Tea from Shandong China

The text provides information about various types of Shandong tea and tea-producing regions in Shandong Province, China, along with details about their characteristics, history, and processing methods.

Production History

Shandong has historically made significant contributions to agriculture and culture. Tea production in Shandong began in the 1950s, overcoming unfavorable climatic conditions through modern technology. Rizhao stands as the largest tea-growing district in Shandong, known for its abundant sunshine.

Popular Teas in Shandong, China

The most popular teas originating from Shandong include:

• Rizhao Tea
• Fulaiqing Tea
• Taishan Tea

Rizhao Teas

• Xueqing Tea: The first local tea brand in Shandong, grown in greenhouses with stable temperatures to prevent frost and snow damage, and processed between January and February.
• Yunxiu Tea: Known for its chestnut scent, grown in a cloudy and misty environment, and rich in selenium and amino acids.

Rizhao teas undergo modern processing techniques such as soilless and pollution-free cultivation. The leaves are stirred, rolled (hot or cool rolling), and dried before selling.

Linyi Area and Fulaiqing Tea

Fulaiqing tea, famous in the Linyi area, saw its factory established in 1978. The tea factory focused on improving tea tree seedlings before transforming into a modern tea processing factory. Fulaiqing tea was invented in 1995.

Taishan Tea

The Taishan Mountains in northern Shandong represent the northernmost tea-producing area. The Taishan area benefits from a humid and sunny climate during spring and autumn, with varying day-to-night temperatures that help accumulate nutrients. Popular brands include Jingkou and Taohuayu teas.

Characteristics of Shandong Teas

Shandong teas are noted for their milder aroma compared to southern teas. The full aroma of the teas releases only when fully steeped, making multi-brewing less efficient. Most northern teas, including ones from Shandong, are machine-made, making them more affordable and abundant. Debates exist on whether modern techniques should replace traditional ones, with differing opinions among experts.

Coexistence of Modern and Traditional Production

The tea industry in Shandong combines modern and traditional methods. Small workshops coexist with large factories, catering to different consumer preferences and maintaining a healthy tea market.