LaomanE Tea Plantation in Menghai County, XishuangBanna
Chinese Name: 勐海老曼峨古茶树
English Name: LaomanE Tea Plantation in Menghai County, XishuangBanna
LanmanE (老曼峨) Village is an administrative village located in Mount Brown Township (布朗山乡), Menghai County (勐海县), Yunnan Province (云南省), China. Situated in the northeastern part of Mount Brown, the village is approximately 16 kilometers away from the township government. This area is mountainous, covering a total of 68.4 square kilometers, and is at an elevation of 1,650 meters above sea level. The average annual temperature ranges from 18 to 21°C, and the region experiences plentiful rainfall, making it ideal for cultivating rice and tea. The primary sources of income for the villagers are farming and animal husbandry.
LaomanE Tea Plantation (老曼娥茶园)
LaomanE is a village inhabited by the Brown (Blang) ethnic group and is nestled deep in the mountains of Menghai County, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province. This village, with a history of over a thousand years, is home to more than 140 families. Rich in diverse plant resources, the area is surrounded by lush primeval forests that provide a conducive environment for the growth of tea trees. The Brown people have a long history of tea cultivation, making them one of the earliest ethnic groups in China to grow and process tea. Many of the tea trees in this region are ancient, ranging from 500 to over 1,000 years old. Some trees reach up to 10 meters in height, requiring the use of bamboo ladders and stakes for tea picking.
Cultural and Historical Background
The Brown people are descendants of the BaiPu (百濮) and have lived in Mount Brown for generations. Historically referred to as the Pu people (濮人), Mount Brown remains the only township predominantly inhabited by the Brown ethnic group in China. It is also one of the six ancient tea mountains, known for early tea cultivation, consumption, and processing practices. The entire township consists of seven village committees and 51 village groups, with a total population of approximately 17,843. Among these, the LaomanE village has a history spanning over 1,400 years and is home to about 140 families, totaling over 600 people. The area boasts more than 12,000 mu (approximately 800 hectares) of ancient tea plantations within the village groups and an additional 18,000 mu (around 1,200 hectares) of tea, including both wild bitter and sweet tea varieties on the slopes. These plantations provide high-quality raw materials essential for producing premium Pu’er tea.
Characteristics of LaomanE Plantation Pu’er Tea
LaomanE Plantation’s Pu’er tea is known for its distinct bitterness, which is a hallmark of high-quality Pu’er. The tea leaves are thick, plump, and tightly rolled, with a delicate texture. The brew is initially very bitter with a strong flavor profile, which mellows over time, resulting in a smoother and richer taste. Eventually, the tea becomes slightly sweet. Spring tea, in particular, is known for its intense bitterness and slight astringency but leaves a sweet aftertaste that lingers, encouraging salivation. The unique flavor of this tea is fresh and long-lasting. The main characteristics of LaomanE Pu’er tea include:
- Thick and Plump Leaves: The tea leaves are substantial and robust.
- Golden Tea Soup: The brewed tea has a rich golden color.
- Transition from Bitter to Sweet: After approximately 5-7 infusions, the tea transitions from bitter to sweet.
- High Brew Resistance: The tea can withstand multiple infusions, making it extremely durable.
The distinctive qualities of LaomanE Pu’er tea make it a prized choice for tea enthusiasts, offering a unique sensory experience that evolves with each cup.
