The history of Song Luo tea dates back over 500 years, it is famous for its healing effects, which also earned it the name ‘Medicinal Tea’, yet it almost fell into oblivion in China itself. It comes from the fertile, ecologically clean and very tea-growing area of Song Luo Mountain, located near Fu Si Village (Wang An District, Xiu Ning County) in Anhui Province. According to many historical sources, it was first developed at the beginning of the Hongwu (Ming Dynasty) era by monks from the local “Temple from Heaven of Happiness”. The art of collecting and processing Song Luo tea has relatively strict rules. Collection usually begins during the days of ‘Rain in the fields’ (Gu Yu – 6th solar season, from about 20.4.). Only fine fresh leaves are collected – bud and two-three leaves and bud and three-four leaves. Fresh leaves must be inspected and too large leaves, old leaves, tea fruits, seeds, stems, etc. must be removed. Collection and processing is basically the same as for all pans processed green teas.
