Laobanzhang ancient tree tea is characterized by plump, tender tea leaves with visible golden fuzz, a rich aroma, a clear brownish-yellow tea liquor, a strong tea “qi” (vitality), moderate bitterness that dissolves instantly in the mouth, and a sweet aftertaste that emerges within three seconds. So, how to distinguish Laobanzhang tea?
There are about three kinds of fake old class stamps in the market:
- The first is to use the Laoman’e , the new class chapter and the old tree tea as the old class chapter. Because the appearance, strip and taste of Laoman’e and Xinbanzhang tea are very similar to Laobanzhang, it is also the most difficult to identify. The main difference between Laoman’e, Xinbanzhang and Laobanzhang lies in the persistence of bitterness. Laoman’e has the longest persistence, followed by Xinbanzhang. As for the small difference between appearance and sweetness, it is difficult for tea drinkers to distinguish. It should also be noted that the new Banzhang tea here refers to the old tree tea in the old village before the relocation of the new Banzhang village, not the tea beside the new Banzhang village now.Tea trees are only about 40 years old.
- The second is based on Mengsong bitter tea and other teas, so many people only smell the bitter taste, but do not taste the sweet and moist taste. But in fact, this kind of tea is relatively easy to distinguish, but from the appearance, the strip is not as neat and strong as the old class chapter, and not as strong as the old class chapter, more fluff, drinking taste is basically not sweet, bitter taste is more lasting, aroma is not strong and lasting enough, sweet aftertaste is general, leaf bottom is slightly miscellaneous and not fat.
- The third is a direct and disorderly system, which is made of some strong and bitter tea. This so-called “old class chapter” is very different from the old class chapter in terms of appearance and taste, and it is easy to distinguish.
How to Distinguish Laobanzhang Tea
I. Appearance
Observing the shape of the tea, the high-quality Laobanzhang tea shows a strong and tight cord-like shape, a deep dark green color, and a shiny luster. Its leaves are fresh and tender, showing an attractive yellow-green color, and arranged neatly. In addition, the label on the packaging is also the key to judge the authenticity, authentic old class chapter tea packaging should clearly indicate the manufacturer, production date, shelf life and clear certificate of origin.
2. Aroma and Taste
The aroma of Laobanzhang Tea is unique, with the flavor of the mountains, deep and lasting, especially the orchid fragrance. The aroma is neither pungent nor bland, just right. In terms of taste, its tea flavor is strong, its tea soup is mellow and dense, it feels full and smooth after entering the mouth, and its bitter taste melts quickly, giving people a unique “domineering” feeling.
3. Infusion Durability and Liquor Color
Laobanzhang tea has a high degree of infusing resistance, even under the normal amount of tea, it can be brewed more than ten times and still keep sweet and sweet. The color of the new tea is clear, while the color of the old tea is bright or yellow-red. The tea soup should be clear and bright without any impurities.
4. Price
Price is also an important reference. At present, the real price of Laobanzhang ancient tree tea on the market is thousands of yuan per kilogram. If you encounter a “Laobanzhang” with a price tag of several hundred yuan, you can basically conclude that it is a fake. After all, the production of Laobanzhang is limited, and it is impossible to have a “good quality and low price” situation in the market environment where the supply exceeds the demand.
For ordinary consumers, they must be rational when choosing Laobanzhang tea. Don’t be confused by gorgeous packaging and low prices, and don’t trust the exaggerated publicity of the merchants. It is suggested to purchase through regular channels or choose reputable brand tea enterprises.