The Tea Detective
Uncovering and Exploring the Facts About Tea
Uncovering and Exploring the Facts About Tea
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| The Teas of China |
| China has been growing and producing tea for over 5000 years, putting them far and above the rest of the world in quantity, knowledge, and history. Much of the early cultivation of tea in China was done by small farms and plantations, many tended by Buddhist monks, on and around the land where their temples and monasteries were located, high on the mountain tops. |
| The Chinese have always held the belief that famous teas come from high in the mountains, and indeed, many of the finest and best known teas have often come from these mountain plantations. Today, China produces about 20% of the world tea exports. A dizzying variety of teas are grown and produced in sixteen different regions of China. There's said to be over 8000 different classifications, most being for green tea alone, with a few black and oolong teas included. Of course not all the teas produced in China are available as exports. In fact just a small percentage are exported each year. But with the ever growing popularity, and appreciation of the excellent quality and fascinating history |
| surrounding them, more and more teas are becoming available world-wide than ever before, as the demand for China's teas rapidly increases. The growing/plucking season in China runs from March to late September, with the best teas made from leaf buds and delicate new leaves gathered in early spring from the high mountain areas. Many of China's finest teas are still made by hand, and the skills needed for their manufacture have been passed down through the generations, one to the other. All six main tea types are produced in China - black tea, green tea, white tea, yellow, oolong, and pu-erh, as well as a variety of specialty and gourmet teas, blended, and flavored teas. China's rich history and unique processing methods turn out some of the world's most exquisite teas. Indeed, China has compiled a list of some of their most popular, famous teas, appropriately called "Ten Most Famous Teas". Six are green teas, one white tea, two are oolongs, and one black tea. Among the green teas you'll find, of course, the famous Longjing or Dragonwell tea, one of China's most popular and best known green teas. You'll also find Bi Lo Chun or Green Snail Spring, with its tightly woven sprials, and the legendary Huang Mao Feng, from Anhui Province, grown around Huangshan, one of China's most celebrated mountains. Also from Anhui Province comes Liuan Gaupian or Melon Slice, a popular tea in China, but hard to find outside until recent years, where it can now be found in specialty tea stores, online, and by mail order. The last two green teas on the list - Xinyang Maojian from Henan Province, and Dujun Maojian from Guizhou Province, are difficult to find in China, much less outside the country. Completing the list of China's Ten Most Famous Teas is the single white tea, Junshan Yinzhen, and the only black tea, Keemun. And finally, two oolongs-Anxi Ti Kuan Yin, and Wu-I Yencha round out the ten teas. Not to be confused with the "Ten Most Famous Teas" list, is another listing, this one of China's Imperial Tribute Teas, chosen by the emperors of China's last four dynasties: Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing. These teas were chosen by the emperor, each with his own personal favorites, and delivered as a tax payment owed to the throne. A few teas overlap on both lists - some of the Ten Most Famous Teas are among the Imperial Tribute Teas, and vice-versa - some of the Imperial Tribute Teas are found on the Ten Most Famous Teas list as well. Enjoy. |
| For more information or to learn more about tea, visit our other pages: Which black teas are grown in China? China's black tea production is much smaller than their green teas, but their black teas are a labor of love. Learn which black teas are made in China, the styles, climate, and growing season, and which ones are sold in and outside of the U.S.. Which green teas are grown in China? China Take an in-depth look at green teas specific to China, the styles, growing season, climate, and description of some popular green teas you can expect to find for sale in and outside of the U.S.. |
| What is the difference between China traditional budset white tea and new style white tea? Learn all about China's white teas, the styles, growing season, climate, and availability. Also learn how to tell the difference between traditional budset white teas and new style white teas. China's yellow teas-a close cousin to green but with an added step. China's yellow teas are close to green teas in many ways, but one special step in their processing makes them special in their own right. Learn which China yellow teas are for sale in and outside of the U.S.. What secret ingredient is added when making pu-erh tea? Pu-erh tea is considered to be a medicinal tea in China, and the secret to producing this healthy tea may surprise you. Shou pu-erh - the faster aging pu-erh tea. How faster aging shou pu-erh is made, and the difference between shou puerh and its longer aging counterpart, sheng pu-erh. Specialty and gourmet teas-a treat for the taste buds. If you want to give your taste buds a unique treat, try one of the many specialty or gourmet teas available. With a range of flavors, from smoky to sweet, and everything in between, you'll never be bored by your beverage. Which oolong teas come from China, and why are their oolong or wulong teas so healthy? Learn why China's oolong teas are among their most prized and why Wuyi Shan rock or cliff oolongs are believed to be some of the healthiest teas in the world. Also learn which oolong or wulong teas can be found online and for sale in and outside of the U.S.. Flavored teas - satisfy your sweet tooth without sacrificing calories. Satisfy your favorite cravings with a healthy, low calorie cup of tea. Whether it's berries, citrus, or even chocolate or caramel, your favorite flavor of tea is just waiting for you. (For a sweet, chocolaty treat, try Silver Leaf Tea's Caramel Tea, Chocolate Coconut Tea, Chocolate Mint, Chocolate Orange, or the irresistible Chocolate with Chocolate Chips Tea). Organic teas aren't just good for you, but Mother Earth, too. Learn how organic teas are grown, and how to ensure the tea you're buying is certified organic by the country it was grown in. (For a great selection of organic tea, including Blueberry Organic Tea, visit Silver Leaf Tea Co.). What is Fair Trade and how does it work? The origins of the early Fair Trade program and the organisations that helped to develop it and are considered to be the founding fathers of Fair Trade. |
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