Dianhong facts for kids
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| Type: | Black |
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| Other names: | Yunnan tea Yunnan Black tea Yunnan Red tea |
| Origin: | Yunnan Province, China |
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| Quick description: | Robust and malty, some types are very fine while others are used for blending. High quality leaves are uniformly covered in golden-orange bud hairs. |
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Dianhong tea is a special kind of black tea from China. It comes from Yunnan Province. This tea is known for its unique "golden tips." These are tiny, fine leaf buds that make the tea look special.
When you brew Dianhong tea, it makes a bright, golden-orange drink. It has a sweet, gentle smell and tastes smooth. It's usually not bitter at all. Cheaper kinds of Dianhong tea might look darker and taste more bitter.
The Story of Dianhong Tea
For a long time, teas from Yunnan were pressed into solid blocks. This was before the Han dynasty, which was over 2000 years ago! Dianhong tea is quite new compared to that. People started making it in the early 1900s.
The name "Dianhong" tells us where it comes from. "Dian" is a short name for the Yunnan region. "Hong" means "red" in Chinese. So, Dianhong tea means "Yunnan red tea." Sometimes people just call it "Yunnan red" or "Yunnan black." But be careful, because Yunnan makes many other kinds of tea too!
Different Kinds of Dianhong Tea
Dianhong tea comes in a few different types. Each one has its own look and taste.
- Broken Yunnan
This is a less expensive Dianhong tea. It has very few golden buds. It's often used to mix with other teas. The dried leaves are mostly black with only a few golden tips. When brewed, it makes a dark, reddish-brown drink. It can sometimes taste strong.
- Yunnan Gold
This type of Dianhong has fewer golden buds than the best ones. It has more dark tea leaves. It's still a very good tea. The brewed tea has a brassy red color. It also has a vivid sweetness, but it's not as strong as "Yunnan Pure Gold."
- Yunnan Pure Gold
Many people think this is the best type of Dianhong tea. It is made only from golden tips. These tips are usually covered in fine, soft hairs. When you look at the dried tea, it seems bright orange. The tea itself is a bright red color. It has a gentle smell and a sweet taste. After brewing, the leaves turn reddish-brown.
- Golden Needle
This is a pure black type of Dianhong tea. The leaves are golden in color. When brewed, it makes a beautiful amber-colored drink.
- Pine Needle
This type of Dianhong tea was developed in the 1900s. It has straight leaves, not curled ones. This makes it look like old pine needles that have fallen from a tree. This straight leaf shape is common for green teas, but it's new for black teas.
