What is Xiao Qing Gan?

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Xiao Qing Gan is the abbreviation for Xiao Qing Gan Pu'er Tea. It differs from the commonly known “Da Hong Gan” (Chenpi Pu'er tea). Xiao Qing Gan is picked from July to late September and is the “immature” Xin Hui Gan, which at this stage is referred to as Xiao Qing Gan. Xiao Qing Gan has a unique aroma, with its fresh and pleasant scent, dense oil blisters on the skin, and uneven texture. After picking, washing, hollowing, rinsing, air-drying, filling with tea, drying, and packaging, unique techniques are used to allow the fruit fragrance of the Xin Hui green Peel to blend with the rich flavor of aged Pu'er tea, absorbing each other's essence. This results in a unique taste characterized by a harmonious combination of citrus and tea flavors, with an aromatic freshness, sweetness, smoothness, and a refreshing mouthfeel, showcasing the artisanal craftsmanship in every cup.

Benefits of Xiao Qing Gan

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The peel of Xiao Qing Gan contains flavonoids, which have various bio-pharmacological activities such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-HIV, and antioxidant properties.

1. Relieves bronchitis and asthma: Xiao Qing Gan also contains barley alkaloids that can relax bronchial smooth muscles, constrict blood vessels, raise blood pressure, and stimulate the central nervous system, making it useful for relieving bronchitis and asthma.

2. Inhibits tumor and cancer cell proliferation: Xiao Qing Gan is the immature fruit of Xin Hui tea branch oranges, and its peel contains polymethoxyflavones, which can inhibit the proliferation of various types of cancer cells, such as bone marrow cancer cells, lymphoma cells, ovarian cancer cells, prostate cancer cells, and squamous cancer cells. These flavonoids work by altering the cell membrane and enzymes of cancer cells, as well as their signaling mechanisms, thereby interfering with DNA replication and protein synthesis.

3. Anti-fungal: Xiao Qing Gan contains nobilitin, which has antifungal effects. It can inhibit the proliferation of subcutaneous tumor cells and histamine release from basophilic cells. It also has inhibitory effects on the contraction of smooth muscles.

4. Promotes metabolism: Nobiletin has anti-aggregation of blood cells, anti-thrombosis, anti-cancer, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anticholinesterase, and antiepileptic effects. It is a promoter of carbohydrate metabolism, and the peel of Xiao Qing Gan contains nobiletin.

5. Relieves bronchitis and asthma: Barley alkaloids are another component found in Xiao Qing Gan, which can relax bronchial smooth muscles, constrict blood vessels, raise blood pressure, and stimulate the central nervous system, making it useful for relieving bronchitis and asthma.

6. Lowers lipids and aids weight loss: Citrus aurantium contains synephrine, which mainly functions by oxidizing fat and aiding in weight loss. Therefore, synephrine is often used as an effective ingredient in weight loss medications.

7. Promotes metabolism: Nobiletin has anti-aggregation of blood cells, anti-thrombosis, anti-cancer, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anticholinesterase, and antiepileptic effects. It is a promoter of carbohydrate metabolism, and the peel of Xiao Qing Gan contains nobiletin.

How does Xiao Qing Gan taste?

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Xiao Qing Gan has a sweet and slightly sour taste, representing vitality, growth, and positive energy. The tea is pure and combines the fresh fruity aroma with the rich and fragrant flavor of Pu'er tea, creating a unique taste and flavor profile. When brewed, the tea liquor is bright orange-red, thick, and smooth, with a pleasant aftertaste and a sweet sensation. It has a strong aged fragrance.

How to choose good Xiao Qing Gan?

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1. Look at the appearance: Ensure the packaging is intact without any mold spots. The color of the peel should be uniform and not too dark. The tea liquor should be clear and transparent when brewed, without any sediment.

2. Smell the aroma: After brewing, there should be a light fruity aroma mixed with the tea fragrance, without any sour or moldy smells.

3. Taste the flavor: The tea should have a smooth and thick mouthfeel, with a sweet aftertaste and no sharp or irritating sensations.

4. Examine the leaf base: Gently squeeze the leaf base, which should appear fresh, supple, and elastic, without any foreign matter.

Brewing Methods for Xiao Qing Gan

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1. Shredded Peel Brewing Method: This is the most common method, where you take out an appropriate amount of Pu'er tea from the Xiao Qing Gan, break the peel into several small pieces, mix them with the Pu'er tea, and then brew with boiling water. You can use Kung Fu tea ware or a simpler office cup or Teapot for brewing.

2. Lid-off Brewing Method: This method is relatively simple, involving lifting off the lid of the Xiao Qing Gan, and then placing the entire Xiao Qing Gan along with the lid directly into a cup or pot, and brewing with boiling water. Wait until the substances in the peel and Pu'er tea gradually dissolve, turning the tea liquor into a deep golden yellow, before drinking.

3. Nine-Hole Brewing Method: This method is more complicated but yields the best results. Drill nine holes around the Xiao Qing Gan and in the bottom, ensuring the hole size is large enough to prevent the tea from leaking out. Place the drilled Xiao Qing Gan into a teapot and brew with boiling water. The tea slowly seeps out, blending with the natural aroma of the peel, resulting in a clear and appropriately sweet taste. This method is highly durable, and the perforated peel wraps around the Pu'er tea, preventing tea fragments from escaping while also controlling the rate of extraction.

Collection Value

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Not all teas are worth collecting, but Xiao Qing Gan is one of the recommended teas for collection. Aged tea becomes more fragrant over time, and the peel gains more flavor as it ages. The clear fruity aroma of the peel blends with the fragrance and rich taste of Pu'er tea leaves, forming a unique flavor of Citrus Pu'er tea. Time acts as the “yeast” that catalyzes this flavor. After a few years, when you take it out to drink, it will have a unique taste.