Yunnan Golden Needle

Loose Leaf Yunnan Gold

  • Origin: Feng Qing, Yunnan Province
  • Harvest Season: Spring 2006
  • Leaf Variety: Single first shoots (buds)
  • Taste: Rich bodied malty flavor, and a sweet, smooth aftertaste
  • Chinese: Jin Se Dian Hong
  • Also Known As: Golden Buds

History: Of the famous teas known to Yunnan Province Yunnan Gold is one that not only holds global prestige but as well a history unlike other famous Chinese teas.  The history of Yunnan’s famous Black tea began only a mere 68 years ago, in 1938, in Yunnan Province’s southern districts of Menghai and Fengqing.  Due to rising demand of Black teas during the first half of the 20th century, particularly those of the Indian and Sri Lankan variety, the Yunnan China Stockholders Tea Company sent a group of tea specialists to these two regions in order to investigate the possibility of creating a Black tea utilizing the distinct large leaf variety native to Yunnan Province.  This was considered at the time a rather unconventional practice as the majority of Black teas on the market were cultivated from an entirely different plant varietal.  Rapid development and successful production methods however brought the first Yunnan Black tea to market, amounting to a mere five tons, and was greeted with new found interest.  In turn tea prices quickly surged along with enthusiasm for the new variety of tea.  It is even said that the Queen of England so admired the tea’s beautiful red infusion that she placed it in a glass recipient and declared it a decorative element.  Nevertheless it wasn’t until after 1950, with the establishment of the People’s Republic of China and the end of severe political and economic turmoil affecting the Chinese tea industry, did Yunnan Gold take the stage as one of China’s best Black teas. By 1987 Dian Hong Gong Fu Black tea already made up for 20% of Yunnan Province’s total annual tea production. 

 

Description: Dian Hong Black Tea, otherwise known as Yunnan Gold, is the highest grade Black tea found in Yunnan Province. Grown in the well renowned Feng Qing region, this variety of tea is entirely comprised of young, slender golden buds, making for a entirely unique flavor distinct from other Gong Fu black tea such as Keemun or Lapsang Souchong. This tea yields a deep orange brew with a rich bodied malty flavor, and a sweet, smooth aftertaste. Yunnan Gold is no doubt a jewel yet to be discovered by many Western tea drinkers. A great tea!