Rizhao Green Tea is produced in Rizhao City, Shandong Province. It is a strip-shaped tea belonging to the green tea category. Characterized by its tightly rolled strip shape, Rizhao Green Tea yields a bright yellowish-green liquor with a chestnut aroma and a sweet, mellow flavor. Thanks to its excellent quality, it is now a renowned green tea in the Shandong region.
Origin and Characteristics of Rizhao Green Tea
Rizhao is produced in Rizhao City, Shandong, a name that translates to “where the sun shines first.” Tea cultivation here began in 1966 as part of the “southern tea to the north” initiative, as the local temperature and climate proved exceptionally suitable. With outstanding tea quality, planting areas reached 120,000 mu and annual production hit 1,500 tonnes by 2010, accounting for over half of Shandong Province’s total output—a testament to its superb quality and popularity.
Rizhao Green Tea is harvested in spring, summer, and autumn. Due to the low winter temperatures, winter tea is not produced here. Among the three seasons, spring tea is of the highest quality and commands the highest price. Spring tea is characterized by thick leaves and small buds, offering an abundant aroma, pleasant aftertaste, and a wonderful mouthfeel with a roasted chestnut note, which some also describe as having a unique green pea hint. Summer tea is of lower quality and more affordable in the market. Autumn tea is harvested last, featuring a stronger aroma with a floral note somewhat reminiscent of Tieguanyin, along with lower bitterness and astringency. Its market price typically falls between those of spring and summer teas.
Production Method of Rizhao Green Tea
After harvesting, mature and diseased leaves are sorted out before processing begins. The process includes fixing (kill-green), rolling, and drying. The fixing temperature is around 150°C for about 2 to 3 minutes. The focus of rolling is to shape the strips and squeeze out the tea juices so they adhere to the tea leaves. Finally, drying is used to reduce the moisture content to 6% to complete the process.
Brewing Method for Rizhao Green Tea
Spring water or stream water is preferred. Water temperature should be 80°C to 85°C. The tea-to-water ratio is 1:50, meaning 2 g of Rizhao Green Tea for a 100 ml teapot. Steep for 3 minutes for the first infusion, and add 1 minute for each subsequent infusion.