Erzu Zen Tea

Erzu Zen Tea

　　Erzu Zen Tea is a specialty of Taihu County, Anqing City, Anhui Province. It features tightly rolled leaves, a vibrant green color, visible white fuzz, a long-lasting and lofty aroma, as well as a rich, mellow, and refreshing taste.

　　Taihu County is located at the southern foot of the Dabie Mountains, where rolling peaks are shrouded in clouds and mist, and the area boasts a rich diversity of rare birds, animals, flowers, and plants. "Erzu Zen Tea" is produced in these mist-covered mountains. The region’s superior ecological environment contributes to the tea’s exceptional natural quality. Zhao Puchu, a prominent religious figure, former Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and President of the Buddhist Association of China, was so impressed after tasting it that he wrote: “Face life with a smile, and toast each other with a cup of Taihu Tea.”

　　"Erzu Zen Tea" originates from the master of Chinese Zen Buddhism’s Second Patriarch, Bodhidharma’s disciple Huìkě (also known as Master Huike), who is said to have created it—hence the name "Erzu Zen Tea." In 561 AD, Master Huìkě left the Shaolin Temple, traveled a thousand li to settle on Lion Mountain in Taihu, where he founded a meditation site. He practiced Zen there for 31 years, pioneering the spread of Zen Buddhism in China. As a result, Taihu County is regarded as the birthplace of Chinese Zen Buddhism. Historical records say that Master Huìkě often meditated beside the Gourd Stone, and during his meditation sessions, he would chew on tea leaves, which helped him feel refreshed, clear-headed, and sharp-eyed. He and his disciples cultivated and picked tea leaves, and he especially favored the tea he made himself. Later, many monks followed his example, leading to the saying that “there is no temple without tea,” reflecting the idea that “Zen and tea share the same essence.” It was believed that simply drinking tea could lead to enlightenment. The phrase “Go have some tea” became a common saying in Zen monasteries.

　　In March 2004, based on historical records, the Taihu County Tea Development Company revived the production of "Erzu Zen Tea." The tea is carefully harvested and processed, sourced entirely from pollution-free tea gardens in deep mountain areas. The raw materials consist of one bud with one or two leaves, picked just before Grain Rain. It undergoes a refined process including withering, fixing, shaping, and drying, resulting in a tea with tightly rolled leaves, a vibrant green color, visible white fuzz, a long-lasting and lofty aroma, as well as a rich, mellow, and refreshing taste. The current President of the Buddhist Association of China, Master Yicheng, highly praised the tea after tasting it and personally inscribed its name. Since its launch, "Erzu Zen Tea" has been widely favored by consumers, with increasing production. Currently, the Taihu County Tea Development Company is responsible for the product’s sales.