In this captivating journey through the varieties of Chinese green tea, you will discover a world of flavors, aromas, and traditions that have been cherished for centuries.
West Lake Dragon Well Tea
West Lake Dragon Well Tea, also known as Longjing tea, is one of the most famous and highly regarded green teas in China. Grown in the picturesque region of Hangzhou near the West Lake, this tea holds a special place in Chinese tea culture.
With a history that dates back more than a thousand years, West Lake Dragon Well Tea is cherished for its distinct flavor, beautiful appearance, and meticulous craftsmanship involved in its production.
Biluochun
Biluochun, also known as Green Snail Spring, is a renowned Chinese green tea that originates from the Jiangsu province. With a history that spans several centuries, Biluochun has gained recognition for its delicate leaves, vibrant appearance, and unique flavor profile.
This tea is named after its distinctive shape, resembling tiny spiral snail shells. The intricate process of harvesting and crafting Biluochun involves skilled artisans who carefully select the young buds and leaves to create a tea that captures the essence of spring.
Huangshan Maofeng Tea
Huangshan Maofeng Tea, also known as Yellow Mountain Fur Peak Tea, is a renowned Chinese green tea that originates from the Huangshan Mountains in Anhui Province, China.
This tea is made from the young leaves and buds of the Camellia sinensis plant, specifically the Huangshan Xiaoxue cultivar. The name “Maofeng” translates to “fur peak,” which refers to the tea’s distinct appearance. The leaves are hand-picked during the early spring harvest when they are still covered with fine white hairs, resembling the appearance of delicate fur. These young leaves and buds are carefully selected for their freshness and quality, contributing to the tea’s exceptional taste and aroma.
Taiping Houkui Tea
Taiping Houkui Tea, also known as Taiping Monkey King Tea, is a renowned Chinese green tea that hails from Taiping County in Anhui province.
This tea is highly regarded for its distinctive appearance, characterized by its long, flat, and slender leaves that resemble the shape of a sparrow’s tongue. The name “Houkui” translates to “Monkey King,” which pays homage to the legend of the mischievous yet wise character from Chinese mythology.
When brewed, Taiping Houkui Tea offers a beautiful jade-green infusion with mesmerizing clarity. Its flavor profile is remarkably smooth, with a subtle floral aroma and a refreshing, crisp taste.
Lu’an Melon Seed Tea
Lu’an Melon Seed Tea, also known as Lu’an Gua Pian, is a famous Chinese green tea that hails from Lu’an County in Anhui Province, China.
This tea gets its name from the shape and size of its tea leaves, which resemble melon seeds. Unlike other green teas where buds and young leaves are used, Lu’an Melon Seed Tea is crafted solely from the mature leaves of the tea plant. These leaves are carefully hand-picked during the late spring harvest, ensuring that only the finest and most flavorful leaves are selected.
Lu’an Melon Seed Tea holds a special place in Chinese tea culture and has a long history that spans centuries. It was first produced during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) and gained popularity as a tribute tea during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912 AD). The tea is deeply ingrained in local traditions and is celebrated for its distinct flavor profile and exceptional quality.
Xinyang Maojian Tea
Xinyang Maojian Tea is a renowned Chinese green tea that originates from the Xinyang region in Henan Province, China.
The tea leaves of Xinyang Maojian are characterized by their slender, twisted shape, resembling the eyebrow of a young maiden, which is the inspiration behind its name (“Maojian” translates to “hairy tips”). The leaves have a lustrous dark green color and a delicate downy appearance, giving them a visually appealing quality.
Lushan Yunwu Tea
Lushan Yunwu Tea, also known as Lushan Cloud and Mist Tea, is a high-quality green tea hailing from the Lushan Mountain region in Jiangxi Province, China.
It has a long history that can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). It gained recognition during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) when it became a favorite tea of the imperial court. The tea’s reputation continued to flourish, and it was often presented as a tribute to emperors and dignitaries.
Nanjing Rain Flower Tea
Nanjing Rain Flower Tea, also known as Nanjing Yunwu Tea, is a type of scented tea that hails from Nanjing, the capital city of Jiangsu Province in China.
The name “Rain Flower Tea” is derived from the tea’s distinctive visual appeal. When the tea leaves are brewed, they unfurl and release small white particles that resemble delicate raindrops, hence the name “Rain Flower.” This visual effect adds to the charm of the tea and enhances the overall tea-drinking experience.
Infusion of Chinese Green Tea
Infusion is a popular method for preparing green tea. To make green tea infusion, you will need the following steps:
Boil water
Start by bringing fresh, filtered water to a boil. Ideally, use spring water or filtered water to ensure the best flavor.
Preheat the teapot
Pour a little hot water into the teapot to preheat it. This step helps maintain the tea’s temperature during the infusion process.
Steep the tea
Discard the preheating water from the teapot and add the measured green tea leaves. Pour the hot water over the tea and let it steep for about 2-3 minutes. Avoid overstepping, as it can make the tea bitter.
Strain
Strain it using a fine-mesh strainer or a tea infuser.
Serve and enjoy
Pour the freshly brewed green tea into teacups and savor its delicate flavor and aroma. You can drink it plain or add a touch of honey, lemon, or other preferred additions for taste.
Some additional tips
Water temperature: Green tea is generally brewed at lower temperatures compared to black tea. The ideal water temperature for green tea is around 175-185°F (80-85°C). Boiling water can scorch the leaves and result in a bitter taste.
Steeping time: The recommended steeping time can vary depending on the type of green tea and personal preference. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can steep it for a little longer. However, avoid steeping for too long, as it can make the tea bitter.
Multiple infusions: High-quality green teas can often be infused multiple times. For subsequent infusions, you can increase the steeping time slightly. Experiment with different steeping times to find your preferred flavor profile.
Processing Methods of Chinese Green Tea
Withering
After harvesting, the freshly plucked tea leaves are spread out in thin layers to wither. This process reduces moisture content and allows the leaves to become more pliable for further processing.
Fixation
The withered leaves are then subjected to heat to halt the oxidation process. This step is crucial in green tea production to preserve the natural green color and prevent the leaves from turning brown. There are two common methods used for fixation: pan-frying and steaming.
Pan-frying
This method involves tossing the leaves in a heated wok or pan to quickly heat them and halt oxidation. Skilled tea artisans carefully control the temperature and continuously stir the leaves to achieve an even fixation without burning them. Pan-frying is commonly used for green teas like Longjing (Dragon Well) and Biluochun.
Steaming
Steaming is another traditional method used for fixing green tea. The withered leaves are exposed to steam, which helps retain their vibrant green color and natural flavors.
Shaping
After fixation, the tea leaves are shaped into their distinct forms, which can vary depending on the tea variety. This is achieved through rolling, twisting, or shaping the leaves using various techniques. Shaping helps to further develop the tea’s flavor and aroma while giving it an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Drying
The shaped leaves are then dried to remove any remaining moisture and ensure long-term preservation. Traditionally, drying was done by placing the tea leaves in bamboo trays or baskets and exposing them to sunlight. Nowadays, modern techniques like hot air drying or baking are also used to speed up the process and maintain consistent quality.
Throughout each step, skilled tea artisans carefully monitor the tea leaves, adjusting the processing parameters to achieve the desired flavors, aromas, and appearance. These traditional processing methods have been refined over centuries and contribute to the distinctive taste and character of Chinese green teas.
Green Tea’s Benefit
Green tea offers several potential health benefits. Here are some of the commonly recognized benefits associated with consuming green tea:
Antioxidant properties
Green tea is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins and polyphenols. These compounds help protect the body against damage from harmful free radicals, which are associated with various health issues, including chronic diseases.
Boosts metabolism and aids weight management
Green tea has been found to increase metabolism and fat oxidation, which may assist in weight management. It can also help in reducing abdominal fat and improving overall body composition.
Supports heart health
Regular consumption of green tea has been linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. It may help lower levels of bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) and triglycerides while increasing good cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) levels. Green tea is also known to help lower blood pressure.
Enhances brain function
The presence of caffeine in green tea can provide a mild stimulant effect, improving brain function and promoting mental alertness. Additionally, green tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which may have calming effects and can potentially increase focus and concentration.
Reduces the risk of certain cancers
Some studies suggest that the antioxidants in green tea can help inhibit the growth of cancer cells and reduce the risk of certain types of cancers, such as breast, prostate, colorectal, and lung cancers. However, further research is needed to establish definitive conclusions.
Supports immune system
Green tea contains various compounds that can help boost the immune system, making it more resistant to infections and illnesses.
Promotes oral health
The antibacterial properties of green tea can help inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth, reducing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
Aids in digestion
Green tea is known to have a soothing effect on the digestive system, promoting healthy digestion and potentially relieving certain gastrointestinal issues.
Conclusion
Embark on this exploration of Chinese green tea and let your taste buds be transported to the serene tea gardens of China, where a rich tapestry of flavors awaits to be savored.
