Protecting the geographical indication "Tua Chua" for Shan Tuyet green tea and Shan Tuyet raw Pu-erh tea products

On November 6, 2025, the Intellectual Property Office issued Decision No. 702/QD-SHTT granting Certificate of Geographical Indication Registration No. 149 for Shan Tuyet green tea and Shan Tuyet raw Pu-erh tea from "Tua Chua". The Department of Agriculture and Environment of Dien Bien province was assigned to manage this geographical indication. This is an important step to protect the reputation and enhance the value of this endemic tea product, which has long been associated with the people in the high mountainous region of Tua Chua.

Tủa Chùa has long been known as a land of unique cultural festivals, bustling highland markets, and traditional dishes that reflect the distinct ethnic identity of the region.

Among local products, Shan Tuyet tea stands out, closely associated with the lives of the Mong people for generations. The locals call the Shan Tuyet tea tree the "immortal" tree, because even the oldest village elders cannot determine the exact age of these ancient tea trees.

In 2022, the Vietnam Association for the Protection of Nature and Environment recognized 100 ancient Shan Tuyet tea trees in Sin Chai and Hau Chua villages as Vietnamese Heritage Trees, contributing to affirming the unique cultural and ecological value of this tea-growing region.

Besides the large number of ancient tea trees, from 1990 to 2015, the people of Tủa Chùa planted more than 300 hectares of Shan Tuyet tea in the communes of Sính Phình, Tả Sìn Thàng, Tả Phìn, and Sín Chải. With its distinctive quality, Tủa Chùa Shan Tuyet tea is highly valued by consumers. This product was recognized as a typical agricultural product in 2014 by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Farmers' Association and as a typical rural industrial product in 2023 by the People's Committee of Điện Biên province.

Tủa Chùa Shan Tuyet tea is protected by geographical indication for two types of products: Shan Tuyet green tea and Shan Tuyet raw Pu-erh tea. Both types are processed from one bud and two to three young leaves of the Shan Tuyet tea variety.

Shan Tuyet green tea has firm, tightly curled leaves; the brewed tea is clear, yellowish-green, and viscous; it has a light, natural aroma; a mild astringency; and a strong aftertaste. The tannin content in green tea ranges from 36.75% to 41.94%, and the soluble solids content ranges from 45.68% to 56.34%.

Shan Snow raw Pu-erh tea has a dark brown, viscous liquor with a light aroma of fresh green leaves, hints of lime peel, and a subtle scent of decaying wood. The tannin content ranges from 29.55% to 36.75%, and the soluble solids content ranges from 45.33% to 51.94%.

These quality characteristics are achieved through a combination of natural geographical conditions, soil characteristics, high-altitude climate, and the traditional farming experience of the local people.

The Tủa Chùa tea growing region is located on hilly terrain over 800 meters above sea level, with the slopes mainly facing south. This characteristic gives the local soil a medium to fairly high organic matter content in the topsoil, increasing its moisture retention capacity and providing sufficient nutrients for tea plant growth. The south-facing slope combined with the characteristic altitude of the high mountain region promotes the accumulation of tannins and soluble substances in the tea buds, components that determine the flavor and quality of the product.

The soil nutrients in Tủa Chùa play a crucial role in tea quality. High total phosphorus content strongly supports root development and the synthesis of phenolic compounds, precursors of tannins. The nitrogen content is moderate, not excessive, allowing for more efficient synthesis of tannins and soluble substances. Appropriate levels of macro and micronutrients such as magnesium, zinc, and copper ensure normal photosynthesis, nutrient metabolism, and polyphenol synthesis, contributing to the unique flavor and value of Tủa Chùa Shan Tuyet tea.

The human factor also plays a decisive role in creating the product's reputation. Local people only use organic fertilizers, avoiding chemical fertilizers or pesticides, ensuring the tea buds are clean and safe. Manual harvesting techniques, selecting buds with one bud and two to three young leaves, guarantee the quality of the raw materials. During processing, Tủa Chùa tea makers pay special attention to controlling temperature and time at each stage to preserve the natural flavor of Shan Tuyet tea.

The product packaging process is carried out within the geographical area to ensure uniqueness and traceability. The combination of natural factors and traditional production techniques has created the reputation of Tủa Chùa Shan Tuyet tea, one of the high-value specialty products of Điện Biên province.

The geographical area protected by the geographical indication includes the communes of Sính Phình, Tả Sìn Thàng, Tả Phìn, and Sín Chải in Tủa Chùa district, Điện Biên province (corresponding to part of the new administrative unit from July 1, 2025), according to the geographical area map approved by the People's Committee of Điện Biên province. The successful registration of the "Tủa Chùa" geographical indication contributes to promoting the Shan Tuyết tea brand, enhancing product value, and opening up opportunities for sustainable agricultural economic development in the Điện Biên highlands.

Center for Science and Technology Communication

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/bao-ho-chi-dan-dia-ly-tua-chua-cho-san-pham-che-xanh-shan-tuyet-va-che-pho-nhi-song-shan-tuyet-197251210194728905.htm