- History of yellow tea: The history of yellow tea can be traced back several hundred years to the Anhui and Fujian provinces in China. It is believed that yellow tea was discovered accidentally by tea farmers during the Ming Dynasty. They found that when the tea leaves were dried, they turned yellow, giving birth to this unique type of tea.
- Production process: The production process of yellow tea is very unique and one of its main distinguishing features. Generally, the production of yellow tea involves several steps, including withering, cooling, rolling, wrapping, covering, and drying. During the production of yellow tea, the tea leaves are gently rolled to allow the tea juice to come into full contact with the leaves. Then, the tea leaves are wrapped in moist cloth to maintain humidity, which is an important step in developing the distinct flavor of yellow tea.
- Appearance and characteristics of yellow tea: yellow tea is characterized by its yellow-green or yellow-brown tea leaves, which are flat and neatly shaped. Yellow tea has a unique aroma and flavor, often with floral and fruity notes, accompanied by a certain level of sweetness and a smooth mouthfeel. Compared to other types of tea, yellow tea has a lighter tea liquor color and higher transparency.
- Representative varieties of yellow tea: yellow tea has many different varieties, among which some of the famous ones include yellow tea Maofeng from Anhui, Jingshan Yin Zhen (Silver Needle) and Ku Xuan Cha from Fujian. These varieties of yellow tea have their own distinct characteristics in terms of taste, aroma, and appearance, making them highly sought after by tea enthusiasts.
- Brewing method: Yellow tea is generally steeped in water and can be brewed using porcelain or glassware. Typically, water with a temperature of 80-90°C is used to steep yellow tea for about 2-3 minutes, with steeping time adjusted according to personal preference. Yellow tea can be steeped directly or undergo multiple infusions, with each subsequent infusion having gradually increased steeping time.
- Varieties of Yellow tea:
- Maofeng: Produced in the Huangshan region of Anhui, China, it is one of the most famous varieties of Yellow Tea. It is characterized by its tender tea leaves, flat shape, and fine hairs covering the leaves. Maofeng has a distinct floral aroma with subtle fruity notes. The tea liquor is yellow-green with a smooth mouthfeel.
- Jingshan Yin Zhen (Silver Needle): Produced in the Jingshan region of Fujian, China, it is another well-known variety of Yellow Tea. It consists of young tea buds and has a long, silver-white appearance, earning it the title of "King of Yellow Tea." Jingshan Yin Zhen has a refined floral aroma with a hint of grassiness. The tea liquor is clear and bright, with a refreshing and sweet taste.
- Ku Xuan Cha: Produced in the Wuyi Mountains of Fujian, China, it is a unique variety of yellow tea. It is processed together with leaves from the Ku Xuan tree, giving the tea a distinctive aroma. Ku Xuan Cha has a unique herbal fragrance and a distinct bitter taste.
- Production process of Yellow Tea:
- Withering: Freshly harvested tea leaves undergo high-temperature treatment to stop enzymatic activity within the leaves.
- Cooling: The withered tea leaves are left in a well-ventilated area to gradually lose moisture.
- Rolling: The cooled tea leaves are gently rolled to break the leaf cells, facilitating better penetration of tea juice.
- Wrapping: The rolled tea leaves are wrapped in moist cloth to maintain humidity, aiding in the fermentation process.
- Covering: The wrapped tea leaves are placed in a shaded environment to promote yellowing and fermentation.
- Drying: The fermented tea leaves are dried to maintain stable moisture content and extend storage time.
- Differences between Yellow Tea and other types of tea:
- Compared to green tea, Yellow tea undergoes a unique wrapping and fermentation process, giving it distinct aroma and flavor.
- Unlike black tea, yellow tea is not fully fermented during its production, resulting in the tea leaves retaining some green color and the tea liquor having a lighter color.
- In contrast to white tea, Yellow tea undergoes a certain level of oxidation during production, resulting in a higher degree of oxidation in the tea leaves.
- Health benefits and precautions of Yellow Tea:
- It contains abundant tea polyphenols and flavonoids, which have antioxidant, lipid-lowering, and antibacterial effects.
- iT is also believed to help alleviate fatigue, refresh the mind, aid in weight loss, and protect the liver.
- However, due to its warming nature, it should be consumed in moderation or avoided by individuals with weak spleen and stomach, as well as those experiencing cold or fever symptoms.
