Quxiang Silky Tea

Quxiang Silky Tea

Quxiang Silky Tea is a product with a geographical indication for agricultural products.

　　   Zigui County’s Zhouping in Quxiang is rich in tea production. As early as the Qing Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Qianlong, Li Gaoyong, a respected local from Caijiapo, was summoned by Emperor Qianlong and bestowed the title of “Dengshilang.” In gratitude for the imperial favor, Li presented the emperor with the area’s specialty tea. Upon tasting it, the emperor was deeply moved and exceedingly pleased, bestowing upon it the name “Silky Tea,” due to the unique cross-section of the tender young buds and leaves, which displayed thousands of silky, thread-like strands shimmering with a silvery glow. Since then, Jiunan’s “Silky Tea” has gained fame across the land.

　　   In accordance with the “Administrative Measures for Geographical Indications of Agricultural Products,” the Quxiang Silky Tea, applied for by the Zigui County Agriculture Bureau, underwent preliminary review by the National Ministry of Agriculture, expert evaluation, and public announcement. It was then granted national geographical indication registration protection for agricultural products, and the People’s Republic of China Geographical Indication Registration Certificate was issued. This is another prestigious honor for Zigui’s agricultural products following the Zigui Navel Orange.

　　   Geographical Scope

　　   Quxiang Silky Tea is primarily produced in 11 townships in Zigui County, including Maoping Town, Guizhou Town, Quyuan Town, Shuitianba Township, Xiatan Township, Shazhenxi Town, Lianghekou Town, Meijiahe Township, Guojia Dam Town, Jiunanxi Town, and Yanglinqiao Town. The total tea-growing area spans 40,000 mu. Geographically, it lies between 110°01'–111°00' east longitude and 30°38'–31°11' north latitude. The region is located in the western part of Hubei Province, on both sides of the Xiling Gorge of the Yangtze River, bordering Yiling District to the east, Xingshan County to the north, Badong County to the west, and Changyang Tujia Autonomous County to the south.

　　   Product Quality Characteristics

　　   1. External Sensory Features: Quxiang Silky Tea features tightly rolled, uniformly shaped leaves with pointed sprouts, a vibrant green color, and visible white pekoe. The fresh leaves are soft with exceptionally strong tenderness. When torn by hand, the leaf surface reveals thousands of silvery, thread-like strands that shimmer brightly. Its internal qualities are even more exceptional, offering a long-lasting, high fragrance, pure and refreshing aroma, clear and bright liquor, fresh and brisk taste, and a lingering aftertaste. The leaf base is bright and pleasing to the eye, excelling in color, aroma, taste, and appearance. With superior organic qualities, it is a high-grade tea. 2. Internal Quality Indicators: Quxiang Silky Tea contains free amino acids ≥2.0%, moisture content ≤7.0%, total ash ≤6.5%, broken tea ≤5.0%, crude fiber ≤10%, and water extract ≥38%. 3. Safety Requirements: Hygiene indicators comply with GB2762 and GB2763, the “Hygienic Standards for New Tea.”