Shui Jin Gui tea facts for kids
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| Type: | Oolong |
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| Other names: | Golden water turtle, 水金龟 |
| Origin: | Mount Wuyi, Fujian Province, China |
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| Quick description: | Lighter Wuyi tea |
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Shui Jin Gui tea is grown in Fujian province, China
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Shui Jin Gui is a special type of Wuyi oolong tea that comes from Mount Wuyi in Fujian, China. Its name means 'golden water turtle' in Chinese. When you make this tea, it has a bright green color. It is much greener than many other Wuyi oolong teas. Shui Jin Gui is one of the Si Da Ming Cong, which means the four most famous teas from the Wuyi region.
Contents
What is Shui Jin Gui Tea?
Shui Jin Gui tea is a unique kind of oolong tea. It is known for its special taste and color. This tea grows in the beautiful Wuyi Mountains. These mountains are famous for producing some of the best teas in China. The name 'golden water turtle' sounds interesting, right? It might refer to the color of the tea leaves or how they look.
The Story Behind the Name
The name Shui Jin Gui (水金龟) translates to 'golden water turtle'. Many Chinese teas have poetic names. These names often describe something about the tea. It could be its appearance, its color, or even the place where it grows. For Shui Jin Gui, the name might hint at its unique golden-green color. It could also refer to the shape of the tea leaves.
Where Does Shui Jin Gui Come From?
Shui Jin Gui tea comes from the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian Province, China. This area is very important for tea. The mountains have a special climate. They also have rich soil. These conditions are perfect for growing high-quality tea plants. The Wuyi Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage site. This means they are recognized for their natural beauty and cultural importance.
The Wuyi Mountains: A Tea Paradise
The Wuyi Mountains are located in southeastern China. They are known for their stunning landscapes. These include deep valleys and tall peaks. The mountains are often covered in mist. This misty environment helps the tea plants grow slowly. Slow growth can make the tea leaves develop more flavor. Many famous oolong teas come from this region.
What Makes Oolong Tea Special?
Oolong tea is a type of tea that is partly oxidized. This means it's somewhere between green tea and black tea. Green tea is not oxidized at all. Black tea is fully oxidized. Oolong tea has a wide range of flavors. It can be light and floral. It can also be rich and roasted. Shui Jin Gui is a lighter type of oolong. It has a fresh, green color when brewed.
How Oolong Tea is Made
Making oolong tea is a complex process. First, tea leaves are picked. Then, they are withered. This means they are left to dry a little. Next, the leaves are bruised. This helps start the oxidation process. The tea maker carefully controls how much the leaves oxidize. This is what gives oolong its unique character. Finally, the leaves are heated to stop oxidation. They are then shaped and dried.
The Oxidation Process
Oxidation is a natural chemical reaction. It happens when tea leaves are exposed to air. It changes the color and flavor of the leaves. For oolong tea, the oxidation is stopped partway. This gives oolong teas their special balance. They have some freshness like green tea. They also have some richness like black tea.
One of the Si Da Ming Cong
Shui Jin Gui is one of the Si Da Ming Cong. This means it is one of the "Four Great Famous Teas" of Wuyi. These four teas are considered the best and most special teas from the region. Being part of this group shows how highly valued Shui Jin Gui tea is.
The Four Great Famous Teas
The Si Da Ming Cong are:
- Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe)
- Tie Luo Han (Iron Arhat)
- Bai Ji Guan (White Cockscomb)
- Shui Jin Gui (Golden Water Turtle)
These teas are famous for their unique qualities. They often come from very old tea bushes. These bushes grow in special spots in the Wuyi Mountains. They are highly prized by tea lovers around the world.
Images for kids
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A close-up of Shui Jin Gui oolong tea leaves.
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Another view of the tea leaves.
