Spring tea harvest begins in Huzhou

Pickers harvest fresh leaves in the lush tea fields. [Photo/WeChat account: huzhoufabu]

The spring tea harvest began on March 15 at the Shuangfeng Tea Plantation in Deqing county, Huzhou, Zhejiang province, with over 90 pickers, equipped with bamboo baskets, skillfully harvesting fresh leaves.

Huzhou, a key tea-producing area in Zhejiang, has about 30,800 hectares of spring tea this year.

Liu Liping, a senior agronomist at the Huzhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, said that favorable weather and technical support have ensured excellent quality and stable production this year. White tea varieties, such as Baiye No 1, are expected to reach peak picking around March 25.

"The steady temperature rise has accelerated tea tree sprouting, allowing an earlier harvest by a day," said Ni Jintao, general manager of Shuangfeng Tea Co. On March 15, 150 kilograms of fresh tea leaves were picked, with future production already pre-ordered due to strong demand.

Spring tea prices range from 2,500 to 3,600 yuan ($362 to $520) per kilogram, similar to last year, attracting nationwide buyers.

Local agricultural departments are providing technical training and guidance on critical aspects like frost prevention and processing to ensure safe production practices and support for migrant workers.

As the harvest begins, Huzhou also plans to hold a series of tea culture activities to promote the integrated development of the tea industry and cultural tourism.