Hills full of tea trees in Xinyang City of central China's Henan Province. /VCG Photo
In China, many places are linked to food which can facilitate personal introduction. A conversation between a man from Xinyang City and his new friend usually goes like this:
"Where are you from?"
"I am from Xinyang City."
"Where is that?"
"Have you heard of Xinyang Maojian?"
"Oh, I see."
There are many famous green teas in China. Xinyang Maojian is not always mentioned. But it is an everyday favorite among people living in the central region of China. There will always be a special space in their refrigerator for the green tea. It is widely available in tea stalls spread all over the streets in the city. Chatting or playing poker with friends having tea at the same time is an essential part of locals' daily life. The whole city becomes lazy and warm because of the tea.
Tea stalls in a park in Xinyang, central China's Henan Province. /CGTN Photo
Xinyang is the southernmost city of Henan Province, located on the dividing line between China's north and south. Unlike other tea-producing areas in southern China, the four seasons here are distinct. The Spring drizzle, the summer sun, the red leaves of the autumn, and the winter snow come to the city on time.
Because of such climate, local farmers divide the tea according to seasons. Spring tea is the best type of Xinyang Maojian. Fine buds have absorbed the spring rain and are just ripe. Around April 20th is the busiest time in the city. Tea picking workers come here like the migratory birds. In order to celebrate the tea picking , local tea festivals are held every year. Since the quantity of tea was small, tea dealers will come to the city several months early to wait for the freshest ones.
Drying Xinyang Maojian in an iron pot. /VCG Photo
In addition to freshness, the quality of Maojian tea is closely related to the heating control. Fresh buds need to be stir-fried continuously in an iron pot. Then put it on the charcoal fire to continue drying, completely dehydrated, the charcoal fire can not have smoke, so as to avoid the tea getting the smell of smoke.
The finished tea is finely shaped with a thin layer of white fur on it. When brewed, the tea soup is light yellow with a strong aroma and a light but very tenacious sweet taste.
Brewing Xinyang Maojian. /VCG Photo
Speaking of green tea, people often think of losing weight and lowering blood pressure. It is also a good trigger to relax and ponder, and let your mind become more and more peaceful.
China's Flora Tour
From the wetlands along the coast to the dense rainforests hidden in the southwest of China, all boast an array of plant species. In this series, CGTN will go on a tour to learn about some of the most iconic flora in different provinces and see how they live in harmony with the local climate and topography.
(Cover image via VCG, designed by CGTN's Qu Bo.)
(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com.)