China boasts a plethora of renowned teas, with representative products in each Tea-producing region and category. Each celebrated tea exemplifies meticulous craftsmanship, superior quality, and distinct characteristics.

Representative famous green teas in China have emerged early, are produced across a wide range of regions, and come in diverse shapes, with unique forms. Today, let's explore the quality features of Orchid-shaped Green Tea together.

Most orchid-shaped green teas belong to the baked green tea category. Their distinctive appearance includes fully extended buds and leaves that bend naturally, with a vibrant green color. These teas are produced in various regions such as Anhui, Zhejiang, Guangdong, Shandong, and others. During the shaping and drying stages, the tea strips are subjected to gentle force, resulting in a diverse range of shapes, prominent buds (down), and a green hue. Compared to other types of tea, the shaping process for orchid-shaped green tea is relatively simplified, requiring careful management of the transformation of the tea's internal components during production.

Premium orchid-shaped green teas typically exhibit the following qualities: a bright and clear green infusion; an aroma primarily characterized by fresh scent with floral notes, with the best varieties featuring tender and floral scents; a fresh, smooth, and refreshing taste; and a green and bright leaf base that retains its shape. However, due to the pursuit of a vibrant green color, processing time is shortened, which can result in insufficient breakage of the bud and leaf tissues, affecting the aroma. Additionally, attention must be paid to packaging and storage after processing, or else the tea may turn yellow and produce more broken leaves, negatively impacting its quality.

(Image source: Chinese Tea Society)