Pre-Ming Tea is a term used in the Jiangnan tea region along the Yangtze River in China, referring to different stages of Spring Tea according to the seasonal division. The main categories are green tea and a small amount of Black Tea, while teas like Dahongpao and Pu'er do not have a “Pre-Ming Tea” classification. The history of Pre-Ming Tea dates back to the Wei and Jin dynasties, and its historical development and rising status are related to factors such as sacrifice rituals, Buddhism, politics, economy, and culture. Pre-Ming Tea has both external and internal advantages, such as being free from pollution and having rich contents. In terms of brewing, it's not always true that the fresher the spring tea, the better it is. Newly harvested Pre-Ming Tea should not be consumed immediately after roasting. Freshly made tea often carries a “fiery” taste, and if brewed right away, it can leave your throat feeling dry, and the flavor will not be fresh and delicious. Therefore, it's better to wait one to two weeks before drinking it for improved taste.
What are the differences between Pre-Ming Tea and Pre-Rain Tea?
Picking Time: “Pre-Ming Tea” refers to tea leaves picked before the Qingming Festival; “Pre-Rain Tea” refers to tea leaves picked after Qingming but before the Grain Rain.
Quality of Tea: “Pre-Ming Tea” has fine and tender leaves, with higher amino acid content compared to post-rain tea. It also contains more volatile compounds that give off fragrant or roasted chestnut aromas, while the content of tannins, which impart a bitter taste, is relatively lower. This makes the tea fragrant and flavorful when sipped. “Pre-Rain Tea,” although not as delicate as “Pre-Ming Tea,” grows at a higher temperature, leading to faster growth of buds and leaves and accumulation of rich internal substances. As a result, “Pre-Rain Tea” often boasts a fresh and robust flavor and is more durable when steeped.
Price: “Pre-Ming Tea” is rare and precious, and drinking it is often a symbol of status and sophistication, hence it commands a high price. “Pre-Rain Tea” is less expensive than “Pre-Ming Tea” and offers better value for money.