Kuding tea, known as "bitter tea" or "needle tea," is a traditional Chinese herbal beverage made from the leaves of a holly plant species, not a tea plant. It is appreciated for its purported health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, and for its antioxidant properties. Kuding tea's primary bioactive components are saponins and polyphenols.
Key Characteristics
Bitter Taste: The name "Kuding" translates to "bitter" in Chinese, and the tea is known for its distinctly bitter flavor, though some users report a sweet aftertaste.
Appearance: The large, whole leaves are often rolled into needle-like shapes.