Description Dian Hong Cha – Yunnan Black Tea The mountainous province of Yunnan in the southwest of China, bordering the Republic of Lao, Burma (Myanmar) and (almost) north Thailand belongs both ecologically and culturally to the richest and most diverse regions in the world. The region is the home of the “Ancient Tea Tree” as well as of a more than 3000 years old history of tea cultivation. And with this comes a tea culture that is just as old… This is where Pu Erh Tea comes from, today enjoying a status of world-wise fame. However, in particular black teas from Yunnan, so-called ‘Dian Hong Cha’ (chin. 滇 紅 茶) are also highly revered amongst tea lovers worldwide. At this, first evidence of tea production in Yunnan falls into the time of the Han dynasty (ca. 200 BC). Artisan Yunnan Golden Tips Yunnan ‘Golden Tips’ consists of the pure spring buds of several hundred year old Yunnan tea trees. These thrive in the midst of (almost) untouched nature at altitudes of over 2000 meters in the Pu Erh prefecture. At this, both picking and most of the processing are still done by hand and according to an ancient tradition. This means that unlike in the conventional tea garden, the picking here usually involves the climbing of the tea trees. Later, in the tea factory, the harvest first undergoes sorting into several qualities. The”A-Grade” selection of large, golden yellow, densely hairy and fluffy-soft buds make up our Artisan Golden Tips. Origin and background The history of the producer family and their village is closely interwoven with the village’s ancient tea trees. Together, they provide the cultural background for the origin and tradition of the local black tea. According to the village people’s tradition, the ancestors of today’s inhabitants migrated here over 2000 years ago from a barren and arid region in search of a more fertile habitat, guided by a vision of their village elder. Here, in addition to a natural wealth of water, flora and fauna, they also found wild tea trees. And, again guided by the vision of their village elder, they began to pick and process the leaves of these trees. Since then, the members of the tribe have maintained this tradition and passed it on from generation to generation. At the same time, they have developed their art to highest masterful perfection over the past 2000 years. The family that produces our Artisan Golden Tips “Dian Hong Cha” is part of this tradition. For them, the tea trees’ natural growing environment is just as much a matter of course as the renunciation of pesticides or artificial fertilizers. Accordingly, the result is among the finest that Yunnan’s tea world has to offer. Processing The first step of processing the freshly picked, large, fluffy-soft buds is withering the same at constant reshifting. After reaching the desired degree of oxidation, the bus undergo traditional roasting in a wok pan over wood fire. The result on the one hand represents the top grade of Yunnan black teas. On the other hand, it is also one of the most exquisite black teas in the world. Taste and aroma Mild sweetness, a canon of coconut, honey and chocolate notes amd the gentless of precious oils characterize Yunnan Golden Tips’ taste and aroma profile. The light roast component coming from the gentle manual roasting complements this picture in perfect harmony. Health properties To the outstanding taste and aroma features of our Artisan Golden Tips Dian Hong Tea adds a range of desirable health effects that are generally attributed to black tea. Among others, the increase of physical and mental capacity, lowering of high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, general circulation stimulation and weight loss support. Further, the high tannin content of black tea supposedly is responsible for therapeutic effects on gastritis and other gastro-intestinal conditions. Also, black tea is rich in natural fluorides, supporting long teeth health and life. Preparation To prepare our Wild Yunnan Goldens Tips Dian Hong Cha, first pour 3g/100ml with water at a temperature of 90 °C. Then let steep for 3-5 minutes for a first infusion. With the addition of another minute of steeping time, this particularly precious Dian Hong Tea produces another 1-2 worthy infusions. Also try our similarly outstanding “Black & Golden Needle“, a spicy and highly aromatic Dian Hong Tea with 1 1 picking standard. Related
