为什么马来西亚称六堡茶为"大叶"？揭秘香港转口贸易的历史渊源
为什么马来西亚称六堡茶为"大叶"？揭秘香港转口贸易的历史渊源
Why is Liubao Tea Called "Big Leaf" in Malaysia? Uncovering the History of Hong Kong's Re-export Trade
在马来西亚茶叶市场，六堡茶有一个特殊的别称——"大叶"。这个称呼背后隐藏着一段鲜为人知的香港转口贸易历史。
In the Malaysian tea market, Liubao tea has a special nickname - "Big Leaf". This name hides a little-known history of Hong Kong's re-export trade.
原种六堡茶本是灌木型中叶种，民国时期出口南洋的六堡茶多为"一芽两叶"或"一芽三叶"的茶谷、中茶等级。据六堡老茶人回忆，当时茶农自饮的老茶婆并不外销。
Original Liubao tea is a medium-leaf shrub variety. During the Republic of China period, Liubao tea exported to Nanyang (Southeast Asia) was mostly "one bud with two leaves" or "one bud with three leaves" grade. According to veteran tea masters, the coarse tea leaves consumed by local farmers were not for sale.
随着六堡茶在南洋走俏，香港茶商开始寻找替代原料。他们发现越南、缅甸的大叶种茶（香港称"河江茶"）价格低廉且滋味浓厚，便大量用于仿制六堡茶。为区分正宗广西六堡茶，香港茶庄将这些茶称为"大叶"。
As Liubao tea gained popularity in Nanyang, Hong Kong tea merchants began seeking alternative raw materials. They discovered that the large-leaf varieties from Vietnam and Myanmar (called "Ha Giang tea" in Hong Kong) were inexpensive and flavorful, and began using them extensively to imitate Liubao tea. To distinguish from authentic Guangxi Liubao tea, Hong Kong tea houses called these "Big Leaf".
二战后，香港成为六堡茶转口贸易中心。著名的"四金钱"、"双金钱"等品牌开始大量生产这种"港系六堡茶"，并通过慎昌号、陈春兰等茶庄销往马来西亚市场。
After World War II, Hong Kong became the re-export center for Liubao tea. Famous brands like "Four Golden Coins" and "Double Golden Coins" began mass-producing this "Hong Kong-style Liubao tea", which was then sold to the Malaysian market through tea houses like Shun Cheong and Chan Chun Lan.
马来西亚茶商逐渐接受了这种"大叶六堡茶"，甚至形成了独特的品饮习惯。如今在马来西亚留存的老六堡茶中，很多都是这种香港转口的"大叶"版本。
Malaysian tea merchants gradually accepted this "Big Leaf Liubao tea", even developing unique drinking habits. Among the aged Liubao teas preserved in Malaysia today, many are this Hong Kong re-exported "Big Leaf" version.
口感差异对比：
原种六堡茶：醇和绵厚，茶韵细致
大叶六堡茶：滋味霸道，香气张扬
Taste comparison:
Original Liubao tea: Mellow and thick with delicate tea rhythm
Big Leaf Liubao tea: Strong flavor with bold aroma
这段历史不仅解释了马来西亚"大叶"称呼的由来，也反映了中国茶叶出口贸易的复杂历程。如今，随着六堡茶原产地生产的恢复，消费者可以更清晰地辨别这两种不同风格的六堡茶。
This history not only explains the origin of the "Big Leaf" name in Malaysia, but also reflects the complex journey of Chinese tea export trade. Today, with the recovery of Liubao tea production in its place of origin, consumers can more clearly distinguish between these two different styles of Liubao tea.
