Yiwu, Ban Zhang, and Jingmai are three famous tea mountains in Yunnan, renowned for producing large-leaf Pu'er tea varieties that were historically offered as tribute to the imperial court during the Ming and Qing dynasties. With the expanding market demand for Pu'er tea, the limited resources of these famous mountains have led to a supply shortage, making it difficult for consumers to purchase pure, unblended tea from these origins.

So, how can one distinguish famous mountain teas by their appearance?

Yiwu: In terms of appearance, the tea leaves are oval-shaped with prominent serrated edges, and the strips are robust and hairy. When brewed, the liquor is bright, with raw tea presenting a slight yellow hue, offering a mellow, sweet taste with minimal bitterness.

Ban Zhang: In terms of appearance, the tea leaves are elongated oval-shaped with extremely sharp serrations. When brewed, the liquor is yellow-green, with a strong and intense flavor and a pleasant aftertaste. It is known for its 'powerful' character in the tea world and is favored by many male tea enthusiasts.

Jingmai: In terms of appearance, the tea leaves are willow-leaf-shaped, with relatively slender strips. When brewed, the tea liquor has good clarity, appearing clear and light yellow, with a sweet taste. It is a proud representative of the Simao tea region.

Author: Gao Zhao, Professor of Pu'er Tea Microbiology, Yunnan University