When it comes to vine tea (Ampelopsis grossedentata), not all leaves are the same. Different harvests and leaf types create differences in flavor, aroma, nutrition, and price. To help you choose the right vine tea for your needs, let’s explore the three most common categories: tender buds, new leaves, and mature leaves.
Tender Bud Vine Tea: The Premium Choice
As the name suggests, tender bud vine tea is made from the youngest shoots picked early in the harvest season. The leaves are fine and delicate, often resembling silvery threads.
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Flavor: Rich aroma, smooth taste, and a long-lasting sweet aftertaste (huigan).
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Nutrition: Extremely high in flavonoids and nutrients.
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Use: Considered the top grade of vine tea, perfect for gifting or premium markets.
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Drawback: Very low yield. Annual production is only a few thousand kilograms, yet market demand far exceeds supply, making it vulnerable to counterfeits and higher prices.
New Leaf Vine Tea: The Balanced Choice
New leaf vine tea is harvested slightly later, with visible small leaves and tender vines.
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Flavor: Clear tea liquor, strong aroma, and noticeable sweetness.
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Nutrition: Rich in flavonoids and beneficial compounds.
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Use: Ideal for consumers looking for good quality at a fair price.
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Drawback: Leaves may produce more tea dust, so a filter is recommended for the best drinking experience.
This grade is popular for both daily drinking and export markets due to its balance of quality and availability.
Mature Leaf Vine Tea: The Everyday Choice
Mature leaf vine tea comes from full-grown leaves harvested without strict timing.
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Flavor: Clear tea liquor, quick infusion, lighter aroma but stronger tea taste.
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Nutrition: Still rich in flavonoids and offers good health benefits.
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Use: Affordable, widely available, and perfect for home consumption.
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Drawback: Contains more stems and broken leaves, resulting in a less refined appearance. A filter is advised for a smoother cup.
Enjoy Premium Bud Tip Vine Tea with JINQI
The best vine tea (Ampelopsis grossedentata) depends on your needs. Tender buds deliver premium quality but at a high price. New leaves offer a great balance of flavor, nutrition, and cost. Mature leaves provide an economical, everyday option.
At JINQI Vine Tea Co., Ltd., we supply all grades of vine tea with full traceability and GMP-certified quality. Whether you are a distributor, retailer, or health brand, we provide authentic vine tea directly from Laifeng County — the true origin of this remarkable herbal tea.
👉 Contact JINQI today to source the right vine tea for your business.
FAQs
Q1: What is the best type of vine tea to buy?
Tender bud vine tea is considered the premium choice, while new leaf vine tea offers the best value.
Q2: Is ampelopsis grossedentata vine tea always sweet?
Yes, authentic vine tea has a signature bitter-to-sweet aftertaste called huigan.
Q3: Which vine tea is best for daily drinking?
Mature leaf vine tea is affordable and suitable for everyday home use.
