China is the birthplace of tea culture, with a rich history of tea consumption dating back thousands of years. The diverse geography and climate of China contribute to the cultivation of various tea varieties, each with its unique characteristics and flavors. Chinese people have a deep appreciation for tea, not only for its taste but also for its cultural significance and health benefits. In this exploration of the most popular teas in China, we’ll delve into the characteristics and preferences associated with ten beloved varieties based on sales data and feedback from tea enthusiasts.
1. Longjing Tea (龙井茶):
Longjing Tea, also known as Dragon Well Tea, is a well-known green tea variety. It is cherished for its emerald color, beautiful shape, fragrant aroma, and mellow taste. Longjing Tea comes in several varieties, and different grades are available. When purchasing Longjing Tea, it’s important to consider whether you prefer pre-rain or pre-clearance tea, each with its unique qualities. Additionally, the tea’s grade matters, with the special-grade Longjing Tea being considered the best among them.
2. Dongting Biluochun (洞庭碧螺春):
Dongting Biluochun, a traditional Chinese green tea, hails from Dongting Mountain in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province. Its tightly curled leaves resemble spirals, boasting a vibrant green color. This tea is renowned for its rich aroma, refreshing taste, and lingering sweetness. Often referred to as “Kung Fu Tea” or “New Blood Tea,” Biluochun offers a unique sensory experience with its visually appealing appearance and aromatic infusion.
3. Pu’er Tea (普洱茶):
Pu’er Tea, crowned as the “king of tea” in China, originates from Yunnan Province. Its reddish-brown hue and distinctive aroma make it stand out. Pu’er Tea is appreciated for its complex flavor profile, including bitterness, aged richness, and a hint of sweetness. Its unique taste has garnered global recognition and popularity. The tea’s historical and cultural significance, combined with its distinctive flavor, makes it an essential part of Chinese tea culture.
4. Tie Guan Yin (铁观音):
Tie Guan Yin, a semi-fermented tea originating from Anxi County, Fujian Province, falls between green and black teas. Known for its “Guan Yin rhyme,” it exhibits a clear fragrance reminiscent of orchids, a pure and strong taste, and a lasting aftertaste. Tie Guan Yin is often enjoyed through multiple infusions, each revealing new dimensions of its unique character.
5. Da Hong Pao (大红袍):
Da Hong Pao, produced in the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian Province, is one of China’s most expensive teas. It is characterized by its fruity aroma, rich taste, and the ability to resist brewing multiple times while maintaining its fragrance. Beyond its exquisite flavor, Da Hong Pao is believed to have special health benefits, including anti-cancer properties, cholesterol reduction, and anti-aging effects.
6. Qimen Hongcha (祁门红茶):
Qimen Hongcha, also known as Keemun Black Tea, is cultivated in Qimen County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province. With tightly rolled leaves and a bright red liquor, it boasts a unique fragrance with a hint of floral notes. The taste is robust and mellow, with a lingering sweetness. Qimen Hongcha is among the top ten famous teas in China and has earned the nickname “Queen of Black Tea,” reputedly favored by the British royal family.
7. Wuyi Rock Tea (武夷岩茶):
Wuyi Rock Tea, produced in the Wuyi Mountains of Fujian Province, is a type of oolong tea known for its rock essence. The tea has a bright orange-yellow liquor, renowned for its rich and lingering aroma, subtle taste, and smoothness. Within the Wuyi Rock Tea category, there are distinctions such as Zhengyan (original rock tea), Banyan (semi-rock tea), and Zhou (island tea), each with its unique qualities.
8. Huangshan Maofeng (黄山毛峰):
Huangshan Maofeng, one of the top ten famous teas in China, is a green tea cultivated in Huangshan City, Anhui Province. Its slender, straight leaves, resembling bird’s tongue, boast a jade-green color. The tea is celebrated for its elegant aroma, fresh taste, and sweet aftertaste, earning its reputation as a treasure among Chinese green teas.
9. Liu An Gua Pian (六安瓜片):
Liu An Gua Pian, originating from Liuan City in Anhui Province, is a green tea that stands out as the only leaf-only tea among all teas globally. The tea leaves are flattened and have a dark green color, offering a clear and elegant fragrance, a refreshing taste, and a lingering sweetness. Harvested around the period of Grain Rain, Liu An Gua Pian is composed of two or three leaves, emphasizing strength over tenderness.
10. Duyun Maojian (都匀毛尖):
Duyun Maojian, a renowned specialty of Guizhou Province, falls into the category of green tea. Cultivated in Duyun City, it features delicate, even leaves that resemble bird’s tongues, showcasing a jade-green color. Known as the “King of Green Tea,” Duyun Maojian exudes a high and elegant aroma, with a fresh and crisp taste that leaves a sweet aftertaste. It is recommended to brew Duyun Maojian at a water temperature of around 80 degrees Celsius for optimal results.
In summary, the diversity of Chinese teas reflects the country’s rich tea culture, where each variety has its unique characteristics, flavors, and brewing methods. Whether it’s the refreshing taste of green teas like Longjing and Biluochun, the complex profile of Pu’er, the floral notes of Tie Guan Yin, or the robustness of Da Hong Pao and Qimen Hongcha, Chinese teas offer a vast array of choices for tea enthusiasts around the world. The art of selecting, brewing, and savoring these teas is an integral part of Chinese cultural heritage, inviting individuals to embark on a sensory journey through the world of Chinese tea.
