Start with the claim
We distinguish what can be observed in a cup from claims requiring documents, testing or traceability. Leaf shape, aroma and wet leaves cannot independently prove exact origin, age, cultivar or grade.
Choose sources deliberately
For standards and geographical protection, use the current official record. For scientific claims, consult relevant research. Books and heritage sources provide context; retailer descriptions can document market language but are not independent verification.
Keep uncertainty visible
Tasting notes describe tendencies. Traditional stories must be labeled as stories. We do not infer medical benefits from cultural use, assign authenticity scores or describe a generated illustration as documentary evidence.
How pages are compiled
Each page starts from our research library: Chinese national (GB/T) and industry standards, geographical-indication records, and reference works on tea processing, brewing and culture. We use AI tools to help organize this material and draft structure; an editor then checks every core claim — names, origin, processing, standards and brewing figures — before the page is published, and removes anything that cannot be supported.
Review before publication
A page is only published, and only carries a review date, once its core claims have passed that check. Where a claim rests on a public source you can verify yourself — a national standard, a government registry entry or a GI regulation — the source is listed and linked at the bottom of the page. We keep adding independent citations as we re-review pages. If you find an error, please tell us through our corrections process.