Purple Bud Variants

Purple Bud, commonly known as Ziya(紫芽)or Zijuan(紫娟), offers intriguing variations depending on its origin and cultivation. Zijuan is a man-made, genetically cultivated variety where the entire tea plant displays a purple hue, resulting from selective breeding. These trees are relatively new, usually less than 20 years.

In contrast, Ziya refers to ancient tea trees that naturally produce purple buds due to genetic mutations. These traditional trees are much older and are valued for their historical and natural characteristics. The purple colouration in Ziya comes from natural genetic variations rather than human intervention.

Both types of purple tea have unique attributes. Purple Tea is known for its anthocyanin content, the antioxidant responsible for its purple color. For example, spring tea from Yunnan with one bud and two leaves has demonstrated an anthocyanin content of 3.36%. However, anthocyanin levels can vary, and not all purple teas or buds will have high content.

It’s essential to understand that anthocyanin content is not a definitive measure of tea quality. Whether a purple bud tea is from a newly cultivated variety like Zijuan or from ancient trees like Ziya, its quality and suitability for aging are better assessed based on its active compounds and flavour profile rather than solely on its color or anthocyanin levels. To preserve and enhance the complex flavours and fragrances of such tea over time, it’s best to store them in the form of tea cakes or tea pearls. These formats help maintain the tea’s fragrance and quality for longer periods, as they allow for controlled aging and prevent deterioration.

When choosing tea for aging, prioritise those with a robust flavour profile and high levels of beneficial compounds. Whether your tea is from newly cultivated varieties like Zijuan or ancient trees like Ziya, proper storage in tea cakes or pearls will ensure that its unique characteristics are preserved and enhanced over time.