Gongmei Origin: Jianyang, Fuding, Zhenghe, Songxi, and other counties in Fujian Province.
Quality Characteristics: The dry tea has distinct buds, with white and abundant downy hairs, and a jade-green colour.
Tea Colour: Orange or deep yellow.
Leaf Base: Uniform, soft, and bright.
Gongmei Overview
Gongmei is a type of white tea, also known as Shoumei, and is the most widely produced variety of white tea, accounting for over half of the total white tea production. Gongmei made from the buds and leaves of the Cai Cha tea plant is generally considered a premium quality tea. The tea plant varieties used for Gongmei typically include Fuding Da Bai Cha, Fuding Da Hao Cha, Zhenghe Da Bai Cha, and the sexual hybrid varieties ‘Fuda’ and ‘Zhengda.’ The raw material harvesting standards for Gongmei are one bud with two or three leaves, requiring tender buds, robust buds, initial processing, and refined craftsmanship similar to Bai Mu Dan.
Gongmei Tasting
Gongmei is classified into four grades: Special Grade, Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3. Among these, those with abundant and robust buds, tender leaves, buds and leaves connected to the stem, tightly curled leaves resembling eyebrows, uniformity, few broken leaves, a grey-green or dark green colour, evenness, yellow-green leaf colour, soft and lustrous leaf texture, and no old stems, twigs, or wax leaves, with pure aroma and taste, are considered premium quality, while those lacking these characteristics are considered inferior.
Fujian Province: Jianyang, Fuding, Zhenghe, Songxi, and other counties.
Quality Characteristics
Dry Tea: The dry tea has prominent downy tips, white and abundant downy hairs, and a jade-green colour.
Tea Liquid: The tea liquid is orange or deep yellow in colour.
Aroma: The aroma is fresh and pure.
Taste: The taste is mellow and refreshing.
Leaf Base: The leaf base is uniform, soft, and bright.
The Benefits and Effects of Gongmei Tea
Gongmei (white tea) is rich in tea polyphenols, amino acids, and minerals, offering antioxidant properties and mental stimulation. It can help regulate metabolism and boost immunity to some extent. Its low-calorie nature makes it an ideal healthy beverage, but moderation is key.
1. The Effects and Benefits of Gongmei Tea
1. Antioxidant and Anti-ageing Effects
The tea polyphenols and flavonoids in Gongmei can neutralise free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. Studies suggest that regular moderate consumption of white tea may help reduce the risk of skin ageing and support cardiovascular health.
2. Mental Clarity and Alertness
Gongmei contains a small amount of caffeine (approximately 2-3%), which can mildly stimulate the central nervous system and alleviate fatigue. Compared to coffee, its effects are more moderate, making it suitable for those who need to concentrate but should avoid excessive stimulation.
3. Helps regulate blood lipids
Tea polysaccharides and catechins may help improve high blood lipid levels in patients by inhibiting fat absorption and promoting cholesterol metabolism, but this should be combined with diet and exercise management.
4. Promotes digestion
Tea polyphenols and organic acids can stimulate gastric acid secretion and help break down fatty foods. Drinking a moderate amount of Gongmei tea after meals may help relieve feelings of fullness, but those with excessive gastric acid should exercise caution.
