Xiaguan Compressed Tea (Tuo Cha) in Dali
Xiaguan Compressed Tea(Tuo Cha)(下关沱茶)
With a long history, Xiaguan Compressed Tea is one of the famous brand products produced by XiaguanTea Factory in Dali City. It was recorded in the book Strategies of Yunnan(滇略) written by Xie Zhaozhi(谢肇制) in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It was successfully established by the Xiaguan “Yongchangxiang” business in 1902 and has a history of more than 100 years.
Xiaguan Compressed Tea, commonly known as Tuo Cha, is a renowned type of Pu-erh tea produced in Xiaguan, Yunnan Province, China. Tuo Cha refers to the specific shape of the tea, which is compressed into a bowl-like or dome shape, resembling a small, inverted bowl.
History:
- Origin: Xiaguan, located in the southwestern part of Yunnan Province, has a long history of tea production, dating back to the Qing Dynasty.
- Development: The production of Xiaguan Compressed Tea began in the early 20th century. It has become well-regarded for its unique taste and aging potential.
Production Process:
- Raw Material Selection: High-quality tea leaves are selected from Yunnan’s tea gardens, often from ancient tea trees.
- Withering: Freshly picked tea leaves are withered to reduce their moisture content.
- Frying (Kill Green): The withered leaves are briefly heated to stop enzymatic oxidation.
- Rolling: The tea leaves are rolled to break up their structure and release their juices.
- Fermentation (Aging): After rolling, the leaves are fermented and aged to develop their flavor. Xiaguan Tuo Cha can be either raw (sheng) or ripe (shu) Pu-erh tea.
- Pressing: The fermented tea leaves are compressed into the characteristic Tuo Cha shape using molds.
- Drying: The pressed tea is dried to preserve it.
Characteristics:
- Shape: Tuo Cha is typically shaped like a small bowl or dome.
- Flavor: Xiaguan Tuo Cha is known for its rich, earthy flavor with a hint of sweetness. The flavor can develop and become more complex with age.
- Aging Potential: Like other Pu-erh teas, Xiaguan Tuo Cha improves with age, gaining in depth and complexity over time.
Cultural Significance:
- Tea Culture: Xiaguan Tuo Cha is a significant part of Yunnan’s tea culture and is highly valued by tea connoisseurs for its quality and aging potential.
- Collection: Due to its aging potential and unique flavor profile, Xiaguan Tuo Cha is often collected and enjoyed by tea enthusiasts.
Notable Variants:
- Raw Pu-erh (Sheng): Aged naturally over time, developing more complex flavors.
- Ripe Pu-erh (Shu): Undergoes an accelerated fermentation process, offering a mellower flavor.
Current Status:
Xiaguan Compressed Tea remains a popular and respected type of Pu-erh tea both in China and internationally. Its distinctive shape and flavor profile make it a favorite among tea lovers and collectors.
