In the vast world of tea, dark tea stands out with its unique charm. Anhua dark tea, in particular, is a shining gem within the dark tea category, and at the heart of what makes this tea exceptional is the mysterious and unique Glacial Conglomerate.
A specific land produces a distinctive tea. The unshakable status of Anhua dark tea in the tea world owes much to the environment shaped by Glacial Conglomerate. But what exactly is this remarkable geological formation?
Glacial Conglomerate, or Glacial Pebble Mudstone, is one of the rarest types of rock on Earth. Its color ranges from gray-brown to dark brown, and it is dense, hard, and brittle. It contains sandstone and fossils of small organisms, making it seem like a mysterious ancient tome recording the history of the distant past.
The formation of Glacial Conglomerate is steeped in legend. About 600-700 million years ago, Earth experienced a global “ice cap climate” known as the “snowball event,” followed by a “greenhouse climate” event. This extreme alternation between cold and heat resulted in the creation of this extremely rare Glacial Conglomerate.
Anhua is home to a concentration of Glacial Conglomerate, accounting for over 85% of the world's total. Scientists have hailed it as a “world wonder.” In August 2001, during an accidental survey, researchers discovered 700-million-year-old Glacial Conglomerate layers in Xiaomu Village, Zhexi Town. These layers not only preserved the rock record from 700 million years ago but also retained precious traces of the “greenhouse” climate event following the Ice age, providing irreplaceable physical evidence for studying the climate, geology, and evolution of the Earth at that time. In August 2010, a bigger surprise emerged when tea enthusiasts found Glacial Conglomerate in the forests they had leased on Furong Mountain. After extensive surveys, they confirmed the presence of Glacial Conglomerate across multiple areas of the Furong Mountain range, spanning layers dating back 600 to 700 million years, covering many towns and regions. Due to its ancient origins, Glacial Conglomerate has been affectionately referred to as the “longevity stone” and a lucky stone, becoming a unique treasure of Anhua with immeasurable value.
So how has Glacial Conglomerate profoundly influenced Anhua dark tea? According to Lu Yu, the tea sage, in his Tea Classic: “The best tea grows on rotten rocks, the second-best on gravelly Soil, and the worst on yellow earth.” Su Shi also wrote in his poetry: “On rugged rocks, we find this inch-tall sprout.” The “rotten rocks” mentioned here are Glacial Conglomerate. Areas with Glacial Conglomerate form unique geographical environments and climatic conditions that are highly beneficial for the growth of tea plants. Glacial Conglomerate is tough yet porous, rich in zinc, Selenium, magnesium, Iron, calcium, and dozens of other trace elements. Tea plants growing on such rocks produce leaves with abundant minerals and nutrients, thick and rich in flavor, possessing a unique aroma and taste that significantly surpasses other teas. Scientific experiments have shown that the content of trace elements in tea grown in Glacial Conglomerate regions is more than twice that of other teas, giving rise to the saying that “where there is Glacial Conglomerate, there must be good tea.”
In Anhua, Glacial Conglomerate is undoubtedly a valuable resource for tea cultivation. On mountain cliffs and wild slopes, tea plants grow naturally without deliberate planting. They absorb the unique nourishment provided by the Glacial Conglomerate, producing batches of Anhua dark tea with endless flavors.
Tasting a cup of Anhua dark tea is like savoring a long stretch of history, feeling the wondrous gift of nature. The deep color, rich taste, and strong fragrance all carry the indissoluble bond between Glacial Conglomerate and Anhua dark tea. It is not just a drink; it is a cultural legacy and a way of life.
Anhua dark tea, nurtured by Glacial Conglomerate, continues the legendary fragrance of tea that spans thousands of years. Let us indulge in this world of dark tea and appreciate the glorious chapter written together by Glacial Conglomerate and Anhua dark tea.