Que She Tea, a name that evokes images of spring and little birds with their nimble tongues, isn't it? Indeed, Que She tea is a very special kind of tea, its shape small and delicate like a bird's tongue, hence the name. Not only is its name endearing, but its taste, aroma, and production process are also unique, making it a treasure among tea enthusiasts.
Types and Origins of Que She Tea
- Jintan Que She: Jintan Que She from the Jintan District in Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, is a premium green tea. The region has a pleasant climate with distinct seasons, which contributes to the excellent quality of Jintan Que She. This tea is named for its shape resembling a bird's tongue, with a lustrous green color, bright Infusion, and a fresh and elegant aroma.
- Wuyi Que She: Wuyi Que She from Mount Wuyi in Fujian is the only oolong variety of Que She tea. It has a brownish-green color approaching black, with a rich fruity aroma, an Orange-yellow clear infusion, a smooth mouthfeel, obvious aftertaste, and a strong rock fragrance.
- Mengshan Que She: Mengshan Que She from Mount Meng in Sichuan is another type of green tea. Its leaves are tender and green, with a strong aroma and a fresh taste.
- Meitan Que She: Meitan Que She from Meitan, Guizhou, has emerald green leaves, a clear infusion, a fragrant aroma, and a delicious flavor.
Production Process of Que She Tea
The process of making Que She tea is meticulous, involving careful picking and several complex steps. All buds must be handpicked, and the picking standards are very strict, adhering to the “nine do-nots” principle: no picking on rainy days, no picking of multi-bud shoots, no picking of hollow buds, no picking of open buds, no picking of overly long buds, no picking of overly thin buds, no picking of short buds, no picking of insect-damaged buds, and no picking of diseased buds. This ensures that the buds are full, fresh, uniform, and neat.
The production process generally consists of four steps: fixation, shaping, forming, and drying. High-temperature fixation prevents enzymatic oxidation, maintaining the fresh green color of the leaves while initiating various physical and chemical changes within the buds that lay the foundation for the tea's color, aroma, and taste. Shaping and forming create the tea's appearance, aroma, and flavor. Finally, the tea is dried to reduce its moisture content to below 5%-7%, facilitating storage and fixing the tea's color, aroma, and taste, solidifying its quality.
Methods for Enjoying Que She Tea
- Choice of Tea Ware: A transparent glass cup is most suitable, allowing you to appreciate the movement of the leaves in the water and the change in the infusion's color.
- brewing Method: It is recommended to use water around 85°C for brewing. Use the mid-infusion method without rinsing the tea; first, brew for one minute before filling the cup, then brew for another minute.
- Tasting the Infusion: The brewed Que She tea has a fresh and elegant aroma, a bright infusion, and a fresh, sweet aftertaste, offering an excellent tea tasting experience.
Benefits and Effects of Que She Tea
Que She tea not only has a refreshing and pleasant taste but also offers many Health benefits. It is rich in various vitamins and amino acids, aiding in antioxidant activity, boosting immunity, promoting digestion, and weight loss. Regular consumption can help relieve fatigue, refresh the mind, and is a good choice for daily health maintenance.
Conclusion
Que She tea, a name that resonates with poetry and imagery. It is more than just a tea; it is a cultural heritage and a pursuit of a beautiful life. Whether during a busy workday or a leisurely afternoon, brewing a cup of Que She tea allows the fresh aroma to take away the day's weariness, the fresh taste to awaken the dormant palate, and the lingering aftertaste to accompany you through every wonderful moment.