At a glance: Golden Yunnan GFOP Black Tea, organic, from China. Long leaves with golden tips, notes of cocoa and honey. Brew at 100°C for 3 to 5 minutes, 12 to 15 g/L.
Golden Yunnan GFOP is one of those great black teas you recognise at first glance. Its long, dark leaves, generously scattered with golden buds, already promise a smooth, velvety cup.
Grown organically in China's Yunnan region, this tea belongs to a long and proud tradition. The GFOP grade, Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe, refers to a whole-leaf tea with a notable proportion of young golden tips, a hallmark of refinement and softness in the cup.
Julien Huot selected this tea for its rare balance of depth and roundness. A wonderful introduction to the world of fine black teas. Explore our selection of black teas to continue the journey.
The Aromatic Profile of Golden Yunnan GFOP
As you open the pouch, the leaves release a warm, woody fragrance where notes of roasted cocoa and toasted bread are already discernible. The golden tips, plentiful in this selection, are the signature of an exceptionally smooth tea.
In the cup, the liquor takes on a beautiful deep amber hue, bright and luminous. The nose opens onto malty, honeyed notes, underpinned by the characteristic cocoa touch that defines the finest teas from Yunnan.
On the palate, the first impression is round, generous, almost velvety. Cocoa and honey lead, accompanied by a subtle spiced note and a delicately woody finish. The aftertaste is long and clean, with no astringency whatsoever, making this a particularly approachable black tea.
It is this absence of bitterness that sets Golden Yunnan apart from more tannic black teas. A wonderful morning alternative for anyone seeking a comforting, coffee-free start to the day. For further reading, take a look at the essential black teas according to experts.
How to Brew Golden Yunnan GFOP
Brewing this black tea is refreshingly straightforward: it takes equally well to a short or a longer steep, never turning bitter. Perfect for a relaxed morning ritual.
Water: use soft, low-mineral water brought to a full boil at 100°C. Fully boiling water unlocks the complete aromatic range of the leaf.
Quantity: use 12 to 15 g per litre, roughly a heaped tablespoon for a 50 cl teapot. Adjust to taste for a lighter or more full-bodied cup.
Time: steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Three minutes yields a delicate, honeyed cup; five minutes produces a deeper, rounder, more cocoa-forward liquor.
Accessories: a porcelain or enamelled cast-iron teapot works beautifully, retaining heat without interfering with the aromas. A wide-mesh infuser allows the long leaves to unfurl freely.
This tea is best enjoyed plain, to appreciate its full roundness. Some enthusiasts add a splash of milk, and the cocoa notes lend themselves to it naturally. To compare styles, read our green tea vs. black tea guide. If you enjoy smooth, rounded black teas, you might also love our Gurudwara black tea.
Storage
Store this organic black tea away from light, moisture and strong odours, in an airtight, opaque caddy. Packaged in our own workshop, it keeps at its best for up to 24 months, preserving all the finesse of its malty, cocoa-tinged aromas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Golden Yunnan?
Golden Yunnan is an organic black tea grown in China's Yunnan region. It is recognised by its long leaves scattered with golden tips, which give the cup its signature roundness, honeyed sweetness and cocoa character, with no bitterness.
How do I brew Golden Yunnan?
Use 12 to 15 g of leaves per litre of water at 100°C. Steep for 3 to 5 minutes depending on the intensity you prefer. Three minutes for a delicate, honeyed cup; five minutes for a deeper, more cocoa-forward liquor. Learn more about black tea.
What are the benefits of Golden Yunnan?
Above all, this is a tea made for pleasure: its cocoa roundness and complete lack of bitterness make it a comforting morning drink, often enjoyed as a gentle, flavourful alternative to coffee.
Where does Golden Yunnan come from?
Golden Yunnan comes from the Yunnan region in south-west China, a renowned tea-growing area celebrated for its golden-tipped teas. Our selection is sourced from a certified organic producer.
