Mingqian tea is a treasure in the hearts of tea lovers. Behind this name is not only a variety of tea, but also a story of traditional culture and seasonal changes. Let's explore the uniqueness of Mingqian tea and the rich history behind it.
Definition of Mingqian tea
Mingqian tea, as the name suggests, is tea picked before the Qingming Festival. The Qingming Festival usually falls between April 4 and 6 on the solar calendar, so the picking time for Mingqian tea is usually concentrated in late March to early April. Tea leaves picked during this time period are known as one of the best teas of the year because of the tender texture and fresh flavor of the new buds that have just sprouted.
Why choose to pick tea before Ching Ming?
Before the Qingming Festival, the temperature gradually rises, rainfall is abundant, and tea trees begin to sprout new buds after a winter of rest and recuperation. These new buds, moisturized by the warmth of the spring sunshine and abundant rainfall, accumulate a wealth of nutrients, making the quality of the tea leaves particularly superior.
In ancient times, Chinese farmers believed that tea leaves picked before the Qingming Festival absorbed the purest essence of heaven and earth. Traditional Chinese medicine also believes that tea picked during this time not only has the best flavor, but also helps the body detoxify and stay healthy.
Characteristics of Mingqian tea
- Color and form: The leaves of pre-mingming tea are tender green in color and slender in form. Because the tea buds have not yet unfolded at the time of picking, the tea leaves are very tender.
- Aroma and taste: Brewed Mingqian tea has a clear soup color, fragrant aroma and fresh taste with natural sweetness. Because of its high tenderness, the brewed tea will not have a bitter and astringent feeling.
- nutrient composition: As the tea tree recuperates over the winter, the new spring buds are rich in amino acids, tea polyphenols and vitamins, all of which are important components of the tea's aroma and flavor.
Types of Mingqian tea
The Mingqian tea from different production areas has different characteristics, represented by West Lake Longjing, Dongting Biluochun and Huangshan Maofeng. The Mingqian tea of these production areas has its own unique geographical environment and climatic conditions, which makes the tea flavor distinctive.
- Xihu Longjing (tea)The plant is produced in the West Lake area of Hangzhou, and is known for its flat and straight shape and sweet taste.
- Dongting Bi Luo Chun: Produced in Dongting Mountain, Taihu Lake, Jiangsu Province, it is known for its curly, snail-like shape and strong flowery, fruity aroma.
- Huangshan Maofeng (tea): Produced in Huangshan, Anhui Province, this tea is popular for its fat buds and refreshingly sweet broth.
How to Taste and Preserve Mingqian Tea
When tasting Mingqian tea, use transparent glass cups or white porcelain cups, and first brew it with boiling water at about 80℃, so as to better observe the stretching of the tea leaves in the water and the changes of the tea broth. Quality Mingqian tea, the first bubble can give off a strong aroma, the second bubble tea soup is more mellow.
In order to maintain the freshness and aroma of Mingqian tea, it is important to store it in a way that protects it from moisture, light and odor. It is best to keep it sealed in the refrigerator to keep the tea in the best condition.
The Cultural Significance of Mingqian Tea
Mingqian tea is not just a beverage, it carries a rich culture and history. Ancient people respected Mingqian tea not only for its delicious taste, but also because it symbolizes the beginning of spring and new hope. Every year around the Ching Ming Festival, people pick and taste Mingqian tea, and this process has become an important ritual to communicate with nature and feel the change of seasons.
concluding remarks
Mingqian tea is more than just a cup of fragrant spring tea, it is a reflection of lifestyle and culture. Whether you savor its fragrance or feel the cultural connotation behind it, it makes you yearn for this ancient and vibrant spring time. We hope that every tea lover can find their own share of peace and beauty in Mingqian tea.
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