Maojian

During the National People's Congress in March 2014, President Xi Jinping, while participating in a discussion with the Guizhou delegation, made an important instruction: “For Dy Maojian tea, we hope you can promote the brand further.” For centuries, the lingering fragrance of Dy Maojian tea has transcended history and borders, captivating many. From the principle that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets,” to “promoting the Dy Maojian brand,” and onto the New National Development Document No. 2 explicitly proposing to “develop modern mountainous characteristic and efficient agriculture,” Dy Maojian shoulders the heavy responsibility of leading Guizhou teas out of the region. The Dy Maojian tea of today is undoubtedly a milestone in the accumulation and development over generations. Photo by Lu Tao Focusing on Policy Guidance, Vigorously Developing the Maojian Tea Industry Over the years, Du Yun City has thoroughly implemented President Xi Jinping’s important instructions regarding “promoting the Dy Maojian brand” and the integrated development concept of tea culture, tea industry, and tea science. It has taken the Dy Maojian as its core industry, focusing on the work philosophy of “year-round picking, full utilization of the tea plant, and full-chain development.” Efforts have been made in key…

Abstract: Through a long historical development, Xinyang Maojian Tea has become a brilliant highlight in Chinese tea culture due to its unique origin and exquisite production techniques. This article analyzes the historical origins, cultural connotations, quality characteristics, production processes, market trends, inheritance, and innovation of Xinyang Maojian Tea, thereby elucidating its history, culture, and modern value. Please note that this is one author's perspective, and errors are inevitable; your indulgence is kindly requested (one person's opinion; April 2024). Keywords: China; Tea Culture; Xinyang Maojian; Historical and Cultural; Modern Value I. Historical Origins of Xinyang Maojian Tea 1.1 Origin and Legends Xinyang Maojian Tea is a type of green tea produced in the Xinyang region of Henan Province, China. There are several stories about the origin and legends of Xinyang Maojian Tea: 1. Legend One: It is said that during the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, a tea farmer accidentally fell into a pile of tea leaves while picking them. When he climbed up in fright, he found that his sweat had covered the tea leaves. After roasting these leaves, he discovered that they were bright green in color and delicious, becoming the prototype of Xinyang Maojian Tea.…

With so many varieties of tea, it can be overwhelming to choose. How to pick the right tea is a common challenge. If you want to buy good quality tea, consider the following suggestions: 1. Avoid buying by "Famous Names" In today's market, almost every tea bears a famous name, such as "Iron Goddess (Tiě Guānyīn), Frozen Peak (Dòngdǐng), or Great Red Robe (Dà Hóngpáo)" for oolong teas, "Dragon Well (Lóngjǐng), Da Fang" for pan-fired green teas, "Green Snail Spring (Bìluóchūn)" for slender green teas, and "Yellow Mountain Fur Peak (Huángshān Máo Fēng)" for plump green teas. Be aware that famous teas are not as common as potatoes. 2. Avoid buying by "Packaging" Poor quality teas are often packaged extravagantly in gold-embellished or antique-styled containers, such as porcelain bottles, tin cans, and redwood boxes. They may look like gold on the outside but are like cotton fluff inside. 3. Avoid buying "Assorted Collections" Dishonest sellers mix poor quality teas and package them as "Five Famous Teas," "Eight Famous Teas," or "Ten Famous Teas." Be cautious; if you want to try all types of famous teas, you need to do some research. 4. Avoid buying by "Place Names" When visiting tea-producing…

1. It's the perfect season for selecting and enjoying fresh green tea. There are many varieties of green tea, and the optimal sales period for high-quality teas is short. You may buy some to try the new season's flavors, stock up on your favorites, or exchange them as gifts with relatives and friends... Before you know it, you've accumulated a good amount of tea. And the typical shelf life indicated for green tea is "one year." Many tea enthusiasts have found themselves with leftovers beyond this timeframe, handling them in various ways. Some continue drinking it as usual, while others believe it can no longer be consumed and dispose of it or use it as fertilizer. Image: Yulü from Enshi, Hubei Can green tea still be consumed after its expiry date (usually one year)? Based on our experience at Tea Encyclopedia: Drink it within the shelf life and as soon as possible; after the expiry date, whether it can still be consumed depends more on the current quality of the tea. In other words, rather than fixating on an uncertain time point, consider the following questions. — How can we store green tea daily to preserve its freshness as much…

Xinyang Maojian, a treasure of Chinese tea culture, has won the affection of tea enthusiasts worldwide with its distinctive taste and quality. Today, we will delve into the grading system of Xinyang Maojian, guiding you through the unique charm of its different grades. I. Overview of Grading for Xinyang Maojian The grading of Xinyang Maojian is primarily based on factors such as appearance, aroma, and taste. Generally, it is divided into several grades including Special Grade, First Grade, Second Grade, and more. Each grade has its own unique qualities and characteristics, catering to diverse consumer preferences. II. Special Grade Xinyang Maojian Special Grade Xinyang Maojian is the highest-quality tea, typically harvested from tender shoots in spring. The leaves are fresh green and evenly colored, covered with white down. This grade of tea has an elegant and lasting aroma, clear and bright infusion, and a rich taste with a strong aftertaste. The production of Special Grade Xinyang Maojian is very limited, making it relatively expensive and a precious tea. III. First Grade Xinyang Maojian First Grade Xinyang Maojian is second only to the Special Grade and is also harvested from tender leaves in spring. The leaves are green and vibrant, with…

Last time, we discussed the types of green tea. Today, let's talk about how to pick high-quality tea. After all, finding a great green tea is the goal. Here are four steps that will help you choose your ideal tea and quickly go from novice to expert. Step 1: Examine the Appearance Check if the tea leaves are intact and not broken. Observe if the color of the dry tea is bright, lustrous, and glossy. Severely broken dry tea can affect the taste of the tea infusion. Brightness, luster, and glossiness indicate the quality and freshness of the tea, as green tea is best enjoyed for its aroma, tenderness, and freshness. Generally, green tea harvested before the Qingming Festival is considered top-quality. Step 2: Smell the Aroma The aroma of tea includes both the dry tea and the infused tea. When shopping, focus on assessing the purity, type, intensity, and persistence of the aroma after brewing. In daily purchases, pouring a small amount of boiling water over the dry tea to release its aroma and then smelling it can be very effective. Step 3: Evaluate the Liquor Color and Taste Evaluate the color, brightness, and clarity of the tea liquor…

With consumers' increasingly diverse and personalized demands, crossover innovation has become a new favorite across industries. Following Luckin Coffee's collaboration with Maotai to launch the internet-sensation "Maotai Soy Aroma Latte," cross-industry combinations have become the latest trend. Recently, Jinxing Beer, a traditional brand with a 42-year history, launched the Jinxing Xinyang Maojian Chinese-style craft beer, quickly gaining widespread attention. In recent years, "tea and alcohol fusion" and "food and alcohol integration" have become hot topics, but most of these are pairings at the sales level rather than actual product fusions. As competition in the craft beer market intensifies, how to open up new avenues and brew a craft beer that embodies Chinese characteristics and Henan cultural elements became a key focus for Zhang Tieshan and the Jinxing R&D team. By chance, they turned their attention to Xinyang Maojian, one of China's top ten famous teas, and thus a completely new craft beer with deep tea-alcohol integration was born: the Jinxing Xinyang Maojian Chinese-style craft beer. This unique craft beer combines the fresh fragrance of tea, chestnut aroma, malt aroma, ester aroma, and hop aroma, retaining the full-bodied and rich taste of craft beer while being rich in beneficial components like…

When buying tea, the variety can be overwhelming, often making it difficult for people to know where to start. Selecting tea has become a real challenge for tea enthusiasts. To buy suitable tea, in addition to following the steps of "Observation, Smelling, Inquiry, and Brewing," it's also important to avoid common pitfalls when purchasing tea. ObservationObservation means looking at the shape of the tea: whether it is uniform, and how shiny its color is. Evaluate the quality of various teas based on their uniformity, luster, and the amount of broken leaves and twigs they contain. For example, green tea should have a fresh green color with visible white downy hairs (better if it does), while yellow or even reddish, dull colors indicate lower quality. A clear tea infusion is better. Some famous teas have unique shapes: West Lake Longjing is usually smooth, flat, and straight with a rice-like yellow hue and no visible downy hairs; Huangshan Maofeng has many downy hairs and a peak-like appearance; Xinyang Maojian is fine, straight, and round with many downy hairs; Biluochun has slender, tightly curled leaves resembling snails. If the tea doesn't look good visually, trust your instincts and don't be swayed by the…

Green tea is one of the most common types of tea on the market, and there are many varieties. The price of different types and qualities of green tea varies slightly. Cheaper green teas can be bought for several dozen yuan per pound, while more expensive ones can reach several thousand yuan per pound. In addition, the price of green tea can also vary slightly depending on location and season. Actual prices should be based on local market conditions. Different Market Prices of Green Teas 1. Longjing Tea: 800 to 8,000 yuan Longjing tea has a prominent reputation among green teas. When the first batches of West Lake Longjing hit the market, they can sell for around 3,000 to 5,000 yuan per pound. This price maintains for about four or five days before gradually decreasing. By the time of Qingming (Tomb Sweeping Day), the price may fall to as low as 800 yuan per pound. Some extremely high-quality West Lake Longjing can sell for 5,000 to 8,000 yuan per pound. If there is any speculation, the price might even reach 10,000 yuan per pound. 2. Biluochun: 400 to 5,000 yuan The price of authentic Biluochun generally ranges from 400 yuan…

Brewing tea is a skillful task. The purpose of paying attention to brewing methods is to avoid the disadvantages of the tea and highlight its advantages, which can be described as making the most of its strengths while minimizing its weaknesses. If we pay attention to the brewing method, even if the green tea is of average quality, we can still optimize its taste; however, if we don't pay attention to the brewing method, even high-quality green tea will not deliver the taste that justifies its price. Brewing Methods for Green Tea 1. Top-Down Method: After warming and cleaning the teacup (teabowl), pour in hot water up to seven-tenths full at once, then wait until the water temperature is suitable before adding the tea leaves. This method is often used for finely processed green teas (such as Special Grade Biluochun, Special Grade Xinyang Maojian, and Mount Meng Ganlu). It is essential to control the water temperature accurately; the finer the tea, the lower the required water temperature. Some teas may need to be added when the water cools down to 70°C. Additionally, any tea brewed using this method can also be prepared using an ice-brewing method. 2. Middle-Down Method: After…

 The habit of drinking tea has existed since ancient times, with a rich tradition and countless varieties. Drinking tea is beneficial to health and can also help cultivate one's character to some extent. While drinking tea is certainly good, few people understand the differences between different types of tea. Generally speaking, most tea comes from southern regions, so southerners tend to prefer drinking tea more than northerners. For friends in the north, it can be challenging to distinguish between various teas. Today, let’s discuss the differences between White Tea and Yellow Tea. First, let’s introduce Yellow Tea. Yellow tea belongs to the category of light fermented teas, with processing methods similar to those of green tea. The key difference is the addition of a "yellowing" process before or after drying, which promotes partial oxidation of polyphenols and chlorophyll. The most important step in its production is yellowing, which is crucial for forming the characteristics of yellow tea. This involves wrapping the tea leaves in paper or stacking them and covering them with a damp cloth, for periods ranging from several minutes to hours. This allows the tea to undergo non-enzymatic oxidation due to heat and moisture, resulting in a yellow…

As stated in the book "Newly Compiled Yunnan General Gazetteer: Examination of Local Products - Tea," written in the 1940s, "The name Puer tea holds a special place among Chinese teas, far surpassing those from Anhui, Fujian, Zhejiang, and other regions." Puer tea is a gift from heaven and also one of nature's most generous gifts to humanity. It is a purely natural product that has survived the process of natural selection. As time progresses and technology advances, we should have a deeper understanding and appreciation of Puer tea. Puer tea is a solid-state naturally post-fermented tea. Microorganisms and enzymes invisible to the naked eye participate in the fermentation process, producing secondary metabolites with beneficial biological activity. These substances provide functions such as antibacterial, anti-tumor, antioxidant properties, and promote metabolism in the human body. In line with the conventional thinking of most tea-producing areas in China, if we categorize teas by geographical location, color, or production method, Puer tea cannot be grouped together with them. Puer historically served as a distribution center for Puer tea, unlike teas named after their places of origin like Longjing, Huangshan Maofeng, Xinyang Maojian, and Wuyi rock teas. Some people classify raw Puer tea as…

With continuous technological advancements and growing market demands, the application of intelligent control technology has become a key factor in driving the development of the tea industry. Therefore, studying intelligent control technology for tea processing equipment is of great significance to the production and development of China's tea. This review summarizes the latest research progress on intelligent control technology in green tea, black tea (red tea in China), and dark tea primary production lines, exploring innovative applications of intelligent withering equipment and intelligent pan-firing machines in the refinement process of tea. This can provide insights for future research on intelligent control technology for tea processing equipment. I. Research on the Application of Intelligent Control Technology in Primary Production Lines for Tea 1. Green Tea Production Line Green tea, the most common and widely consumed type of tea in China, has seen the introduction of smart production lines by many companies. These production lines are equipped with data collection and management capabilities to achieve digitalized processing. Photographed by the Editorial Department of China Tea The automated production line system for stir-fried green tea is precise and highly automated, enabling fully automatic continuous production of green tea. Advanced energy-saving production equipment and…

In recent years, Suxianshi Township has strengthened its approach of using party building to promote rural revitalization. Leveraging its own resource endowments, it has cultivated and expanded distinctive industries. The township has transformed organizational advantages into development advantages for the tea industry and turned the exemplary role of party members into driving forces for growth. Currently, there are 26,000 mu (approximately 1733 hectares) of high-altitude tea gardens in the township, generating nearly 200 million yuan in output value. It has received certifications as a "Green Food" raw material base and a provincial "Three Products and One Mark" base. Party Building Leads Organizational Efforts To Boost the Tea Industry's Growth and Strength Focus on "Dual Binding" to Gather Strength. The township continues to deepen the approach of "building branches along the industrial chain." Two provincial key leading enterprises play a leading role in integrating resources, innovating models, and setting examples. They establish a "dual binding" mechanism, binding households to cooperatives and cooperatives to leading enterprises, which radiates to more than 120 participating party members and leads to the establishment of 127 tea-specialized cooperatives, involving 13,000 mu (approximately 867 hectares) of tea gardens, and benefiting over 500 tea-growing households. Focus on Linkage…

    If you want to buy good tea,     You should first know the "Four Taboos."     1. Avoid buying by "Name"    If a tea's name is too prominent, it will flood the market, often at very low prices. The result is tragic. "Tieguanyin" doesn't resemble its name at all, "Longjing" has thick and stout twigs, and "Dahongpao" is full of charcoal flavor, claimed to have rock charm...     Any tea can vary in quality, after all, "name" only represents a type of variety, processing method, or a specific region's tea. Don't be tempted by small bargains, as you may waste money on inferior tea.     2. Avoid buying by "Packaging"    Nowadays, the packaging can cost more than the tea itself. For tea drinkers, seeing luxurious packaging should raise an eyebrow. Many "golden and splendid" or "antique-style" large gift boxes contain tea that might not even be worth the price of the box; they merely satisfy the desire for "face" when giving gifts, truly "gilded on the outside, but decayed within."     3. Avoid buying by "Location"    When traveling and buying local specialties, did you know that you cannot buy real…

Basic Introduction to Jinsha Tribute TeaJinsha Tribute Tea is a specialty of Jinsha County, Bijie City, Guizhou Province. Jinsha County in Bijie City, Guizhou Province, is known as the birthplace of China's tribute tea, with its specialty, the Jinsha Tribute Tea, having a history spanning over two millennia. Growing along the banks of the Chishui River, it boasts a vibrant green color and an inviting aroma, serving as a symbol of friendship between Lady Shuxiang and Emperor Hongwu Zhu Yuanzhang, and thus was decreed as a tribute tea.The predominant topography of Jinsha County is karst, followed by eroded landscapes. It has a subtropical monsoon climate that is humid and mild, with no severe cold in winter and no scorching heat in summer, a long frost-free period, abundant rainfall, all of which are conducive to tea production.Jinsha County is the birthplace of Chinese tribute tea culture in western China, tracing back to the Han Emperor Wu's envoy Tang Meng's mission to Yelang. The county preserves more than 40 ancient tea trees, cultivated by humans for over a thousand years. Jinsha County has been honored with the title "China's Tribute Tea Homeland" by the China Tea Marketing Association. Product Characteristics1. Sensory Features:Resembles…

"A Cup of Tea, Just the Wonder." On August 4th, Alexis Kai, Vice Chairman of the European Speciality Tea Association and Founding Chairman of the Danish Tea Association, and Marco Bertona, Executive Chairman of the International Slow Tea Alliance and Chairman of the Italian Tea and Herbal Tea Association, shared this sentiment when they were invited to participate in the 2024 Seventh China Tea Import and Export Trade Conference and Douyun Maojian Tea Gathering. Alexis Kai, Vice Chairman of the European Speciality Tea Association and Founding Chairman of the Danish Tea Association The venue for this conference was chosen at the Douyun Maojian base by the Gaozhai Reservoir in Luoshike, Douyun City. The attendees traversed winding mountain roads through the rolling hills covered with thousands of acres of tea fields, enjoying the beautiful scenery of Guizhou. Alexis Kai remarked, "In 2017, due to a rushed schedule, I couldn't fully appreciate the beauty here. But this time, upon my return to Douyun, its beauty is breathtaking. Good mountains and good waters nurture good tea, and I think the high quality of Guizhou tea vividly illustrates this." Guizhou, known as the "Birthplace of World Tea," is the only high-altitude, low-latitude, cloudy, and…

The Aroma Achieved Through Baking The tea processing of Xinyang Maojian not only preserves the tenderness of the buds but also enhances their aroma to a certain extent, creating a fresh, smooth, and mellow taste for Maojian tea. The production process of Xinyang Maojian is very meticulous. Before stir-frying, the fresh leaves are sorted according to variety, weather at the time of picking (rainy or sunny), time of day (morning or afternoon), and freshness. They are then graded using bamboo sieves and kept separately. The sorted tea leaves are spread out on a tray; those picked on rainy days should be spread thinly, while those picked on sunny days can be spread more thickly. Once the leaves become soft and have lost some moisture, they are ready for stir-frying. The stir-frying directly determines the quality of Xinyang Maojian, as it is the process that enhances its aroma and also makes the tea suitable for long-term storage. Its technique is also unique, consisting of three steps: raw pan, mature pan, and baking. Although this sounds simple, the actual process is particularly complex. Furthermore, the stir-frying and baking techniques of Xinyang Maojian combine elements from the production methods of Lu'an Guapian and…

Xinyang Maojian, also known as Yu Mao Feng, belongs to the green tea category. It is one of China's top ten famous teas and a renowned specialty of Henan Province. Created by Han Chinese tea farmers in the early years of the Republic of China, it is mainly produced in Xinyang City, Xin County, Shangcheng County, and other areas around Dabie Mountain. Xinyang Maojian has unique characteristics in terms of color, aroma, taste, and appearance. Its color is fresh and lustrous without impurities; its aroma is elegant and fresh; its taste is fresh, mellow, and has a sweet aftertaste; and, from an appearance standpoint, it is uniform, bright green with a luster, and has prominent white down. The shape is fine, round, smooth, straight, with many white hairs; the color is emerald green; when brewed, it has a long-lasting high aroma, a rich and mellow taste, a sweet aftertaste that produces saliva, and a clear, bright soup color. High-quality Xinyang Maojian has a tender green, yellowish green, or bright soup color, with a fragrant aroma. In contrast, low-quality Xinyang Maojian has a dark green or yellowish, murky soup color, is not durable when brewed, and lacks tea fragrance. To distinguish…

Basic Introduction to Dragon God TeaDracon God Tea is produced in a typical northwest high-altitude, pollution-free, premium tea region, known as the "Jiangnan of Long," where there are tea trees over a hundred years old. It has a long history of tea production, and unique geological, topographical, soil, precipitation, photothermal conditions, and favorable vegetation provide advantageous resources. The special geographical environment creates unique conditions suitable for tea growth, nurturing the distinctive Dragon God premium tea.As early as more than 200 years ago, tea trees were already growing along the streams in Magodi Valley, Yangba Village, Taiping Township, Kang County. In 1958, Kang County introduced 25 kilograms of tea seeds from Hunan Province and successfully tested their cultivation at the Shangba Nursery in Yangba. In 1964, the Gansu Provincial Department of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry imported tea seeds from Anhui, Hunan, and Jiangxi Provinces, which were distributed to Kang County and planted successfully in Shangba and Longshengou in Yangba, as well as in Taiping and Sanhe, covering 300 acres. To date, tea cultivation in Kang County has a history of over 40 years.To develop and strengthen the tea industry, Kang County persists with market orientation, benefit-centeredness, science and technology as support,…

Tea soothes the spirit and calms the mind, embodying the myriad facets of life and the ebb and flow of time. It is an indispensable “spiritual sustenance” in the lives of Chinese people.China has a vast array of tea types, which can be categorized into six main categories based on their degree of fermentation: Green Tea, Yellow Tea, White Tea, Oolong (or Qing) Tea, Black Tea (which refers to what is known as Red Tea in the West), and Dark (or Hei) Tea. Given the seasonal changes from spring's warmth, summer's heat, autumn's coolness, and winter's cold, there are specific teas that are best suited for each season according to climatic conditions. 01Seasonal Tea Drinking Spring — Flower Tea: With its slightly sweet and cool nature and fragrant aroma, flower tea helps to dispel the cold accumulated in the body during winter, promotes the circulation of qi and blood, and strengthens liver function. Common flower teas include osmanthus tea, jasmine tea, and magnolia tea. Summer — Green Tea: Slightly bitter but with a hint of sweetness and a cool nature, green tea is effective in relieving heat and thirst, clearing heat and dampness, calming the heart, and treating diarrhea and…

Understanding the Essence of Maojian Tea Maojian tea, one of China's famous teas, is beloved by tea enthusiasts for its delicate buds and unique aroma. To brew a fragrant and smooth cup of Maojian tea, controlling water temperature is crucial. The right temperature not only activates the tea's fragrance but also prevents bitterness. So what is the ideal water temperature for brewing Maojian tea? Let’s delve into this question today. (Image source: Internet. Please delete if infringing.) Why is Water Temperature So Important for Maojian Tea? Maojian tea leaves belong to the green tea category and are tender with rich nutritional content. Too high a temperature can destroy these nutrients, making the tea bitter; too low a temperature fails to fully release the tea's aroma and flavor. Mastering the appropriate water temperature ensures that every cup of Maojian tea showcases its best flavor and mouthfeel. What is the Ideal Water Temperature? The best water temperature for brewing Maojian tea is approximately between 80°C and 85°C. This temperature range effectively releases the tea's fragrance and flavor without damaging its internal nutrients. (Image source: Internet. Please delete if infringing.) How to Measure Water Temperature? There are several ways to ensure your water…

Maojian tea, as one of the six major types of Chinese tea and a green tea, is beloved by many tea enthusiasts. It has won the favor of a wide range of tea lovers with its distinctive aroma and refreshing taste. So, what type of tea is Maojian exactly? Let's delve into the world of Maojian tea to better understand its characteristics, varieties, and brewing methods. Definition and Classification of Maojian Tea Maojian tea, as the name suggests, refers to a type of green tea characterized by its fine, hair-like shape and prominent tips. It is primarily produced in regions such as Xinyang in Henan Province, Zhejiang, Guizhou, and Hunan in China. Among these, Xinyang Maojian is the most famous and is regarded as one of China’s top ten teas. The main features of Maojian tea include its resemblance to a sparrow's tongue, vibrant green color, fresh aroma, and sweet, mellow taste. History and Origin of Maojian Tea The history of Maojian tea can be traced back to the Qing Dynasty, when it first appeared in southern China's tea-producing areas. The production of Xinyang Maojian started at the end of the Qing Dynasty and the beginning of the Republic era,…