Currently, in the tea world, the most popular and beloved choice among tea enthusiasts may no longer be traditional teas like West Lake Longjing, Anxi Tieguanyin, or Dahongpao. Instead, a new type of tea known as Little Green Tangerine Tea has captured the hearts of many. With its small, exquisite, and unique shape, it has been widely embraced by tea lovers since its introduction. The whole-leaf brewing method and its rich tangerine aroma enhance its distinct appeal.
Drinking Little Green Tangerine Tea has become a trend, and at our company, it's common to see colleagues opening a Little Green Tangerine for brewing. Today, I'll delve into what makes this newcomer in the tea world so special and why it's so beloved.
1. Production Process
The production of Little Green Tangerines begins with selecting high-quality green tangerines from Xinhui. After harvesting, the pulp is removed, and Pu'er tea is stuffed inside. Without any additives, a special process is employed to blend the pure fruit aroma of Xinhui tangerines with the rich flavor of Yunnan Pu'er tea. This results in the tangerine peel (also known as aged tangerine peel) and tea leaves absorbing each other's essence, becoming more fragrant over time.
2. Taste of Little Green Tangerine Tea
Little Green Tangerines are harvested during their early growth stage when they contain more moisture and have a spicy, fragrant aroma. Therefore, the resulting Citrus Pu'er tea made from them tends to be spicy and refreshing. However, because the tangerines are not yet fully matured, the taste can be more intense than that of red tangerines after ripening, which somewhat masks the flavor of Pu'er tea—a minor flaw.
3. Health Benefits of Little Green Tangerine Tea
The limonene in Little Green Tangerines is not easily absorbed by the human body but can help expand the upper respiratory tract. Regular consumption can improve chronic pharyngitis, protect against smog, and alleviate nasal congestion in cases of rhinitis or colds. Given the worsening smog today, brewing a Little Green Tangerine daily seems necessary.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, green tangerine peels have a slightly warm nature, a bitter and spicy taste, and enter the liver and gallbladder meridians. They are effective in regulating liver qi, alleviating pharyngitis, aiding digestion, and protecting cardiovascular health. When combined with ripe Pu'er tea, the health benefits encompass both: strengthening the spleen and stomach, relieving cough and phlegm, reducing fat and weight, beautifying the skin, and fighting aging.
Seeing the business opportunity in Little Green Tangerine Tea, many manufacturers have launched their own products, leading to a mixed market where quality varies significantly. This can be a source of frustration for many tea enthusiasts. How should we distinguish good from bad when buying Little Green Tangerine Tea?
First, Look at the Appearance
High-quality green tangerines have a round, full shape with uniform color. Poorer quality green tangerines may have damaged skin or noticeable color differences due to inferior raw materials or processing techniques, and may even show signs of mold.
Second, Smell the Aroma
Opening the packaging of high-quality green tangerines reveals a faint fruity aroma that is refreshing and pleasant. Inferior Little Green Tangerine Tea may develop a musty smell due to poor packaging, indicating spoilage.
Third, Taste the Flavor
When brewed, good Little Green Tangerine Tea has a clean taste, with a rich fruit aroma and a sweet aftertaste, lacking any sharp or irritating sensations.
Finally, Examine the Leaves
After brewing, high-quality Little Green Tangerine Tea leaves are plump and evenly distributed, clearly defined, brightly colored, and free of foreign matter overall.