Basic Introduction to Yantai Green Tea
Yantai Green Tea is a specialty of the Yantai region in Shandong Province, China, and is one of the most representative local products in Shandong Province.
Yantai is one of the highest latitude tea-producing areas in China, influenced by a temperate humid marine climate. The slow growth of tea trees results in rich accumulation of nutrients in the leaves, which are of high quality and characterized by “thick leaves and abundant organic and inorganic compounds.”
Yantai Green Tea features thick green tea leaves with rich nutritional content, particularly high levels of amino acids and chlorophyll, far exceeding those of southern teas. Overall, it possesses the quality characteristics of high-altitude teas. However, due to the thickness of the leaves, processed Yantai Green Tea does not appear as delicate as southern teas.
Tests conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture's Tea Quality Supervision and Inspection Center showed that the water-soluble extractives in green tea produced in Yantai were 48.6%, 14% higher than those in southern teas. Important indicators reflecting the quality of green tea, such as amino acids, polyphenols, Caffeine, and chlorophyll, can match those of southern teas. It has the characteristics of “bright green liquor, thick leaves, strong aroma, and good for multiple infusions.”
Nutritional Value
The amino acids, catechins, vitamin C, chlorophyll, and other nutritional components in Yantai Green Tea are all higher than those in similar tea products. More than 85% of the tea polyphenols and caffeine and over 50% of the chlorophyll in the fresh leaves are retained. This gives it the characteristic of “clear liquor and green leaves” with a strong flavor. It has the effects of quenching thirst, refreshing the mind, aiding digestion, eliminating greasy feelings, preventing cancer, fighting cancer, sterilizing, and detoxifying. It combines the advantages of southern teas with the characteristics of northern teas, suitable for people of all ages, and is truly “the holy grail of teas,” much loved by consumers.
Product Characteristics
1. Sensory Features:
Thick leaves, strong aroma, rich flavor, and good for multiple infusions.
(1) Flat-shaped Tea: Flat and straight in shape, smooth and fresh in appearance, bright green in color, bright green liquor, strong and lasting aroma, full-bodied taste, uniform and whole leaves at the bottom.
(2) Curled-shaped Tea: Tight and fine or knotted in shape, evenly robust, gray-green with a white bloom, clear and high-lasting aroma, rich and sweet taste, tender and thick leaves at the bottom.
(3) Needle-shaped Tea: Tight, fine, round, straight, and green in appearance with silvery tips, clear and bright green liquor, clear and high aroma, mild and harmonious taste, plump and uniform leaves at the bottom.
2. Physical and Chemical Indicators: Water-soluble extractives ≥ 40.0%.
Historical Folklore
In 1966, Yantai began planting southern tea in the north, with tea seedlings sourced from Anhui and Zhejiang provinces.
In 1973, Yantai Green Tea was planted on trial, and after successful evaluation, it was promoted.
In 1970, Yantai's tea gardens started producing tea, with an annual output of 3,855 kilograms.
In 1976, Yantai established 12,520 mu of tea gardens.
In 1977, the production of Yantai Green Tea reached 180,000 kilograms.
Affected by natural climate conditions, the cost of winter protection and management was high, Tea processing techniques were primitive, labor intensity was great, and the economic benefits of Yantai Green Tea were low. For a time, many tea plantations were converted to other crops, and by 1985, only 600 mu of tea gardens remained in Yantai City.
In 2001, modern tea planting in Yantai was revived, and the first experimental field was opened.
In 2002, the planting of tea trees in Yantai was successful.
In 2004, Yantai began large-scale promotion of green tea cultivation, with growing areas distributed in Haiyang, Laixi, Penglai, Muping, Laizhou, and elsewhere, with the largest area in Haiyang, accounting for about 80% of the total.
In 2007, Yantai established a tea association, serving as the center for the promotion of northern teas in Yantai.
Awards and Honors for Yantai Green Tea
On December 28, 2016, the original General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine approved geographical indication product protection for “Yantai Green Tea.”