Shimian Eagle Tea

When eating hot pot in Sichuan, some restaurants typically offer a variety of beverages. Attentive diners might notice that many local Sichuanese hot pot spots serve a unique tea called Shimian Eagle Tea. Enjoying hot pot with a cup of Eagle Tea—locals say it's incredibly satisfying.

Eagle Tea is a specialty of Shimian County in Sichuan Province and a nationally recognized geographical indication product of China. The tender twigs and leaves of the Litsea coreana var. lanuginosa are dried and used to brew tea, commonly referred to locally as Eagle Tea or Old Tea. The tea leaves are oval-shaped, green on the front and white on the back, hence also called White Tea. Rich in aromatic oils and polyphenolic compounds, it produces a fragrant brew.

The tender twigs and leaves of the Litsea coreana var. lanuginosa are dried and used to brew tea, commonly referred to locally as Eagle Tea or Old Tea. The tea leaves are oval-shaped, green on the front and white on the back, hence also called White Tea. Rich in aromatic oils and polyphenolic compounds, it produces a fragrant brew with a rich, full-bodied taste that starts slightly astringent before turning sweet, bold in flavor and strong on the palate. According to *Compendium of Materia Medica*, it has benefits such as "relieving coughs, reducing phlegm, calming wheezing, and relieving summer heat and thirst."

With scorching summer days upon us, Shimian Eagle Tea offers cooling and heat-relieving properties, making it a perfect summer drink. So next time you're out enjoying spicy hot pot, don’t forget to sip on a cup of Shimian Eagle Tea and savor the joy of Sichuan cuisine.