Qingcheng Bitter Tea

Qingcheng Bitter Tea

　　Bitter tea is one of the specialties of Dujiangyan City. It is made from the fresh leaves of the large-fruited holly tree grown in the Qingcheng Mountain area. The leaves are steamed, baked, sun-dried, pressed, and then cut into small squares. This tea has a production history of nearly a thousand years and boasts high medicinal value, being rich in protein, amino acids, vitamin B, bitter tea extract, flavone glycosides, glucose aldehyde acid, plant sterols, and various inorganic salts. Regular consumption helps clear heat and relieve summer heat, eliminate vexation and quench thirst, as well as prevent and treat conditions such as dizziness, vertigo, hypertension, acute and chronic hepatitis, and cholecystitis.

　　Qingcheng Bitter Tea is made from the leaves of tall holly trees belonging to the Aquifoliaceae family. The brewed tea has a bright red color and a rich aroma. It tastes bitter at first sip but quickly turns sweet. With a production history of nearly a thousand years, this tea holds high medicinal value, containing abundant protein, amino acids, vitamin B, bitter tea extract, flavone glycosides, glucose aldehyde acid, plant sterols, and various inorganic salts. Regular drinking helps clear heat and relieve summer heat, eliminate vexation and quench thirst, and prevent or treat conditions such as dizziness, vertigo, hypertension, acute and chronic hepatitis, and cholecystitis. In provinces such as Sichuan, Guizhou, Hubei, Guangxi, and Hunan, serving a cup of bitter tea to guests is a common hospitality gesture. On hot summer days, drinking a cup will make you feel the heat vanish; during the cold and dry winter months, when your mouth and tongue feel uncomfortable, a cup of this tea will instantly soothe your throat and generate saliva.