Putuo Buddhist Tea

Putuo Buddhist Tea

Putuo Buddhist Tea is a geographical indication protected product.

Putuo Buddhist Tea is a geographical indication certification trademark.

Putuo Buddhist Tea is an agricultural geographical indication product.

　　Putuo Buddhist Tea is one of the traditional specialties of Zhoushan. It gets its name from being grown on Foding Mountain, the highest peak of Putuo Mountain, known as the "Buddhist Kingdom on the Sea."    

　　Putuo Buddhist Tea is modeled after the shape of Jiangsu's Biluochun — tightly rolled into fine spirals, with a glossy green color and visible fine hairs. The tea liquor is yellow-green and bright, with a mellow, light taste that is refreshing and pleasant, invigorating to the senses. Especially when brewed the second time, the fragrance becomes even richer, and the taste sweet and delicious, evoking the feeling that “one awaits the faint sweat on the skin, with a cooling breeze through the body even in the heat of June.”    

　　Putuo Buddhist Tea has a long history, with records dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Through careful cultivation by local monks and residents, it has gained fame for its unique flavor.    

　　Historical records indicate that Putuo Buddhist Tea not only refreshes and clears the mind but also has medicinal properties. The "Putuo Mountain Annals" state: “Buddhist tea picked before the rains and brewed with local spring water can treat lung abscesses and bloody dysentery.” (Zhoushan)

　　Geographic Scope

　　Also known as Putuo Mountain Cloud Mist Tea, Putuo Buddhist Tea is one of China’s ancient varieties of green tea. It is produced on Putuo Mountain in Zhejiang Province, China. Putuo Mountain is one of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains, located in the Zhoushan Archipelago of Zhejiang Province, also referred to as “Putuo Island.” The mountain’s highest peak, Foding Mountain, enjoys a temperate maritime climate. The area remains warm in winter and cool in summer, with moist conditions year-round, fertile soil, lush forests, and clouds and dew lingering before sunrise. Furthermore, most tea plants grow on sunny slopes and sheltered valleys, providing an exceptionally favorable natural environment for their cultivation.

　　Distinctive Qualities

　　Once processed, the tea takes on a distinctive appearance — tightly rolled, spiral-shaped leaves with a glossy green color and visible fine hairs. When steeped, the tea liquor is bright yellow-green, with buds and leaves standing intact. Upon drinking, one immediately experiences an elegant, fragrant aroma and a rich, delicious taste.

　　Cultural Anecdotes

　　Legend has it that in the 12th year of the Dazhong era of the Tang Dynasty, Japanese monk Huie came to China to study. While worshipping at Mount Wutai, he obtained a sacred statue of Guanyin (the Goddess of Mercy). He planned to return home by boat from Mingzhou but, when nearing the New Korea Reef east of Putuo Mountain, hundreds of iron lotus flowers suddenly appeared on the sea, blocking the ship’s path. Despite many efforts, the iron lotuses held the vessel in place. Monk Huie understood that Guanyin did not wish to leave China, so he said, “If my country’s people are to miss the chance to see the Buddha, I shall establish a monastery where we are headed.” He then went ashore, left the statue of Guanyin there, and built a temple. Later, because the Avatamsaka Sutra mentions the bodhisattva Sudhana visiting Guanyin at Potalaka (Putuo), the place came to be called “Putuo.” Since then, Putuo Mountain has become a sacred site for Guanyin worship, commonly known as the “South Sea.” The mountain is home to many temples, including Puji Temple, Fayu Temple, Changsheng Chan Monastery, Pantuo Nunnery, and Lingshi Nunnery. The land on the mountain belongs to the temples, and the tea is picked and processed by monks, used for Buddhist rituals and to serve guests, hence the name “Buddhist Tea.”

　　Geographic Scope

　　Zhoushan City is located at the midpoint of China’s coastline, at the confluence of the Yangtze River, Qiantang River, and Yong River estuaries. It lies between 121°31′ to 123°17′ east longitude and 29°32′ to 30°38′ north latitude. The city comprises 1,390 islands of varying sizes and 3,330 reefs, covering a sea area of 22,000 square kilometers, with a land area of 1,440 square kilometers. The main island, Zhoushan Island, is the fourth largest in China, with an area of 502 square kilometers. The protected agricultural geographical indication area for Putuo Buddhist Tea includes the Chengdong, Huanan, Jiefang, Changguo, Yancang, Lincheng subdistricts, and the Baiquan, Ganlan, Ma’ao, Xiaosha, Cengang, Shuangqiao, and Jintang towns in Dinghai District; the Shenjiamen, Donggang, Goushan, Zhanmao, Zhujiajian, Taohua, Liuheng, and Dengbu subdistricts and towns in Putuo District; and the Gaoting, Dongsha, Daodong, Daixi, Qushan, and Xiushan towns and townships in Daishan County.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　(1) Sensory Quality: Based on sensory evaluation, Putuo Buddhist Tea is divided into three grades by quality: Special Grade (Grade 1 and Grade 2), Grade 1, and Grade 2. (2) Physicochemical Indicators: (3) Quality and Safety Requirements: The pollutant limits of Putuo Buddhist Tea must comply with the provisions of GB2762 "National Food Safety Standard – Maximum Levels of Contaminants in Foods"; pesticide residue limits must comply with the provisions of GB2763 "National Food Safety Standard – Maximum Residue Limits for Pesticides in Food."