Xueqing tea is produced in Rizhao City, Shandong Province, China, and belongs to the green tea category. As a specialized type of Rizhao green tea, Xueqing tea is characterized by being pesticide-free, qualifying it as a green agricultural product. Its flavor features a subtle sweetness beneath an initial bitterness, boasting the distinct qualities of “fresh green pea notes, chestnut aroma, vibrant green liquor, and high resistance to multiple infusions.” It is not only a rising star among Rizhao green teas but also a highly anticipated tea variety in Chinese green tea.
Spring harvest yields the finest quality Xueqing tea, typically picked from late April to early May, with the “one bud, one leaf” standard being the most ideal. Following harvest, the processing methods include fixation, rolling, and drying, with most being shaped into tight rolls, though a small portion is crafted into flat leaf styles. Known for its pesticide-free cultivation, Xueqing tea is difficult to produce and exceptionally precious. Comprising primarily spring harvest with a small addition of summer and autumn teas, its market yield is extremely limited. The finest Xueqing tea must possess the merits of “fresh green pea notes, chestnut aroma, vibrant green liquor, and high resistance to multiple infusions,” alongside slender, strip-like leaves, a verdant green hue, and a lively, sweet-aftertaste flavor profile.
▲ Xueqing tea is a premium grade among Rizhao green teas.
Top-tier Xueqing tea commands an origin price of around RMB 2,000 per 600 g. For summer and autumn harvests, more affordable options are available around RMB 300. Even so, due to the challenging production process, Xueqing tea circulates in limited quantities. There are also instances on the market where standard Rizhao green tea is passed off and sold as premium Xueqing tea.