Jiukeng Maojian Tea

Chun’an County, under the jurisdiction of Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, has been a premium tea-growing region since ancient times. In a place called Jiukeng Township under Chun’an County, there is a very authentic green tea—Jiukeng Tea.

Jiukeng Tea has a long history, with production starting in the Han Dynasty, gaining fame in the Tang Dynasty, and Jiukeng Maojian being listed as a tribute tea as early as the Tang era. The “Tea Sage” Lu Yu mentioned “Muzhou Jiukeng” multiple times in his classic work The Classic of Tea, referring to the green tea from Jiukeng Township. The Jiukeng tea plant variety has also been recognized as a national first-class tea plant variety by the National Tea Plant Variety Approval Committee.

In the production of green tea, strict processing techniques are applied. Tea leaves are picked according to the standard of “one bud and one unfolding leaf,” then spread out, fixed (kill-green), straightened, rolled, initially dried, shaped, and finally dried.

Jiukeng Tea (curled shape): Curled appearance, emerald green with visible fuzz; bright green liquor; tender chestnut aroma with lingering fragrance; fresh and mellow taste; tender, even, and green leaf base. Jiukeng Tea (flat shape): Flat and straight appearance, green color; bright tender green liquor; rich chestnut aroma; strong and mellow taste; thick and green leaf base. Its unique quality features: plump leaves that withstand multiple infusions, and a fresh, intense chestnut flavor. Physicochemical indicators: water extract content 40–53%, tea polyphenols 18–28%, amino acids 3–6%.