When discussing tea, tree age is often considered a crucial factor influencing the quality of the leaves. In the world of tea, we commonly associate older trees with higher quality, whether it’s the “ancient tree tea” in Pu-erh or the highly regarded “old cong” in Wuyi Rock Tea. But does tree age also matter in Fenghuang Dancong?
Feng Huang Dan Cong Rich History
Fenghuang Dancong, originating from Chaozhou, Guangdong, has a long and distinguished history. According to the Chaozhou Fuzhi (Chaozhou Local Chronicles), this tea has been cultivated for over 900 years. The region is home to over 3,700 old tea trees that are more than 200 years old, with the oldest known tree being a remarkable 600-year-old “Song tea.”
Old Cong vs New Cong – Feng Huang Dan Cong
Given this long history, Fenghuang Dancong can be categorized into “old cong” and “new cong” based on the age of the trees. The key question is: How does the tree age impact the tea? Does an older tree result in a better cup of tea? In this article, we’ll delve into scientific studies that compare the differences between old and new Fenghuang Dancong—helping you decide which suits your taste.
Sensory Quality Differences
To understand how tree age impacts the sensory qualities of Fenghuang Dancong, researchers have conducted sensory evaluations using tea leaves from trees of different ages but with the same fragrance type. The sensory attributes assessed included appearance (20%), liquor color (5%), aroma (35%), taste (35%), and leaf quality (5%).
The results show that old cong Fenghuang Dancong scored higher in all five sensory categories compared to new cong, with differences ranging from 1.8 to 3.1 points. For instance, the old cong “Cinnamon” fragrance type was found to be much more intense and long-lasting, with a smooth, rich flavor and no bitterness, while the new cong sample was more astringent.
- Aroma: Old cong tea had a stronger, more persistent fragrance.
- Taste: Old cong tea had a mellow, smooth taste, free from bitterness, while the new cong was more astringent due to higher levels of polyphenols.
These findings suggest that as the tree age increases, the tea’s quality becomes more refined and complex. Old cong tea is generally more favored in the market due to its rich aroma and smooth taste.
Differences in Internal Components
The primary reason for the sensory differences lies in the internal composition of the tea leaves. A study comparing the content of tea polyphenols, amino acids, caffeine, and other compounds in old and new cong Fenghuang Dancong revealed several key distinctions:
- Tea Polyphenols: The old cong tea had significantly lower levels of tea polyphenols compared to the new cong. Polyphenols are mainly responsible for the bitterness in tea, and a higher level results in a more astringent taste. The lower polyphenol content in old cong results in a smoother, more refreshing tea.
- Amino Acids: Old cong tea had higher amino acid levels, which contribute to the tea’s sweet, fresh taste and help balance out the bitterness from tea polyphenols. This leads to a richer, sweeter aftertaste compared to new cong tea.
- Catechins: The content of catechins, which contribute to astringency, was found to be lower in old cong tea, making it less bitter.
- Caffeine: Old cong tea generally contained more caffeine, which enhances the tea’s bitterness but also contributes to its complexity.
In terms of overall quality, old cong tea consistently outperformed new cong tea in key sensory metrics, including mouthfeel and aftertaste, thanks to its more balanced chemical composition.
Why Does Tree Age Matter?
Why does age play such an important role in the quality of Fenghuang Dancong? There are several factors at play:
- Root System: Older tea trees have more developed root systems, which allow them to access deeper layers of soil. This enables them to absorb a wider range of nutrients and minerals, resulting in more complex flavors in the tea.
- Growing Environment: Older trees typically grow in higher-altitude regions with rich soil, ideal weather conditions, and abundant rainfall. These factors contribute to the superior quality of the tea produced.
- Stable Growth: Older tea trees grow more slowly and steadily, which leads to more mature, stable chemical compositions in the leaves, contributing to a balanced and smooth flavor.
Given these factors, tree age is a crucial element in determining the quality of Fenghuang Dancong, with older trees generally producing higher-quality tea.
Conclusion:
From the sensory qualities to the chemical composition, it’s clear that tree age plays a vital role in determining the quality of Fenghuang Dancong. If you’re after a tea with a deeper, more complex flavor and a smoother, less bitter taste, older trees are your best choice. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more affordable option or a lighter tea, younger trees might suit your needs. Regardless of your preference, understanding the impact of tree age can help you make a more informed decision when selecting your Fenghuang Dancong.
If you’re ready to explore the diverse world of Fenghuang Dancong, why not try our Feng Huang Dan Cong 18 Flavors Collection and experience the range of flavors that these exceptional teas have to offer?
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