It's Spring Tea season once again. Whenever the tea season comes around, we often hear about “spring tea.” What exactly is spring tea? Why is it so highly regarded in the tea industry?
Spring tea is made from the buds and leaves of tea trees that have emerged after their winter dormancy. The tea buds accumulate abundant organic substances during their winter dormancy. In addition, the moderate temperatures and sufficient rainfall of spring result in plump, nutrient-rich tea buds. The freshness, fullness, and balance of spring tea are extremely high.
In particular, the first flush of spring tea embodies the essence of the entire spring season.
Characteristics of Pu'er Spring Tea
After a winter's hibernation, tea trees store more energy and nutrients due to their slow growth. Moreover, the growth of tea trees in winter primarily occurs at the roots, where amino acids are produced and then transported to the tips of the Tree—the tea buds. Amino acids are crucial for the synthesis of aromatic compounds.
In terms of appearance, spring tea
has fresh leaves with a lustrous color, thick and small leaves with fine veins, and not very noticeable serrated edges. There are many fine hairs on the leaves. The buds are long and large, covered densely with fine hairs. In terms of its internal composition: high amino acid content, rich aroma, strong and lasting flavor, and a fresh and refreshing taste. When brewed, the leaves Sink quickly in Water and have a soft texture when fully infused.
What Makes Ancient Tree Pu'er Spring Tea Special?
1. During autumn and winter, organisms enter a dormant state, allowing spring tea to rest and store abundant energy. With the continued low temperatures of spring, there is little consumption of these stored resources, resulting in a more nourished body for the spring tea. At this time, the tea contains abundant vitamins, especially amino acids, which not only give the spring tea a fresh and lively taste but also provide an excellent environment for the preservation of aromatic substances. Therefore, the aroma of spring tea is unparalleled by teas from other seasons.
2. Spring tea has the highest protein content.
Protein significantly enhances the flavor of tea. The part of the tea plant with the highest protein content is the young shoots. As the new shoots grow, the protein content decreases. Spring tea is made from the new shoots of the tea plant, containing the highest amount of protein, which results in the best flavor and the highest nutritional value.
3. The taste of spring tea is fresher and richer.
The spring sun is not too intense, and the temperature is relatively low, causing the cells of the tea buds to grow slowly and accumulate a large amount of amino acids. The amino acid content contributes to the fresh and mellow taste that distinguishes spring tea from other seasons.
4. The quality of spring tea is the best.
People often say that a good snowfall foretells a bountiful year, and when winter passes, tea becomes divine. Because of the cold of winter, tea plants are free from pest damage. When the tea buds sprout in spring, no pesticides are needed, and the tea is unpolluted. Thus, spring tea, particularly pre-Qingming and pre-Grain rain teas, is often of the highest quality throughout the year, leading to the saying, “An ounce of spring tea is worth an ounce of gold.”
5. Spring is the season when human vitality is most robust, and metabolism accelerates. It is recommended to “reduce acidic foods and increase sweet ones to nourish the spleen.” Spring tea, coming directly from nature, carries the vitality of the new season, aiding in the body's process of purging old energies and absorbing true essence. Combined with the unique color, aroma, and flavor of spring tea, it provides a delightful and uplifting experience. Therefore, ancient people concluded that focusing on health in spring ensures good health throughout the year, and spring tea plays a significant role in this.
6. Spring tea aligns with the body's needs for “growth in spring and summer.” According to ancient beliefs, the four seasons influence life through the processes of birth, growth, harvest, and storage, corresponding to spring birth, summer growth, autumn harvest, and winter storage. Spring is the period when human vitality is at its peak. Spring tea, sourced from nature, carries the vitality of the new season. Drinking spring tea in moderation harmonizes with the upward vitality of spring tea itself, aiding in the body's process of purging old energies and absorbing true essence.