Laomudeng Tea in Nujiang
Introduction to Laomudeng Tea
Laomudeng Tea老姆登茶 is a specialty product from Fugong County in the Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, and is recognized as a National Geographical Indication product of China. The core cultivation area of Laomudeng Tea is located at an altitude of around 1,800 meters, reaching up to 2,400 meters in some areas. The high altitude, significant temperature difference between day and night, constant mist, and the nourishment from the snowmelt of the Biluo Snow Mountain create the ideal environment for growing tea. This unique environment imparts Laomudeng Tea with the rich, enduring qualities of traditional Yunnan teas, the fresh taste of green tea, and the sweet, lingering flavor of black tea.
Natural Ecological Environment
Laomudeng Tea is grown along the banks of the Nujiang River. The area is characterized by high altitudes, lush forests, misty mountains, and clear waters. Surrounded by the Biluo Snow Mountain and nourished by the rushing waters of the Nujiang River, the region enjoys abundant rainfall, fresh air, and a unique climate that is ideal for tea cultivation. These conditions give Laomudeng Tea its distinctive flavor and aroma, characterized by a refined, rich fragrance, clear and bright liquor, and a mellow, sweet aftertaste.
Product Description
Laomudeng Tea is visually appealing, with tightly rolled leaves, abundant white tips, and a uniform, clean appearance. The leaves are tender and well-formed, with a bright, uniform green color and a glossy sheen. The tea has a strong, rich aroma.
Ecological Environment
The tea-growing region is intersected by major rivers such as the Nujiang, Lancang, and Dulong Rivers, with altitudes ranging from 738 meters to 5,128 meters. Suitable planting altitudes range from 1,100 to 2,300 meters. The soil types include red and yellow soils with a pH of 4.5 to 6.5. The region features subtropical mountain monsoon climates, with a forest coverage rate of 75.31%. Rainfall is concentrated between June and September, with mild winters, cool summers, and distinct seasonal changes. The area experiences high humidity, with an annual average temperature of 13.8°C to 15.8°C, more than 300 frost-free days, 1,322.7 to 1,626.7 hours of sunlight, and an average annual precipitation of 1,360 mm.
Geographical Scope
The production area of Laomudeng Tea covers 20 towns and 171 administrative villages across the counties of Fugong, Lushui, Gongshan, and Lanping in Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. Key areas include seven towns in Fugong County, nine towns in Lushui City, two towns in Gongshan County, and two towns in Lanping County. The tea-growing area covers 1,800 hectares, with an annual production of 810 tons of dried raw tea.
Quality Characteristics
1. External Sensory Features
Laomudeng Tea is visually attractive, with tightly rolled, dense leaves that are uniformly clean and free from impurities. The leaves are tender, with abundant white tips, a bright green color, and a glossy finish. The tea has a strong and rich aroma.
2. Internal Quality Features
The tea is characterized by a fresh aroma, a rich, mellow taste, and a sweet aftertaste. It is known for its strong astringency, tender and uniform leaves, and bright, clear yellow-green liquor. Testing shows that Laomudeng Green Tea contains at least 18% polyphenols, 46% water-soluble extracts, 1.80% caffeine, and 1.40% free amino acids, with a moisture content of 7% or less. The tea is rich in beneficial substances.
3. Quality and Safety Standards
The environmental standards for the production area of Laomudeng Tea follow the “NY5010-2016 Standards for Pollution-Free Food Production Areas.” The product quality adheres to the “GB/T14456.2-2018 Green Tea Part 2: Large-Leaf Green Tea” standards.
Packaging and Labeling Regulations
The use of geographical indication labels must comply with the “Regulations on the Use of Agricultural Product Geographical Indications.” A system combining public labels with the regional product name is implemented. Producers within the protected geographical area must apply to the holder of the registration certificate to use the geographical indication on their products or packaging, and they must follow the relevant production and labeling regulations. The labeling method combines the product name with the public geographical indication label.
