Phuc Xuan Tea Market is renowned as one of the oldest and most prominent tea trading hubs in Thai Nguyen. Approximately 1.5 to 2 tons of tea is consumed per market day, distributed across various provinces in the country. Beyond being a commercial hub, the market serves as a gathering space for tea enthusiasts, fostering a community passionate about tea and contributing to the promotion and elevation of the Thai Nguyen tea brand.
While tea from various regions is brought to the market, the most favored variety remains Tan Cuong tea, with prices ranging from VND 150,000 to several million dong per kg. On some days, businesses can sell up to a hundred kg of tea. Common tea products are priced at around VND 300,000/kg, catering to a wide range of consumers.
What sets Phuc Xuan Tea Market apart is not only its over 30-year history but also its unique operating frequency, hosting only 12 main sessions per month. The market operates solely in the mornings, starting at 7 AM and concluding at noon.
Located in the heart of Phuc Xuan, the market spans over 200 square meters and accommodates nearly 100 regular trading households. To facilitate quality checks, tables, chairs, teapots, and hot water are always available for customers.
There are various methods for testing tea, such as the distinctive ‘tea hook’ from the Tan Cuong region, characterized by small, curved tea leaves resembling a fish hook. To ascertain the authenticity of the tea, buyers can scoop a handful, turn their hand upside down, and observe if the leaves remain interconnected without falling, indicating superior quality.
Connoisseurs of tea believe that exceptional tea must possess both ‘form’ and ‘aroma,’ discernible only through direct brewing and tasting. By participating in the market, tea enthusiasts gain opportunities to interact and experience a diverse range of tea products. Outstanding tea, when brewed, yields a clear greenish-yellow liquor, with an initial mild bitterness that gives way to a lingering sweetness.
Those well-versed in tea often have their unique testing methods. After selecting a desirable tea sample, they place a pinch of tea leaves into a cup, rinse them with hot water, and then pour more hot water to submerge the leaves. They then cover the cup with another cup for about 30 seconds. Afterward, they carefully pour the tea back and forth between the cups to observe the color, smell the aroma, taste the flavor, and examine the shape of the tea leaves to assess the quality of the tea buds.
This testing method also helps determine the tea’s origin and check for any dye or colorant additions by observing the color of the liquor. For instance, Tan Cuong tea is known for its distinctive corn aroma and mild bitterness, while Dong Hy tea exhibits a slightly astringent taste.
Over the years, Phuc Xuan Tea Market has become a familiar destination for tea lovers and traders alike. Despite its modest size, the market holds numerous captivating stories about this renowned agricultural product of Thai Nguyen.
As a traditional market famous for tea trading, each market day witnesses the consumption of nearly 1.5 tons of tea. Beyond facilitating product sales, Phuc Xuan Tea Market plays a pivotal role in promoting the Thai Nguyen tea brand, contributing significantly to the region’s economic development.
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With a history spanning over three decades, Phuc Xuan Tea Market is more than just a hub for trade; it has become a beloved gathering place for enthusiasts of the renowned agricultural product of Thai Nguyen province.
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