Longfeng Tea

Longfeng Tea

Longfeng Tea is a geographical indication protected product.

　　The Relationship Between the Quality of Zhuxi Longfeng Tea and Meteorological Conditions The Zhuxi tea-growing region has a subtropical monsoon climate, with an average monthly sunshine percentage of 25%–48%, an average monthly temperature of 2.4°C–25.5°C, an average 0 cm ground temperature of 3.8°C–29.6°C, an average 5 cm ground temperature of 3.9°C–28°C, an average 10 cm ground temperature of 4.2°C–27.5°C, an average 15 cm ground temperature of 4.7°C–27.5°C, an average 20 cm ground temperature of 5.1°C–27.0°C, an average monthly precipitation of 8.1 mm–180.8 mm, an annual average precipitation of 945.3 mm, and an average monthly relative air humidity of 73%–87%. Meteorological factors in the Zhuxi tea-growing area show clear vertical variation. As altitude increases, light intensity weakens, temperatures and ground temperatures decrease, and relative air humidity increases—all of which are conducive to the formation of high-quality tea. Longfeng Tea produced at an altitude of 900 m has relatively high levels of nutrient elements, biochemical components, aromatic substances, and sensory quality scores, indicating excellent quality. This is related to the relatively low temperatures, large diurnal temperature variations, moderate light intensity, frequent cloud cover, and high air humidity. Therefore, areas around 900 m in altitude can be planned as key bases for the production of high-quality Longfeng Tea.

　　Composition

　　　　Longfeng Tea contains nitrogen at 5.47%–6.65%, phosphorus at 0.410%–0.502%, potassium at 0.966%–1.129%, calcium at 0.097%–0.135%, magnesium at 603.13 mg/kg–855.39 mg/kg, iron at 50.00 mg/kg–72.00 mg/kg, copper at 8.45 mg/kg–10.86 mg/kg, and zinc at 22.91 mg/kg–36.51 mg/kg. Chemical analysis and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used to analyze the quality components of Longfeng Tea. The results showed that the main quality components of Longfeng Tea include: tea polyphenols at 28.43%–34.23%, amino acids at 2.81%–3.38%, caffeine at 1.89%–2.52%, soluble sugars at 2.32%–3.07%, water extractables at 21.93%–44.78%, chlorophyll at 0.0842%–1.286%, catechins at 150.00 mg/g–171.88 mg/g, and theanine at 0.715%–1.193%.

　　Geographical Indication

　　　　The protected production area of Longfeng Tea as a geographical indication product is based on the scope proposed in the document “Xixi Government Letter [2006] No. 11” issued by the People’s Government of Zhuxi County, Hubei Province, titled “Regarding the Definition of the Protected Geographical Indication Product Area for ‘Longfeng Tea.’” This includes 13 townships in Zhuxi County, Hubei Province: Jiangjiayan Town, Zhongfeng Town, Longba Township, Chengguan Town, Shuiping Town, Xianhe Town, Xinzhou Township, Bingying Township, Eping Township, Huewan Township, Quanxi Town, Fengxi Town, and Tianbao Township, as well as the administrative regions of nine county-level agricultural, forestry, and specialty farms: Longwangya Tea Farm, Meizi Tea Farm, Qianjin Tea Farm, Yangjiaba Comprehensive Farm, Biaohu Forest Farm, Shuangzhu Forest Farm, Jiuligang Forest Farm, Wangjiashan Tea Farm, and Tianchiya Forest Farm. Producers within the protected geographical indication area of Longfeng Tea may apply to the Zhuxi County Bureau of Quality and Technical Supervision in Hubei Province for permission to use the “Special Mark for Geographical Indication Products,” which will be approved and announced by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China.

　　Brand

　　　　The "Longfeng" brand of Longfeng Tea is produced at the Longwangya Tea Farm in Zhuxi County, northwestern Hubei Province. This farm is a leading enterprise and a major taxpayer in the tea industry of Zhuxi County. Its tea is characterized by tightly rolled, robust leaves with visible tips, a vibrant emerald green color, a lasting fresh fragrance, bright tender green liquor, a rich and refreshing taste, and tender, even, and uniform leaf bottoms. It has won numerous awards in provincial and national tea competitions. In 1995, it was awarded the Gold Medal at the Second China Agricultural Expo, and in 1997, it was recognized as a National Famous Tea Product at the Third China Agricultural Expo. The "Longfeng" brand series (including Longfeng Tea, Jian Tea, and Qinglongjian Tea) is sold in 14 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions.

　　Features

　　　　Longfeng Tea features tightly rolled, slender leaves with visible fine tips, a tender green and glossy color, and uniform appearance. Its internal qualities include a fresh, tender, and high aroma with natural floral notes, a fresh, mellow, and sweet taste, bright tender green liquor, and tender, even, bud-filled leaves. Among the 11 tea farms in the Zhuxi tea-growing region, the Longwangya and Shuangzhuyuan tea farms produce Longfeng Tea of the highest quality, making them ideal representatives for focused development as premium Zhuxi Longfeng Tea. This can help expand brand influence and improve economic returns.