Tea processing

“This year, Longhua has had ample rain, and the town government has organized multiple skill training sessions. Through scientific management, tea production has increased again, and our income this year has risen compared to last!” said Cheng Qiangui, a tea farmer from Renmin Village in Pingshan County's Longhua Town, Yibin City, with great delight. Recently, reporters learned from Longhua Town in Pingshan County that the town’s soil is rich in selenium, and the tea industry is a traditional one here. In recent years, the town’s Party Committee has focused on the entire chain of the tea industry, strictly grasping the “production end,” “processing end,” and “sales end.” They have been committed to filling and strengthening the chain, driving the tea industry towards development in the direction of “standardization,” “intensification,” and “branding.” This has resulted in continuous growth in the average per-acre value of tea in the town for three consecutive years and an ongoing increase in local tea farmers' incomes. “In 2024, the estimated fresh tea leaf output of the entire town is expected to reach 31 million pounds, an increase of about 15% year-over-year. The total annual production value is expected to exceed 167 million RMB, with an increase…

On November 29, 2022, the project "Traditional Chinese Tea Processing Skills and Related Customs" submitted by our country was reviewed and approved by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO and has been included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of UNESCO. To enhance public awareness of traditional tea processing skills and related customs, increase understanding of the importance of protecting intangible cultural heritage related to tea, boost national pride, and strengthen cultural confidence, we will be sharing 44 items of intangible cultural heritage (including 39 traditional tea processing skills and 5 items of folk-related intangible cultural heritage) with you in due course. The Green Tea chapter of traditional Chinese tea processing skills has already concluded. Today, the editor will begin explaining the production techniques of black tea, starting with Qimen Black Tea. Qimen Black Tea, also known as "Qi Hong," is one of the top ten traditional Chinese teas and one of the world's three most fragrant black teas. It is named after its place of origin, Qimen County in Anhui Province. In the first year of the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty (1875), Qimen Black Tea…

To solve the "four haves and four lacks" problem faced by some tea farmers, merchants, enterprises, and village officials who have the drive but no means, ideas but no funds, needs but no collateral, and products but no sales channels, since April this year, the Gengma Dai and Wa Autonomous County Committee of Lincang City and Gengma Rural Credit Cooperative have jointly introduced the "Tea Industry Easy Loan" policy. This policy provides loans of up to 5 million RMB, for a five-year term, at low interest rates, without collateral, and with revolving use, for tea farmers, merchants, and enterprises within their jurisdiction, as well as village officials. So far, a total of 23.37 million RMB has been loaned to 96 households under the "Tea Industry Easy Loan" scheme. Lincang City's Gengma County has a long history of tea cultivation, with a current area of 126,000 mu (approximately 84 square kilometers) planted with tea, supporting 75,000 tea farmers. This year, Gengma County actively integrated itself into the construction of the "Party Building Leading Bingdao Xigui Mangfei Tea Industry Demonstration Area," exploring a model of "Party building + finance + tea industry." In collaboration with the Gengma Rural Credit Cooperative, they introduced…

Aside from being a familiar beverage, tea also has a unique background in Traditional Chinese Medicine. What differences emerge when we view tea through the lens of TCM? 1. Tea as Chinese Medicine In ancient times, tea was used as medicine and recorded in medical texts. The Shennong Ben Cao Jing records that “Shennong tasted a hundred herbs and encountered seventy-two poisons in a single day, finding relief in tea.” This suggests that the origin of tea was medicinal. During the Wei, Jin, and Southern and Northern Dynasties when the custom of drinking tea began to form, the techniques for processing tea were not rudimentary or primitive, reflecting the development of tea processing before it became a beverage of choice. This development occurred within the realm of medicine. From the time tea became a beverage of choice, while preserving its biological characteristics, the goal of tea processing shifted towards making it more delicious and palatable. Although conceptually distinct from medicine, there was no fundamental change in the technical aspects of processing tea. From the perspective of Chinese pharmaceutical processing, the objectives of tea processing and medicine preparation are entirely consistent: both aim to extract active ingredients effectively, improve their efficacy,…

"Before the spring rains after Qingming, we pick the fragrant smoke with our hands. The tender green barely fills the baskets, and the clear and harmonious days easily turn to dusk." From Qingming to Guyu, it's a season of rejuvenation for all things, and also the busiest time for picking spring tea. The tea trees, which have accumulated their essence throughout the winter, transform the breath of spring into wisps of fragrance, as if countless flowers are blooming across the mountains. The scenery on Nino Mountain, known as a "famous mountain" for tea in Changning, is becoming increasingly verdant. In the mist-like green rows of tea bushes, it's common to see tea farmers wearing straw hats and carrying bamboo baskets, their fingers moving swiftly as they carefully pick fresh spring tea shoots. "Most of the tea on Nino Mountain was planted around 1986, when Changning was named one of the first four major high-quality tea base counties in China. The varieties are all seedlings of the Mengku large-leaf tea, transplanted and grown as a population. Located at the boundary where cool mountain areas and subtropical climates meet, creating a unique climate suitable for tea cultivation, this has resulted in its…

Basic Introduction to Hengxian Jasmine TeaHengxian County produces over 70% of China's jasmine flowers and more than 50% of the world's total production, making it the largest jasmine flower base, tea processing base, and wholesale trading center in the country. Hengxian jasmine flowers are renowned worldwide, and the jasmine tea combines the flavor of tea leaves with the fragrance of fresh flowers, offering a delightful experience akin to savoring a work of art. Nutritional Value1. Calming and UpliftingThe volatile oils in jasmine flowers have the effect of relieving pain, lifting the mood, and dispersing stagnation, alleviating symptoms such as chest and abdominal distension and pain, as well as diarrhea. It is an excellent food therapy for pain relief.2. Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatoryJasmine flowers can inhibit various bacteria, both internally and externally, and can be used to treat eye inflammation, sores, and skin ulcers.3. EnergizingJasmine tea can help uplift the spirit, calm the mind, and relieve depression. Product Features(1) Large Buds: The weight of one hundred flower buds is about 23 grams in spring, 30 to 35 grams during the hot summer months, and about 26 grams in autumn.(2) Intense Fragrance: The depth of its aroma is high. History and FolkloreHengxian County…

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…

Peering through the mist and looking down from above, rows of tea plants overlap in layers, scattered like stars across the mountains, nurturing this land like the source of life — Mount Mengding. Located on the southwestern edge of the Sichuan Basin in the eastern part of Ya'an City, Mount Mengding occupies the golden zone for tea cultivation in Sichuan. With distinct seasons, abundant rainfall, uniform sunlight, fertile soil, and suitable temperatures, it is often referred to as the "Rainy Sky of Western Sichuan," making it an ideal environment for tea plants and providing favorable conditions for high-quality tea. The Legacy of Mengding: Tracing the Ancient Legend of a Thousand-Year Tribute Tea In the Western Han Dynasty, the tea ancestors began planting tea on Mount Mengding, sowing seven sacred tea saplings on the peak of Lotus Five Peaks, initiating the precedent of Chinese tea culture. The quality of Mount Mengding's tea was exceptional; after eight centuries of word-of-mouth praise, it became renowned nationwide and eventually graced the palates of royalty, becoming a tribute item. During the Tang Dynasty, tea from Mount Mengding was officially listed as a royal tribute; by the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty, the finest tea…

[Narration] Located to the west of Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, Mount Meiling is also known as "Xishan." The area boasts fresh air, rolling hills, clear water, and a beautiful ecological environment. Its unique soil and climate have nurtured the Xishan Bailu tea, which was once a tribute tea and enjoyed nationwide fame over a thousand years ago. Recently, Hu Weihua, the fourth-generation inheritor of the Nanchang municipal intangible cultural heritage "Xishan Bailu" tea processing technique, introduced and demonstrated the process of stir-frying this tea to reporters.Screenshot from China News Video Stepping into Hu Weihua's intangible cultural heritage workshop, the fragrant aroma of tea wafts from the cast-iron woks used for stir-frying. By applying different techniques in the woks, the shape of the tea leaves continuously changes. Hu Weihua told reporters that the process of stir-frying green tea involves picking, withering, rolling, and drying, but they make adjustments based on local conditions, taking into account the characteristics of the tea produced there and traditional craft requirements. [Synchronous Interview] Fourth-generation inheritor of the Xishan Bailu tea processing technique, Hu Weihua We emphasize high-temperature fixation, quickly reaching temperatures above 300 degrees Celsius to fix the tea in a short time, locking in its…

In recent years, Wugang has actively embraced the concept that green waters and green mountains are as valuable as gold and silver. It has focused on improving quality and strengthening brands while innovatively developing its tea industry, paving a path for sustainable, green, and healthy development.The ancient city of Wugang, a blessed land, is located on the eastern slope of the Xuefeng Mountains and upstream of the Zi River, often referred to as the "Tea Village of Wugang." As early as the beginning of the Kangxi era in the Qing Dynasty, the famous Wugang tea "Yunshan Bud Tea" was designated as tribute tea. Currently, Wugang City has a tea plantation area of 20,680 mu, with an annual production of about 936 tons of raw tea, successfully creating more than twenty series under three types of tea brands: green and black tea. These eco-friendly tea gardens have become the "green banks" for the income growth and prosperity of local residents. In Chitang Village, Dengyuantai Town, the Hanling Tea Garden features rows of tea bushes winding through lush greenery, undulating continuously. Tea farmers move busily among them, presenting a bustling scene of tea picking. The Hanling Tea Garden has a long history,…

The “burnt pieces” in Pu'er raw tea are undesirable. However, this undesirability is not due to toxicity or harm to health but mainly affects the taste and appearance of the tea infusion. Theoretically, these “burnt pieces” can be avoided during the Pu'er tea production process; however, in practical application, they are almost impossible to avoid. The “burnt pieces” in Pu'er raw tea are essentially scorched tea juice that sticks to the iron wok and is not something dirty. During the process of fixing the fresh leaves, a large amount of water and tea juice overflow from the leaves, while the wok temperature is mostly above 200°C, which is very high. After several batches of fixing, a layer of tea juice forms on the surface of the iron wok, which is scorched black by the high heat and mixes with a small amount of the Pu'er tea material. We mentioned earlier that theoretically, “burnt pieces” can be avoided, and the most direct method would be to carefully clean the iron wok after each batch of fixing and before processing the next batch. If the scorched tea juice on the iron wok is completely washed off, it is theoretically possible to prevent…

In recent years, Wudu Town has leveraged its geographical advantages and current industrial status to plot development, address shortcomings, and promote income growth. It has clarified its industrial development strategy and comprehensively promoted high-quality development of the tea industry, achieving integrated development of the primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors within the industry. Currently, the town has 8,950 mu (approximately 597 hectares) of tea plantations, with 3,200 mu (approximately 213 hectares) available for picking. The annual production volume exceeds 1,100 tons, with a value exceeding 10 million yuan. Concentration on Nurturing Leading Enterprises for Strong Guidance For local tea enterprises with development potential, dedicated personnel are assigned to provide wholehearted services, actively help resolve difficulties, and effectively coordinate resources. This creates a favorable business environment that supports and cares for enterprises. Two leading tea processing enterprises have been cultivated: Hanzhong Mingding Modern Agricultural Development Co., Ltd. and Hanzhong Hongfeng Tea Industry Co., Ltd. These enterprises have enabled more than 170 local residents to work in the tea gardens, increasing their average household income by approximately 1,100 yuan. Concentration on Project Support for Strong Assurance To create green and organic tea gardens, we actively engage with higher-level departments and strive to secure…

Possibly the only Oolong tea that is still processed the old fashioned way, Chinese tea Fenghuang Dancong bushes are growing between 500 to 1400 meters above sea level on the SE mountains slopes of Fenghuang (Phoenix) Mountain in Chaozhou City, Guangdong Province, China. Fenghuang Dancong’s production is very limited due to the tea trees’ unique geographical preferences. Local people discovered Dancong tea trees in the Song Dynasty (960 – 1279) and started to farm it. As the tip of the leaves resembles the shape of bird beak, it is also called "bird beak tea". The special feature of Dancong tea of China lies in the flavors of tea. According to Wikipedia, "The doppelganger of teas, Dancong teas are noted for their ability to naturally imitate the flavors and fragrances of various flowers and fruits, such as orange blossom, orchid, grapefruit, almond, ginger flower, etc."China Dancong tea’s special functions includes (in addition to the functions of general tea): Reducing the free radicals in the body thus reducing chances of cancer; Lowering cholesterol and fatty tissue levels; Slowing the aging process; A Dancong tea dealer once told us that Dancong from old tea trees could dissolve the meat and rice overnight. We did try…

Stepping into the Mezijing Tea Mountain in Xiaomengtong Town, Yongde County, tender green tea leaves quietly unfurl at the tips of branches, gradually spreading out under gentle sunlight and bursting with vitality. Laughter and joy fill the tea groves as the tea farmers skillfully pick the leaves, painting a picturesque rural scene of industrious harvest. Visiting Mezijing Village once more, I am still captivated by the integrity culture embedded within. Vivid integrity-themed murals and richly meaningful integrity landscapes integrate visual integrity elements into the village construction. Walking through the scenery, integrity arises from the heart, and under the guidance of the tour guide, everyone embarks on an extraordinary journey of integrity culture. "Mezijing Village has adopted the concept of integrating 'integrity' and 'scenery,' creating integrity walls, Pure Breeze Pavilion, Pure Heart Tea Room, and other tea-integrity cultural tourism landscapes that combine sightseeing, leisure, and education. This not only allows party members and villagers to be subtly influenced by integrity education, making the folkways more simple and the social atmosphere more upright, but also creates a strong atmosphere of integrity for rural revitalization. It broadens the path of integration between tea, travel, and integrity, enabling empowerment through integrity, prosperity through tea,…

The Ming Dynasty was a period of innovation in tea processing and the creation of loose leaf teas, setting new trends for tea drinking. In the 24th year of Hongwu reign under Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang (1391), the production of compressed tea bricks was abolished, promoting the development of loose leaf teas. Many famous teas emerged as the method of brewing changed from whisking to steeping. The process of tea preparation became simpler, and fewer tea wares were needed. 1. Simplification and Reduction of Tea Wares The older tea cakes of the Tang Dynasty required the "boiled tea method." The finely processed dragon and phoenix compressed teas of the Song Dynasty necessitated the "whisked tea method." Both the "boiled tea method" and the "whisked tea method" involved complex procedures and a multitude of tea wares. The brewing of loose leaf teas in the Ming Dynasty was much simpler: a small amount of tea would be placed in a cup (or pot), and hot water poured over it, ready to drink. This method was also known as the "pinch tea method" during the Song Dynasty. At this point, only a kettle for boiling water and a cup (or pot) for brewing were…

When brewing tea, you may occasionally encounter a situation where the water taste is prominent. What causes this? It is mainly due to the impact of water on the tea brewing process. So what effects do water quality and water temperature have on tea brewing? Why does tea have a strong water taste when brewed? Here are some reasons: 1. Hard Water Quality The hardness of the water affects the solubility of compounds in the tea leaves. Soft water has a higher solubility, resulting in a stronger tea flavor. Hard water contains more calcium, magnesium ions, and minerals, leading to lower solubility and thus a weaker tea flavor. Therefore, we should try to choose soft water and avoid using high-hardness water like well water for tea brewing. 2. Low Water Temperature The solubility of tea is proportional to the water temperature. If the water temperature used for brewing is too low, the amount of compounds dissolved from the tea leaves will be small, leading to an insufficient tea flavor and a more pronounced water taste. There's no need to overly worry about high temperatures destroying vitamins in tea, as the stability of vitamins in tea is relatively high, and the…

In the pleasant April weather, with a gentle breeze blowing. In the tea garden of the Pomegranate Seed Group in Naxian Village, New Comfort Town, Mengjiang County, old tea trees taller than a person are sprouting new green leaves. Tea farmers are seen climbing wooden scaffolds or pulling on tree branches to pick the fresh buds. Stepping into the home of Li Kang, a tea farmer in the Pomegranate Seed Group of Naxian Village, New Comfort Town, one is greeted by the aroma of tea. He is diligently inspecting every step of the tea processing and production. Before long, freshly stir-fried spring tea is ready. According to Li Kang, Naxian Village has tea trees over a hundred years old. However, due to a lack of business management concepts, the villagers operated independently without forming a united front, which prevented them from capitalizing on their valuable resource. In 2022, Li Kang registered Mengjiang New Comfort Youzhi Tea Processing Factory, leasing more than 50 mu (approx. 33,333 square meters) of land with over 1,600 tea trees aged 80 years or older across two groups, Baiye Village and Pomegranate Seed Group. He invited experts with over 30 years of experience in producing Pu'er…

       How to store tea? Many people are troubled by this question. Loving tea, they purchase countless quantities of it, originally intending to savor it slowly, only to often find the tea has gone bad due to improper storage, leading to significant waste. So, how exactly should tea be stored?        Four methods for storing tea        1. Refrigerator Storage        Storing tea in the refrigerator is common and simple, but it has its pros and cons. Let’s take a look:        Teas that are typically stored in the refrigerator include green tea, black tea, and processed white teas (like Anji White Tea and Tianmu Lake White Tea, not Fuding White Tea). Why can these types of tea be stored in the fridge?        This is because we tend to consume green and black teas quickly, and they are usually packaged in small quantities—ranging from 200 grams to as little as 50 grams. Since the storage volume is small and can be consumed within a month, storing them in the refrigerator for preservation is not an issue.        However, white tea and Pu'er tea are not…

Famous nutritionist Yu Ruomu pointed out: "According to modern research in medicine, biology, and nutrition, most of the components that regulate human metabolism are also present in tea." Scientific analysis has identified over six or seven hundred substances in tea, including organic chemical components such as polyphenols, alkaloids, proteins, amino acids, vitamins, pectins, organic acids, polysaccharides, sugars, enzymes, pigments, etc. These can be summarized into several categories. I. Polyphenols Polyphenols are a collective term for phenolic organic compounds found in tea, making up 15% to 35% of its total weight. The primary component affecting taste is tannin, which imparts astringency. Catechins account for approximately 70% of the total polyphenol content and are crucial in determining the color, aroma, and flavor of the tea. Polyphenols are a significant class of compounds distinguishing tea from other plants and are the primary components responsible for tea's health benefits. The most notable function of polyphenols is their antioxidant properties, acting as a preservative for the human body. A well-known comparison of antioxidant capacities indicates: 2 cups of tea = 4 apples = 5 onions = 7 cups of orange juice. According to Professor Yang Xianqiang, a doctoral supervisor at Zhejiang University, polyphenols can inhibit…

Pu'er tea is a fairly common type of tea that we often drink in our daily lives because of its sweet and clear taste, which suits the palates of younger drinkers; it isn't bitter. However, it's important to know that after several infusions, the color of the Pu'er tea will fade and lose much of its flavor. Therefore, Pu'er tea can be continuously infused about 15 times before needing to be replaced. It's also important to note that the water temperature for brewing should be between 95 to 100 degrees Celsius. How Many Times Is Best to Infuse Pu'er Ripened Tea? Pu'er tea is more durable than most other types of tea and can typically be continuously infused over 10 times until the infusion becomes very light. Pu'er tea is usually brewed with boiling water at 95-100°C. High temperatures help release the aroma and facilitate the quick extraction of the tea's flavors. When boiling pure or mountain spring water, avoid excessive boiling to prevent a lack of oxygen in the water, which could affect the tea's activity. To ensure a purer aroma, a preliminary rinse, known as "water washing the face," may be necessary where the first infusion of boiling…

Along with the rise and fall of Liubao tea industry, the ancient tea ship route has gone through phases of formation, prosperity, dormancy, revival, and decline, leaving a splendid chapter in China's tea transportation history. The ancient route is vast and time has passed slowly. The development of the Liubao tea industry has undergone changes over several hundred years, and the tea ship route has also gone through a long journey from its formation to prosperity, dormancy, revival, and decline. Today, the Liubao tea industry is experiencing a comprehensive revival, but the ancient tea ship route mostly remains as traces of the past. However, there is no doubt that in the course of history, this ancient route, which coexisted with Liubao tea, has written a unique and splendid chapter in China's tea transportation history. The name "Tea Pavilion" can be seen on a map of Cangwu from the 32nd year of the Kangxi era (1693) of the Qing dynasty. 1. The "Annals of Cangwu County" compiled during the Tongzhi era of the Qing dynasty contains records about Liubao tea. 2. On the attached map of Cangwu County in the "Annals of Cangwu County" compiled during the Tongzhi era of the…

The low temperature and high humidity environment of the spring tea season in Guizhou, along with the performance differences in processing equipment, affect the quality of spring tea processing. To improve the quality of spring tea products and highlight the regional characteristics of Guizhou green tea, mastering key techniques such as withering, fixation, shaping, and drying is essential. The following provides an explanation based on the critical common technologies in green tea processing: Program-controlled withered leaves in the withering room I. Withering Withering is the first process in green tea processing. Good withering can improve the efficiency of fixation and better address issues with bitterness and astringency in the tea liquor. 1. Issues (1) Thicker layers of withering leaves often require turning to ensure uniform withering, which can cause mechanical damage to the leaves. (2) Withering equipment lacks auxiliary heating devices, making it difficult to control the progress of withering. (3) During withering, the digital display temperature of the auxiliary heating device is used as a reference, while ignoring the temperature of the withering leaves. (4) The degree of withering is typically judged by the softness of the leaves and their color, neglecting the presence of stems. Program-controlled unit for…

In the vast river of Chinese tea culture, Shoumei tea stands out with its unique qualities and profound cultural significance, becoming a treasured gem among tea enthusiasts. Today, let's delve into the world of Shoumei tea to explore its origins, production techniques, tasting methods, and health benefits, and experience the charm of this rare tea. I. Origins and History of Shoumei Shoumei is a type of white tea primarily produced in Fuding City and Zhenghe County of Fujian Province. The character "Shou" in its name symbolizes longevity and health, while "Mei" refers to the tea leaves' shape, which resembles an eyebrow. The history of Shoumei can be traced back to the Tang and Song dynasties, when it was already a tribute tea cherished by royalty. Over time, Shoumei has become part of everyday life for ordinary people. II. Production Techniques of Shoumei The production techniques of Shoumei are unique and meticulous, using traditional white tea processing methods including picking, withering, and drying. First, picking is the initial step in making Shoumei. The timing of picking is very important, usually taking place around Qingming Festival in spring. At this time, the tea leaves are tender and rich in natural compounds, making…

In the mountainous northwest of Hubei, on the "Roof of Gucheng" at an average altitude of over a thousand meters in Zhaowan Township, there are two brothers who serve as the Party branch secretaries of two adjacent villages. Their story of sharing resources and collectively developing the tea industry to lead the locals to prosperity and a moderately prosperous life is widely known. "How's the quality of the tea processed by the mechanical arms?" "Not bad, I'll come and process a couple of batches myself then." At the end of June, Wang Anjun, the Party branch secretary of Taozhuang Village, brought his younger brother Wang Anhua to visit the newly purchased equipment in the village. Wang Anhua is the Party branch secretary of Changling Village, and had been worried about the tea production due to insufficient funds to build a new production line. "Brother, can we join forces to build a medium-sized tea processing factory? This way, we can share equipment and labor, saving costs and increasing efficiency," Wang Anhua asked, looking at Wang Anjun. Wang Anjun nodded in agreement, saying, "That's exactly what I was thinking. Let's do this together." Taozhuang Village and Changling Village are both high-altitude villages,…