Tea farmers pick tea leaves in Taizhou. [Photo/Tide News]

Taizhou in Zhejiang province recently began the harvest of the earliest spring tea, Wuniuzao tea — renowned for its rich flavor, fragrant aroma, and vibrant green color, Tide News reported on March 12.

Hu Wenjiao, head of the Sanmen Lyuhao Tea Cooperative, grows over 26.67 hectares of Wuniuzao tea.

"The tea saw a 20 percent production decrease this year. However, the better quality ensures swift sales, with customers already reserving it before the harvest," Hu said.

Across Taizhou, numerous tea plantations have also entered the bustling tea-picking period.

Leifeng township in Tiantai county, with a favorable climate for tea growing, has over 1,066 hectares of land under cultivation.

Fan Sufen from the Tiantai Yunlu Tea Co explained that the recent inclement weather had brought a slight picking delay, but the abundant rain and nutrients had enhanced the tea's quality.

"The freshly picked tea leaves will be processed on the same day. It takes five 5 kilograms of tea leaves to produce 1 kg of dry tea," Fan said.

Taizhou Agricultural Technology Promotion Center reported a citywide spring tea planting area of 13,393.33 hectares, with 1,333.33 hectares allocated to Wuniuzao tea. More varieties are set to hit the market as temperatures rise.