Geographic certification
Another way to determine whether tea was cultivated in Taiwan is the geographic certification mark. Su Tang-chao explains that tea vendors can only label their tea with such marks after receiving third-party certification.
The criteria for certification include safe use of pesticides, field management, and food safety and hygiene management. The teas must also pass sensory evaluations of their taste, fragrance, and color, and the appearance of the brewed leaves. In these ways quality control is ensured.
To date, geographic certification marks have been registered for teas produced in 15 localities, including Lugu (for Tongding oolong tea), Alishan (for high-mountain tea), and Lishan.
On January 1, 2023, the Agriculture and Food Agency began implementing a mandatory traceability mechanism for domestically produced tea. For all unbrewed tea leaves, if the label indicates Taiwan as the sole country of origin, then the packaging must also show a domestic tea traceability QR Code, a Traceable Agricultural Products label, or a certified Taiwan organic produce mark. If the product is a mixture of domestic and foreign teas, the label must list the countries of origin in order of the relative proportions of tea from each country. Su says that the goal behind the government’s efforts to promote place of origin labeling through technology, legislation, and policy implementation is to protect the rights and interests of the buying public.
Each little rolled-up tea leaf carries within it the verdant greenery of the tea plantations, and the charm and terroir of the particular mountain area where it was grown. Moreover, it embodies the locally embedded craftsmanship and innovative spirit of the people whose skills create that elegant fragrance and sweet, mild aftertaste. Come to Taiwan and take the opportunity to experience the pleasures of Taiwan tea for yourself!
Tea plants absorb nutrients from the soil. After the leaves are picked, processed, and brewed, you can taste the flavor of the unique terroir in the tea in your cup.
TRES has brought innovation and creativity into play to develop a new generation of tea drinks.