I. Introduction

Tea, as a gem of Chinese traditional culture, carries thousands of years of history and culture. Among the many varieties of tea, Anhua Dark Tea stands out for its unique flavor and superior quality. Tianjian Tea, as the pinnacle of Anhua Dark Tea, has a profound historical background and exceptional appeal. It was once a royal tribute reserved exclusively for imperial families but has now entered the homes of ordinary people, retaining its regal demeanor. Let us explore the world of Tianjian Tea together and uncover its mysteries and marvels.

II. Historical Origins of Tianjian Tea

(A) The “Five Peaks” and the Status of Tianjian

The Anhua Dark Tea from Hunan Province is known by the “Five Peaks,” which are “Tianjian, Shengjian, Gongjian, Dijian, and Jinjian.” Among these “Five Peaks,” Tianjian Dark Tea holds the highest status and grade. As early as the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was listed as a royal tribute, demonstrating its nobility. Its unique qualities made it stand out among dark teas, becoming an exclusive beverage for royalty.

(B) History of Specialized Management and Transport

In ancient times, Hunan Anhua's Tianjian Dark Tea was subject to specialized management and transport. In those days, it was a symbol of power and status, generally inaccessible to officials, gentlemen, merchants, and celebrities, let alone commoners. This strict control further highlighted the preciousness and scarcity of Tianjian Tea.

(C) From the Feudal Court to Ordinary Homes

With the passage of time, the tumultuous winds of feudal dynasties have long since dissipated. Today, Tianjian Tea is no longer exclusive to the imperial family; it has reached countless households. This transformation has allowed more people to taste this former royal tribute and experience its distinctive flavors.

III. Quality Characteristics of Tianjian Tea

(A) Raw Materials and Grades

1. The raw materials for Tianjian Tea are primarily top-quality young tea shoots, typically one bud with two leaves. Of course, there are also cases where different grades use one bud with three or four leaves.

– Top Grade: Harvested around mid-April during the Grain Rain period, with one bud and one or two initial leaves. The Black Tea has fine and tender leaves, tightly coiled and straight, with a dark lustrous color, bright orange-yellow liquor, and a rich and mellow taste.

– First Grade: Harvested in late April after the Grain Rain, with one bud and two or three initial leaves. The black tea has tightly coiled leaves, a dark lustrous color, bright orange-yellow liquor, and a mellow taste that is moderately strong.

2. Standard Tianjian Tea raw materials feature tightly bound leaves of uniform size and a glossy dark color. The aroma is harmonious and improves with age, the liquor is bright orange-red, and the taste is smooth and refreshing. The infused leaves are uniform and a yellow-brown color.

(B) Impact of Processing on Quality

The processing technique is crucial in determining the price and quality of Tianjian Tea. It undergoes processes such as fixation, rolling, piling, and baking to produce Hunan Black Tea. Afterward, the Tianjian Black Tea must undergo aging and several other steps, including steaming, blending, packaging, shaping, ventilation, cooling, and more. Whether the drying and baking processes meet standards directly affects the tea's taste. For example, proper baking can enhance the aroma and make the taste richer and smoother.

(C) Relationship Between Storage and Quality

The storage conditions are crucial for maintaining the quality of Tianjian Tea. The better the storage conditions—such as good air circulation and absence of foreign odors—the better the subsequent transformation, resulting in improved taste and efficacy. After 15 years of aging under standard warehouse conditions, Tianjian Tea features tightly bound leaves, a glossy dark appearance, a thick and sweet taste, a rapid and noticeable return of sweetness, and a rich aged aroma filling the mouth, truly capturing the essence of tea.

IV. Selection Methods for Tianjian Tea

(A) Observing Appearance

When selecting Tianjian Tea, start by observing its appearance. High-quality Tianjian Tea features tightly bound leaves of uniform size and a glossy dark color. If the leaves are loose, dull, or unevenly colored, the quality may not be ideal.

(B) Smelling Aroma

Bring your nose close to the Tianjian Tea and gently sniff its aroma. A harmonious aroma indicates better quality, while off-odors or weak aromas may suggest issues during processing or storage.

(C) Checking Liquor Color

You can check the liquor color of Tianjian Tea by brewing it. High-quality Tianjian Tea has a bright orange-red liquor that becomes darker and more translucent over time. If the liquor is cloudy or has an abnormal color, there may be problems with the tea's quality.

(D) Tasting Flavor

Tasting the flavor of Tianjian Tea is an important step in selection. A smooth mouthfeel and a quick, noticeable return of sweetness are signs of high-quality Tianjian Tea. If the taste is bitter, has off-flavors, or lacks a return of sweetness, it may not be of high quality.

V. Factors Influencing the Price of Tianjian Tea

(A) Role of Raw Materials

Raw materials form the foundation of Tianjian Tea's price. The quality of the raw materials directly determines the quality of Tianjian Tea. The younger the materials, the richer the internal substances, and the better the subsequent transformation, leading to a relatively higher price.

(B) Impact of Processing Techniques

The processing techniques, such as drying and baking, significantly influence the price. Expert techniques improve the quality and taste of the tea, thus higher-quality Tianjian Tea often commands a higher price.

(C) Importance of Storage

Properly stored Tianjian Tea has better subsequent transformation, improving both taste and efficacy, which can lead to a higher price. Conversely, improperly stored Tianjian Tea may degrade in quality, affecting its price.

(D) Value of Age

Well-aged Tianjian Tea increases in value with time. The older the tea, the greater the difference in taste, and prices tend to rise with age. Generally, after two to three years of aging, the taste improves, leading to higher prices.

VI. Brewing Guide for Tianjian Tea

(A) Choosing a Teapot

Dark tea benefits from being brewed in a teapot that maintains high temperatures and allows for good air circulation. A teapot with thick walls and a rustic appearance is best for brewing. Such a teapot helps maintain water temperature and fully releases the aroma and flavor of the tea.

(B) Brewing Steps

1. First, place an appropriate amount of Tianjian Tea in the teapot.

2. Then, brew it with boiling water. The first brewing can be quickly discarded; this step is called rinsing the tea, which removes impurities from the surface of the leaves.

3. Next, brew again with boiling water and pour out for drinking after an appropriate soaking time. Adjust the soaking time according to personal preference. Those who prefer stronger tea can extend the soaking time, while those who prefer lighter tea can shorten it.

(C) Tasting Techniques

When tasting Tianjian Tea, start by smelling its aroma, appreciating its richness. Then, take small sips and let the tea spread slowly in your mouth, savoring its flavor and mouthfeel. Also, observe the color and clarity of the liquor, which is another aspect of judging the quality of Tianjian Tea.

VII. Health benefits of Tianjian Tea