Zhu Ye Qing (竹叶青, Zhú Yè Qīng) also known as Emei Zhu Ye Qing is a kind of Chinese green tea. It is native to the Mount Emei of Sichuan Province. Mount Emei is a 5A tourist attraction in China.
Zhu Ye Qing is literally called Bamboo Leaf Green. Zhu means “bamboo”, Ye means “leaf”, and Qing means “green”. It is a famous green tea created in the 1960s and its name was taken by Marshal Chen Yi in 1964. Zhu Ye Qing has the title of “National Tea Classic”.
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History of Zhu Ye Qing
Mount Emei is an area where tea trees were planted very early in China and it also has a long history of tea production. As early as the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the tea produced in Mount Emei had already be regarded as a tribute tea.
Zhu Ye Qing has a deep connection with Buddhism culture. At the end of the Western Han Dynasty (202 BC- 8 AD), Buddhism was introduced into China.
At that time, because a long time of meditation can easily make monks tired and sleepy and tea has the effects of refreshing, quenching thirst, and eliminating fatigue, Zhu Ye Qing tea became the most ideal drink. In addition, many monks and Taoists also like to use tea for self-cultivation.
Buddhist culture is an important part of the history and culture of Mount Emei and there are many temples on Mount Emei. Emei Zhu Ye Qing was created by the eminent monks in the Wan Nian Temple in the 1960s. But at that time, there was no official name for Zhu Ye Qing.
Until April 1964, when Marshal Chen Yi passed through Sichuan Province and arrived at Mount Emei. He rested in Wan Nian Temple on the mountainside. An old monk made a cup of green tea for him. A fresh fragrance wafted from the tea. Marshal Chen Yi drank two sips and felt refreshed and relaxed.
He asked the old monk what the name of the tea was. The old monk said there was no name for the tea and he asked Marshal Chen Yi to take a name for the tea. Marshal Chen Yi saw the tea’s shape like that of bamboo leaf, so he named it Zhu Ye Qing. Since then, Zhu Ye Qing has an official name.
After decades of development, Zhu Ye Qing has become a famous green tea and also a famous green tea brand. In 2006, it was given as a gift to Russian President Putin.
Characteristics of Zhu Ye Qing
Zhu Ye Qing grows on the mountainside of Mount Emei at an altitude of 800-1,200 meters. Mount Emei is surrounded by clouds all year round, with diversified soil and abundant water source, which is very suitable for the growth of Zhu Ye Qing.
The fresh leaves of Zhu Ye Qing are very delicate and tender. Spring is the best time for picking Zhu Ye Qing and spring tea is the best tea in a year. The picked fresh leaves are usually one bud with one leaf or with two leaves.
The shape of the dried Zhu Ye Qing is flat and straight; its color is green and looks shiny; the fragrance is fresh; the tea liquid is yellow-green and looks very clear. The taste of Zhu Ye Qing is relatively strong in green tea.
Benefits of Zhu Ye Qing
Zhu Ye Qing can quench thirst and relieve summer heat. It has good effects on detoxification and diuretic.
Zhu Ye Qing can help people to eliminate fatigue and improve their thinking and work efficiency.
Tea polyphenols and vitamin C in Zhu Ye Qing have the effect of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis to prevent arteriosclerosis. Therefore, among those who drink tea regularly, the incidence of hypertension and coronary heart disease is lower.
Flavonoids in Zhu Ye Qing have an anti-cancer effect.
Benefits of Zhu Ye Qing:
- Detox
- Refresh
- Diuretic
- Clear heat
- Weight loss
- Anti-aging
- Anti-cancer
- Antibacterial
- Anti-inflammatory
- Prevent arteriosclerosis
- Inhibit cardiovascular disease