Qimen black Tea, also known as Qimen Gongfu Black Tea, is one of China's Top Ten Famous Teas. Renowned for its unique aroma and profound cultural heritage, it has been hailed as the “Queen of Teas.” This tea enjoys a stellar reputation not only domestically but also internationally, celebrated for its distinctive “Qimen fragrance.” This aroma is rich and elegant, combining honey, fruity, and orchid scents, leaving a lasting impression.

Origin of Qimen Black Tea

Qimen black tea, commonly abbreviated as Qimen or Qihong, is primarily produced in Qimen County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, China. The area boasts exceptional natural conditions that provide an ideal environment for the growth of Qimen black tea. Located in the southern Anhui mountains, Qimen County has a mild and humid climate, abundant rainfall, misty surroundings, and fertile soil, all of which contribute to the superior quality of Qimen black tea.

History of Qimen Black Tea

The history of Qimen black tea dates back to the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty (1875). At that time, Yi County businessman Yu Ganchen introduced tea-making techniques from Fujian and created Qimen black tea in Qimen County. The production process of Qimen black tea is meticulous, involving withering, rolling, initial drying, rough drying, and final drying. Through these processes, Qimen black tea acquires its tightly rolled, uniform appearance, fresh and lustrous color, and distinctive “Qimen fragrance.”

What Makes Qimen Black Tea Unique?

The preciousness of Qimen black tea can be attributed to several factors:

• Exceptional Natural Conditions: Qimen County is located between 30°10′ and 31°05′ north latitude and 117°30′ and 118°10′ east longitude. Its temperate climate, ample rainfall, and rich soil make it highly suitable for tea cultivation.
• Distinctive “Qimen Fragrance”: The aroma of Qimen black tea is its most prominent feature. This aroma is rich and elegant, combining honey, fruity, and orchid scents, creating a memorable experience.
• Precise Production Techniques: The production process of Qimen black tea is meticulous, including withering, rolling, initial drying, rough drying, and final drying. These processes result in a tightly rolled, uniform appearance, fresh and lustrous color, and the distinctive “Qimen fragrance.”

brewing Method for Qimen Black Tea

The brewing method for Qimen black tea is relatively simple but requires attention to the following points:

• Water Temperature: The water temperature for brewing Qimen black tea should be controlled between 80-90 degrees Celsius. If the water is too cold, the tea's aroma will not be fully released; if too hot, the tea may become bitter.
• Teaware: Porcelain or glass teaware is recommended for brewing Qimen black tea. Porcelain helps retain the tea's aroma, while glass allows you to observe the leaves unfurling in the water.
• Amount of Tea: The general amount of tea used is about 1 gram per 50 milliliters of water for Qimen black tea.
• Brewing Technique: Pour hot water into the teapot and let it steep for 3-5 minutes.

Health benefits of Qimen Black Tea

Qimen black tea not only boasts a unique aroma and Taste but also offers rich nutritional value and health benefits. It contains abundant components such as tea polyphenols, caffeine, amino acids, and vitamins, which have antioxidant, anti-aging, cholesterol-lowering, blood pressure-lowering, and beauty-enhancing effects.

As one of the representatives of Chinese black teas, Qimen black tea holds a deep historical legacy and unique production techniques, securing its place in the global tea community. Whether enjoyed daily or given as a gift, Qimen black tea is an excellent choice. We hope this article helps you better understand Qimen black tea and enjoy the delightful experience it brings.