Congou facts for kids
Congou is a special kind of black tea from China. In the 1800s, people who bought tea in America and Europe used this name. It was a very important tea. In fact, it was the main tea used to make the popular English breakfast tea blend.
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What Does "Congou" Mean?
The name "Congou" comes from the Chinese word "gongfu" (工夫). This word means "skill" or "hard work." It is the same word used for the martial art kung fu. The name "Congou" came from the way people in the Hokkien area of China said "gongfu."
Congou and Tea Ceremonies
The word "gongfu" is also used in the Gongfu tea ceremony. This is a special way of making and drinking tea that shows great skill. People in China often drink Congou tea using this traditional "gongfu" style.
Panyang Congou Tea
One very famous type of Congou tea is called Panyang Congou. This name actually comes from "Tanyang" (坦洋). Tanyang is a small village in Fu'an, China. This village became famous for its special way of making Congou tea.
A Prize-Winning Tea
For a long time, Panyang Congou was one of the most expensive black teas sold in Western countries. It was shipped to more than twenty different countries. In 1915, it even won a gold medal at a big event called the Panama–Pacific International Exposition. Today, a factory in China still makes small amounts of this historic tea.
How Was Congou Tea Identified?
Tea buyers in the past called certain teas "Congou." These were often teas like Amoy Kanghu tea or Teochew Kanghu tea. These teas were known as the "espresso" of Chinese teas because they were strong.
Making Congou Tea with Skill
Another famous Congou tea was Keemun Gongfu or Congou. These teas were made with great care and skill. Workers would roll the tea leaves into thin, tight strips. They had to do this without breaking the leaves. This careful process showed the "gongfu" or skill involved in making the tea.
