For those new to the world of tea, encountering tea with plenty of fuzz, such as Silver Needle or Golden Tip Black Tea, can be a perplexing experience. The delicate tea fuzz sticks to your hands when touching the dry leaves, and once you steep the tea in hot water, the fuzz rises and floats in the tea liquor, sometimes making it hard to distinguish between the tea leaves and the fuzzy particles. Some even worry that the tea has gone bad, seeing what looks like mold or excessive hair growth on the leaves.
However, if you carefully observe the tender buds and leaves of Pu’er tea, you’ll notice fine white hairs scattered throughout. These tiny hairs, commonly seen floating in the tea liquor, are what we call tea fuzz or tea down.
What is Tea Fuzz?
Tea fuzz is the fine hair found on the surface of tea buds. Structurally, it consists of long silk-like single cells that are transparent and reflective under strong light. The outer layer of the fuzz is composed of thick, semi-transparent white cell walls. These cell walls contain a high amount of caffeine, while the internal vacuoles and cell fluids contain polyphenols. The base of the fuzz also contains gland cells that secrete aromatic substances. Tea fuzz is rich in various chemical components and possesses a complete enzyme system, allowing it to undergo a series of physiological and biochemical reactions.
The Formation of Tea Fuzz Color
Tea fuzz plays a crucial role in the appearance of many tea varieties. Black tea, green tea, white tea, and others often require the presence of visible fuzz to enhance their appearance. The color of the dry tea fuzz is closely related to the changes in its contents during the tea-making process. In initial Pu’er raw tea processing, most of the tea polyphenols remain unoxidized, which are colorless. Hence, the fuzz on young buds usually appears white. In contrast, for black tea, most of the tea polyphenols have already oxidized into yellowish-red theaflavins and thearubigins, resulting in the golden-yellow fuzz on the young leaves transformed into black tea.
The Impact of Tea Fuzz on Tea Quality
The quantity of tea fuzz often reflects the characteristics of the tea tree. It not only provides some protection for the appearance of tea leaves but also serves as a marker of tender buds and high-quality tea. The content of tea polyphenols, caffeine, and water-extractable substances in tea fuzz is significantly lower than that in the tea leaves, while the amino acid content is much higher. Research indicates that the gland cells at the base of the fuzz can secrete aromatic substances, contributing to the unique fragrance of certain teas. Some teas that prioritize the picking of tender buds have more fuzz on their surfaces, leading to a distinct and captivating aroma. In some tea varieties, there is even a specific step dedicated to removing the fuzz.
Teas with excessive fuzz may result in slightly cloudy tea liquor during the first two or three infusions, but it will eventually become clear. Conversely, teas with poor quality may produce consistently murky tea liquor. As the fuzz melds into the tea liquor, it enhances the aroma and taste due to the abundance of amino acids and other active compounds. Consequently, teas with a reasonable amount of fuzz tend to have a fresher and more refreshing flavor.
Embracing Tea Fuzz with Reason
The presence of fuzz on tea leaves is generally considered a desirable trait for most teas. A high quantity of tea fuzz often indicates a tea with a delightful fragrance and a refreshing taste. However, the quantity of fuzz is not the sole determinant of tea quality, as it can also influence the transparency and brightness of the tea liquor. Therefore, it’s essential to approach this aspect of tea appreciation with objectivity and understanding.
In conclusion, the mysterious tea fuzz that often puzzles tea enthusiasts adds an interesting dimension to the art of tea appreciation. It not only affects the appearance but also contributes to the fragrance and flavor of the tea. By understanding the nature of tea fuzz and appreciating its role in tea quality, we can better enjoy the delightful experience of savoring a cup of tea and unlock the secrets held within each tea leaf.