November 2023
Hunan Teas
In the previous two months, we introduced two dark teas (Tian Jian and Fu Brick) and one yellow tea (Weishan Maojian) from Hunan province. This month, we continue our exploration of renowned Hunan teas, including two green teas and two black teas. Baojing Gold Tea (or Huang Jin Cha) and Gu Zhang Mao Jian are the two most popular Hunan green teas. Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, where these two teas are produced, is mountainous with year-round mist, fertile soil, lush vegetation, abundant rainfall, and a mild climate. These factors contribute to the ideal conditions for cultivating China’s top green teas. The production of black tea in Hunan began in the mid-19th century, and Hu Hong Gong Fu produced from Anhua County gained immense popularity, becoming one of the top black teas in China, alongside Qimen (Keemun) and Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong (Lapsang Souchong). Our Red Fu Brick Tea, featuring unique “golden flowers,” is a rare gem. It's unusual to find Fu bricks made of black tea rather than dark tea, even within the Chinese domestic market.
