A total of 541 samples were a part of the contest, and a large number of tea companies and tea enthusiasts from China participated, while international participants from countries like Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore also took part
In recent days, the Global Liubao Tea Tasting Competition took place in Wuzhou, South China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. A total of 541 samples were a part of the contest, and a large number of tea companies and tea enthusiasts from China participated, while international participants from countries like Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore also took part. The samples were divided into 14 groups, and after judging and rating by a team of domestic and international tea experts and Liubao tea collectors, a corps of 55 seven-star “king of tea” was chosen.
According to the Wuzhou Tea Industry Development Service Centre, Liubao tea originates from Liubao Town in Wuzhou of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The annual average temperature and rainfall in Liubao Town are respectively 21.2 degrees Celsius and 1,500 mm. Precipitous cliffs enshrouded in clouds are scattered around the area, many of them ranging between 1,000m and 1,500m in elevation, while ample sunshine and water combine into environment and climate conditions ideal for the growth of tea shrubs. During the reign of the Jiaqing Emperor of the Qing Dynasty, Liubao tea was acclaimed for its “areca nut scent” characterized by “redness, richness, purity and aged aroma”, it emerged as one of China’s top teas and its consumption swept across the land. Towards the end of the Qing Dynasty, droves of Chinese labourers travelled across the South China Sea to find work abroad, and the thirst-quenching, stomach-nourishing and other healthy properties of Liubao tea, as well as its long shelf life, made it a favourite among overseas Chinese, hence its eventual rise in popularity among tea-drinkers in countries such as Malaysia and Singapore.
Research results from a health and nutritional study conducted by a team led by the Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a Professor at Hunan Agricultural University Liu Zhonghua explain the functionality and scientific mechanisms behind numerous benefits associated with Liubao tea including fat and weight reduction, blood sugar reduction, uric acid suppression, liver health, intestines and stomach coordination, anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory functions, protection against radiation, immunity improvement, etc.
