Black teas from Yunnan Province are widely recognized for their sweet, malty flavors and enticing aromas. Ever inventive, our tea maker has taken 1st grade leaves and rolled them into balls of flavor.
Lot Notes. Pearl is made using a 1st grade organic black leaf. The pluck standard is gold buds and early-pick leaves. Tea was harvested in the 2022 harvest season. Pearl is approx. 0.6" in size. Note, the leaves are tightly rolled and slow to unfurl.
Tea Facts. Farm is organic, located in the Wuliang Mountains near Zhengwan village in south western Yunnan Province. The elevation of the farm is approximately 1300 meters. Each pearl weighs 5 grams.
Tasting Notes. Fully oxidized and rolled, the Da Ye cultivar slowly opens to releasing sweet, round, and fragrant earthy aromas. Taste is decidedly sweet with flavors of caramel and malt. Red-orange liquid offers hint of marmalade. Mouthfeel is round and slightly sweet. Aromas include ripe apricot and exotic wood. Offers a long, rich comforting finish.
Brewing Suggestions. Pearl is tightly rolled, so be patient as it is very slow in opening. Use one pearl for 6-8 ounces of water at boiling temperature. If time allows, infuse the pearl for 2 minutes and pour off the water. Re-infuse and steep for 4 minutes. Pearl will now only be partially opened. By the 3rd infusion, the pearl's flavor are more evident. Excellent cold brewed as well.
BLACK TEA
3 grams/1 teaspoon per 6 ounces of water
195° - 205° F
2 Minutes
Black tea is a leaf that has been fully oxidized. This rigorous oxidization produces a tea of hearty rich flavors while reducing its astringency and bringing out a natural sweetness.
Flavors will range from bright, brisk, peppery, clean, and smoky to aromatic, bold, malty, nutty, spicy, and sweet. Blacks are known for long, delicately aromatic, and comforting aftertastes. Note, they are often enjoyed with milk or sweetener.
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Black tea balls
This is my first experience with tea balls, so I can't compare. I was a little let down, these are rock hard and only a few leaves came off. After a few infusions I decided to inspect the ball and it looked like it was wrapped around a piece of hardwood. I wouldn't recommend these.
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Black Pearl
I feel that this compacted ball of tea is a gimmick. It does not release enough of the leaves to flavor the tea after 4 minutes of steeping as the directions suggest and therefore not enough flavor. To much money for the novelty with not enough result.
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Black pearl disappointing
I was so eager to like this but ehe reality was a major disappointment. I followed the brewing instructions and found the flavor and aroma bland. Additional brews continued to disappoint. I consider myself pretty tea savvy as I have been sampling loose leaf teas for years, often a couple hours a day. I also work with a friend who is a local seller of fine teas. I suppose I would be less perturbed if the price was significantly less but for the price I would not purchase it again nor would I recommend it.