Tea Lover’s Question: I often see Lishan tea labeled as 77K, 78K, 83K, or 85K on the market. Are these official grading standards for Lishan tea? Since higher numbers seem to come with higher prices, does that mean better quality? Is that how it works?
What Do 78K and 83K Mean in Lishan Tea?
The “K” stands for mileage, specifically “kilometers.” For instance, Lishan 83K means “the tea garden at the 83-kilometer mark of the Central Cross-Island Highway in Taiwan.” This is a common naming convention for tea gardens along the Central Cross-Island Highway. Dayuling 100K follows the same logic (as Dayuling is also located along the Central Cross-Island Highway).
Therefore, 78K and 83K are not grading standards for Lishan tea; they simply indicate the location of the tea garden. As for why higher numbers fetch higher prices, it’s because the Central Cross-Island Highway leads toward Wuling, gaining elevation along the way. Higher numbers generally mean higher altitudes, and in high mountain tea, higher altitude usually translates to a higher price tag. However, whether this automatically means better quality is not always the case.
Are There Official Lishan Tea Grading Standards?
Currently, there is no official grading system for Lishan tea in Taiwan. If you are looking for the highest grade of Lishan tea, you can look for the “Heping District Farmers’ Association Competition Tea.” The award-winning teas have been evaluated by judges and have beaten numerous competitors, making them arguably the top-tier Lishan tea available.
Alternatively, you can purchase “Fushou Changchun Tea” from Fushou Mountain Farm. As an official Taiwanese farm, its reputation is beyond doubt. Their Lishan tea is grown at altitudes between 2,300 and 2,490 meters, making it the highest-altitude Lishan tea. Fushou Changchun Tea also features anti-counterfeiting designs, so you don’t have to worry about buying fake tea.
To reiterate, there is no official grading standard for Lishan tea, and any grades on the market are independently established by tea merchants without official authority. If you want high-quality Lishan tea, you can choose competition tea, Fushou Mountain Farm tea, or purchase directly from Liao Chang Xing.