Lu'an Melon Seed Tea Price
As one of China's top ten famous teas, Lu'an Melon Seed Tea is deeply favored by tea enthusiasts for its unique chestnut aroma and sweet mellow taste. Faced with the substantial price difference from over a hundred yuan to thousands of yuan per jin, consumers often fall into a dilemma of choice. We have sorted out the core factors affecting the price and quality identification methods through field visits to the tea market.
Key Factors Affecting Lu'an Melon Seed Tea Price
Core Origin Premium
Tea from the core production areas such as Qitou Mountain and Bats Cave, due to large day and night temperature differences and abundant nourishment from clouds and mist, has 18%-25% higher amino acid content than tea from peripheral areas, with an average market price of over 680 yuan per jin. Tea from peripheral areas usually fluctuates between 300-500 yuan.
Value of Pre-Qingming Tea
The first batch of tender buds picked before Qingming Festival accounts for only 12% of the annual output. This type of tea has a dense white down on the back of the leaves, and after brewing, the soup is clear and bright, with a price 200-400 yuan higher per jin than pre-rain tea.
Handmade Frying Process
The traditional charcoal roasting process requires 27 steps. Tea handmade by experienced tea masters has a neat appearance like melon seeds, rich aroma layers, and is priced 35% higher than machine-made tea.
Four Steps to Identify Tea Quality
Color Identification Method
Quality tea presents a jade base with a tinged iron-green sheen, and the leaf surface has a distinct frosty appearance. If there are dark brown spots or uneven coloration, it may be blended tea or improperly stored.
Aroma Discrimination Technique
Place the dried tea in a preheated lid bowl, gently shake, and carefully sniff. The genuine product should emit a delicate orchid fragrance mixed with ripe chestnut sweetness. Those lacking in firing have a grassy scent, and over-baked ones have a burnt taste.
Taste Test Method
Take 3 grams of dry tea and hold it on the tongue. Quality tea turns bitter into sweet within 3 seconds, with continuous saliva production in the cheeks. Poor quality tea leaves a bitter taste for more than 8 seconds and has a noticeable tightness in the throat.
Morphological Observation Points
Genuine single leaves have slightly curled edges like melon seeds, and the veins are curved like fishhooks. If the leaves are flat and uncurled, or there are broken pieces, they are mostly post-mixed products.
By systematically understanding the price composition factors and identification methods, consumers can more accurately grasp the balance between quality and price. It is recommended for beginners to start with mid-range products priced between 200-400 yuan per jin, and gradually cultivate tasting abilities before pursuing high-end collections.