Yixing Black Tea

Yixing black tea (or red tea) is a type of tea grown in Yixing City, Jiangsu Province. Compared to famous black teas like Jin Jun Mei, this tea is relatively lesser known, but is still a great tea that boasts a stronger floral and fruity flavour compared to other black teas that are maltier and woodier. Yixing City is also the home of Zisha/Yixing teapots, probably the most famous type of clay teapot there is out there.

 

Our Yixing black tea is grown south of the main city area in a mountainous region called Nian San Wan (廿三湾), set along the foothills of the mountain range classified under Tianmu Mountain (天目山). A rich citrus, fruity, and grassy mix in the cup, paired with a slightly astringent texture and a strong lingering aftertaste, this tea is an affordable daily drinker that still brings quite a bit of character to the table.

 

Tea Information

• Harvest Date: 12th-17th April 2023
• Origin: Nian San Wan, Hufu Town, Yixing City, Wuxi Prefecture, Jiangsu Province, China (中国，江苏省，无锡市，宜兴市，湖㳇镇，廿三湾区)
• Varietal: Yixing Qunti Zhong - Keemun Small-leaf (宜兴群体种 - 槠叶种小种)
• Elevation: 400m
• Source: Directly from Farmer
• Organic?: Organic methods used but uncertified

 

Map

 

Brewing Guide

 Gongfu Brewing

• Leaf-to-water ratio: 5g/100ml
• Temperature: 90°C/194°F
• Steeping time: 25s, +10s for each subsequent steep

 

Western Brewing

• Leaf-to-water ratio: 5g/400ml
• Temperature: 90°C/194°F
• Steeping time: 2m30s, +1m for each subsequent steep

 

Grandpa Style

• Leaf-to-water ratio: 5g/300ml
• Temperature: 90°C/194°F
• Steeping time: 2m30s, top up to taste

 

Don't know anything about these brewing styles? Fret not! Read our "How to Brew Chinese Tea" article here!

 

* Ultimately, experiment with the different parameters to find what works for you. If you think it's too bitter, reduce the temperature. If it's too strong, reduce the number of leaves used. This is just a guide with rough parameters to get you started.

 

Media

The farmer's tea farm

The farmer's tea being harvested