Introduction:Taiwan Tea No. 25 "Purple Splendor" is Taiwan's first new tea cultivar characterized by purple buds, with anthocyanin content over 50 times higher than that of Taiwan Tea No. 18 "Red Jade". The color of its brewed tea shifts vividly depending on acidity or alkalinity. This article will delve into the breeding background, suitable tea types, cultivation traits, and market potential of Taiwan Tea No. 25, introducing this new tea variety that combines ornamental appeal with functionality. It also provides practical brewing suggestions and explains the principles behind its color-changing phenomenon.
After more than 20 years of breeding research, the Taiwan Tea Research and Extension Station finally officially launched its first tea cultivar featuring purple buds in 2021 — Taiwan Tea No. 25, with the commercial name "Purple Splendor". The most distinctive feature of this tea plant is that its buds and leaves maintain a deep purplish-red color throughout the year. Not only does it present a strong visual contrast to traditional green or black teas, but its high anthocyanin content also leads to diverse color changes during brewing, opening up new possibilities for tea innovation and health functionality.
According to experimental data, the anthocyanin content of Taiwan Tea No. 25 is over 50 times that of Taiwan Tea No. 18 "Red Jade", which is the key reason why its tea color can shift with pH changes. Under natural conditions, its brewed tea shows a delicate purplish-red or pinkish-purple hue. However, if drops of acidic substances such as lemon juice are added, it can instantly turn bright pink; conversely, adding alkaline substances or alkaline sparkling water will turn it into a greenish tone. This striking visual reaction gives it great development potential in the blended drink and bubble tea markets.
The parental combination of Taiwan Tea No. 25 consists of a Myanmar large-leaf variety (Burma) as the female parent and Taiwan Tea No. 13 (Jade Green) as the male parent, making it an outstanding selection from natural hybrid offspring. It was initially discovered in the hybrid seed nursery of the Yuchi tea-growing region. Due to its uniquely colored and stable buds and leaves, after long-term observation and screening, the strain numbered 84-91-3-2 stood out and was officially named and approved on April 26, 2021. Its tender buds are robust and have a grayish-white tint, with leaf surfaces covered in a waxy sheen. The purple-red hue is maintained all year round, especially prominent in one bud with three to four leaves, where the color can last for nearly a month.
In terms of tea processing applications, Taiwan Tea No. 25 has the potential for both green and black tea production. When processed into black tea, the liquor presents a deep hawthorn or dark red color. Official evaluations describe it as exuding a delicate orchid aroma, with a mellow and smooth taste. If processed into green tea, the tea liquor shows a "green color with relatively low saturation". Although the color is not as vivid as that of regular green tea, it can display rich color layers during the preparation of bubble tea when different bases or flavorings are added, making it highly suitable for creative beverage development.
It is worth noting that the purplish-red hue of Taiwan Tea No. 25’s buds and leaves is not only ornamental, but its health value is also enhanced due to its high anthocyanin content. Anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants that help combat free radicals. Compared to ordinary green buds and leaves, its functionality is more prominent. In addition, this variety has strong growth vigor, good resistance to pests and diseases, and drought tolerance. It is suitable for cultivation in areas such as Yuchi and Mingjian in Nantou. Not only does it perform well in agricultural yield (approximately 3,400–3,940 kilograms per hectare per year), but it is also suitable for both mechanical and manual harvesting. The estimated annual production in the future could reach four to eight tons, demonstrating stable supply potential.
From cultivation to tea processing, Taiwan Tea No. 25 demonstrates diverse application value. Beyond tea beverage production, it is also suitable for garden landscaping and ornamental cultivation, where its vivid leaf color can add a unique charm to tea gardens or home greenery. The Tea Research and Extension Station plans to release tea seedlings by the end of 2023. In the future, it is expected not only to meet the tea market’s demand for new flavors and tastes but also to expand into food processing and health beverage sectors, creating more possibilities for Taiwan’s tea industry.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
