Dianhong, China Golden Yunnan, Black Tea

Yunnan, known as the birthplace of tea, is a province in southwestern China that borders Vietnam, Burma, and Laos. Yunnan translates literally to “south of the clouds”. Its diverse landscape offers everything from tropical rainforests to mountainous terrain and is home to a wide variety of plant species. The Yunnan region focuses heavily on agricultural production.

Yunnan teas are particularly delightful as breakfast or early afternoon teas.

One of the finest grades of Dianhong, this black tea is harvested from Mengku heirloom varietal tea trees. This Golden Yunnan Leaf tea, also known as Dian Hong, represents black tea at its finest. The tea is picked at the end of March to mid-April at an altitude of about 1800 to 2100 m. Natural, wooded surroundings and a cool climate make it a specialty among the Chinese teas.

 The medium-sized black, twisted, golden leafed tippy buds of this tea brew to a lovely copper color. This smooth tasting tea has the typical soft-earthy Yunnan characteristics, with notes of chocolate.  

Brew tea at 212º – steep for 3 minutes.