Eagle Tea

Eagle Tea

Eagle Tea is a geographical indication protected product.

　　Eagle Tea is a woody plant of the Lauraceae family, directly referred to as the "Eagle Tea tree" in the *Illustrated Handbook of Wild Economic Plants in Sichuan*. It is an evergreen arbor with alternate, thick-textured, dark green leaves. This tree is widespread in the mountainous regions of Sichuan. Its tender branches and leaves, when harvested and sun-dried, can be brewed as tea. Locals call it Eagle Tea, also known as Lao Yin Tea, especially in rural Sichuan where there is a tradition of self-picking, self-processing, and self-drinking Eagle Tea. In towns and transportation hubs, iced Eagle Tea is commonly available, and even in major cities like Chongqing and Chengdu, this iced tea is widely consumed—you can drink your fill for very little money.

　　Eagle Tea contains a high amount of aromatic oils and polyphenolic compounds. When brewed, it has a rather fragrant aroma, a rich taste that starts slightly astringent but ends sweet. First-time drinkers might say, "The smell is off-putting," but regular drinkers often find that Eagle Tea has a strong kick, a bold flavor that refreshes the palate. It is especially refreshing in summer, quenching thirst and invigorating the spirit.

　　The production area of Eagle Tea includes the following six administrative regions under the jurisdiction of Sichuan Province: Meiluo Township, Fengle Township, Wajiao Township, Caoke Township, Liziping Township, and Xinmian Town in Shimian County.