China has long been famous for its medicine. People’s healers often use natural resources to make healing potions. All kinds of teas play an important role in Chinese medicine. Each individual variety has been carefully studied for utility to humans. “White Monkey” is a tea with many-sided properties: in addition to its excellent taste, it has a beneficial effect on well-being and prevents the development of certain diseases.
Drink
The history of the drink has several centuries, the monks collected it in the XI century. It is believed that the “parents” of the variety are the popular local tea bushes Da Hao Cha - tea with villi, and Da Bai Cha - white tea. The product is called Bai Mao Hou (Chinese sound) - “White-haired monkey”, or “White monkey”. Tea has other translations - “gray-haired monkey” and “monkey with white hair”.
It has always been popular in the southeastern part of China, but world fame came to him only at the beginning of the twentieth century. Experts differ on the variety. One group attributes it to white teas, the second claims that it belongs to green.
Qualities
“White monkey” - tea, which, when brewed, acquires a deep, rich golden color. The aroma is floral with a hint of acidity of orange. The taste is peculiar, it harmoniously combines fruity notes (a sign of white varieties) and light herbal astringency (this is from green tea). Such an amazing mix of varieties is a feature of Bai Mao Hou.
Leaflets, long of the original spiral shape, in the process of brewing unfold and take the form of small bamboo sticks. A transparent teapot will allow you to watch this curious sight.
Homeland
Green tea "White Monkey" comes from China. More precisely, it is the southeastern part of the country and the northeast of Fujian. Tea bushes grown on Mount Tai Mu are distinguished by their exceptional qualities and unique taste. Fuding has always been a center for cultivating white tea.
The cultivation area is located at 2000 meters above sea level. Fertile soils, a humid, mild climate and year-round heavy rainfall create ideal conditions for growing elite varieties of the drink. Incredibly beautiful coastal mountainous area is famous for its crystal clear lakes and cold waterfalls.
Title
"White Monkey" - tea, shrouded in legends. There are several options for such an unusual name:
- This story is almost two thousand years old. The discovery of tea is attributed to the ancient monks. The laborious process of collecting raw materials was helped by monkeys. Their dexterous little paws did an excellent job of monotonous work. They did it quickly and on a large territory. In gratitude, the monks came up with the name of tea.
- A very long time ago, the young Chinese poet Lang Yuan got lost in the Fujian mountains. A few days later, when he ran out of all his food supplies, the young man was already desperate to find his way home. Suddenly in the fog he saw a snow-white monkey. Looking into the young man’s eyes, the animal began to move away. Lan Yuan hurried after him and went out to the tea bush, next to which a path was visible. After the successful completion of the journey, he opened a tea farm. The drink that was produced there, he named after the savior.
- The divine character - the King of the monkeys - is highly revered in the Middle Kingdom. He is a character in numerous legends, books, films, cartoons. Invincible hero fighting demons. In his honor, tea received such a name.
- A slightly prosaic version is associated with the similarity of whitish pubescent kidneys with the appearance of animals, and thin twisted leaves resemble their tails.
In addition, in ancient times, Zhenhe (the province in which the Fujian region is located) was called the Land of White Monkeys.
Manufacture
The most important thing in working with Bai Mao Hou is to observe two rules: make the right shape and keep whitish villi. The production of the drink combines the technology of green and white varieties and consists of several stages:
- Collection. Early vegetation (in February) dictates the timing of the collection of raw materials. Collectors have only a couple of weeks to work in March-April. The first stage has its own characteristics. Requirements for workers are presented: cleanly washed hands, fresh clothes, for breakfast do not use any products with a pungent smell, and even more so alcohol. Delicate kidneys absorb any extraneous aroma. The action takes place in the early morning hours, in clear weather. If it rained before work, it is postponed. They take only young buds, covered with a delicate fluff, and two not curled leaves, and they should not be paired or damaged.
- Wilting. Immediately after collection, the raw materials are laid out in the open. Before this, each leaf is slightly curled. On bamboo mats, leaves and buds laid out in a thin layer undergo weak fermentation for 16-18 hours. The sun-dried leaf softens, silvery villi appear on it. Overexposure is manifested by slight reddening, lack of time - a pronounced dark green color.
- Drying. In order to remove bright greens, the raw materials are subjected to heat treatment. At a temperature of 140-150 ° C, it is first “fried”, then “stewed”. The process continues until the leaves acquire a light dark green hue.
- Twisting. After cooling, the leaves are twisted. A manual process requiring some skill. Attention is paid to the preservation of the pile. The formation of the tea leaves is considered complete when they become twisted.
Before packing, the tea is carefully sorted, removing foreign matter, and get the White Monkey tea. Its price is quite high: 10 grams costs from $ 5 and above. Not only manual labor is appreciated, but also the rarity of tea. On a global scale, it is produced not so much.
Brewing
The correct sequence and observance of simple rules during the preparation of the drink will help to fully experience the White Monkey tea. Brewing in itself can be a pleasant relaxation.
For proper brewing adhere to the following requirements:
- Tableware . Use porcelain gaiwani (a cup with a lid) or glass dishes. In a transparent teapot, you can observe the opening of leaves and kidneys and control the color of the drink.
- Water . Optimal will be soft boiled water. It is cooled to a temperature of 70-80 degrees.
- Raw materials . For one serving per 200 ml, two grams of tea (dessert spoon) is enough.
- Brewing . Pour the container of tea with prepared water and immediately drain. The first tea leaves are not accepted to drink, it is needed to rinse, rinse the tea. Raw materials are collected exclusively by hand, and such an action is just a precaution. The next tea leaves can be drunk.
- Time to insist . The first portion is held for 30 seconds. To each subsequent add 10 seconds. Multiple brewing, one serving is used up to 5 times, will not spoil the White Monkey tea, its properties (taste and aroma) will be preserved. If you increase the time of infusion, the drink acquires a bitter taste.
Thus, the cup will have a maximum of vitamins and the unusual taste of the drink and its delicate aroma will fully manifest.
Beneficial features
Chinese medicine since ancient times used in its practice different varieties of tea. White monkey tea is no exception. The benefits and harms (user reviews are unanimous) from drinking the following.
Benefit
Tea lovers who have already tried the drink claim that it:
- perfectly quenches thirst;
- cleanses blood vessels;
- improves digestion;
- strengthens the immune system and tooth enamel, preventing tooth decay;
- prevents the formation of cancer;
- removes toxins and other harmful substances.
Harm
With excessive use, the drink may not benefit, but vice versa:
- cause allergies;
- aggravate gastritis;
- provoke insomnia;
- increase the acidity of the stomach;
- strengthen tachycardia;
- increase pressure;
- exacerbate urinary tract and kidney disease.
Combination
Tea sommeliers in restaurants are always ready to advise the best varieties of the drink. The White Monkey green tea also belongs to the elite line. Useful properties, along with an exquisite taste, make the drink a wonderful addition to any meal. It goes especially well with mashed cauliflower and fried scallops. Tea matches perfectly with shortbread cookies, fruit dessert, fresh berries, pastry cream, fresh berries.