Yunnan Black Tea
Yunnan Black Tea, also known as Dianhong, is a prized black tea from China's Yunnan Province, celebrated for its golden buds and rich, malty sweetness.
Origin Story
Originating in Yunnan Province, China, Yunnan Black Tea was first commercially produced around 1939 in Fengqing County. It derives from the large-leaf Assamica variety native to the region, cultivated by local farmers through early 20th-century initiatives.
Classification
Classified as a fully oxidized black tea, Yunnan Black Tea belongs to the Camellia sinensis var. assamica group, distinguished by its robust leaves and traditional orthodox processing methods.
Appearance or Form
The tea features large, sturdy leaves and buds, notable for a high proportion of golden tips—unopened buds covered in fine golden hairs—that brew into a bright amber-red liquor with a smooth texture.
Behavior or Usage
Yunnan Black Tea is enjoyed both plain and with milk, prized for its smooth mouthfeel and complex flavor. It is harvested mainly in spring and autumn, with hand-plucking preserving the delicate golden buds that define its character.
Merchandise & Prints
Bring this kind into your world � illustrated posters, mugs, and shirts.
Yunnan Black Tea Poster
Archival print, museum-grade paper
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Yunnan Black Tea Mug
Stoneware mug, dishwasher safe
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Yunnan Black Tea Shirt
Soft cotton tee, unisex sizes
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Taxon-Specific Insights
🌍Cultural Significance
As a symbol of Yunnan's rich tea heritage, Dianhong is often gifted and served during special occasions, embodying regional pride and tradition in Chinese tea culture.
📌Notable Facts
- Yunnan Black Tea is distinguished by its golden tips, which contribute to its unique flavor and appearance.
- It is produced from the Assamica variety, native to Yunnan's mountainous regions.
- Commercial production began in the late 1930s, marking a modern chapter in Chinese tea history.
- Grades such as Broken Dianhong and Golden Needle reflect quality variations prized by connoisseurs.
- The tea is recognized under Chinese national standards, ensuring consistent quality.
👅Flavor Profile Details
Yunnan Black Tea offers a malty and sweet flavor profile, enriched with notes of cocoa, honey, and a subtle peppery finish. Its bright amber-red infusion delivers a smooth, full-bodied mouthfeel that is both comforting and complex.
Visual Variations
Composition & Context
Taxon-Specific Insights
⚙️Processing Methods
The tea undergoes orthodox black tea processing: withering to reduce moisture, rolling to bruise leaves, full oxidation to develop flavor and color, and drying to preserve quality. This careful method preserves the golden tips and enhances its signature taste.
🍵Consumption Culture
Commonly served plain or with milk, Yunnan Black Tea holds cultural importance as a gift and celebratory beverage in Yunnan. Its smoothness and rich aroma make it a favored choice in both domestic and international tea markets.
💚Health Benefits
Like many black teas, Yunnan Black Tea is reputed to support digestion, provide antioxidants, and offer a gentle energy boost due to its caffeine content. Proper storage helps maintain its beneficial properties over time.
🌍Regional Variations
Notable variants include Fengqing Dianhong and Tanyang Gongfu, each reflecting subtle differences in terroir and processing styles within Yunnan, contributing to a diverse range of flavors and qualities under the Dianhong umbrella.