The Ten Great Chinese Teas: A Guide to Their English Names
Chinese tea has been a cornerstone of the country's culture for thousands of years, with over 1,000 varieties grown across different regions. Among these numerous teas, there are ten that stand out for their unique flavors and rich histories. Here we'll delve into each of these ten great Chinese teas and explore their English translations.
Longjing (Dragon Well)
English translation: Dragon Well Tea
Originating from Hangzhou in Zhejiang Province, this green tea is renowned for its delicate taste and floral aroma. The name "Longjing" translates to "Dragon Well," which refers to the natural well discovered during the excavation process.
Gunpowder
English translation: Gunpowder Green Tea
This type of green tea gets its name from its appearance - small pellets resembling gunpowder when dried. Hailing from Zhejiang Province as well, it is prized for its light flavor and refreshing taste.
Keemun
English translation: Qimen Black Tea
Coming from Anhui Province, Keemun black tea boasts a smooth flavor profile with hints of fruitiness and chocolate notes. Its name stems from the city where it was first produced - Qimen.
Yunnan Gold Needle
English translation: Yunnan Golden Needle White Tea
This white tea hails from Yunnan Province and is known for its golden tips resembling needles or whiskers under a microscope lens due to the presence of young leaves on the stem buds.
5.Tieguanyin (Iron Goddess)
English translation: Iron Buddha Oolong Tea or Tieguanyin Oolong Tea
Named after Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy), this partially fermented oolong originates in Anxi County in Fujian Province.
Its English names reflect both its iron-red color during processing stages as well as Buddhist associations tied to Guanyin's benevolent nature.
6.Lu Shan Yun Wu (Lu Mountain Cloud Mist)
English translation: Lu Shan Cloud Mist Green Tea
From Jiangsu Province comes this green tea famous for its delicate shape reminiscent of clouds drifting through misty mountainsides at sunrise or sunset.
7.Wuyi Shui Xian (Wuyi Water Fairy)
English translation: Wuyi Rock Oolong or Shui Xian Wulong
This partially fermented oolong hails primarily from Wuyi Mountains in Fujian Province,
named after mythical water fairies said to inhabit those mountainous areas.
8.Yue Guang Bai (Moonlight White)
English translation: Moonlight White Peony
As one might guess by looking at this white peony cultivar grown mainly around Taiping Lake in Anhui,
this variety owes much inspiration to moonlit nights when flowers bloom under soft illumination; hence 'Yue Guang Bai' translates into 'Moonlight White'.
9.Jasmine Pearls
English Translation: Jasmine Pearl Green/White/OolongTea
Jasmine Pearls come primarily from China's southern provinces such as Fuzhou,
where they use fresh jasmine flowers layered between tender leaves undergoing an elaborate drying process before being rolled into beads-like shapes called "pearls."
10.Xiaozhongning Dafo Gongfu Black Gold Brick Cha Leafhopper High Mountain Black Gold Oolong
Xiao Zhung Ning Da Fo Gong Fu Cha Leafhopper High Mountain Black Gold Oolong:
Hailing originallyfrom Xiao Zhung Ning village within Tai Chi Township located near Taiwan’s Nantou county seat Nantou City,
this high altitude black gold oolong represents Taiwanese black teas featuring complex aromas that include fruity notes like strawberries while also offering hints at roasted nuts like almonds & chestnuts making it truly special among world’s best teas.
In conclusion, exploring these ten great Chinese teas not only provides insight into their origins but also allows us better understand how cultural influences have shaped their names over time – be they related directly back to specific locations where they were created ('Longjing', 'Gunpowder') or indirectly linked via mythological references ('Tieguanyin', 'Wuyi Shui Xian').