Spring Tea and Autumn Tea are two types of tea categorized by their harvest season. They have distinct differences in Taste, aroma, and flavor, which is why they are favored by different tea enthusiasts. So, which one is better between spring and autumn teas? Today, we will delve deeper into this question.
Spring Tea: Messenger of Spring, Fresh and Invigorating
Spring tea, as the name suggests, is harvested during the spring season. Since tea plants have rested over winter, they accumulate abundant nutrients. As a result, spring tea has thick leaves rich in content, offering a fresh and invigorating taste with a strong aroma. The harvest time for spring tea generally starts from mid-to-late March and continues until mid-to-late May. In particular, the first flush of spring tea is often the best quality of the year. Green teas have a lustrous green color, while black teas have a dark luster, both being of superior quality. The mouthfeel of spring tea is fresh and invigorating, like the broth of freshly cooked bamboo shoots, leaving a lasting and lively aftertaste.
Autumn Tea: Harvest of Autumn, Rich and Mellow
Autumn tea, also known as “Gu Hua tea,” is harvested during the autumn season. With mild weather and moderate rainfall, tea plants grow slowly, making autumn tea rich and mellow with a lingering aroma. The harvest time for autumn tea usually begins from late September to November. Although the taste and mouthfeel of autumn tea may be weaker compared to spring tea, its aroma and sweetness are excellent. Especially in high-altitude areas, where the climate is cool, the quality of autumn tea can be quite good. The mouthfeel of autumn tea is smooth and viscous, with the scent of wild grass floating in the tea, giving a deep and warm sensation.
Comparison Between Spring Tea and Autumn Tea
Both spring tea and autumn tea have their unique qualities, and their differences are mainly reflected in the following aspects:
- Growth Environment: Spring tea grows in a season with moderate temperatures and ample rainfall, while autumn tea grows in a season with mild weather and moderate rainfall.
- Internal Content: Spring tea is rich in content, offering a fresh and invigorating taste; autumn tea, on the other hand, is rich and mellow with a lingering aroma.
- Appearance: Spring tea has tightly compacted and solid strands with a lustrous green color; autumn tea has leaves of varying sizes with a yellowish hue.
- Mouthfeel: Spring tea offers a fresh and invigorating mouthfeel, with the best quality in terms of stimulation, fullness, and the sweet aftertaste. Autumn tea, however, has a rich and mellow mouthfeel, and although the inner quality of the tea soup may not be as full as spring tea, its unique sweetness is quite appealing.
- Aroma: Spring tea has a strong aroma, while autumn tea has a lingering aroma, blending sweet floral and herbal scents.
How to Choose the Right Tea for You
Choosing between spring tea and autumn tea ultimately depends on personal taste preferences and the specific type of tea. Those who prefer a fresh, sweet taste should choose spring tea, while those who enjoy a rich taste and lingering aroma should opt for autumn tea. Additionally, different types of tea have unique tastes and aromas, so when selecting, consider your personal preferences.
Conclusion
Spring tea and autumn tea, like a pair of sisters in the tea world, each blossom uniquely in their respective seasons. Both have their strengths and characteristics, providing tea enthusiasts with a wide range of options. Whether it's the freshness of spring or the richness of autumn, they are all delightful gifts from nature. Let us savor the changing seasons and the colorful experiences of life through the enjoyment of tea.