Jiangtou Tribute Tea

Jiangtou Tribute Tea

　　Jiangtou Tribute Tea is a specialty of Jiangtou, Dalishi, Dongchong, Canzi, and Pantang villages (formerly under Jiangtou Township, now under Longtang Town), Leiyang City, Hengyang, Hunan Province. It boasts a rich flavor, strong aroma, pure yet not bland taste, and intense yet not astringent quality. Even after multiple infusions, the tea remains clear in color and leaves a lingering aftertaste.

　　The tea is collectively called Jiangtou Tea because it is primarily produced in villages such as Jiangtou, Dalishi, Dongchong, Canzi, and Pantang (now under the jurisdiction of Longtang Town, Leiyang City). It is also known as Jiangtou Tribute Tea because it was historically served as an imperial tribute.

　　The earliest cultivation of Jiangtou Tribute Tea is said to date back to the Qin Dynasty. Due to its pure, elegant taste, refreshing fragrance, and unforgettable aftertaste, it was listed as a delicacy for exclusive use by the imperial court. Another account claims it was during the Tang Dynasty that the Li Tang regime favored it and included it among several tribute teas. Legend has it that all Jiangtou Tribute Tea comes from the Immortal Rock on Yitai Mountain in Longtang Village, the former Jiangtou Township of Leiyang City. There are nine tea trees on this rock, which, though growing amid rocks and clouds, are lush and thriving, surpassing those in the fertile valleys. After the Qingming Festival, the rock is perpetually shrouded in mist until the Grain Rain solar term. On Grain Rain day, unmarried young girls were traditionally organized by local officials to pick the tea leaves, which were then hand-roasted by the best local tea masters and sealed before being delivered to the imperial palace before the Dragon Boat Festival.

　　The Leiyang County Annals also record, “During the Song Dynasty, Jiangtou Cloud Mist Tea was an imperial tribute.” Jiangtou Tribute Tea has a longer history than the four currently famous teas of Hunan—Junshan Silver Needle, Weishan White Tip, Heicha (Dark Tea), and Beigang Maojian. In Longtang Town, where the tea is produced, many legends, stories, and proverbs about Jiangtou Tribute Tea are still passed down. For example, in present-day Huyuan Garden, legend says there was originally only one pagoda tree. After the tea was offered to Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the area became a feng shui treasure land. The tea trees in Huyuan Garden have canopies with diameters of up to three meters and are of excellent quality. Every year around Grain Rain, the tea trees sprout soft, downy young leaves with plump, tender, dark green buds. Tea farmers usually pick them on sunny days, then stir-fry them at home, knead them finely, roast them, and seal them for storage. In leisure time, placing a small bunch of these tea leaves in a cup and pouring boiling water over them instantly releases a wafting fragrance. The tea leaves stand upright like needles—an astonishing sight. Upon tasting, the flavor is sweet and fragrant, and the aftertaste lingers delightfully.