‘Heicha’ is a tea term that is sometimes used rather freely and requires some explanation. In this post we clarify its exact meaning along with other related tea naming practices.
Continue reading Heicha and related tea jargon and naming explained
Sometimes people like to know who is behind a website. We understand this and feel it is a fair request. Instead of writing a long post, we created a video collage of pictures of us in Anhua County, Hunan Province.
Continue reading Behind the scenes
Anhua Dark Tea is certainly one of the tea varieties that requires the most processing steps. While every single step has its purpose in the making of the final product, none is as defining as the Qixing Stove (七星灶) sequence. It is also unique to Anhua Dark Tea. All its variations go through it.
Continue reading Qixing Stove, the tool that gives Anhua Dark Tea its soul
The final compression is an important processing step for all sizes of Huajuan Tea (Shiliang Tea, Bailiang Tea, Qianliang Tea). The steamed leaves are compressed into their three layers of vegetal wrapping, before resting in the open air for about a month.
The video below shows the different tools and actions involved in this key processing step.
Continue reading Bailiang Tea compression
There are many factors that influence a tea’s taste and feeling. In the world of Anhua Dark Tea, the grade (size) of the tea leaves used is a key element. 2018 Dark Brick Duo offers you the opportunity to explore this aspect further
Continue reading Introducing 2018 Dark Brick Duo
Anhua Dark Tea is a fascinating tea variety. To really know and understand it, you will need multiple tasting sessions of all its variations. Following are a series of essential facts that serve as a basic introduction and companion to your discovery of this tasty and unique tea:
Continue reading Anhua Dark Tea introduction
Artisanal tea is always closely linked to its place of origin. Anhua County in central Hunan Province is the place where Anhua Dark Tea is grown and processed. The comforting character of Anhua Dark Tea is strongly associated with the misty mountain forests of Anhua County and the many streams that cross it.
Continue reading Anhua County impressions
Among all variations of Anhua Dark Tea, Fu Brick Tea is the only one that is intentionally processed in such a way to produce ‘Golden Flowers’ (金花). These beneficial microorganisms are reputed for their healthy properties and their mellowing effect on the tea leaves. While they can appear naturally in a humid environment like Anhua County, they are not always welcome by local tea artisans, as they transform the quality of the tea leaves. However, in the case of Fu Brick Tea, ’Golden Flowers’ are an integral part of the experience.
Continue reading Introducing 2017 Gongjian Fu Brick
Dark tea is one of the six tea types, next to green tea, white tea, yellow tea, wulong tea, and red (black) tea. All tea types are defined by the processing techniques used to transform the freshly picked tea leaves.
For most of you, Anhua Dark Tea is probably a new experience. At the moment it belongs to the lesser known teas and many experienced tea lovers have never tried it, despite its long lasting history. Every tea has its own profile and character. This is why any tea should always be appreciated by its own criteria.
