Tea has been an important part of Chinese culture for thousands of years, with a history that dates back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). The Chinese have developed a deep appreciation for the subtle flavors and aromas of tea, and have created many unique varieties over the centuries. In this blog post, we will take a look at the top 10 famous teas in China and explore their unique characteristics and history.
Top 10 Famous Teas in China
- Dragonwell (Longjing)
Dragonwell is one of the most famous green teas in China, and is grown in the Hangzhou area of Zhejiang province. It is known for its delicate flavor and aroma, and is said to have a “chestnut” taste. The leaves are flat and smooth, with a pale green color. Dragonwell is often referred to as the “champagne of green teas” due to its high quality and delicate flavor.
- Keemun (Qi Men)
Keemun is a black tea that is grown in the Qimen County of Anhui province. It is known for its rich, smoky flavor and aroma, and is often used as a base for tea blends. The leaves are small and tightly rolled, with a dark red color. Keemun is considered one of the finest black teas in China, and is often compared to Darjeeling tea from India.
- Lapsang Souchong
Lapsang Souchong is a black tea that is grown in the Wuyi Mountains of Fujian province. It is known for its smoky, pine-wood flavor and aroma, which is achieved by drying the leaves over a fire made from pine wood. The leaves are large and twisted, with a dark brown color. Lapsang Souchong is often considered an acquired taste due to its strong, smoky flavor.
- Jasmine tea
Jasmine tea is a scented tea made by blending green tea leaves with jasmine flowers. The tea leaves are blended with jasmine flowers multiple times, allowing the tea to absorb the aroma and flavor of the flowers. Jasmine tea is known for its delicate, floral flavor and aroma, and is often consumed in the evening.
- Tie Guan Yin (Iron Goddess of Mercy)
Tie Guan Yin is a type of oolong tea that is grown in the Anxi County of Fujian province. It is known for its delicate, floral flavor and aroma, and is often considered one of the finest oolong teas in China. The leaves are tightly rolled and have a dark green color. Tie Guan Yin is named after the Chinese goddess of mercy, Guanyin, and is said to have a “stone fruit” taste.
- Pu-erh tea
Pu-erh tea is a type of fermented tea that is grown in the Yunnan province of China. It is known for its strong, earthy flavor and aroma, and is often aged for several years to improve its taste. The leaves are large and loosely rolled, with a dark brown color. Pu-erh tea is often consumed after a meal to aid in digestion.
- Bai Hao Yinzhen (Silver Needle)
Bai Hao Yinzhen is a type of white tea that is grown in the Fujian province of China. It is known for its delicate, slightly sweet flavor and aroma, and is made using only the buds of the tea plant. The buds are covered in fine white hair, giving the tea its name “Silver Needle”. Bai Hao Yinzhen is considered one of the rarest and most delicate white teas in China.
- Bi Luo Chun (Green Snail Spring)
Bi Luo Chun is a type of green tea that is grown in the Dongting Lake area of Jiangsu province. It is known for its delicate, sweet flavor and aroma, and is made using only the new buds and leaves of the tea plant. The leaves are tightly rolled, and have a green color. Bi Luo Chun is often considered one of the most sought-after green teas in China.
- Shui Xian (Water Sprite)
Shui Xian is a type of oolong tea that is grown in the Wuyi Mountains of Fujian province. It is known for its rich, floral flavor and aroma, and is often aged for several years to improve its taste. The leaves are tightly rolled and have a dark brown color. Shui Xian is often considered one of the most premium oolong teas in China.
- Liu An Gua Pian (Liu An Melon Seed)
Liu An Gua Pian is a type of green tea that is grown in the Liu An County of Anhui province. It is known for its delicate, vegetal flavor and aroma, and is made using only the new buds and leaves of the tea plant. The leaves are small and tightly rolled, with a green color. Liu An Gua Pian is often considered one of the most prized green teas in China.
Conclusion
This blog post has highlighted the top 10 famous teas in China, each with their own unique flavor and aroma. From the delicate Dragonwell to the smoky Lapsang Souchong, there is a tea for every palate. Chinese teas are considered some of the finest in the world and are enjoyed by tea lovers all over the globe. If you are interested in exploring more Chinese teas, it is recommended to visit a tea shop that specializes in Chinese teas and try a variety of them.
