Yuexi Cuilan is a famous high-quality green tea produced in the Dabie Mountain area of Anhui.

Yuexi Cuilan is a famous high-quality green tea produced in Yuexi County, Anqing City, Anhui Province. It is named for its emerald-green dry tea leaves and connected buds and leaves that resemble orchid flowers. Yuexi is located in the heart of the Dabie Mountains, where high mountains are shrouded in mist and clouds, vegetation is dense, and the temperature difference between day and night is large. The tea garden ecological environment is superior, providing favorable conditions for the accumulation of the tea's internal qualities. In the 1980s, local producers created this tea based on the traditional orchid tea-making technique, and it has since gradually become one of the representatives of green tea in southwestern Anhui.

In terms of quality, Yuexi Cuilan's appearance features connected buds and leaves that naturally unfurl into a flower shape, with an emerald-green, glossy color. After brewing, the liquor is light green and bright, the aroma is clear, high and lasting, with a subtle orchid-like fragrance, the taste is fresh and mellow with a sweet aftertaste, and the brewed leaves are tender green and even. It has a relatively high degree of freshness and is fairly resistant to multiple infusions, making it a representative product among local spring teas.

In terms of picking and processing, Yuexi Cuilan is generally picked in spring, and the fresh leaves are mainly one bud and one initial leaf, requiring even and fresh buds and leaves. The production process requires spreading for withering, fixation, shaping, drying and other steps. Among these, shaping emphasizes gentle hand movements to keep the buds and leaves in a natural flower-like form, which is also the origin of its name. The finished product should be stored sealed and away from light to prevent moisture and odor absorption.

For brewing Yuexi Cuilan, it is advisable to use a glass cup or white porcelain lidded bowl, and the water temperature should not be too high, so as to avoid stewing the buds and leaves and losing the fresh taste. As a green tea, it retains the natural components of the fresh leaves relatively well, and moderate daily drinking can help quench thirst and promote saliva. At present, Yuexi Cuilan has been included in the scope of national geographical indication product protection. It is an important specialty name card of Yuexi County and has also driven the development of local high-mountain tea gardens and the tea industry.