China

Tea culture in China

In China, tea is much more than a simple beverage: it's a pillar of the country's culture, first mentioned by Emperor Shennong in 2800 BC. The Chinese were the world's first tea growers, and every year they rank first among the world's producers in terms of volume. 70% of this production is consumed locally, and tea is an integral part of Chinese daily life. Whether on the street, carried in small isothermal teapots that are filled with hot water throughout the day, in the heart of tea houses, public parks or at restaurant tables, tea is present everywhere.

It remains a symbol of hospitality, respect and conviviality, and creates links between generations who love to gather around this beverage as healthy as it is tasty.

The best Chinese teas

The diversity of Chinese teas is as vast as the country itself, and for connoisseurs, China is the benchmark. Numerous cultivars have been developed here, some of them to produce a particular tea, such as Longjing #43, which gives rise to the grand cru of the same name. The major tea-growing provinces also have their own local cultivars, such as Hubei's E-Cha, which give their teas a distinctive signature.

This diversity of available cultivars, combined with the local climate and know-how, means that China can offer a vast range of teas that are as impressive visually as they are in taste.

Among the best-known tea-producing regions is Fujian province, where the famous Wulong Tie Guan Yin tea originates. Fujian is also the cradle of famous white teas, including Bai mu dan, also known as "white peony", and the famous Fuding Silver Needles, a grand cru produced from the downy buds of the prestigious local Da Bai and Da Hao cultivars.

We can also mention the province of Hubei, and in particular the historic region of Enshi, famous for its selenium-rich soil and the source of most of our "mingqian", the best quality green teas harvested in the first days of spring. Last but not least, there's the Yunnan province and its famous pu'er, the most famous of dark teas (post-fermented teas), which has its die-hard fans.

In conclusion, China is an Eldorado for tea lovers in search of great original teas and local specialties, as well as novelties that are the fruit of the know-how and innovative capacity of its producers.

China's new teas

Chinese premium teas are highly sought-after for their complex, fresh and lively spring aromas. Among them, the highly prized Mingqian (清明) picked at the end of March, beginning of April, before the Qingming Festival (清明节 - qīngmíng jié) represent a "grail" for lovers of fine Chinese teas. Their softness and particularly sweet, fruity aromas make them gourmet primeurs to die for. Their rich flavor symbolizes the spring awakening after a long period of dormancy.

These prestigious and eagerly awaited teas are almost exclusively reserved for the Chinese market.