Description

Dian Hong Cha – Yunnan Black Tea

Dianhong Cha (“Dian” 滇 = “Yunnan”; “Hong Cha” = 紅茶 “black tea”) is the Chinese name for Yunnan black teas, worldwide famous for their fresh and full-bodied taste and high sweetness. They originate from the native big leaf variety growing in the southern and south-west regions of Yunnan province. There, typical centers of “Dian Hong Cha” production are regions such as Lincang, Baoshan, Fengqing, Xishuangbanna, Dehongt, and others.

Fengqing “Classic 58” Black Tea

In Fengqing area, the production of black tea dates back to the late 1930`s only. Back then, the main trigger and driving force was the growing offshore demand for black tea from countries such as the UK, the US, and others. Despite this rather young history, Fengqing black teas became popular very quick. This is mainly due to the fruity-fresh, chocolate-like sweet taste that is characteristic for Fengqing black teas.

In 1958, Fengqing black tea scored the first price on the prestigious London Tea Expo. After that, “Classic 58” soon  established as a label for high grade Fengqing black tea processed in accordance to the award-winning classic recipe. While better qualities of most classic Chinese teas usuallly “come at a price”, top grade Fengqing Black Tea is available at rather moderate price levels.

Fengqing Classic 58 Black Tea is also often referred to as “Gong Fu Black Tea”. On the one hand, this hints at the great skill and complexity involved in the traditional processing of this tea. On the other hand, it points to the frequent “ceremonial” use of this tea (“Gong Fu Cha“). In Yunnan, there is a tradition of offering Fengqing Classic 58 Black Teas to high profile visitors in business societal and/or political contexts. And, of course, to less high profile visitors, such as the common tourist, too. As an example, when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visited China in 1986, Deng Xiaoping, then chairman of central military commission of China, offered the black tea from Dianhong tea factory as a gift to her.

Our Fengqing Classic 58

The 1+1 picking standard and corresponding high ratio of golden tips make our IMO- health-and-environment-friendly-certified Fengqing Classic 58 a premium grade selection. In addition, it comes from the tradition-rich Yunnan Fengqing Dianhong Cha Factory. After its founding in 1939, that factory soon became famous for producing the highest quality Yunnan black tea.

Taste and Appearance

The manually picked buds and leaves are rolled into a tight, slightly curly shape. The clear and bright orange-red liquor pleases with the fresh-fruity and cocoa-sweet taste that is characteristic for this tea. Unlike some lower quality Yunnan black teas, our Fengqing Classic 58  shows little astringency even with extended infusion periods. Accordingly, it is what tea lovers often refer to as “forgiving”…

Preparation

As common for black tea, the water temperature to infuse Fengqing Classic 58 Black Tea should be 90C° or above. When choosing a “western” approach to preparation, we recommend dosing 5 grams tea leaves on 200ml water.  Let infuse 3-5 minutes for a singular infusion. Alternatively, you might try a “Gong Fu” approach, preparing your tea across several consecutive short-steeped infusions. This approach usually comes with a higher initial dosage.