Antique Liu An Basket Tea

Since it is so infrequently found on the market today, antique Liu An Basket Tea is an incredibly uncommon find. It has a very unique attraction because it is the oldest tea that is still in use. Fortunately, we were able to purchase this exceptional Liu An Tea from a local Vancouver tea collector two decades ago. It still has a rich, full-bodied flavour even after so many years. It is quite amazing the depth of medicinal overtones that a century of fermentation has produced. Aged Liu An Tea has a prestigious reputation that is furthered by the Chinese belief that it has therapeutic benefits.

Liu An tea, a renowned tea variety hailing from Anhui Province in China, boasts a rich history. This region has a deep-rooted tradition of crafting post-fermented teas, much like their counterparts in Yunnan province who produce Pu-Erh Tea. The manufacturing process of Liu An tea closely resembles that of Pu-Erh tea, lending it a distinct charm. Among tea connoisseurs, Liu An tea is highly coveted and remains a treasured favorite.

More History of Liu An Tea

An Tea was first created in the late Ming to early Qing dynasty.

An Tea is mainly produced in Luxi Township, Qimen County, Anhui Province. Traditional Liu An Tea (Liu An Basket Tea) does not originate from Lu’an in Anhui, as the name might suggest, but rather from Luxi and Rongkou townships in Qimen, Anhui. This area has a tea-producing history spanning several hundred years.

The manufacturing process of traditional Liu An Tea is particularly complex. The fresh leaves are first pan-fired (kill-green), rolled, sun-dried as raw material, baked, sifted, and winnowed to become green tea. After sorting, the tea is baked again, exposed overnight to dew, lightly smoked, packed into bamboo baskets, and baked once more. The finished tea must then be aged for two to three years before it can be released to the market.

According to the studies, Liu An Basket Tea is rich in polyphenols. It not only helps relieve summer heat and quench thirst, but also aids digestion and offers preventive health benefits. It is considered a long-term wellness tea, particularly beneficial for those with high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol. During the Ming dynasty, Wen Long wrote in Cha Jian that Liu An Tea was especially effective when used medicinally, and it was therefore regarded as a treasured tea.

The reason traditional Liu An Tea became popular in Guangdong is said to date back to the Qing dynasty. A physician from Qimen practiced medicine in Foshan, Guangdong, where the summers were hot and humid, and residents were prone to heatstroke and digestive discomfort. The physician prescribed Liu An Tea in place of medicine, and many people recovered without additional treatment. Because of its reputed effects in relieving heat, detoxifying, soothing the mind, and restoring balance, Liu An Tea gained great fame and widespread admiration.

Tea: Antique Liu An Basket

Weight Per Basket: 400 grams

Tea Factory: Chu Quan Tea Factory

Origin: An Hui Province

Types: Post-fermented