Jintan has a long history of Tea production. According to the first volume of the county annals, “Geographical Records”: “Jintan was established as a county during the Sui Dynasty, and its special products include Ji rice and tea.” The 1923 “Annals of Jintan County” records: “Tea from Yugang Mountain is excellent, and that from Fang Mountain is even better.”

Jintan, the hometown of modern mathematical giant Hua Luogeng, has seen the birth of many famous people from all walks of life from the Three Kingdoms period to the end of the Qing Dynasty, including Dai Shulun, Chu Guangxi, Wang Keting, Duan Yucai, and Feng Xu. The famous Tang poet Dai Shulun once painted a beautiful picture of his hometown Jintan: “A crescent moon hangs over the willow bay, and the mountains of Yue can be seen reflected in the mirror. Three days of peach blossom rain on Lan Creek, carp surfacing at midnight.” Indeed, this land of Jintan can truly be described with the words “a land of scenic beauty and talented people.” Not only is it a place of exquisite scenery and outstanding talents, but it is also rich in produce, famously known as the “Home of Chinese Green Tea” and the “Home of Chinese Mitten Crab,” and the renowned tea Jintan Golden Finch Tongue comes from here.

The Origin of Jintan Golden Finch Tongue

“Jintan Golden Finch Tongue” is produced at the Fanglu Tea Garden in Jintan District, Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province. Jintan is close to Shanghai to the east and Nanjing to the west. Here, the seasons are distinct, and the climate is pleasant. Maoshan, a sacred site of Chinese Daoism, is located here. The mountains of Maoshan rise and fall, with green pines and verdant bamboo stretching endlessly. Throughout the year, they are covered by a forest canopy, shrouded in mist and clouds. Ancient people praised it with these words: “Peaks emerge from among the clouds, while mists arise from the depths of the valleys.” Reservoirs and ponds are densely scattered throughout, the waters are clear and the mountains are beautiful. The three palaces and five temples of the Daoist tradition, along with caves, springs, and pools, blend together with the natural Landscape, evoking the feeling of “flowers flying across the Buddhist land for three thousand miles, one feels as if standing on the twelve tiers of a jade peak.”

Characteristics of Jintan Golden Finch Tongue

Jintan Golden Finch Tongue tea has repeatedly received praise for its delicate shape resembling a finch's tongue, its emerald color, and its fresh and fragrant aroma. The finished product has evenly formed strands shaped like a finch's tongue, a lustrous green color, and is flat and upright. When brewed, it has a high aroma, a bright green color, a fresh and brisk taste, a clear broth, and tender, uniform leaves that are bright. It is rich in components, with high levels of water-soluble substances, polyphenols, amino acids, and caffeine.

Manufacturing Process of Jintan Golden Finch Tongue

Golden Finch Tongue tea is harvested before the Grain Rain period, with the picking standard being the initial unfolding of one bud and one leaf, with the length of the bud and leaf not exceeding 3 centimeters. Typically, producing 500 grams of top-grade Golden Finch Tongue tea requires picking 40,000 to 45,000 buds and leaves.

The manufacturing process includes three steps: fixing, spreading out, and shaping. Techniques such as pressing, shaking, scooping, pressing, and grabbing are alternately used during processing.

brewing Method for Jintan Golden Finch Tongue

Select the mid-infusion method: use a transparent glass Cup, first pour in one-third hot water, then add the tea leaves and shake the cup. Once the tea leaves have absorbed enough water and unfolded, fill the cup with hot water.

Note: Water temperature 80-85 degrees Celsius; tea-to-water ratio: 1:50.