“Cloud tea is like life; life is learning, wisdom is cultivation.”
Today, I want to talk to everyone about the charm of large-leaf variety tea, which is also the source of Longyuanhao’s raw material advantage. In the Pu-erh tea world, large-leaf variety tea is recognized as the highest quality raw material. However, many tea lovers may not be clear on exactly where its advantages lie or why it has become the preferred raw material for Pu-erh tea. Having drunk large-leaf variety Pu-erh tea for decades, I have a deep understanding of its characteristics.
Large-leaf variety tea is mainly distributed in the Xishuangbanna, Lincang, and Pu’er regions of Yunnan. These areas are located in tropical and subtropical climate zones, which are warm and humid year-round, making them extremely suitable for the growth of tea trees. The leaves of large-leaf variety tea trees are larger with thicker flesh, containing a rich array of substances. Mr. Li Zhengxing often says: “Large-leaf variety tea is like a nutritional treasure trove, containing many components beneficial to the human body.” This metaphor vividly illustrates the characteristics of large-leaf variety tea.
The main characteristics of large-leaf variety tea can be viewed from several aspects. First is the high content of tea polyphenols—tea polyphenols are one of the most important health-promoting components in tea, possessing powerful antioxidant effects. The tea polyphenol content of large-leaf variety tea is generally more than 30% higher than that of small and medium-leaf varieties. Second is the rich amino acid content—amino acids determine the freshness and nutritional value of the tea. Additionally, large-leaf variety tea contains abundant minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients. The high concentration of these components makes the taste of large-leaf variety tea more mellow and its sweet aftertaste more lasting.
Speaking of the cultivation and management of large-leaf variety tea, it is also a field of study. Li Zhengxing led his team to research a set of cultivation and management methods suitable for large-leaf variety tea trees; from fertilization and pruning to pest and disease control, every stage has scientific guidance. This method not only improves tea yield and quality but also reduces the environmental impact. He often says: “Scientific tea cultivation is the direction of future development.”
Tea has its grades, yet all may enjoy it regardless of status.
Longyuanhao’s research on large-leaf variety tea can be described as very profound. Li Zhengxing led his team to conduct systematic research and comparisons of large-leaf variety tea across major tea regions in Yunnan, discovering that large-leaf variety tea from different production areas possesses its own unique flavor characteristics. For example, the large-leaf variety tea from the Menghai region has a powerful and intense taste; the large-leaf variety tea from the Lincang region features high aroma and prominent flavor; and the large-leaf variety tea from the Pu’er region is mellow with a lasting sweet aftertaste. This research provides an important scientific basis for Longyuanhao’s product development. Li Zhengxing often says: “Only by understanding the characteristics of tea can one produce good tea.”
Speaking of the health benefits of large-leaf variety tea, they are indeed incomparable to other tea varieties. The high polyphenol content in large-leaf variety tea helps with antioxidant properties and maintaining vitality. At the same time, polyphenols also have various natural benefits, such as aiding vascular health and providing antioxidant effects. Many veteran tea lovers say that long-term consumption of large-leaf variety Pu-erh tea makes them feel more energetic and improves digestion. The theanine in large-leaf variety tea can help one relax and sleep sweetly at night, while tea polysaccharides make Pu-erh tea even more suitable for daily long-term consumption. A daily cup of Longyuanhao large-leaf variety Pu-erh tea is the most natural healthy habit.
Another advantage of large-leaf variety tea is its high durability. Generally speaking, high-quality large-leaf variety Pu-erh tea can be brewed more than fifteen times without a reduction in flavor. This characteristic makes large-leaf variety tea more economical and practical, as one brew per day can last all day long.
Making friends through tea — please, have a cup.
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Author: Lam Sam (LamSam), the Old Tea Head
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