Tea is a traditional Chinese drink and is favored by all the people. It also is popular around the world. The original seed of Taiwan tea was introduced from Fukien province 180 years ago. There are more than 50 species of tea. Among the most famous are Lung Ching, Tieh Kuan Yin and Tung Ting. Tea leaves have a mild fragrance. Thirsty people feel refreshed after drinking tea. Too much smoking or drinking of wine and bad breath will be lessened by drinking tea. Because of the broad spreads of slope land, Taiwan is most suitable for tea culture. The total plantation covers more than 32,000 hectares (76,000 acres).
Tea plantations in Taiwan have moved toward mechanization in recent years. They have made great progress in fertilization, branch arrangement, pest prevention and species improvement. Many tea factories still use the old ways, using manpower to pick, dry and rub tea leaves for maintaining high quality. The annual tea production in Taiwan is about 28,000 tons. Eighty per cent is exported. At present, high-class tea of supreme quality and relatively high prices is much welcome on the domestic market as a result of the increase of living standards. The Taiwan Provincial Government established a tea improvement center in Taoyuan, specializing in species improvement. It is well-equipped with advanced apparatus to analyze the chemical content in tea leaves. Tea experts are also employed to measure odor, fragrance and color as a basis for improvement. The center has contributed much to species improvement, production increase and quality control during recent years.
