Puer Tea Expert – ZHOU HONGJIE

Zhou Hongjie周红杰 (Born November 1962) is a prominent academic and technical leader in Yunnan Province, serving as the Vice Dean of the Pu’er Tea College and the Pu’er Tea Research Institute at Yunnan Agricultural University, as well as the Deputy Director of the Yunnan Pu’er Tea Certification Center. He is a professor and a master’s supervisor.

Educational Background:

  • In July 1984, Zhou Hongjie graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Tea Science from Southwest Agricultural University.
  • In 1997, he completed in-service graduate studies at Yunnan Agricultural University.

Professional Experience:

  • June 2001 – April 2006: Deputy Director of the Tea Science Department at the School of Horticulture, Yunnan Agricultural University.
  • April 2006 – October 2017: Vice Dean of the Pu’er Tea College, Yunnan Agricultural University.

Academic Exchanges:

  • 2001: Conducted research as a visiting scholar at Kasetsart University in Thailand.
  • August 2005: Participated in Pu’er tea academic exchanges in Malaysia and Singapore.
  • July 2006: Engaged in Pu’er tea academic exchanges in Hong Kong.
  • September 2008: Participated in Pu’er tea academic exchanges in South Korea.
  • October 2008: Engaged in Pu’er tea cultural exchanges in Taiwan.

Main Achievements:

Research Achievements:

  • Research Focus: Pu’er Tea Science, Tea Culture and Economics, Tea Processing and Quality Control.
  • Publications: Zhou Hongjie has published over 50 research papers, including:
  1. Zhou Hongjie, Li Jiahua, et al. “Study on the Main Microorganisms in the Piling Process and Their Effect on the Quality of Yunnan Pu’er Tea.” Tea Science, 2004, 24(3): 212-218.
  2. Zhou Hongjie, Li Jiahua, Gan Yueming, et al. “Relationship between Chemical Composition Changes and Quality Formation in the Piling Process of Pu’er Tea.” Tea Garden, 2004(1): 6-8.
  3. Zhao Longfei, Zhou Hongjie. “Research Progress on the Comprehensive Utilization of Yeast.” Food Research and Development, 2004, 25(4): 29-32.
  4. Zhou Hongjie, Gong Jiashun, Zhao Longfei, et al. “Research Progress on the Mechanism of Quality Formation of Yunnan Pu’er Tea.” Proceedings of the 1780th Anniversary of Kong Ming’s Tea, 2005: 213-223.
  5. Yuan Wenxia, Zhou Hongjie. “Changes in Tea Polyphenol Content during Piling and Its Relationship with Pu’er Tea Quality.” Proceedings of the 1780th Anniversary of Kong Ming’s Tea, 2005: 224-228.
  6. Gong Jiashun, Zhou Hongjie, Zhang Xinfo, Song Shan, An Wenjie. “Microbial Solid-state Fermentation and Component Changes of Yunnan Sun-dried Green Tea.” Tea Science, 2005, 4.
  7. Zhou Hongjie, Gong Jiashun, Zhao Longfei, An Wenjie, Yuan Wenxia. “The Discipline Status and Practical Significance of Yunnan Pu’er Tea.” Journal of Yunnan Agricultural University Pu’er Tea Special Issue, 2006 Supplement, 21 Sup: 38-44.
  8. Zhou Yang, Hu Xiaojing, Zhou Hongjie, Zhang Xinfo, Gong Jiashun. “Changes in Water-soluble Carbohydrates in Yunnan Pu’er Tea.” Journal of Hunan Agricultural University (Natural Science Edition), 2006, 6.
  9. Zhao Longfei, Xu Yajun, Zhou Hongjie. “Research on Improving Pu’er Tea Quality and Flavor through Microbial Solid-state Fermentation.” Food Research and Development, 2006, 4.
  10. Zhou Hongjie, Gong Jiashun. “Analysis of Health Mechanism of Yunnan Pu’er Tea.” Journal of Yunnan Agricultural University Pu’er Tea Special Issue, 2006 Supplement, 21 Sup: 98-103.

Books Edited:

  • Zhou Hongjie has edited and co-edited nine books (five as chief editor), including:
    1. “Yunnan Pu’er Tea” (Chief Editor). Yunnan Science and Technology Press, March 2004. This book established a scientific system for Pu’er tea and was rated as an “Excellent Best-Seller” by the National Book Distribution Association, with 19 reprints totaling 11,000 copies. It was published in Traditional Chinese in Taiwan in April 2005 and in Korean in February 2005.
    2. “Yunnan Famous Teas” (Chief Editor). Yunnan Science and Technology Press, November 2006. Rated as a “2007 Excellent Best-Seller” by the National Book Distribution Association.

Patents:

  • Zhou Hongjie is the first inventor on 11 patents, with 8 granted. Notable patents include:
    1. Zhou Hongjie, Gong Jiashun, et al. “A Kind of Aspergillus oryzae Fungus and Its Application in Pu’er Tea Production.”
    2. Zhou Hongjie, Gong Jiashun, et al. “A Kind of Black Aspergillus Fungus and Its Application in Pu’er Tea Production.” Patent No. ZL 200510010941.4.
    3. Zhou Hongjie, Gong Jiashun, et al. “A Kind of Brewer’s Yeast Fungus and Its Application in Pu’er Tea Production.” Patent No. ZL 200510010940.X.

Research Projects:

  • Zhou Hongjie has led 8 research projects with a total funding of 50 million yuan, including:
    1. “Research on the Chemical Components and Quality Standards of Yunnan Pu’er Tea,” funded by the Yunnan Natural Science Foundation, 2003C0007Z, 2003-2007.
    2. “Mechanism of Quality Formation of Yunnan Pu’er Tea,” funded by the National Natural Science Foundation, 30660116, 2006-2009.
    3. “Key Technologies for Improving Quality and Efficiency of Yunnan Pu’er Tea,” funded by the Yunnan “11th Five-Year” Science and Technology Project, 2006NG16, 2006.10-2009.12.

Awards:

  • Zhou Hongjie has received various awards for his scientific research, including:
    • “Excellent Paper Third Prize” from the China Tea Association’s Third National Youth Tea Science Academic Forum in 2004.
    • “Excellent Best-Seller” for “Yunnan Pu’er Tea” from the National Book Distribution Association in 2004.
    • “Second Prize” for the Social Science Outstanding Achievement in Kunming City for “Yunnan Pu’er Tea” in 2007.

Talent Cultivation:

  • Zhou Hongjie emphasizes the health benefits of Pu’er tea, which has gained popularity for its health and weight loss effects.