To write this article well, the editor personally opened Taobao and searched for “Tea“, sorting by lowest to highest price, the cheapest tea was available for 10 yuan with free shipping; sorting from highest to lowest price, the most expensive tea was listed at 80,000 yuan. In some tea markets, 8 yuan teas are also readily available, as are those priced in the tens of thousands. This means that the gap in market prices for tea can be as high as ten thousand times, a ratio comparable to that of the automobile industry. But why does this ordinary leaf have such a magical range of prices?
Types and Origins
The top ten famous Chinese teas are: Tieguanyin, Biluochun, Huangshan Maofeng, West Lake Longjing, Junshan Yinzhen, Wuyi Rock Tea, Luan Guapian, Xinyang Maojian, Keemun Black Tea, and Duyun Maojian. When a tea is both famous and comes from its authentic place of origin, its price naturally will not be cheap. Many teas on the market may belong to one of these ten famous types but do not necessarily come from their original places of production, merely using the names to suggest authenticity, so their prices will naturally be lower than those from authentic origins.
Nationally, there are four major tea regions: the Southwest tea region, the South China tea region, the Jiangnan tea region, and the Jiangbei tea region. Before selecting tea, enthusiasts should investigate the origin and manufacturer's information, and evaluate the standards of the tea type before making a purchase.
Harvesting and Processing Techniques
The six basic categories of tea are classified according to the processing techniques used. The degree of fermentation also requires different levels of craftsmanship. The timing and heat control, as well as the difference between machine and hand processing, can determine the value of a tea. Different handling techniques are also a source of differentiation among teas. Based on the fresh leaves, complex roasting techniques can determine the price of the tea. Many teas break into fragments after drying, and unscrupulous merchants package these substandard products as good tea and sell them at low prices, so when purchasing, one must not be tempted by low prices!
Health benefits
Many natural substances in tea have various health benefits for the body. Therefore, the health benefits of tea are also key factors in people's selection and purchase of tea. Before buying tea, do not blindly follow trends, but choose a tea that suits your constitution to achieve the desired effects. One should not treat tea solely as a health supplement; the health benefits of tea require time to take effect. Drinking Tea for well-being should not be approached with a desire for quick results.
The issue of pesticide residues in tea has always been a headache, but “pesticide residues ≠ excessive pesticide residues.” Because the use of pesticides is unavoidable, it is essential to check packaging for indications that the pesticide content is within the safe limits stipulated by national standards before purchasing tea. There are also instances of tea adulteration on the market, often involving leaves like willow leaves and holly leaves being processed to look like tea and sold as genuine tea.
Here are some simple tips to help you distinguish between real and fake tea:
1. Grab a handful of tea and smell it closely at the nose; real tea will have a characteristic aroma, while fake tea often has a grassy, fishy smell.
2. Examine carefully; real teas all have their own distinct characteristics: black teas are dark and lustrous, green teas are deep green, and Oolong teas are dark green; fake teas tend to have mixed colors and appear inharmonious.
3. If it is impossible to identify based on appearance alone, steep the tea leaves in a cup and observe the shape of the serrated edges. Those with dense serrations on the upper half and sparse ones on the lower half are likely real tea; those with serrations all around or none at all are likely fake.
Brand Marketing
The prospects for the tea industry in China are promising, and many large enterprises have begun to establish their brand images. Many beginners choose reputable brands when buying tea. Merchants also segment the market according to their scale, targeting different products to different sub-markets, which offers a wide range of price options for tea. Teas produced by farmers themselves or small tea factories are not priced high, but brand awareness is starting to form. Some exquisitely packaged teas are also favored by business professionals and young people.
Packaging
Tea packaging has always been a weak point for many traditional tea factories. Nowadays, consumers do not just focus on the quality of the tea itself but also pay attention to pre-sales promotion, mid-sales experience, and after-sales service. The same tea, when presented in a well-designed package, will sell for more than loose tea, due to this very reason.
Given the large price range in the tea market, it is clear that price is not the only criterion for selecting tea. To find a satisfying and delightful tea, some effort is required. It is not to say that cheaper teas cannot be enjoyed, as some people do prefer them. Drinking tea is like this: choosing what you like and what you are accustomed to is enough. Differences, if any, lie only in the hearts of each tea drinker.
The tea market is akin to the world of tea enthusiasts, and we hope that everyone can learn more through their interactions with tea, gain more from brewing and tasting tea, and grow more through exchanges with fellow enthusiasts.