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Top 10 Teas of China
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Sandy White
Sandy is the owner of Botanical Indulgence.  She created this educational retail venue out of a passion for teaching and a passion for products that are healthy and botanically based.  Her background includes experience in being in retail management, a pharmeceutical rep, a veterinarian assistant, as well as, certification in aromatherapy, certification from the International Tea Institute and a degree in biology with a focus on plant physiology.  She brings a unique insight to knowing that modern day medicine is necessary without a doubt, but believers that there preventative and complimentary approaches as well.  She has written many articles and has had research published. 
By Sandy White
Published on 09/13/2008
 
Read about the top 10 teas of China from information received at the International Tea Expo
The Top 10 Teas of China
 

Top 10 Tea’s of China

Information from International Tea Expo

As Consumers of true tea (Camilla sinensis) develop a mature palette they look for tea that is accented only by what nature has to provide in the environment native to the plant.This is in contrast to teas blended with spices, fruits or natural flavorings.The variety of nuances between the different tea is determined by the region and season it is harvested and of course the processing.

Phil Parda, owner of Zhong Guo Cha and well known tea expert as well as friend, has traveled the world learning about tea in China, Japan, Tawian, Nepal and India.He has dedicated many years to his passion which has allowed him time in the tea fields and developing supplier relationships with the farmers and families of unique, high quality tea.Phil presented a discussion on the Top Ten Tea’s of China at the 2007 Tea Expo to give tea enthusiastsa guideline to in choosing the finest quality Chinese teas.

Top Ten Teas of China

Green Teas

  1. West Lake (Xi Hu) Longjingalso called Dragonwell.This lovely tea has flattened leaves from the first flush plucking of the season.The delicate nutty aroma and flavor make this tea a favorite among many tea connoisseurs.The pale yellow liquor is sure to please any palette.
  2. Yellow Mountian Maofeng (maow feng) also known as the Yellow Mountian Summit.This tea consists of a bud and the first two leaves of the tea plant.The tea leaves are not rolled and come from the high mountain “wild” tea gardens in An HuiProvince of China.This tea has a sweet vegetal taste typical of quality green teas.This pale yellow liquor gives off a delicate aroma and flavor.
  3. Donting Biluochun (dong ting Bee loo chin) is a great every day tea.It has a small leaf which is famous for it’s very sweet vegetal fragrance and thick mouth feel.When steeping this tea you will notice some of the down in your brew.
  4. Xinyang Maojian (zhinyeng Mawo zhen) otherwise known as Feather Tip, this green tea has delicate, small, dark “hairy” dried leaves. Mao Jian is named for the hairy leaf bud tips it is plucked from.It is plucked and process in the moutains of He NanProvince in spring to give this wonderful everyday green tea a unique asparagus aroma and chestnut aftertaste.
  5. Lu An Guapian (Loo On Gwapeeon) which is called “pumpkin seed tea” by the locals because the leaves resemble pumpkin seeds.This tea has a highly vegetal aroma, golden color, and wonderful aromatic and slightly nutty taste.
  6. Tai Ping Houkui (Tie ping howe kway) is considered a “monkey pick” tea.This does not mean it was picked my monkey’s does give it the honor being considered a very fine tea.The leaves are flat like the longjing but are much larger.This is an employee favorite at Botanical Indulgence.

Yellow Teas

  1. Jun Mountian Silver Needles (zhoon mountain) is considered a yellow tea.Yellow teas are brought to a point in the drying process that is just a bit shorter than that of green teas.The leaves are covered so that a natural enzyme action continues over time.The tea gains the slight yellowish appearance and wonderful mellow taste of a smaller bud but not as much down.

Oolong Teas

  1. Wuyi Yancha (woo yee yaan cha) also known as Da Hong Pao or rock tea.This wonderful oolong tea is grown in the shade much like the gyokuru of Japan used in matcha.Wuyi Yancho is heavily oxidized therefore has a deeper liquor than a lightly oxidized oolong. This tea has a highly complex aroma and flavor with a hint of plum.
  2. Anxi Tie Guanyn (on chee tea gwan yin) is an emerald colored liquor which is lightly oxidized with a jade floral undertone compared to gardenia and lilac.Tie Guanyn teas are named for the “Iron Goddess of Mercy” and is always a treat.The leaves must be plucked at the correct time in autumn so the mature leaf reaches a point where only the lightest oxidation is necessary.

Black Tea

  1. Quimen Hong Cha (key moon hong cha) is a black tea that is sometimes called a red tea due to the liquor color.Cantonese pronounce it “key moon” and Mandarin pronunciation is chee moon.This tea is commonly used in the every popular English Breakfast version and it stands up to milk if so desired.

As your taste for the most popular beverage in world matures, consider collecting the Top Ten Teas of China and enjoy the variations of their precious liquors.

(Special thanks to Phil Parda for contributing to the information in this article)