As is well known, the price of Spring Tea is higher compared to Tea from other seasons. It is currently springtime, and a large quantity of new tea is getting ready to hit the market. Today, we will explain why spring tea is expensive and what makes its price so high!
What Makes Spring Tea Pricy?
1. Most Nutritious
After a winter's rest and recuperation, tea plants have stored abundant nutrients. Additionally, the continuous low temperature in spring ensures that the tea plant receives ample nourishment while consuming the least amount of resources, making the nutritional content even more abundant.
2. Highest Amino Acid Content
The amino acid content, which is a decisive factor in the taste of tea, is also essential for human health. However, amino acids break down when exposed to high temperatures and sunlight. The relatively low temperatures in spring and the large diurnal temperature variation significantly reduce the breakdown rate of amino acids, allowing them to accumulate in greater amounts in spring tea than at any other time of year.
3. Richest in Vitamins
Tea leaves are rich in vitamins, not only in terms of quantity but also variety. Common vitamins found include Vitamin A, B, C, E, and K, most of which are essential for human health. However, like amino acids, vitamins are sensitive to heat, especially Vitamin C, which can be easily degraded by slightly elevated temperatures. Therefore, the storage and protection of vitamins in tea are crucial. The cool spring climate, long growth cycle, and low environmental temperatures help protect these vitamins, ensuring that spring tea has the highest vitamin content and is best preserved.
4. Aligns with Human Body's “Spring Growth and Summer Development” Needs
According to ancient beliefs, the four seasons influence life through the processes of growth, development, maturation, collection, and storage, which correspond to spring growth, summer development, autumn harvest, and winter storage. What does spring growth mean? It refers to the period of the year when life force is most vibrant. In terms of diet, as the yang energy rises in spring and the body's Metabolism accelerates, one should consume less sour and more sweet foods to nourish the spleen. Spring tea, coming directly from nature, carries the vitality of the new season. Drinking an appropriate amount of spring tea aligns with its upward life force, aiding in the body's renewal and absorption of vital energy. The ancients concluded that focusing on health in spring ensures good health throughout the year, and spring tea plays a significant role in this.
5. Spring Tea, With Its Aroma and Lingering Flavor
The aroma of tea is determined by its chemical components; over 700 aromatic compounds have been identified in tea, including alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, and nitrogenous compounds. These aromatic substances are present in very small quantities and are highly volatile and unstable. They can easily oxidize, condense, or polymerize under sunlight or high temperatures. However, the early spring season provides a favorable environment for preserving these aromatic substances due to the moderate temperatures.
6. Spring Tea Has the Freshest and Most Refreshing Taste
The taste of tea is influenced by catechins and amino acids. Spring tea contains a higher concentration of amino acids, which contribute to its fresh and smooth flavor. As such, the taste of spring tea is exceptionally fresh and refreshing, unmatched by teas from other seasons.
In fact, there are many more advantages to spring tea, but we won't list them all here. Generally speaking, spring tea is an excellent choice for Tea drinking. Of course, not all teas are equal in quality.