Madeng Tea in Zhenyuan County, Puer
Ma Deng Tea: One of Yunnan’s Eight Famous Teas
Overview:
Ma Deng Tea普洱市镇远县马邓茶 is celebrated as one of Yunnan Province’s Eight Famous Teas and is produced in Ma Deng Village, Zhenyuan County. Known for its vibrant green tea liquor, beautiful color, pleasant aroma, refreshing aftertaste, and resistance to leaving residue in the cup, Ma Deng Tea is renowned worldwide. It is exported to Japan, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, and other regions. Ma Deng Village is situated on the western slope of the Ailao Mountains at an altitude of 1,780 meters. The area’s history of tea cultivation extends over 800 years. Currently, there are about 500 acres of cultivated ancient tea trees, all of which are tree-type ancient tea trees. Locals have long been harvesting and utilizing Ma Deng Tea. Historically, Ma Deng Tea was processed into sun-dried green tea using a unique local ancient tea tree variety, and it has been a renowned tea in Zhenyuan for centuries. Ma Deng Tea is a large-leaf tree-type tea with characteristics such as vibrant green liquor, beautiful color, fragrant aroma, good brewing endurance, refreshing aftertaste, and resistance to leaving residue in the cup. It is a premium tea often served to guests by the local Yi people.
1. Ailao Mountain’s Western Slope: Rare and Excellent Tea
Ma Deng Tea Garden is a representative tea garden of the Ma Deng Ancient Tea Mountain, located on the western slope of the Ailao Mountains, originating from Ma Deng Village in Zhenyuan County. The traceable history of tea cultivation here dates back 800 years, with over 500 acres of cultivated ancient tree-type tea trees.
Ma Deng Village lies on the southeastern edge of the Hengduan Mountain Range. The area is traversed by the Wuliang Mountains and Ailao Mountains, creating a landscape of continuous mountain ridges. The varying altitude results in complex and diverse climatic conditions, allowing the experience of tropical, subtropical, and temperate climate features simultaneously.
The vegetation includes common mountain green broadleaf forests and mixed coniferous and broadleaf forests, with a forest coverage rate of 43%. In addition to abundant common Puer pine, the region hosts over 470 plant species, including 75 types of trees. The superior ecological environment enriches the internal components of the tea trees, giving rise to distinctive mountain characteristics.
2. Tribute Tea and Diplomatic Gifts
During the Qing Dynasty, Ma Deng Tea was presented as a tribute tea to the imperial court and gained prominence. After the establishment of New China, Ma Deng Tea continued to be a prized export to Japan and Southeast Asia. In 1981, it was honored as one of Yunnan’s Eight Famous Teas at a provincial tea evaluation meeting.
On May 14, 1990, during a visit to China, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand praised Ma Deng Tea at a banquet hosted by the Yunnan provincial government and expressed a desire to take some back to Thailand. The provincial government happily gifted her 200 kilograms of Ma Deng Spring Tea, and this incident became a well-known story, highlighting the exceptional quality of Ma Deng Tea.
3. Sweet and Refreshing: The “Flavor Enhancer” of Pu’er Tea
Ma Deng Tea is valued for its fresh, crisp taste, smooth tea soup, low bitterness, quick sweetness, and persistent aroma. It is often used as a “flavor enhancer” in Pu’er tea production. Some manufacturers include Ma Deng Tea as an ingredient to enhance fragrance and sweetness in blended Pu’er teas. However, for tea enthusiasts, this news is disappointing. Ma Deng Tea is appreciated for its unique quality and taste and should be valued in its own right, rather than as an adjunct to other products.
4. 2024 Zhengshan Chun Gu • Ma Deng: Limited Edition Release
The 2024 Ma Deng Ancient Tea is carefully picked from ancient tea trees over 100 years old, featuring a bud and one or two leaves of early spring tea. Master tea makers from Qicai Yunnan have meticulously crafted this tea. Upon brewing, it yields a clear, transparent yellow soup with a smooth, sticky texture and a fresh, grassy aroma.
The tea has a delicate, honey-like and floral fragrance that blends seamlessly with the water. The taste is initially sweet and elegant, with a refreshing and sweet aftertaste. Limited to 500 pieces, each with a unique code for traceability, this tea invites you to experience and appreciate its exceptional quality.
Historical Anecdote:
Legend has it that over a hundred years ago, during the anti-Qing uprising, General Li Xue Dong, leading a retreat to Zhenyuan’s Wulong Ailao Mountain stronghold, saw over a thousand soldiers affected by typhoid and dysentery. Only three frail old soldiers remained unaffected, attributing their health to regular consumption of local Ma Deng Tea. General Li Xue Dong then used Ma Deng Tea to treat the sick, with mild cases recovering in a few days with frequent hot water infusions, and severe cases improving with a concoction of ginger, salt, and scorched glutinous rice. This contributed to Ma Deng Tea’s reputation as a “therapeutic drink.”
In 1981, Ma Deng Tea was honored as one of Yunnan’s Eight Famous Teas at a provincial tea evaluation meeting and gained widespread consumer admiration. On May 14, 1990, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand praised Ma Deng Tea during her visit to China, leading to a gift of 200 kilograms of Ma Deng Spring Tea from the provincial government, further enhancing its fame.
Storage Instructions:
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from light, moisture, and high temperatures. Ensure the tea is well-sealed and isolated from any odoriferous items.
Health Benefits:
- Known for its invigorating and cooling properties, Ma Deng Tea helps in refreshing and alleviating heat.
Brewing Methods:
- Cold Water: When brewed with cold water, Ma Deng Tea features a tight, green appearance and a clear, bright yellow-green liquor. The taste is fresh, rich, and sweet with a long-lasting aroma of roasted chestnut and high-protein notes. Cold brewing enhances the tea’s flavor, making it suitable for various settings, including home and travel.
