When it comes to Ku Ding tea, most people are familiar with it. When suffering from heatiness, a dry mouth, or a sore throat, many will brew a cup of Ku Ding tea to alleviate their discomfort.
However, while Ku Ding tea is called tea, it is not made from traditional tea leaves.
The large-leaf Ku Ding, found in southern China, belongs to the Aquifoliaceae family. The raw material for Ku Ding tea is the leaves of Ilex latifolia, which were first processed during the Eastern Han Dynasty. It is mainly produced in Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan provinces, and has a bitter taste.
The small-leaf Ku Ding, grown in central and western China, belongs to the Oleaceae family (Ligustrum). It is primarily cultivated in Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan provinces. The tea made from its leaves has the fresh sweetness of green tea and is less bitter than the large-leaf variety.
The Eastern Han text “Tong Jun Record” describes: “In the south, there is a plant called Gualu, similar to tea, but very bitter. When ground into powder and drunk as tea, it keeps one awake all night.” This Gualu refers to what we now know as Ku Ding (the term ‘Ku Ding' was only used starting from the Ming Dynasty).
The preparation of Ku Ding tea shares some similarities with traditional tea processing methods. First, 3-4 young leaves are picked, then undergo withering, fixation, kneading, and Drying. Large-leaf Ku Ding tea has a coarse, dark green appearance, resembling small sticks. In contrast, small-leaf Ku Ding tea has a slender, neat shape, a lustrous green color, and more closely resembles traditional tea leaves.
After brewing, Ku Ding tea produces a light green, bright Infusion with a fragrant aroma. Its flavor is initially bitter, followed by a sweet aftertaste that refreshes the palate. Similar to green tea, Ku Ding tea has a stronger cooling nature and is difficult to preserve. For storage, it is recommended to follow the method used for green tea: store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If the tea clumps together or develops mold, it should not be consumed.
Additionally, since Ku Ding tea is inherently cooling, it is not suitable for those with weak spleens and stomachs, such as the elderly, infants, and women during menstruation. Drinking it could impose unnecessary burdens on the body and cause discomfort.