Yuqing Kuding Tea

Yuqing Kuding Tea

Yuqing Kuding Tea is a geographical indication protected product.

Yuqing Kuding Tea is a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　Yuqing small-leaf kuding tea is a perennial evergreen plant that mainly grows at altitudes of 400–800 meters, in the middle to lower layers of mixed forests. It has strong shade tolerance and thrives under the following conditions: temperatures of 14–17°C, a relatively humid environment, and slightly acidic lime soil with a pH of 5–7. Yuqing small-leaf kuding tea is made from the tender buds and leaves of Ligustrum robustum of the Oleaceae family, and is entirely different from the “large-leaf kuding tea” produced in Guangxi, Guangdong, Hainan, and other regions. It is a caffeine-free herbal tea, grown in the karst landscape of the Wujiang River basin within Guizhou. This area boasts pristine scenery and zero environmental pollution, offering optimal growing conditions that contribute to the superior quality of Yuqing’s small-leaf kuding tea.

　　　　The distinctive features of Yuqing small-leaf kuding tea include its emerald green color, delicate and lasting aroma, mildly bitter yet sweet and mellow taste (bitter with a sweet aftertaste), tightly rolled leaves, and a uniquely refreshing mouthfeel. It exhibits the “three greens”: green dry leaves, green leaf base, and green infusion. Testing by the Analysis and Testing Center of the Chengdu Branch of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and other institutions has shown that Yuqing small-leaf kuding tea contains 2.7% total sugar, 1.01% reducing sugar, 22.37% protein, 18.02% tea polyphenols, and 52.37% water-soluble extract. It is also rich in various amino acids and essential trace elements for the human body, with particularly high levels of flavonoids, γ-amino acids, plant polysaccharides, sodium, potassium, and selenium, while containing only an extremely low level of caffeine at 0.087%. Flavonoids can help treat cardiovascular diseases; plant polysaccharides are physiologically active substances that help lower blood sugar, reduce blood lipids, lower blood pressure, and have anti-inflammatory effects, all without toxic side effects. Sodium and potassium are essential macronutrients for the human body, and blood pressure is closely related to their balance. Therefore, Yuqing small-leaf kuding tea serves as both a health-promoting and medicinal herbal beverage.

　　　　Yuqing small-leaf kuding tea has been developed into five categories of products, registered under trademarks such as “Yuzhen,” “Shida,” “Shanlvdan,” “Chunxiajiudong,” and “Yangchunshanye.” There are 30 primary processing sites and 5 refined processing factories, with an annual production of 5,000 tons of small-leaf kuding tea, including 20 tons of premium-grade tea.