Guyu

Ming-Qian tea and Yu-Qian tea are names given to different stages of spring tea in the Jiangnan tea region along the Yangtze River in China based on seasonal timing. "Ming-Qian tea" refers to tea harvested before the Qingming Festival, while "Yu-Qian tea" is harvested after Qingming but before Guyu. Ming-Qian tea is known for its fine and tender qualities, while Yu-Qian tea also boasts excellent quality. Teas harvested after Guyu but before Lixia tend to be coarser and of lower quality. Ming-Qian tea contains higher levels of amino acids compared to later harvests, while the content of tannins, which impart a bitter taste, is relatively lower. As a result, this tea has a fragrant and smooth flavor. Additionally, Ming-Qian tea is less likely to have been exposed to pesticides, especially early spring teas, which are among the best green teas of the year. For these reasons, many high-grade teas harvested before the Ming-Qian period are particularly favored by tea enthusiasts. How to Brew Ming-Qian Tea A glass cup is recommended for brewing, as it allows you to observe the graceful unfolding and movement of the green tea leaves in the water. First, use some boiling water to preheat the cup,…

When enjoying Guyu tea, it's important to select high-quality tea and consider the following aspects: appropriate water temperature and steeping time to fully bring out the tea's flavor; understanding the characteristics of the tea and adjusting according to personal taste; maintaining a pleasant environment and mindset to enhance the tea-tasting experience. I. The Origin of Guyu Tea Guyu tea has its roots in ancient Chinese agrarian society, with origins traceable back to the Tang Dynasty. At that time, tea farmers discovered that tea picked during the Guyu period had exceptional quality, leading to the gradual formation of this unique tea beverage. From the Song Dynasty onward, Guyu tea gradually gained favor among scholars and poets, becoming an essential medium for their tea appreciation and poetic discussions. By the Ming and Qing dynasties, Guyu tea had become a precious gem within Chinese tea culture, highly regarded. II. Quality Characteristics of Guyu Tea The quality characteristics of Guyu tea are mainly reflected in the following aspects: 1. High-Quality Fresh Leaves: During the Guyu period, the climate is moderate, and rainfall is abundant, promoting vigorous growth of tea plants with thick leaves rich in internal substances, providing an excellent raw material base for…