Zhengshan Xiaojiao and Jinjunmei are both treasures of Wuyi Rock Tea, known as the "King of Tea". Both from the same mountain range, but because of the picking parts, production process differences, showing a very different flavor characteristics. So, which grade is higher? Let's find out today!
historical origin
Zhengshan Xiaojiao, also known as "Gongfu Xiaojiao", is the originator of black tea, which became famous as early as during the Northern Song Dynasty. Its production method was created by Cai Xiang in the Song Dynasty, and has been passed down for thousands of years, with exquisite craftsmanship and excellent quality. With its unique aroma of pine smoke and mellow flavor, Zhengshan Xiaojiao is highly sought after, and was once exported overseas as a tribute tea, earning a lot of foreign exchange for the country.
Jinjunmei, a newcomer to the market in recent years, was introduced in 2005. It is made from the most tender tea buds in Wuyi Mountain, which are carefully harvested and produced into a rare tea with the shape of eyebrows, fat bud tips and golden color. Jinjunmei gathers the essence of Wuyi rock tea, both flowery, fruity, honey aroma, sweet and mellow taste, long aftertaste, quickly become the new favorite in the tea market.
Appearance
The shape of Zhengshan Xiao Seed is based on one bud and one leaf, with fat buds and leaves, dark and brown color. Jinjunmei, on the other hand, selects a single bud or a bud and two leaves, the bud tip is tender, golden and bright, just like the eyebrow beautiful and moving.
Aroma and flavor
The most distinctive feature of Zhengshan Xiaojiao is its unique aroma of pine smoke, which is due to the use of pine wood for smoking and roasting during the production process. In addition, Zhengshan Xiaojiao also has the aroma of cinnamon and jujube, with a mellow and sweet flavor and a long throat.
Jinjunmei is characterized by floral, fruity and honeyed aroma, with a rich and fragrant fragrance that refreshes the heart. The flavor is sweet and mellow with a light coolness and a long aftertaste.
Production process
The production process of Zhengshan Xiao Seed is relatively traditional, mainly including withering, kneading, baking and other processes. Among them, baking is the key to the formation of the pine smoke aroma of Zhengshan Xiao Seed.
The production process of Jinjunmei is innovative on the basis of Zhengshan Xiaojiao, with the addition of withering and shaping processes, which makes the tea aroma more fragrant and the taste more sweet.
Zhengshan Xiaojiao vs Jinjunmei: How to choose?
Zhengshan Xiao Seed and Jin Jun Mei each have their own characteristics and there is no standard answer as to which one is better. The decision of which tea to choose is still based on personal preference and budget.
concluding remarks
Zhengshan Xiao Seed and Jin Jun Mei are both treasures of Wuyi Rock Tea, representing the highest level of Chinese black tea. Tasting a cup of Zhengshan Xiao Seed or Jin Jun Mei, you can not only enjoy its unique aroma and flavor, but also feel the profoundness of Chinese tea culture.
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