Old Shade Tea

Old Shade Tea

　　    Old Shade Tea is a type of tree leaf, not an official tea variety, and is commonly found in northeastern Sichuan. It mostly grows in dense highland forests. The trees are large with lush foliage, and their leaves are thicker and larger than those of regular tea. The branches can be used medicinally to clear heat and detoxify. When boiled, the tea turns a reddish-brown color but is very effective at quenching thirst. If the tea has been infested with tea worms, both its flavor and efficacy are said to improve. In Chongqing, Old Shade Tea is akin to the big bowl tea in Beijing—it’s the most popular and common variety. Just as big bowl tea brings to mind the camel Xiangzi pulling carts in front of the Gate, seeing Old Shade Tea instantly evokes images of the coolies carrying sedan chairs at Chaotianmen.

　　　　        The greatest characteristic of Old Shade Tea is its cooling effect, and its primary function is to quench thirst. Summers in Chongqing are scorching, with the blazing sun making people feel unbearably hot. Under the banyan trees on the stone steps along the street, a bowl of Old Shade Tea for just one cent helps cool down and relieve the heat. Drinking two or three bowls in one go—that feeling is truly refreshing.