What is autumn Tea?
The autumn climate conditions are between those of spring and summer. After the tea plant grows and is harvested in spring and summer, the content of new shoots decreases relatively, the leaves become more yellow, the buds and leaves smaller and uneven in size, and there are more interleaf nodes. The leaves are thinner and the serrations on the leaf edges are more pronounced; the internal substance content is reduced, the taste is mild, the water is thin yet sweet, and the aroma is higher.
Autumn tea doesn't have the tenderness or short infusion time of spring tea, nor does it have the dryness and bitterness of summer tea. Instead, it has a unique sweet and mellow flavor. That's why seasoned tea drinkers particularly like it.
If spring tea is enjoyed for its fresh fragrance and light grassy flavor, then autumn tea is savored for its rich, full-bodied taste. After enduring the summer heat, the tea seems to have brewed the most intense character over time. The characteristic of the autumn climate is clear, crisp air with less rain. Teas produced during this season have a rich, lingering aroma and a sweet, mellow mouthfeel.
What are the differences between autumn and spring teas?
The biggest difference between autumn and spring teas lies in their taste. Autumn tea is neither astringent nor bitter, and each leaf contains dew, making it a top-grade tea. For teas of the same quality, spring teas have better endurance and are more suitable for multiple infusions, while autumn teas have a superior aroma and a satisfying aftertaste. “Spring water, autumn fragrance” – as the saying suggests, spring teas have a rich, strong taste, a good mouthfeel, and a long-lasting aftertaste, whereas autumn teas have a high, lingering aroma. It's hard to say which one is better; it really depends on personal preference.
How should one drink autumn tea?
Drinking Tea can be somewhat particular depending on the season, region, and climate. Now that autumn has arrived, what adjustments should we make in our tea-drinking habits? How should we drink autumn tea to promote health?
In autumn, when the weather is dry and the lingering heat remains, causing dryness in the mouth and throat and chapped lips, traditional Chinese medicine refers to this condition as “autumn dryness.” During this season, it is advisable to drink Oolong Tea, a type of green tea. Oolong tea lies between green and Black Tea in terms of processing. It has the fresh fragrance and natural floral aroma of green tea along with the mellow taste of black tea. Neither cold nor hot, it is moderate in temperature and has moisturizing effects on the skin and throat, quenches thirst, clears accumulated internal heat, and helps the body adapt to changes in the natural environment. As it happens, Tieguanyin autumn tea is now available on the market, making it the ideal choice for nourishment.