Spring Comes Early

Spring Comes Early

　　Spring Comes Early

　　Spring Comes Early is a famous tea from Zhejiang Province. It is produced on the hilly slopes at elevations of 200–400 meters in the southwestern part of Suichang County.

　　Spring Comes Early was first introduced in 1985 and is named after being made from the early batches of tea buds of the population variety. After multiple trial productions, the version made from the "Yingshuang" (Frost Welcome) variety is considered the best. Known for its abundant fine hairs, tender green and glossy appearance, tightly rolled and slightly curved strips, it has a fragrant inner quality (with floral notes), fresh and mellow taste, and bright yellow-green liquor. It has been rated as a first-class premium tea three times in consecutive provincial tea quality competitions. In 1991, it was awarded a Provincial Famous Tea Certificate. According to an evaluation by the Tea Quality Supervision, Inspection and Testing Center of the Ministry of Agriculture, the tea contains 6% moisture, 43.6% water extract, 5% ash, and 9.1% crude fiber, meeting the quality standards for famous teas. In recent years, it has been sold in markets such as Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Shanghai, where it enjoys high demand and is well received by customers.

　　The production and processing of Spring Comes Early are highly refined. The tea is generally harvested half a month before Qingming (Tomb-Sweeping Day) up to around Guyu (Grain Rain), using one bud with one leaf just unfolding as the raw material. The leaves must have abundant fine hairs, strong buds, uniform length and size, consistent tenderness, and be intact without fish leaves or diseased leaves. The tea undergoes three processes: fixation (kill-green), rolling, and baking. The final baked product is sealed and stored.