Exotic notes with Chinese black tea

China is the largest tea producer. With black tea being highly successful in the West, the country began its production. It is mainly intended for export. The Chinese take the utmost care with their teas, and black tea is no exception. Discover here the Lapsang, Yunnan and other teas produced in China.

1. The most renowned Chinese black teas
2. China and tea, a millenary history

The most renowned Chinese black teas

China has several tea plantations. Each province has its specificity, which gives black tea a unique flavor.

Craving smoked tea? Try Lapsang Souchong

Lapsang Souchong was Sherlock Holmes' favorite tea. Very low in theine, this caramel-colored infusion can be drunk at any time. Its black leaves are smoked with spruce or cypress wood. It's a highly fragrant black tea cultivated at high altitude in Fujian province. To obtain its unique taste, its oxidation time is longer than average. It can be found in bags or loose, and its smoky taste will delight your palate. It is also used in many recipes. Salmon flavored with Lapsang Souchong is always a great success.

Yunnan, the black tea that will make you forget coffee

For many, Yunnan tea, from the eponymous region, is one of the best in the world. Perfect for getting started with tea, its deep red color contains woody and floral flavors, with a slight honey taste and some spicy notes. Note that Yunnan is a province that also produces rice and cocoa. This tea can be enjoyed in the morning, after steeping in water for a few minutes, instead of your cup of coffee for a fragrant wake-up. It can also be found enhanced with spices or fruits.

Keemun, for a sweet infusion

A sandy soil, humid climate and high-altitude cultivation give this black tea a woody taste, sometimes with a chocolate note. There are several varieties of Keemun black teas, their differences mainly come from the type of leaves that can vary. Thus, Keemun Mao Feng will need a longer infusion, while Xin Ya will be less bitter. Hao Ya is of better quality. It is used in many Earl Grey blends.

China and tea, a millenary history

Tea in China is a true institution, much more than the traditional tea-time in Great Britain. Between cultivation, harvest and ceremony, the Chinese love tea, which they consume throughout the day, and always keep in a tea box at home. While green tea remains their preference, they too enjoy variety and may drink black tea occasionally.

Black tea in China

While in Europe, black tea refers to a drink made solely from oxidized leaves, it is quite different for the Chinese. For them, black tea is a tea that has undergone post-fermentation. This is the case with Pu-ERH. From the Yunnan province, it takes its name from the eponymous city. It is most often found in compressed form. Indeed, this form made it easier to transport for export to Tibet. Like wine for us, this tea improves with age, and it's not uncommon to see Pu-erh aged several years.

The Chinese tea ceremony

The Chinese don't joke about tea. While they consume this infusion at any time of day, there is an entire cult around its preparation. The tea ceremony can be performed by anyone, but it is elevated to an art when a tea master officiates. This ritual is called Gongfu Cha, which means taking one's time. Everything is calculated. The teapot resting on supports to collect water, the cups, numbering two, the tray, the steeping time. Note that the tea chosen for this ceremony is often an Oolong.