Keemun

1953

Qimen Tea Factory has established a classification standard for fresh leaves, based on the degree of freshness and the proportion of buds and leaves. Qihong fresh leaves are classified into special grade, grade 1 to grade 5. Fresh leaves are classified according to standards, which is the first of its kind in China. The standards have been included in the textbook "Tea Making" for higher agricultural colleges and universities across the country. After grading, fresh leaves achieve uniformity and consistency, laying the foundation for grading Qihong finished tea.

pick

The picking time for Qihong Spring Tea is from around Qingming Festival to before Grain Rain every year; The picking time for Qihong summer tea is from June to August, and attention should be paid to the climate before and after picking. Rainy and rainy weather can affect the quality of tea, and tea grows rapidly every other night. Qi Hong is freshly harvested and processed to preserve the active ingredients of fresh leaves. The picking standards are very strict, with 3-4 batches for spring tea, 3 batches for summer tea, and less or no harvesting for autumn tea. Every year during the tea picking season, it is the busiest season for the people of Qimen. There is a saying that goes, "If you are busy for thirty nights, you are really busy picking tea leaves." Tea farmers come to the scene together, going up the mountain in the morning under the dew, returning home in the evening when you can't see the tea buds clearly, wearing a straw hat on a sunny day, and having no free time even in the rain. The verdant tea mountains are filled with the busy figures of tea pickers, and the air is filled with the refreshing aroma of tea.

song

The song "Qimen Tea Picking Song" sings:
The wind blows gently, and birds make waves of noise.
The branches are covered in green oil, and the newly emerged sun is full of clouds.
Tea pickers are everywhere on the mountain, men and women of all ages.
The noise and laughter never stopped, and the tea picking scenery was so lively.
Quickly pick with both hands, the sun gradually rises.
When the basket is full, send it back. Fresh leaves should not be sun burnt.
The harvested tea grass is tender, with one bud and two leaves that are neither too big nor too old.
The branches and twigs are just average, making black tea is great.