Yellow tea Facts for Kids

Yellow tea is a special and somewhat rare type of tea. It comes from the same plant as green tea, but it's made in a slightly different way. This extra step gives yellow tea its unique taste and look. It is known as huángchá (simplified Chinese: 黄茶; traditional Chinese: 黃茶) in China and hwangcha (Hangul: 황차; Hanja: 黃茶) in Korea.

What is Yellow Tea?
How Yellow Tea is Made
- The Special "Smothering" Step
History of Yellow Tea
Types of Yellow Tea
- Chinese Yellow Teas
- Korean Yellow Tea (Hwangcha)
How to Enjoy Yellow Tea
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What is Yellow Tea?

Yellow tea is a unique kind of tea that is not as common as green or black tea. It gets its name from the yellowish color of the dried leaves and the tea itself when brewed. This tea is mostly produced in China and Korea. It has a mild, smooth taste, often described as less "grassy" than green tea.

How Yellow Tea is Made

Making yellow tea is a bit like making green tea, but with an important extra step. After the tea leaves are picked and withered (left to dry slightly), they are heated to stop them from oxidizing. This is similar to how green tea is made.

The Special "Smothering" Step

The unique part of making yellow tea is called "smothering" or "sealing yellow." After the initial heating, the warm, damp tea leaves are wrapped up. They might be put in cloth, paper, or special containers. The leaves are then left to steam gently in their own heat and moisture. This process can last from a few hours to several days. It is repeated several times until the tea is just right. This special step helps to remove the strong, grassy taste that green tea sometimes has. It also gives yellow tea its distinct mellow flavor and yellowish color.

History of Yellow Tea

Yellow tea has a long and interesting history, especially in China. For many years, it was considered a very valuable and rare tea. Some types of yellow tea were even reserved for the Chinese emperors. This meant that only the royal family and very important people could drink it. Because it was so special, yellow tea was not widely known or available to everyone.

Types of Yellow Tea

There are several famous types of yellow tea, mainly from China. Each type has its own special qualities.

Chinese Yellow Teas

Junshan Yinzhen: This is one of the most famous yellow teas. It comes from Junshan Island in Hunan province, China. The name means "Silver Needle from Jun Mountain." It is known for its delicate flavor and beautiful, straight leaves.
Mengding Huangya: This tea comes from Mengding Mountain in Sichuan province. Its name means "Yellow Bud from Mengding Mountain." It is also highly prized for its smooth taste.
Huoshan Huangya: This yellow tea is from Huoshan County in Anhui province. It is another well-regarded variety with a pleasant aroma.

Korean Yellow Tea (Hwangcha)

In Korea, yellow tea is called hwangcha. While it shares the "yellow tea" name, the Korean hwangcha is often a lightly oxidized tea. This means it's somewhere between a green tea and a black tea. It has a mild, sweet taste and is becoming more popular in Korea.

How to Enjoy Yellow Tea

To make a good cup of yellow tea, use water that is not quite boiling, around 80-85°C (175-185°F). Use about one teaspoon of tea leaves per cup. Let the tea steep for about 2-3 minutes. Yellow tea has a naturally sweet and smooth taste, so it is usually enjoyed without adding milk or sugar.