What is Xiaoqing Mandarin

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Xiaoqing Mandarin is the abbreviated name for Xiaoqing Mandarin Pu'er tea. Unlike the common "Big Red Mandarin" (Chenpi Pu'er tea), it is made from Xinhui mandarin oranges harvested between early July and late September, when the fruit is still immature. These small green oranges have a unique fresh aroma, with dense and evenly distributed oil cells on their uneven skin. Through a series of processes including picking, washing, hollowing, drying, filling with tea, and baking, the fruit's fragrance blends with the mellow taste of aged Pu'er tea, creating a distinctive flavor profile. The tea is aromatic, sweet, smooth, and refreshing, showcasing the craftsmanship of its makers in every cup.

Health Benefits of Xiaoqing Mandarin

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The peel of Xiaoqing Mandarin contains flavanones, which have biological and pharmacological properties such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-HIV, anti-mutagenic, and antioxidant effects.

1. Relieves bronchitis and asthma: Xiaoqing Mandarin contains synephrine, which relaxes bronchial smooth muscles, constricts blood vessels, increases blood pressure, and stimulates the central nervous system, making it useful for alleviating bronchitis and asthma.

2. Inhibits tumor and cancer cell growth: The peel contains polymethoxyflavones, which suppress the proliferation of cancer cells such as myeloma, lymphoma, ovarian, prostate, and squamous cell carcinoma. These flavones interfere with DNA replication and protein synthesis by altering cell membranes and enzyme activity.

3. Antifungal effects: The tangeretin in Xiaoqing Mandarin has antifungal properties, inhibits histamine release from basophils, and relaxes smooth muscle contractions.

4. Boosts metabolism: Nobiletin, found in the peel, has anti-blood cell aggregation, anti-thrombosis, anticancer, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and anti-cholinesterase effects. It also acts as a carbohydrate metabolism enhancer.

5. Relieves bronchitis and asthma: Synephrine also helps relax bronchial smooth muscles and stimulate the central nervous system, aiding in the relief of bronchitis and asthma.

6. Lowers fat and aids weight loss: Synephrine is commonly used in weight loss supplements for its fat-oxidizing properties.

7. Boosts metabolism: Nobiletin enhances carbohydrate metabolism and has various health benefits, as mentioned earlier.

What does Xiaoqing Mandarin taste like?

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Xiaoqing Mandarin has a sweet, slightly sour, and refreshing taste with a hint of youthful astringency, symbolizing vitality and growth. The tea is pure, blending the fresh fruit aroma with the mellow richness of Pu'er tea. The brewed tea has an orange-red hue, a thick and smooth texture, and a sweet, lingering aftertaste with a strong aged aroma.

How to choose high-quality Xiaoqing Mandarin?

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1. Examine the appearance: The packaging should be intact with no mold spots. The mandarin peel should have a uniform color, not too dark, and the brewed tea should be clear and transparent without sediment.

2. Smell the aroma: The tea should have a light fruity fragrance, fresh and pleasant, without any musty or sour notes.

3. Taste the tea: The tea should be mellow, smooth, and sweet, without any sharp or unpleasant flavors.

4. Check the leaves: The brewed leaves should be vibrant, flexible, and free of impurities.

How to brew Xiaoqing Mandarin?

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1. Crushed peel method: This is the most common method. Remove some Pu'er tea from the mandarin, break the peel into small pieces, mix with the tea, and brew with hot water. You can use traditional tea sets or a simple office cup.

2. Open-top method: Simply lift the lid of the mandarin, place the whole mandarin (with the lid) into a cup or teapot, add hot water, and wait for the flavors to infuse. The tea is ready when the liquid turns deep golden.

3. Nine-hole method: This method is more elaborate but yields the best results. Drill nine small holes around the mandarin (without letting tea leaves escape), place it in a teapot, and pour hot water. The tea infuses gradually, blending perfectly with the peel's aroma. This method ensures a balanced flavor and long-lasting infusion.

Collectible Value

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Not all teas are worth collecting, but Xiaoqing Mandarin is highly recommended. The aged Pu'er tea becomes richer over time, and the mandarin peel develops more complex flavors. The blend of the peel's fresh fruitiness and the tea's mellow depth improves with age, making it a prized possession for tea enthusiasts.