Good quality Xiao Qing Gan has a natural and lasting Citrus aroma; inferior Xiao Qing Gan often smells more like oranges. The taste of Xiao Qing Gan is characterized by a clear and refreshing flavor with a long-lasting aftertaste. Initially, there might be a slight bitterness, which later transforms into a sweet return. The Tea is pure and combines the authentic fruity scent of the citrus with the rich and smooth flavor of Pu'er tea, creating a unique taste and mouthfeel.

What Does Good Quality Xiao Qing Gan Taste Like?

One: Criteria for Taste

Good quality Xiao Qing Gan should have a proper aroma, a rich and mellow taste, and a smooth and broad mouthfeel. After drinking, one should experience a fresh sensation in the mouth.

Two: Raw Material Standards

The raw materials used for good quality Xiao Qing Gan must come from an authentic source, specifically the citrus from Xinhui, Guangdong. The tea inside the Xiao Qing Gan must be high-quality Yunnan Pu'er tea. Authentic citrus provides a strong fruity aroma and a balanced bitter-sweet taste, while genuine Yunnan Pu'er tea, especially high-quality ripe tea, contributes to the tea's aroma, richness, smoothness, and sweetness. Only good citrus and good tea can produce good quality Xiao Qing Gan tea.

Three: Production Standards

The production process ensures the taste of Xiao Qing Gan tea. Making Xiao Qing Gan tea involves more than simply placing Pu'er tea inside the Peel of a Xiao Qing Gan and drying it. The process typically includes six steps: washing the citrus, removing the flesh, air-drying, sun-drying (to dry the inside), filling with tea, and final drying.

The selection of Xiao Qing Gan is very particular. Xiao Qing Gan uses “immature” Xinhui citrus harvested in July, which contains higher levels of essential oils and has a strong citrus flavor. There are strict standards for the size and weight of the citrus used to make Xiao Qing Gan, with fruits reaching 4.5-5 cm in diameter and weighing around 50-60 grams being suitable for picking. Citrus that is too large or too small is not ideal for making Xiao Qing Gan. An inappropriate ratio between the peel and the tea can lead to noticeable differences in taste.

Four: Aged Xiao Qing Gan Has Better Taste

Xiao Qing Gan shares similar aging characteristics with Pu'er tea. Under proper storage conditions, it gains a richer and smoother flavor over time.