Zheng'an Oil Tea

Zheng'an Oil Tea

　　Oil Tea

　　Zheng'an Oil Tea. It is said that during the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican period, people sought to quit opium addiction by drinking strong, bitter tea to counteract the effects of the drug. While this practice had some success in curbing the addiction, frequent consumption often caused digestive discomfort and irritation. To improve the taste, some began adding seasonings such as oil and salt to the tea, which made it much more palatable. Over time, this evolved into what is now known as Zheng'an Oil Tea.

　　Zheng'an Oil Tea is made from pan-fired green tea. In the preparation process, the tea leaves are first stir-fried in animal or vegetable oil until they turn yellow, then boiled with an appropriate amount of water until the leaves fully expand. Next, a ladle (preferably a wooden one) is used to press, knead, and mash the tea leaves into a paste-like consistency, creating what is called "tea paste." To serve, a small amount of this tea paste is boiled with salt, cracklings, scallions, pepper powder, sesame, and other seasonings. During holidays, birthdays, or when hosting esteemed guests, hosts may also mix in eggs, fried beans, chestnuts, walnuts, or peanuts to enhance the flavor. The taste becomes even richer and more aromatic. Some foods are also blended with a suitable amount of tea paste to create uniquely delicious dishes, such as oil tea noodles, oil tea powder, oil tea dumplings, and oil tea porridge.

　　People in areas such as Zheng'an's Xinzhou, Yangxing, Anchang, Bifeng, and Miaotang have the habit of consuming oil tea after meals or in the evening, typically two to three times a day, with each serving in a large bowl. Oil tea helps alleviate hunger and thirst, refreshes the mind, aids digestion, and stimulates appetite. It is especially effective after strenuous labor or fatigue, quickly revitalizing energy and restoring both spirit and strength. As a result, locals refer to it as "Energy Soup." In Zheng'an County as well as towns like Anchang, Xinzhou, and Miaotang, both residents and visitors can enjoy the unique flavors of Zheng'an Oil Tea at local snack stalls.