Where does the sweetness in tea come from? And why does the aftertaste of white tea linger longer?
Author:
Release date:
2021-09-30
Hui Gan
A cup of Southeast White Tea · Let Love Leave a Lingering Sweetness
Aftertaste—a flavor worth savoring slowly. When drinking tea, if you notice a slight bitterness at first sip, don’t rush—simply take your time and enjoy it as it unfolds. Wait a moment, and your throat will soon become sweetly tingling, spreading gently throughout the mouth and lingering long after.
For many tea enthusiasts, the lingering sweetness and saliva-inducing sensation are among the pleasures of savoring tea, and the length of this aftertaste is one of the key factors used to gauge a cup's quality. The terms "aftertaste" and "good tea" seem to have become synonymous.
Today, Southeast White Tea will share with everyone, What exactly causes the lingering sweetness of tea?
What is aftertaste?
It seems humans are naturally drawn to sweetness—so how is it that tea, which has a strong connection to bitterness, managed to win over our taste buds and become the beloved national drink celebrated across cultures, both ancient and modern?
The answer lies in the lingering sweetness of tea. So-called "hui gan," literally translated, means... It’s created by the harmonious blend of bitterness, followed by a sweet aftertaste that lingers in the throat.
If you savor it carefully, you’ll feel the tea liquor gently caress your tongue—bitter at first, yet subtly balanced with a refreshing sweetness that lingers beautifully in your mouth. Gradually, the sweetness begins to overshadow the initial bitterness, leaving a lingering, harmonious aftertaste.
Within the delicate taste of a single sip of tea, a subtle layering unfolds, delivering a contrasting yet captivating sensation to our taste buds.
In the national standard "Terms for Sensory Evaluation of Tea" (GB/T 14487-2008), the term "hui gan" is also clearly defined: after drinking the tea liquor, a sweet sensation lingers at the base of the tongue and in the throat, accompanied by a refreshing, moistening feeling.
From this description, the lingering sweetness of tea is an outward manifestation of a tea's refined aftertaste—a multifaceted experience triggered by both its sweet and soothing sensations.
Today, "hui gan" is widely regarded as the benchmark for judging high-quality tea—specifically, how long the lingering sweetness lasts. It will be a direct indicator for judging the quality of a tea.
What does aftertaste depend on?
There are many substances in tea that contribute to its lingering sweetness, and different types of tea vary in the kinds, concentrations, and proportions of these flavor-enhancing compounds. The flavors it presents also differ.
Typically, polyphenols make up as much as 18%–36% of the fresh tea leaf content, contributing to its bitter and astringent taste. However, according to current research, The content of tea polyphenols showed a significant positive correlation with the intensity of the sweet aftertaste in the tea infusion.
For instance, flavonoids found in tea polyphenols exhibit a particularly unique profile in taste. The entry is bitter, but after a while, it reveals a natural sweetness.
Amino acids make up about 1% to 4% of the total content in tea. Amino acids are the primary components responsible for the fresh, umami flavor of tea.
Generally, spring tea has a higher amino acid content compared to teas harvested in other seasons—for instance, spring white tea contains about 3.5% amino acids, significantly more than other types of tea. As a result, spring white tea boasts a more pronounced umami flavor and a longer, lingering sweetness on the palate.
How can you better savor the lingering sweetness in tea?
If, after taking the next sip of tea, you notice saliva being secreted on the surface or underside of your tongue, accompanied by a sweet taste that persists for an extended period without fading, Then it can be described as a lingering sweetness with a rich, honeyed aftertaste that lasts long.
Truly great tea isn’t just about pure sweetness—it’s a vibrant, refreshing experience balanced with a subtle bitterness. When you sip it, the slight bitterness quickly melts away, leaving a clean, invigorating finish. Pausing briefly in the throat, a gentle sweetness begins to emerge.
Just a tiny sip of tea is enough to clearly savor the delightful, layered progression of flavors—far more memorable than a simple sweetness, as this bittersweet journey leaves a richer, lingering aftertaste.
This allows the tea's flavor to be rich in depth and character, unveiling a captivating beauty that lingers long after sipping, leaving tea enthusiasts with endless room for imagination.
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