Yunnan Black Tea (Yunnan Gongfu Black Tea) was created in 1939. The main production area is located in the high mountain gorge region west of the Lancang River and east of the Nu River in southwest Yunnan, including places like Fengqing, Lincang, Menghai, and Yunxian, hence its name, commonly abbreviated as “Yunnan Black.” Yunnan Black is made from the fresh leaves of large-leaf tea trees native to Yunnan, using the buds and first or second leaves, processed according to traditional Gongfu black tea techniques.

Characteristics of Yunnan Black Tea

The fresh leaves of large-leaf tea trees are used as raw material and undergo withering, rolling, fermentation, and drying processes.

The dry tea has thick and plump strands, covered entirely with golden downy hairs.

The tea liquor is a bright red color, with a rich, sweet taste and a strong floral honey fragrance.

Those produced in Fengqing, Changning, and other areas are considered the best, with spring teas being the highest quality.

Key Points for Purchasing Yunnan Black Tea:

1. Examine the shape: Strands that are tightly rolled, fine, and uniformly sized indicate good quality; conversely, those that are loosely rolled and unevenly sized suggest lower quality.

2. Observe the color: A lustrous dark brown color indicates good quality; conversely, an inconsistent color or a dull, lifeless appearance suggests lower quality.

3. Smell the aroma: A rich and fragrant aroma indicates good quality; conversely, an impure aroma or one with a grassy smell suggests lower quality, while a low, dull aroma indicates poor quality tea.

4. Look at the liquor color: A bright red liquor that forms a golden rim around the edge of the Cup is superior; without the golden rim, the quality is not as good, and a dark and murky liquor indicates poor quality tea.

5. Taste the liquor: A full-bodied flavor indicates superior quality; conversely, a bitter and astringent taste suggests lower quality, and a coarse and bland taste indicates poor quality tea.

6. Inspect the infused leaves: Bright infused leaves indicate good quality; conversely, bluish-green infused leaves indicate inferior quality, and dark and dull infused leaves with many dark stems indicate poor quality tea.

In summary, Yunnan Black Tea should have tightly rolled, finely shaped strands that are uniformly sized, a lustrous dark brown color, a rich fragrance, a bright red liquor with a golden rim, a full-bodied and sweet taste, and bright infused leaves. Therefore, when purchasing Yunnan Black Tea, be sure to use these six key points to ensure you do not buy inferior or poor-quality tea.