This hand picked and produced tea is made from buds of the Yunnan larger leaf variety of the tea trees. After picking it is meticulously processed by hand using the traditional “Gongfu” processing techniques, and then fully oxidised (fermented). While not containing as much caffeine as coffee, its moderate caffeine and lively taste is perfect to give you a good boost to get you started in the morning.
Brief Health Info
Being a fully oxidised – or fermented – black tea, Dian Hong does not have the same level of antioxidants that our White and Green teas have, however it is still a good source of these and so will also help reduce the risk of cancers and lessen the affects of aging. Black teas such as our Dian Hong also are considered to help prevent tooth decay and help lower your cholesterol levels.
For more information on the health benefits of TeaVivre's Black Teas, see our article on Tea Health benefit.
How to make Dian Hong black tea
Dian Hong is best brewed in an enamel glass or teapot. One to two teaspoons of leaves should be used for each cup of tea. It should be brewed in water that is around 185 ºF (85 ºC) for 2 to 3 minutes. Dian Hong can be brewed 12 times depending on your taste, with an additional minute being added to the steeping each time.
Be careful with this tea to not overbrew it, as you will then loose much of the complex, subtle rich tastes that are its highlights.
For more information on some of the skills and arts of brewing tea, check out our article on How To Make Tea.
Where is TeaVivre's Dian Hong black tea produced
Our Dian Hong black teas are produced by Fengqing which is located in the south of Dianxi Longitudinal valley, Fengqing is famous as the hometown of Yunnan black tea in Lincang and is one of the original places of tea in the world. In Fengqing lies a succession of mountains, which alternate with rivers. Fengqing has a long history of planting, producing and drinking tea. The Superfine Yunnan Dian Hong Black Tea was successfully produced in Fengqing in 1958, which then has a national reputation.
Introduction of the tea farmer
Mr Zhou Zhirong, who is an authentic Yunnan people, has been in tea business for more than 20 years. We deeply felt his insist of traditional tea process by communicating with him. He said: “Most of my time is spent on tea mountain. I think the most important is the essential quality inside the tea.” “There’s the best tea trees and best environment in Fengqing. What we need to do is to bring the natural of tea to all the tea lovers”.
Mr Zhou in his tea garden
History
Though black teas have been crafted in China for probably close to 2,000 years, the history of this particular type of black tea – Dian Hong – only stretches back about 100 years. Dian Hong was first crafted in the 1930's a man by the name of Feng Shaoqiu. The first batches of Dian Hong were instantly popular, and were exported through Hong Kong to England, where it became very much sought after due to its high price and favour with the Queen at the time, who preferred it – somewhat scandalously – to the in-favour Indian teas commonly drunk at that time.
Now Dian Hong has become one of the most respected and widely known types of Chinese black tea. Held in extremely high regard in China, it is often presented by the government there as gifts to visiting dignitaries.
You may learn more about black tea knowledge from our article:
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