Basic Introduction to Leishan Silver Ball Tea

Leishan Silver Ball Tea is a specialty product of Leishan County, Qiandongnan Prefecture, Guizhou Province. It is made from the first and second leaves that emerge on the bud, sourced from ecological tea gardens located in the core area of the national nature reserve of Leigong Mountain, which is often shrouded in mist.

The Silver Ball Tea grows in the Leigongshan National Nature Reserve at an altitude of 1,300 to 1,400 meters. The soil here is loose and fertile, with frequent mists and ample diffuse light. The region receives abundant rainfall and fresh air, all of which contribute to high-quality tea leaves. Moreover, the tea contains selenium at levels of 2.00 to 2.02 micrograms per gram, which is 15 times higher than the average selenium content found in other teas.

Nutritional Value

The tea has a curled appearance and contains polyphenols, catechins, and trace elements such as selenium and iron. Its selenium content is 15 times that of ordinary teas. The tea is durable when steeped; when brewed, it produces a bright yellow-green color, a fresh aroma, and a sweet aftertaste, with a pleasant fragrance and taste.

Product Characteristics

Leishan Silver Ball Tea is made from the first and second leaves that emerge on the bud, sourced from ecological tea gardens located in the core area of the national nature reserve of Leigong Mountain, which is often shrouded in mist. The unique shape is a domestic innovation, with a ball diameter of 18-20 millimeters, a silver-gray surface, and each dry ball weighing 2.5 grams. One ball is placed in a cup and steeped in 150 milliliters of boiling water. After three minutes, the ball slowly unfurls in the cup, resembling a budding tea flower, standing upright and graceful. As the steam rises, the tea leaves dance in the cup, like green clouds rolling or flowers being scattered by a celestial maiden. The refreshing fragrance and the myriad shapes of the tea leaves are a delight to the senses, truly an artistic enjoyment of Tea culture.

Tasting the Silver Ball Tea involves observing its shape, smelling its aroma, and savoring its flavor. It has a high and fresh aroma, a rich chestnut scent, and a thick, fresh, sweet aftertaste, leaving a lingering fragrance in the empty cup. The infusion is bright yellow-green, with visible downy tips at the bottom. Sipping it slowly is indescribably delightful. “On a cold night, guests come and tea serves as wine” – although tea may not evoke the same spiritedness as wine, it brings about a peaceful ambiance. Tea can be enjoyed alone or shared among friends, providing a unique flavor and elegance when gathered for conversation and discussion over tea.

Historical Folklore

The tradition of tea spread from the Yunnan-Guizhou-Sichuan plateau to the rest of China and then to more than 50 countries and regions around the world. In ancient times, there was a saying: “Sichuanese tea is considered sacred, with Mount Mengding being the best.” After Qin unified China, tea traveled downstream along the Yangtze River, spreading throughout half of the country. Currently, 17 provinces and more than 900 counties in China produce tea. The custom of Drinking Tea was introduced to Europe in 1610, first to the Netherlands and Portugal, then to England in 1638, Russia in 1664, and America in 1674. William Ukers, in his book “All About Tea,” wrote: “The custom of drinking tea instead of alcohol is equally important in both the East and the West. However, Europeans only started this practice centuries after it became prevalent in the East.” The introduction of tea to the rest of the world occurred after the Tang and Song dynasties, reaching Japan in 729, Korea in 828, Russia in 1618, India in 1780, Indonesia in 1828, Sri Lanka in 1834, and Malaysia in 1914. The trade of tea as a commodity likely began much earlier in these countries.

Preparation Method for Leishan Silver Ball Tea

One ball is used per cup and steeped in 200 milliliters of boiling water. After five minutes, another 50 milliliters of boiling water is added. At this point, the tea is ready to drink, offering a clear fragrance, a rich flavor, a refreshing mouthfeel, and a sweet aftertaste, invigorating the mind and body.

Awards and Honors

1986: Received the title of Famous Tea of Guizhou Province;

1986-1989: Won the award for Quality Product by the Ministry of Light Industry;

1988: Won the Gold Medal at the First Chinese Food Expo;

1990 (June 10): Passed national-level appraisal at the National Quality Food Evaluation Meeting;

1990: Won the Third Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress in Guizhou Province;

1991 (July): Selected as a gift for Foreign Ministry embassies at a gift selection meeting hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;

1991: Won the award for Outstanding New Product at the Exhibition of Achievements in Chinese Food Industry Over the Past Decade;

1996: Won the award for Famous Brand Product in the National Food Industry;

2002: Won the Gold Medal at the Fourth International Tea Festival in China, Japan, and South Korea;

2008: At the China Green Tea (Guzhang) Summit Forum, Silver Ball Tea won the Silver Award and Qingming Tea won the Merit Award;

2011 (May 22): Won the Special Gold Medal for Famous Tea of China at the 2011 Shanghai International Tea Expo.