Datian High Mountain Tea

Datian High Mountain Tea

Datian High Mountain Tea is a geographical indication certification trademark.

Datian High Mountain Tea is an agricultural product geographical indication product.

　　Datian has a long history of tea production. As early as 400 years ago, there are written records of tea plants and tea trade. Production flourished in the 1980s and boomed after the year 2000. The earliest available county annals date back to the 39th year of the Wanli reign during the Ming Dynasty (1611), titled "Datian County Annals." Volume Eight of this edition records: “Goods include: … tea, tea oil…; Timber includes: pine, cypress, … tea….” During the Yuan Dynasty, Guo Juqing from Guangping in Datian County wrote one of the "Hundred Fragrant Poems" titled "Tea," which is the earliest known tea poem from Datian, dating back at least 640 years. This indicates that the people of Datian have long understood and appreciated the art of tea. The region features a distinct three-dimensional climate with significant vertical temperature variations and is often shrouded in clouds and mist. There are 175 peaks over 1,000 meters above sea level, and tea plantations cover 66,000 mu (approximately 4,400 hectares) at altitudes above 600 meters, with over 90% of these situated between 800 and 1,200 meters. Through long-term and unremitting efforts, Datian High Mountain Tea has achieved synchronous improvements in planting area, yield, and quality, earning a strong reputation among tea consumers both within and outside the province. In 2010, the tea production area of Datian County was recognized as the “Hometown of China’s High Mountain Tea,” a “National Standardized Production Base County for Green Food Tea,” and a “National Demonstration County for Tea Standardization.” In 2015, “Datian High Mountain Tea” was included in the Ministry of Agriculture's list of Agricultural Product Geographical Indication Demonstration Models. The quality characteristics of Datian High Mountain Tea are as follows: Oolong tea has a tightly rolled and heavy appearance; a dark green and glossy color; a high, lingering aroma with prominent floral notes; a rich, mellow, and refreshing taste; thick, soft, and bright leaves; and exhibits a distinct high mountain tea charm along with excellent endurance for multiple infusions. Black tea has a tightly twisted appearance; a high and sharp aroma; a sweet, fresh, and refreshing taste; a golden and bright liquor; and tender, bright, and evenly red leaves, showcasing the unique qualities of high mountain black tea.

　　Geographic Scope

　　The geographical indication protection area for Datian High Mountain Tea includes the entire territory of Datian County, specifically covering 19 towns and farms: Pingshan, Jiyang, Wushan, Xieyang, Wuling, Taoyuan, Shangjing, Taihua, Jianshe, Guangping, Qitao, Wenjiang, Meishan, Qianping, Huaxing, Junxi, Shipai, Humei, and Dongfeng. Datian is located in the central part of Fujian Province, in the midsection of the western foothills of the Daiyun Mountain Range, and is under the jurisdiction of Sanming City. It borders Dehua to the east, Yong’an to the west, Yongchun and Zhangping to the south, and Youxi and Sha County to the north. The county covers an area of 2,294 square kilometers, situated between 117°29’ and 118°03’ east longitude, and 25°29’ and 26°10’ north latitude. It stretches 58 kilometers from east to west and 76 kilometers from north to south. The county has 66,000 mu of tea plantations at elevations above 600 meters, with over 90% situated between 800 and 1,200 meters. In 2009, the county’s total tea output was 3,600 tons, with a production value of 360 million yuan. Datian County began establishing a national production base for green food tea raw materials in 2008, and passed the inspection and acceptance in 2009.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. Oolong tea has a tightly rolled and heavy appearance; a dark green and glossy color; a high, lingering aroma with prominent floral notes; a rich, mellow, and refreshing taste; thick, soft, and bright leaves; and exhibits a distinct high mountain tea charm along with excellent endurance for multiple infusions. 2. Black tea has a tightly twisted appearance; a high and sharp aroma; a sweet, fresh, and refreshing taste; a golden and bright liquor; and tender, bright, and evenly red leaves; showcasing the unique qualities of high mountain black tea. Datian High Mountain Tea is divided into five grades for oolong tea: Special, First, Second, Third, and Fourth grades; and four grades for black tea: Special, First, Second, and Third grades. (Table omitted) 3. Safety requirements: The product’s quality and safety indicators must comply with the relevant regulations for tea products in GB2762 “National Food Safety Standard – Maximum Levels of Contaminants in Foods” and GB2763 “National Food Safety Standard – Maximum Residue Limits for Pesticides in Foods.”