Xiushui Ninghong Black Tea

Xiushui Ninghong Black Tea

Xiushui Ninghong Black Tea is a product with geographical indication status.

　　   Located in the northwest border area of Jiangxi Province, Xiushui County was formerly under the jurisdiction of “Yining Prefecture.” The Ningzhou Gongfu Black Tea produced here, commonly known as “Ninghong Black Tea,” is one of the finest varieties of Chinese Gongfu black teas. Ninghong Black Tea is renowned for its slender, elegant strips, prominent golden tips, straight sprouts, bright red color, and long-lasting fragrance. Historical records and the Qing Dynasty’s Ruiyan’s *Pure Pu Essays* state that Ninghong Black Tea originated during the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty and was once designated as a tribute tea during the Guangxu era. In the early 20th century, Ninghong Black Tea reached its peak in both production and sales, earning widespread praise from domestic and international tea merchants and experts who hailed it as “the finest tea under heaven, with the highest price worldwide.” At the time, an industry saying went: “No chest is opened until Ninghong arrives.” As an export production base for Ninghong Black Tea, Xiushui County developed a new variety in 1958 that was recognized by Chinese and foreign experts as meeting international premium tea standards. In 1980, it received a commendation from the Jiangxi Provincial People’s Government. In 1983, it was awarded a certificate of honor by the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations and Trade of the People’s Republic of China. In 1984, it won the Jiangxi Provincial Quality Product Award, followed by the National Golden Cup Award from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Fishery in 1985, as well as a National Silver Award. (Jiujiang)

　　   Geographical Scope

　　   Xiushui is situated between the Mufu and Jiuling mountain ranges, located in the upper reaches of the Xiushui River in northwestern Jiangxi Province. The Xiushui River flows from west to east, joining the Gan River and then emptying into Poyang Lake. The protected production area for Xiushui Ninghong Black Tea includes 36 townships (towns, management committees): Bailing Town, Quanfeng Town, Huanglong Township, Lukou Township, Gushi Town, Shuiyuan Township, Daqiao Town, Shangshan Township, Yuduan Township, Zhajin Town, Shiao Township, Donggang Township, Ma’ao Town, Hangkou Town, Xigang Town, Shanghang Township, Xinwan Township, Xikou Town, Dachun Township, Gangkou Town, Buja Township, Zhuping Township, Zhengcun Township, Shankou Town, Manjiang Township, Fuyuan Township, Miaoling Township, Huangsha Town, Huanggang Town, Heshi Town, Shangfeng Town, Taiyangsheng Town, Sidu Town, Ningzhou Town, and Chengfang Reservoir Area Management Committee. The protected area lies between 28°47′–29°22′ north latitude and 113°57′–114°56′ east longitude, covering a protected area of 10,000 hectares with an annual output of 15,000 tons.

　　   Product Quality Characteristics

　　   (1) External Sensory Features: Tightly rolled strips, slender buds, dark lustrous color, bright red liquor, sweet and lasting aroma, mellow taste, and light red leaf base. (2) Internal Quality Indicators: Moisture content 3%–6%; total ash 5%–6%; powder 0.5%–3%; water extract 36%–40%; polyphenols 16.5%–25%; caffeine 3%–4.5%; amino acids 5%–7%; theaflavins 1%–1.5%; thearubigins 0.7%–2%; water-soluble polysaccharides 2.5%–3.5%. (3) Quality and Safety Requirements: ① The origin environment quality shall comply with the *Pollution-Free Food – Tea Growing Environment Conditions* (NY5020—2001). ② Production must strictly follow the *Pollution-Free Food – Tea Production Technical Regulations* (NY/T 5018-2001) and the *Pollution-Free Food – Tea Processing Technical Regulations* (NY/T 5019-2001). ③ Quality and safety indicators shall meet the requirements of the *Pollution-Free Food – Tea* (NY5244—2004).