Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/520302
STiR tea & coffee industry international 55 In 2014, China exported 302,500 metric tons of tea valued at $1.27 billion at an average export price of $4 per kilo. Eighty percent was low-grade green tea. Tea exports declined from the 322,699 metric tons that was exported in 2013 when China's tea export volume and value reached record highs of 325,800 metric tons, an increase of 3.92% in volume. The tea was valued at $1.247 billion that year, a 19.64% increase compared to 2012. Dafou Longjing Kaihua Longding garding safety and quality, and high levels of market recognition. The competition offered a practical guide to foreign buyers sourcing gourmet-quality tea from Zhejiang. Winners of past competitions include the re- nowned Xihu Longjing (West Lake Dragon Well, winner in 2004) and Anji Baicha (Anji White Tea, winner in 2004 and 2009). These two prize-win- ning teas are already available in overseas markets. Listed below are some less well-known winners which were recognized in both the 2004 and 2009 competitions. Many are completely unknown to overseas tea buyers. Dafou Longjing (Giant Buddha Longjing) The tea is from Xinchang County of East Zhe- jiang, named after monastery of the Giant Bud- dha, an historical attraction. Dafou Longjing was created in the 1980s, adopting the processing skill of the famous Xihu Longjing. The leaf of Dafou Longjing is slenderer and less smooth to touch than the Xihu counterpart. Dafou has a drier sensation under the common longjing flavor of roasted chestnut. Top quality Dafou tends to have a floral hint, though the aftertaste is not as sweet and lasting as Xihu Longjing. By TUBS [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)/ Wikimedia Commons China Zheziang Dafou is a value as it compares favorably with Xihu. Some dishonest tea sellers may sell Dafou or longjing from other regions as the renowned Xihu Longjing. It is unlikely that there is fake Dafou on the market because the price won't justify adulteration. Longjing from Shezhou County is a new comer, also a good choice. Kaihua Longding (Kaihua Dragon Top) From the densely forested mountainous Kaihua county in the westernmost part of Zhejiang. It was created in the late 1970s. The tea is very neat in look, shaped like the tiny tongue of a sparrow. Top grade Kaihua Longding is made from tiny tea buds of early spring and tastes superbly delicate. Once brewed the tea buds will rise vertically in the cup to form a spectacular view. Longding is a refreshing high-grown tea with round-mouthed sweetness and a hint of minty dryness, the floral flavor is as delicate as the Chinese orchid. Kaihua is a scenic place to visit. It borders Anhui and Jiangxi. After enjoying Kaihua Longding and forest bathing, one can further this gourmet tea touring trip to south Anhui and northeast Jiangxi which are also famous origins of quality green teas. Songyang Yinhou (Songyang Silver Claw of Monkey) From Songyang County and neighboring Suichang County in Southwest Zhejiang. This tea was created in the early 1980s in Songyang. Production later expanded to neighboring Suichang. As the name indicates, the tea is fluffy with white hairs and in a slightly curled shape like the claw of a monkey. It has a pleasant aroma and unique chestnut sweetness. Huiming Cha (Huiming Tea, also known as Gold Medal Huiming) The history of this tea dates to the Ming Dynasty. It was initially produced by Huiming, a monk who grew tea by the monastery named after him. It is a slightly curled wiry tea, with full bodied strength and a fruity sweetness. The tea is also known as Gold Medal Huiming for a gold medal awarded during the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition. (Among the 1915 Panama Expo Gold Medal winning teas, only Huiming emphasized the honor by inserting the words "Gold Medal" into the tea name. Huiming tea was less prominent in China prior to this recognition. Huiming has an "ordinary" look that may have gone unnoticed by gourmet tea lovers. Adding "Gold Medal" made this tea an eye-catching gourmet choice. Songyang Cha Huiming Cha