Spring is in the air, so it's time for some freshly-made tea. The Beijing International Expo of Tea and Tea Ceremony kicks off in Beijing on Wednesday.

The 3 day expo is the first such event in Northern China. More than 200 tea companies around the world participate in the event.

Warm the cup. Wait a few seconds, and here we go. Various Chinese tea has satisfied the critical tea tasters at the Beijing International Expo of Tea and Tea ceremony.

Over two hundred tea brands from across the world have brought their finest flavors to please the picky fans.

Spring tea is under the spotlight. Every Chinese exhibitor is presenting their spring tea of the year. But prices are higher than usual.

Wang Heyu, Vice General Manager, Sichuan Jixiang Tea Company, said, Spring tea price this year is higher than before. Because of the cold weather, the spring tea harvest has come much later this year. Due to this postponement, along with salary increase of tea farmers, the price of tea is a little higher than the previous years. Output is also lower than usual.

But low output means better quality.

Julia Chen, General Manager, Zealong Company, said, Though our tea output is affected, tea quality is better. Because the postponed harvest gives tea longer time to grow.

Spring tea is the first tea leaves of the year. Usually, spring tea harvest around mid march. After reserving energy for a whole winter, leaves spring tea is more fleshy and nutritious than tea harvested at the rest of the year. Also the low temperature in spring can prevent pests from damaging the leaves. No use of pesticide also make spring tea much healthier.

(Xinhua News Agency April 23, 2011)