Many people think that Oriental Beauty is so delicious because of the quality of the tea leaves and the skill of the tea makers. However, in addition to these factors, there is also a "behind-the-scenes hero" who is able to make Oriental Beauty tea with a rich honey aroma - Little Green Leafhopper. Want to know why this indispensable protagonist is so important to Oriental Beauty Tea? Then keep reading!
What is the little green leafhopper?
The little green leafhopper, also known as the "saliva", is a common insect in tea gardens. Their body size is only about 2 to 3 mm. Because of their small size, they are also called "floating dust". The active period of the little green leafhopper is from late spring to late summer every year, which is why the quality of Oriental Beauty produced in summer is better.
Generally, the small green leafhopper is an unwelcome insect if found in a tea garden growing Baochong or other oolong teas, but it is very important in a tea garden growing Oriental Beauty. The leaf buds bitten by the little green leafhopper will have a sweet aroma. This is because the sucking behavior of the little green leafhopper will cause the tea buds to react defensively and secrete substances that can protect the tea buds. This is also the reason why the tea buds appear as fruit nectar. The reason for the sweet smell. Therefore, for the Oriental Beauty Tea Garden, the small green leafhopper is an indispensable beneficial insect.
Why is Oriental Beauty Tea so important?
The source of tea’s unique flavor
The unique charm of Oriental Beauty is that the tea has a strong aroma of fruit honey and a rich taste. This aroma is produced by the bites of small green leafhoppers. Without their bites, tea would not have the intoxicating aroma and taste. Therefore, it is not an exaggeration to say that the little green leafhopper is the "alternative tea maker" in making Oriental Beauty Tea!
The more bites there are, the stronger the flavor and the higher the price.
The unique flavor of Oriental Beauty relies on the bite of the little green leafhopper. The more tea leaves are bitten, the stronger the honey aroma of the tea will be. Although the tea production will decrease the more it is sucked by the little green leafhoppers, the more honey-scented Oriental Beauty tea the price will increase accordingly. Therefore, whether high-quality Oriental Beauty tea can be made depends on the situation of the little green leafhoppers in the tea garden at that time.
Directly affects the output of Oriental Beauty
Since the number of little green leafhoppers is uncontrollable and the number of tea leaf bites in the tea gardens every year cannot be predicted, it can be said that the little green leafhoppers directly affect the output of Oriental Beauty Tea that year.
In order to attract little green leafhoppers, many tea gardens also choose to grow tea trees using the most natural and organic method without using chemical pesticides. However, this also brings another difficulty to tea farmers, that is, it increases the chance of tea trees being attacked by other pests, thereby reducing the amount of tea that can be produced.
The above 3 points explain why the little green leafhopper is so important to Oriental Beauty Tea. Oriental Beauty Tea can be said to be a good tea made by combining nature and people's efforts. Once you understand the uniqueness, you can understand the value of this tea.
Suggested reading:
Where is the "beauty" of oriental beauties? The noble qualities of three oriental beauties
Things to note when buying tea: Spring tea is very different from autumn tea
