Gulao Green Tea

Gulao Green Tea

　　   Gulao tea is made from local Gulao tea trees, which are divided into two types: green-sprout and red-sprout. The former is called "green bud," and the latter is called "red bud." Tea made from red-sprout fresh leaves has a relatively low aroma, while that made from green-sprout fresh leaves boasts a clear and high fragrance. Gulao Silver Needle is mostly processed using green-sprout fresh leaves. Based on quality, the silver needle tea is categorized into three grades: Premium Gulao Silver Needle, Regular Gulao Silver Needle, and Gulao Green Tea. Premium Gulao Silver Needle is also known as Sparrow’s Tongue Tea, harvested around the Spring Equinox. The picking standard is one bud and one newly unfolded leaf, with a bud-leaf length of 1.5–2.0 cm. The buds are yellowish-green and covered in abundant fuzz, hence called "Snow Valley Sprouts." Regular Gulao Silver Needle is harvested around the Qingming Festival, with a picking standard of one bud and two newly unfolded leaves. It has a deep green color and is referred to as Black Bud. Gulao Green Tea is picked at the standard of one bud and two or three leaves, and is called "Split Bud."