slightly increase calorie expenditure and fat oxidation. However, the impact on weight loss is generally modest, and other factors, such as diet and exercise, play more substantial roles. 3. Hydration and Appetite Control: Staying adequately hydrated is...