Chinese tea in a ball, also known as xiaoqinggan in Mandarin, is a type of tea that is made with a combination of puer tea and green mandarin orange. The tea is made by filling the hollowed-out skin of a green mandarin orange with pu er tea leaves, then sealing the orange with a small lid.
Xiaoqinggan is a delicious and refreshing tea that has a unique flavor profile. The tea has a sweet and fruity aroma, with a hint of bitterness from the pu er tea. The tea is also known for its health benefits, including its ability to help with digestion and weight loss.
Here are the steps on how to make xiaoqinggan:
Ingredients:
- 1 xiaoqinggan
- 100-degree Celsius (212-degree Fahrenheit) water
Equipment:
- A teapot or gaiwan
- A strainer
- A cup or mug
Instructions:
- Heat the water. Bring a kettle of water to a boil.
- Warm the teapot or gaiwan. Pour a small amount of hot water into the teapot or gaiwan, swirl it around, and then discard the water. This will help to warm the teapot or gaiwan and prevent the tea from becoming too cold.
- Add the xiaoqinggan to the teapot or gaiwan. Place the xiaoqinggan in the teapot or gaiwan, lid side up.
- Pour the hot water over the xiaoqinggan. Pour the hot water over the xiaoqinggan, making sure to wet all sides of the orange.
- Steep the tea. Let the tea steep for 5-10 seconds.
- Pour the tea. Pour the tea into a cup or mug, and enjoy.
Tips:
- You can adjust the steeping time to your liking. For a stronger tea, steep the tea for longer. For a weaker tea, steep the tea for less time.
- You can also add more or less xiaoqinggan to the teapot or gaiwan, depending on your preference.
- Xiaoqinggan can be re-steeped multiple times. You can typically re-steep the tea 10-15 times.
Health benefits:
Xiaoqinggan is a healthy tea that has a number of health benefits. The tea is a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect your cells from damage. The tea is also known for its ability to help with digestion and weight loss.
Here are some of the specific health benefits of xiaoqinggan:
- Antioxidants: Xiaoqinggan is a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, leading to a number of health problems, including cancer, heart disease, and aging.
- Digestion: Xiaoqinggan is a good source of fiber, which can help to promote digestion. The tea can also help to soothe an upset stomach.
- Weight loss: Xiaoqinggan is a low-calorie tea that can help to promote weight loss. The tea can help to boost your metabolism and suppress your appetite.
If you are looking for a delicious and healthy tea, xiaoqinggan is a great option. The tea is easy to make and has a number of health benefits.
