Anxi Ben Shan Tea

Anxi Ben Shan Tea

　　Ben Shan tea originates from Xiyayang in Anxi and is a clonal variety. According to Ye Lei (leaf type) and Zhong Ya Zhong (medium sprouting variety) in Zhuang Canzhang’s 1937 "Anxi Tea Industry Survey." It has an open tree posture with slanting branches and dense, fine branching. The leaves are oval-shaped, thin and brittle, slightly curled inward on the surface, with distinct wavy leaf margins, unevenly sized teeth, dense buds, and slender stems. It produces plenty of flowers and fruits. Closely related to Tieguanyin ("Iron Goddess of Mercy"), but with stronger growth vigor and adaptability. It produces high-quality oolong tea, with premium-grade quality comparable to Tieguanyin, while black and green teas made from it are of medium quality. Known as the “younger brother of Guanyin,” it is one of the Four Famous Teas of Anxi. Now let’s examine how to identify Anxi Ben Shan tea from the following four aspects.

　　Anxi Ben Shan Tea is a renowned tea among the Southern Fujian Oolong series within the oolong tea category, ranking among China’s Top Ten Famous Teas. It is mainly produced in the four major tea-growing regions of Xiping, Longjuan, Daping, and Changkeng, and is found throughout all counties and towns in the region.

　　Closely related to Tieguanyin, but with stronger growth vigor and adaptability. Ben Shan tea offers excellent quality, with premium-grade quality similar to Tieguanyin, while black and green teas made from it are of medium quality. Known as the “younger brother of Guanyin,” it is one of the Four Famous Teas of Anxi.

　　The production process of Anxi Ben Shan Tea involves several steps to create the final product: cooling the fresh leaves, sun-withering, cooling again, oxidation (shaking and resting), pan-firing, rolling, initial drying, re-drying, re-wrapping and rolling, slow roasting over low heat, and sorting and winnowing.

　　The finished Ben Shan tea leaves have a sandy green color, glossy and oily appearance, tightly rolled strips that are heavy like iron. The tea liquor is golden and bright. Upon brewing, the tea emits a rich, concentrated fragrance that lingers. The taste is smooth with a slight bitterness at first, followed by a sweet aftertaste and hints of honey.

　　Because Ben Shan tea has stronger growth vigor and adaptability than Tieguanyin, it is generally more affordable. Most consumers cannot easily tell the difference between the two, so many tea shops sell it as Tieguanyin. Although its aroma differs from Tieguanyin, its quality is also outstanding—fragrant, mellow, and sharing the same characteristic of multiple infusions common to oolong teas. Coupled with its reasonable price, it is the best alternative for those who love Tieguanyin.