According to the season, tea can be divided into spring tea, summer tea, and autumn tea. An ancient saying goes: 'Spring tea is bitter, summer tea is astringent, but autumn tea is the most delicious.' While autumn tea's taste and color are intermediate between spring and summer tea, its aroma is exceptionally strong, with Tieguanyin being a notable representative.

Why is autumn tea so fragrant?

Due to lower rainfall and drier conditions in autumn, the reduced moisture in the soil and air helps preserve the tea's aroma during growth, harvesting, and processing. The cool, dry weather ensures the tea retains its intrinsic qualities while reducing water content, enhancing its fragrance.

Why is Tieguanyin the representative of autumn tea?

Known as 'spring water, autumn fragrance,' Tieguanyin is the quintessential autumn tea. Spring Tieguanyin emphasizes the taste of the tea broth, while autumn Tieguanyin focuses on aroma. In terms of quality, autumn Tieguanyin is the best of the year.

The weather during autumn harvest is ideal, and as winter approaches, the tea's preservation is easier due to suitable temperatures. Post-frost Tieguanyin is even more aromatic and smoother in taste.

Autumn Tieguanyin is typically available in September and October, with early autumn tea in September and mass production in October.

How to identify autumn Tieguanyin?

Here are some tips to distinguish authentic autumn tea:

Feature 1: Crisp sound when shaken

Tightly rolled dry leaves that produce a crisp sound when shaken indicate autumn tea. If the sound is dull, it is likely summer tea. This is because genuine autumn Tieguanyin has a compact, dense, and heavy appearance, resulting in a louder sound, whereas summer tea is looser and lighter.

Feature 2: Vibrant green with sheen

Dry leaves that are bright green and glossy are autumn tea. The color and luster of the dry leaves are also key identifiers. Authentic autumn Tieguanyin should appear fresh green under light. If the color is dull and lacks luster, it is likely summer tea.

However, if the tea exhibits the dark, oily hue of spring tea (like a frosted persimmon), it is not only autumn tea but also of premium quality.

Feature 3: Fruity fragrance

A fresh, fruity floral scent is characteristic of autumn tea. When brewed, autumn Tieguanyin emits a distinct fruity aroma. If this scent is absent, it is likely not autumn tea. This is the easiest way for most people to identify autumn Tieguanyin. Summer tea, in contrast, often has a slightly fishy smell.

Feature 4: Soft, pliable leaves

After multiple infusions, the leaves should appear soft and concave. If the leaves remain stiff and rough, it is not genuine autumn Tieguanyin.