Black (Red) Teas - fully oxidized teas - Country of origin - China

Black (Red) Teas - fully oxidized teas - Country of origin - China

Red teas, in Western countries called Black teas, are all about artfully achieving a high level of oxidation in the leaves. Generally, the leaves are withered, then repeatedly rolled by hand or machine until the leaves are tightly twisted and all the water has been released. The leaves are consequently placed in a humid and warm environment to promote oxidation in a process known as wet-reddening (ASL wò hóng). The leaves are then sun or oven-dried. Red tea is generally rich, heavy and fragrant. Even though red tea was first documented in the Fujian mountain regions during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644 CE), it was never very popular among Chinese tea drinkers. It gained massive popularity in Britain after the tea-loving Portuguese Princess Catherine of Braganza (who later became Queen of England) introduced it to her people in 1662. In the 1800s, Britain managed to roughly replicate the Chinese red tea-making process on the tea plantations of its colonies, including India and Sri Lanka.

Earl Grey Tea History

Earl Grey Tea History

Earl Gray tea stands out for its distinctive taste, which comes from the addition of bergamot oil. Bergamot is a citrus fruit that is grown mainly in Italy. The oil extracted from its bark has a bright, fragrant and slightly floral aroma that complements the full flavor of black tea. This unique combination creates an instantly recognizable balanced and refreshing taste.

Collection and processing of Keemun black tea

Collection and processing of Keemun black tea

The Qimen 祁门 area is located in the so-called "Tea Golden Belt", a strip of tea-producing locations at 30 degrees north latitude. The local natural conditions meet the rule of "four times more and one less", which means many mountains, many clouds, much fog, much rain and little direct sunlight, which defines the perfect environment for the growth of tea trees. This is where the famous Chinese black tea Keemun Black Tea (Qi Men Hong Cha 祁门红茶) comes from. It is one of the three most famous black teas in the world, along with Darjeeling black tea and Ceylon Uva black tea. Unlike the mentioned two black teas based on large-leaf cultivars that come from the tropical zone, Keemun black tea comes from the subtropical zone and its cultivar is the typical Chinese small-leaved Zhu Ye Zhong 槠叶种.

Black Keemun is a Legend Among Black Teas

Black Keemun is a Legend Among Black Teas

Keemun Black Tea (Qi Men Hong Cha 祁门红茶) is a famous Chinese Black Tea. It is produced in the Keemun County (Qi Men Xian 祁门县) of Anhui. It is one of the Three Most Famous Black Teas in the world, with the other two Darjeeling Black Tea and Ceylon Uva Black tea. Unlike the other two big leaf cultivar black teas which come from a tropical zone, the Keemun Black Tea originates in a subtropical zone and the cultivar is typical Chinese small leaf - Zhu Ye Zhong. It features a kind of natural gentle creamy flavor which made this tea famous. Its taste is very mild and sweet. The extraordinary terroir of Keemun District creates unique conditions for growing tea of ​​unprecedented quality.

What is English Breakfast Tea?

What is English Breakfast Tea?

There's nothing like one original recipe for English Breakfast tea. It is a category of black teas rather than a specific tea, and there can be as many English Breakfast recipes as there are tea lovers. It's a mood tea associated with the morning, designed to help start your day off right. It is helped by natural caffeine, tannins and phenols, which will give it enough strength to handle even the rush of milk and sugar. The right dose of desirable astringency emphasizes the morning need to wake up quickly and prepare for the day ahead.

Xiao Chi Gan 小赤甘 (Lapsang Souchong)

Xiao Chi Gan 小赤甘 (Lapsang Souchong)

When you ask about Lapsang Souchong at a Chinese tea market, the sellers will most likely show you a black tea that is not smoked, different from the orthodox Lapsang Souchong tea, which smells strongly of pinewood smoke. We are talking about Xiao Chi Gan 小赤甘 tea.

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How to make Hong Kong style Milk Tea?

How to make Hong Kong style Milk Tea?

Hong Kong milk tea is second to none. If you are a tea lover, this is one thing you must experience in your life. It has a creamy texture with a sweet and rich flavor and is great both hot and iced. It probably goes without saying that you will enjoy Gang Shi Nai Cha 港式奶茶 most in Hong Kong, not only because of the authentic environment, but also because of the local original recipes, which are often strictly guarded. Authentic Hong Kong milk tea has its own viscosity, texture, taste and aroma as well as color. After a certain time spent in Hong Kong, it will become indispensable and irreplaceable for you.