Since ancient times, Yellow Tea has been mostly produced in Huoshan. Additionally, there is the yellow bud, a yellow small tea with golden buds and yellow leaves, also produced in Huoshan. Huoshan Yellow Bud was already very famous over a thousand years ago during the Tang Dynasty. Although it is a famous tea, some people still ask: what kind of tea is Huoshan Yellow Bud? Does it belong to Green Tea? Below, we will explain the differences between Huoshan Yellow Bud and green tea.

The Difference Between Huoshan Yellow Bud and Green Tea

Huoshan Yellow Bud belongs to yellow tea; it is not green tea. Their main difference lies in the 'menhuang' (smothering and yellowing) process. This process causes the chlorophyll in the tea leaves to break down, leading to the oxidation of phenolic substances. The degree of oxidation varies, resulting in different levels of yellowing. As for the smothering techniques, there are several forms: smothering while hot after fixation, like Taiwanese yellow tea; smothering after rolling, like Huang Tang; smothering after initial drying, like Huang Da Cha; low-temperature smothering wrapped in paper, like Junshan Silver Needle; and thin spreading and smothering, like Huoshan Yellow Bud. Due to the use of different techniques, the degree of leaf yellowing varies, resulting in different qualities. Huoshan Yellow Bud is among the lightly yellowed types of yellow bud tea, so its quality is closer to green tea.

Quality Characteristics of Huoshan Yellow Bud

The quality characteristics of Huoshan Yellow Bud are very distinct. Its appearance features straight, slightly unfolded leaves, evenly formed into buds resembling sparrow tongues, with tender green pekoe. The aroma is fresh and lasting, the taste is rich, mellow, and sweet with a lingering aftertaste, the liquor is clear, bright yellow-green, and the brewed leaves are tender yellow and bright.