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On 25th January Twentea-Twentea is Chinese New Year.
In the Chinese Zodiac, it's the year of the rat. A creature associated with wit, spirit, vitality and flexibility. Those born under the zodiac animal are said to be smart and adaptable, so we'll be raising our teacups to our favourite rats, William Shakespeare, Rosa Parks and Prince Harry.
This Chinese New Year, we celebrate by handpicking unique, delicious and rare Chinese teas to toast the centuries-old tradition of tea production and its rich culture.
Potted History of Chinese Tea
It is believed that tea production originated in China during the Tang Dynasty (circa 7th Century). Still, it is also widely considered that the fermentation and drying of tea leaves began even further back in ancient China. Tombs containing tea leaves have been discovered dating back to the 3rd Century, so really, tea has been drunk in the East for centuries.
The Tang Dynasty famously refined the tea-drinking process and made tea the national drink.
Famous Chinese Teas include green, jasmine or oolong tea. But all teas grown in China are essentially 'Chinese Teas'. The types of white, green and black teas all originate from the Camelia sinensis plant; it's the process in which it is prepared that determines the brew in your cup. It's incredible to think that as global experts, Chinese tea producers have been handcrafting and manufacturing tea since time began.
China is still the biggest producer of tea globally and produces tons and tons of our favourite drink each year. China's unique and varied topography creates distinctive climates that contribute to different flavours in natural and flavoured teas. From the ice-capped mountains to the sub-tropical green forests, China's many landscapes are intrinsic to the vast range of teas produced there.
So, to celebrate Chinese teas on Chinese New Year, we've selected just six of our favourites for you to try. Some you'll recognise while others may become a delightful new discovery.
We've handpicked gentle, pure green teas, bold black tea flavours and exclusive leaves to begin your Chinese Tea adventure.
Happy Chinese New Year!
Some of our favourite Chinese teas are below- we hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
High Tea Co. - Yunnan Imperial Tea
Our Yunnan Imperial is an organic black Chinese tea that is naturally sweet and slightly smoky in character.
A speciality from the highland region of Yunnan in the south-east of China, the tea is grown between 1200m and 2000m with temperatures ranging from 12C - 23C.
This top-quality tea is full of large golden-brown leafy tips that create a slightly sweet with spicy notes and a soft smoky finish.
https://www.cupoftea.co.uk/yunnan-imperial-high-tea-co-loose-leaf-100g/p1850
This superb Chinese green tea has a unique character with a rounded, gentle sweetness.
Incredibly, and what makes this tea a special one, is that the delicate buds and leaves can only be picked ten days a year. This short harvest creates a cup that is slightly sweet and refreshing.
Certified organic, our Gu Zhang Mao Jian green tea is entirely unique and delicate.
https://www.cupoftea.co.uk/ronnefeldt-gu-zhang-mao-jian-organic/p179
Our Keemum tea is an elegant, low-caffeinated black tea with a rounded flavour.
Grown in the Anhui Province of China, the elegant tea is perfect for those who like light, soft teas any time of the day.
https://www.cupoftea.co.uk/ronnefeldt-china-keemun/p100
Pi: Colour of the tea (green like an emerald)
Lo: Shape of the leaves (small snails)
Chun: Spring (harvest time)
Our Sweet Pi Lo Chun is another delightfully light green tea with hints of natural fruitiness.
A firm favourite in China, it is grown at the Qingshan tea garden situated in the Chinese province of Hunan. The tea garden is set in a mountainous area at an altitude of around 750m, and of the 200 families living in the area, 148 are involved in tea production.
Our Pi Lo Chun boasts a bright yellow-green cup colour with finely tart and sweet nuances and finishes on a light floral note.
https://www.cupoftea.co.uk/sweet-pi-lo-chun-organic/p472
Pu Erh Tea
Our organic Pu Erh Tea is an earthy, especially fermented Yunnan black tea.
A medium-strong tea, its characteristics are distinctive.
Known as 'red tea', it's produced from the same plant as black tea (Camellia sinensis). However, its production is rather special. Unlike the fermentation process of black tea, Pu Erh is fermented with the aid of particular bacteria that results in its deep reddish-brown colour and smoky flavour.
https://www.cupoftea.co.uk/ronnefeldt-pu-erh-organic/p202
Green Jade Snail Tea
A particularly fine tea from the Dongzhai tea garden in China, our organic Green Jade Snail tea is handpicked at harvest. The tea leaves are slightly withered then placed in a hot pan and turned continuously until they are soft and smooth. The snail-like finish is achieved by hand-rolling the leaves.
This elegant tea has a delicate sweetness with its subtle fruity notes while retaining depth and strength.
Once brewed, the still-warm leaves can be infused again up to 3-5 times.
https://www.cupoftea.co.uk/china-green-jade-snail-organic/p1598
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Posted by cup of tea admin
24th January 2020
