Tali沱 Tea, a Pu'er tea with a prestigious reputation in the tea world, is widely appreciated not only for its unique shape and rich Taste but also for its long history and exquisite production techniques. Today, we will delve into the types, characteristics, and the story behind Tali沱 Tea.
What Type of Tea is Tali沱 Tea?
Tali沱 Tea belongs to the category of Pu'er teas. Pu'er tea is a post-Fermented tea whose production process and storage methods allow it to evolve over time, improving both the liquor and the leaves as they age. Tali沱 Tea is renowned for its compact nest shape, distinctive taste, and aged aroma, making it a classic representative among Pu'er teas.
The History of Tali沱 Tea
Tali沱 Tea originates from Xiaguan Town, Dali City, Yunnan Province. As early as 1902, the Xiaguan Tea Factory began producing this type of tea, named for its conical shape with a flat base. The Xiaguan Tea Factory has a long history and is one of the oldest tea factories in Yunnan Province. Over the years, Tali沱 Tea has become a highly regarded variety within the realm of Pu'er teas.
Production Techniques
The production techniques for Tali沱 Tea are unique and complex. Fresh large-leaf Yunnan tea leaves are first harvested and then processed through spreading, fixation, rolling, and drying to create rough tea. These rough teas are then steamed, compressed into their distinctive nest shape, dried, and aged. This process requires strict control over the techniques involved, as well as experience and skill to ensure the quality and taste of every piece of Tali沱 Tea.
Types of Tali沱 Tea
Tali沱 Tea primarily comes in two varieties:
- Raw Tea (Shengcha): Raw tea is not artificially fermented, preserving more of its natural active components. The tea liquor is clear and bright, with a fresh fragrance that is slightly bitter but has a long-lasting sweet aftertaste, making it highly valuable for collectors.
- Ripe Tea (Shoucha): Ripe tea undergoes artificial fermentation, resulting in a dark red tea liquor with a smooth and rich flavor and a distinctive aroma. It is known for its warming effect on the stomach and digestive aid.
Characteristics of Tali沱 Tea
- Shape: Tali沱 Tea has a compact, conical shape with a flat base. This design not only facilitates transportation and storage but also ensures even fermentation during aging.
- Aroma: Tali沱 Tea has a unique aroma, with raw tea offering a fresh and fragrant scent while ripe tea has a strong aged aroma.
- Taste: Raw tea has a slightly bitter taste at first, followed by a lingering sweetness and a refreshing mouthfeel. Ripe tea has a smooth and rich taste with a thick and viscous tea liquor.
- brewing Endurance: Tali沱 Tea can be brewed multiple times without losing its strength, and each infusion offers different flavors.
How to Brew Tali沱 Tea
When brewing Tali沱 Tea, attention should be paid to water temperature and brewing time. Generally, raw tea is best brewed with water at 85-90°C, while ripe tea should be brewed with water at 95-100°C. Each infusion should last around 20-30 seconds, with the time gradually increased with subsequent infusions. This allows the full release of the tea's aroma and flavor.
Summary
As a gem among Pu'er teas, Tali沱 Tea attracts countless tea enthusiasts with its unique production techniques and rich historical and cultural heritage. Whether it's the fresh and refreshing raw tea or the smooth and rich ripe tea, both offer unique tea tasting experiences. If you haven't tried Tali沱 Tea yet, consider experiencing this century-old treasure of Pu'er tea for yourself.