Da Shan Jin Jun Mei Red (black) Tea

Da Shan Jin Jun Mei red tea is one of the most precious products of the Chinese artisan reality because of the great care used to work this tea without the use of machinery during the production cycle. This tea is produced in Fujian, near the famous Wuyi mountainous area, from tea trees that are very similar in variety to those used for the production of Lapsang red teas.

Jin Jun Mei is generally harvested very early compared to other red teas in the area to keep the flavors in the leaves very concentrated. In addition, to obtain an even more valuable harvest, producers often choose to collect only the leaves that grow on the side branches of the plant and which are therefore more sheltered from the sun: this allows the flavors to develop in an even more varied way than a constant and direct exposure to the sun.

Once harvested, the leaves are rolled up many times to enhance the natural oils they contain: this phase is followed by real artisans who work by hand all the tea collected.

It also takes a certain energy in this phase because it is also necessary to activate the oxidation process: the result of this effort can be seen in that oily and shiny patina that surrounds the finished product and will give us many rich and particular flavors in the cup.

Tasting – Sight and smell

Da Shan Jin Jun Mei red tea has leaves of small size and brown color, finely processed, with numerous golden buds. The leaves, once infused, release aromas of toasted nuts, bitter chocolate, rose and fragrant wood. The liquor in the cup is a deep orange with amber reflections: carefully observing the surface of the tea against the light, it is possible to see tiny particles of bai hao, that is the golden down that covers the buds of which this tea is rich.

Tasting Notes

GONG FU CHA

The first infusion of Da Shan Jin Jun Mei red tea reveals notes of cocoa and floral hints of rose, and a sweetness reminiscent of chestnut honey. With a second infusion, hints of toasted dried fruit such as pecans, hazelnuts and almonds also emerge, as well as sweet fruity notes of dates and dried figs. You can appreciate a good minerality, while the body of the tea is made with each infusion thicker and softer, and the orange of the liquor more intense. With the third infusion and the following ones, important notes of cocoa and sweet hints of vanilla and raw cane sugar return to envelop the palate, with a caramel aroma that remains on the bottom of the cup. The persistence in the mouth is long, denoted by hints of cocoa and floral notes (rose and orange blossom).

Place of origin

Fujian, China

Production

After harvesting, the leaves are left to wither in the sun for a certain amount of time depending on the producer before moving on to the folding stage. The leaves are then folded and rolled by hand until the oils reach the surface and the juices inside are mixed to start the oxidation process. Once the leaf reaches its typical brown colour, the residual moisture inside is removed and after a few days’ rest the tea is ready to be consumed.

Ingredients: red (black) tea.

Discover all the benefits of red tea.

How to prepare

We strongly recommend infusing Da Shan Jin Jun Mei red tea in the traditional Chinese method (Gong Fu Cha) with a gaiwan with a capacity of about 150 ml. By following this preparation, multiple infusions can be made with 5 grams of leaves that are useful to best capture all the flavor nuances of the tea.

Heat the water to a temperature of 90°C and proceed to an initial infusion of 25 seconds. Keeping the water at the same temperature, you can then continue to exploit the same leaves by adding more water and increasing the infusion time by 5 seconds each time (25 – 30 – 35…).

This tea has a longevity of 6 infusions.

For a more classic preparation in the Western style, we recommend 3 grams of leaves (about 2 teaspoons) in a 200-mL cup with water at 90°C for an infusion time of 2-3 minutes.

For a better tasting experience, we suggest that you strain the infusion as soon as the brewing time is over. The brewing time recommendations, however, can also be slightly adjust by your personal taste in order to obtain a strong or more delicate cup of tea.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.