Guilin Tea, also known as Osmanthus Tea, is a type of traditional Chinese tea that is popular for its sweet and fragrant flavor. It is made by infusing dried Osmanthus flowers with green tea or black tea. The tea has been consumed in China for centuries and is a part of Chinese culture and tradition.
However, in recent years, Guilin Tea has become increasingly difficult to find, especially outside of China. There are several reasons for this.
Firstly, the production of Osmanthus flowers is declining. Osmanthus flowers only bloom once a year, typically in September or October, and require specific growing conditions. The flowers need a lot of sunlight and a suitable climate to thrive. In recent years, weather patterns have changed, and there has been a decline in suitable growing conditions. This has led to a decrease in the production of Osmanthus flowers, which is a primary ingredient in Guilin Tea.
Secondly, the demand for Guilin Tea has increased, leading to a shortage of quality Osmanthus flowers. Guilin Tea is now enjoyed not only in China but also in other parts of the world, including the United States and Europe. The increasing demand has led to a shortage of quality Osmanthus flowers that meet the standards required for making good Guilin Tea. As a result, some manufacturers have resorted to using artificial Osmanthus flavorings, which do not provide the same authentic flavor and fragrance as natural Osmanthus flowers.
Thirdly, the rise of other tea varieties has caused Guilin Tea to lose popularity. The tea market has become saturated with different varieties of tea, including herbal teas and fruit-flavored teas. Consumers have become more open to trying new and exotic teas, which has caused Guilin Tea to lose its place as a popular choice for many tea drinkers.
In conclusion, there are multiple reasons why Guilin Tea has become increasingly difficult to find in recent years. The decline in the production of Osmanthus flowers, the increasing demand for Guilin Tea, and the rise of other tea varieties all contribute to its scarcity. It is important to preserve and promote traditional tea culture so that unique and authentic teas like Guilin Tea can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.