🌾 What Chinese Tea to Drink During Mangzhong (芒種 máng zhǒng, Grain in Ear) and the Perfect Dessert Pairing
- vkhong
- Jun 12
- 2 min read
Mangzhong (芒種 máng zhǒng) is the ninth of the 24 solar terms (二十四節氣 èrshí sì jiéqì) in the traditional Chinese calendar, usually falling between June 5th and 7th. The character “芒” (máng) refers to grains with awns like wheat, and “種” (zhǒng) means planting. This season is marked by humid, hot weather and frequent rainfall — a time when proper tea and food choices can help regulate the body and spirit.
🍵 Best Teas for Mangzhong: Stay Cool and Light
During Mangzhong, the body may feel heavy and fatigued (濕熱 shīrè – damp-heat), so teas that help cool (清熱 qīngrè), reduce dampness (去濕 qùshī), and refresh the mind (提神 tíshén) are ideal.
1. 龍井 (lóngjǐng) – Longjing (Dragon Well Tea)
A celebrated green tea (綠茶 lǜchá), Longjing is cool in nature (性涼 xìng liáng) and excellent for clearing internal heat (清內火 qīng nèi huǒ). It soothes the mind and aids digestion — perfect for hot, sticky weather.
2. 白毫銀針 (báiháo yínzhēn) – White Hair Silver Needle
This white tea (白茶 báichá) is known for its gentle, floral notes and cooling effect. It is believed to detoxify the body (解毒 jiědú) and nourish the lungs (潤肺 rùnfèi), making it ideal for humid early summer.
3. 黃山毛峰 (Huángshān máofēng) – Huangshan Maofeng
Another green tea with high fragrance and smooth taste (香高味醇 xiāng gāo wèi chún), this tea helps stimulate digestion and reduce internal dampness.
🍰 Perfect Summer Desserts to Pair with Your Tea
To balance the heat and support health, desserts that are cooling (清涼 qīngliáng), light (清淡 qīngdàn), and digestive-friendly (助消化 zhù xiāohuà) are recommended.
✅ 薏仁綠豆糕 (yìrén lǜdòu gāo) – Coix Seed and Mung Bean Cake
This classic Chinese treat is soft, mildly sweet, and refreshing. It removes dampness (利濕 lì shī) and is a great match for Longjing.
✅ 蓮子百合羹 (liánzǐ bǎihé gēng) – Lotus Seed & Lily Bulb Soup
Mildly sweet and served cold, this soup is known to calm the heart (養心安神 yǎngxīn ānshén) and moisten the lungs. It pairs beautifully with white tea like Silver Needle.
🫖 Tea & Chinese Language Workshop at Hibiscus Academy
Learn tea and language in one sitting!
This Mangzhong season, we’re offering a limited seasonal workshop at Hibiscus Academy, where you’ll:
Brew seasonal Chinese teas using traditional methods
Learn useful Mandarin tea vocabulary
Pair teas with handmade Chinese desserts
Immerse yourself in Chinese cultural aesthetics
📅 Session Dates: Please contact us for the latest schedule📍 Venue: Hibiscus Academy, Kuala Lumpur🎟️ Limited slots available – advance booking required
💬 Whether you’re a tea lover, language learner, or both — don’t miss this immersive cultural experience!
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