Kaihua specialties

Longding tea, a specialty in Kaihua county, Quzhou, is best known for its exquisite aroma and rich flavor. [Photo/WeChat account: quzhoufb]

Two specialties in Kaihua county, Quzhou, Zhejiang province have been included in the National Directory of Famous, Special, and Superior New Agricultural Products, as recently announced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

One of these treasures is Longding tea, a highly esteemed green tea with a history dating back to the late Tang Dynasty (618-907). Designated as an imperial gift during the Ming Dynasty, it is now a national geographic indication product.

Renowned for its exquisite aroma, rich flavor, and numerous health benefits, Longding tea is believed to enhance vision, boost alertness, clear heat and toxins, promote dental health, extend longevity, and offer exceptional nutritional and medicinal properties.

The exceptional quality of this tea is attributed to Kaihua's unique climate, characterized by over 46 peaks reaching altitudes of over 1,000 meters, with forest coverage exceeding 80 percent and an average of over 100 foggy days every year.

The other distinguished specialty is the grass carp, also designated as a national geographic indication product. Bred in mountain spring waters, this fish contains fresh and savory amino acids and other nutritional elements that far surpass those found in common grass carp.

Since the Song Dynasty (960-1279), the residents of Kaihua have been constructing fish ponds in their surroundings, utilizing mountain spring water to nurture these prized fish.

The grass carp in Kaihua county, Quzhou is ideal for cooking fish soup. [Photo/WeChat account: quzhoufb]