Гид

In China, there is a unique herbal tea made from the young leaves of a tree. Naturally sweet, calorie-free, and caffeine-free, it is known as “Sweet Tea” or “Lithocarpus litseifolius Sweet Tea.” For a long time, this tea remained hidden in the mountains, where it was enjoyed as a daily drink by local mountain communities. Today, thanks to its unique natural compounds, Lithocarpus litseifolius Sweet Tea has been recognized as a new food ingredient and is used in tea beverages, wellness products, and natural sweeteners. In this blog, we will explore everything you need to know about Lithocarpus litseifolius Sweet Tea. What Is Lithocarpus litseifolius Sweet Tea? Lithocarpus litseifolius is an evergreen tree belonging to the Fagaceae family and the Lithocarpus genus. Its young leaves naturally taste sweet, mainly due to dihydrochalcone compounds, especially phloridzin and trilobatin. These compounds can provide sweetness around 300 times stronger than sucrose while containing very few calories and without causing a rapid rise in blood sugar. This plant mainly grows in mountainous areas of southern China, including Hunan, Guangxi, Guangdong, Sichuan, and other regions. Tea made from the young leaves of Lithocarpus litseifolius has been enjoyed in China for thousands of years. The story of Lithocarpus litseifolius Sweet Tea can be traced back to Jinyun Mountain in Chongqing around 423 AD. According to traditional stories, monks at a mountain temple discovered that the young leaves of this plant had a natural sweetness. After roasting and brewing the leaves, they created a tea with a smooth and sweet flavor that became a special drink for welcoming guests. During the Tang Dynasty, its reputation spread through references in The Classic of Tea. Later, it became widely cultivated in areas such as Xupu, Hunan, and was officially called “Sweet Tea” during the Song Dynasty.  In recent years, it has attracted renewed attention because of its naturally occurring compounds such as trilobatin and phloridzin. Lithocarpus litseifolius has become an important source of income in many regions. It is processed into loose leaf tea, tea bags, instant tea powder, and natural sweetener ingredients. What Does Lithocarpus litseifolius Sweet Tea Taste Like? As an herbal tea, Lithocarpus litseifolius Sweet Tea was originally processed using methods similar to green tea production, including pan-firing, rolling, and drying. After brewing, the tea liquor appears light green and has a unique sweet aroma. The first sip brings a noticeable sweetness with a light and refreshing texture. Even after swallowing, the sweetness continues to linger on the tongue. Besides green tea-style processing, some regions such as Jiangxi and Xupu, Hunan also process this tea using methods inspired by black tea production. After fermentation, the sweetness becomes softer, the tea liquor turns red, and the flavor becomes closer to black tea. This style offers a smooth, mellow, and warming taste with a unique cooked sweetness. What Are the Benefits of Lithocarpus litseifolius Sweet Tea? Lithocarpus litseifolius Sweet Tea is sometimes called “Cordyceps growing on trees” in China because of its valued traditional uses. In traditional Chinese medicine, it has been considered helpful for clearing internal heat, soothing the lungs, and relieving throat discomfort. Some Yao communities used the leaves to make tea for easing coughs related to lung heat. In western Hunan, local people used the fruits to make wine or powder, while Dong communities traditionally used the roots and stems for supporting joint comfort. Modern research has found that Lithocarpus litseifolius contains dihydrochalcone compounds such as phloridzin and trilobatin. These natural compounds have been studied for their potential effects on glucose absorption and metabolism. The plant also contains tea polyphenols, calcium, iron, selenium, vitamins, amino acids, and other nutrients. If you’re interested in Lithocarpus litseifolius Sweet Tea, click the link below to learn more>> How to Brew Lithocarpus litseifolius Sweet Tea? Brewing this herbal tea is similar to brewing traditional tea. You can use either a gaiwan or a regular glass cup. 1. Gaiwan Brewing Water temperature: 100°C / 212°F Tea-to-water ratio: 4–5g tea with 100mL water Steeping time: 10–15 seconds for the first three infusions, then add 7–10 seconds for each following infusion Number of infusions: Around 5–6 times 2. Glass Cup or Mug Brewing Water temperature: 100°C / 212°F Tea-to-water ratio: 3g tea with 300mL water Steeping time: 1–2 minutes When about one-third of the tea remains, add more hot water and continue brewing. The longer it steeps, the sweeter the tea becomes. 3. Cold Brew Water Temperature: Room temperature water is recommended, preferably purified water. Tea-to-Water Ratio: 1:100, which means 5g of tea leaves for 500mL of water. Steps: Place the tea leaves into a cold brew bottle, add water, close the lid, and refrigerate for 4–12 hours. You can prepare it at night and enjoy it the next morning. Pour out as much tea as you want to drink, then add more water and continue cold brewing the remaining tea leaves in the refrigerator. Other Herbal Sweet Teas 1. Bama Sweet Tea (Rubus Suavissimus Tea) This sweet tea mainly comes from the Bama region of Guangxi, China. It is made from the young leaves of a plant in the Rubus genus of the Rosaceae family. Because the plant is covered with thorns, it is also called “thorn tea.” Its sweetness comes from water-soluble polysaccharide compounds, including arabinose, xylose, and galactose. Like Lithocarpus litseifolius Sweet Tea, it is a naturally sweet herbal beverage with very low calories. This tea has a strong sweetness similar to honey or sugar. After drinking, a refreshing cool sensation remains in the mouth. If you’re interested in Bama Sweet Tea, click the link below to learn more>> 2. Jin Qian Liu Jin Qian Liu is a deciduous tree belonging to the Juglandaceae family. Its fruits look similar to ancient Chinese coins, which is why it is sometimes called “Money Tree.” Tea made from its young leaves has a naturally sweet and refreshing taste. After swallowing, a gentle sweetness remains in the throat. In Chinese folk tradition, it is also a well-known herbal tea often associated with supporting healthy blood sugar, blood pressure, and blood lipid levels. If you’re interested in Jin Qian Liu, click the link below to learn more>>