Honey Orchid

In wicker baskets, this early-pick, large-leaf Mao Feng slowly turns from its green harvest colors to rich shades of gold and black. Air on leaf oxidizing the leaves, in a matter of hours creates this lush, naturally sweet black tea. Grown in Fujian Province, this lot was harvested before the Pre-Qing Ming holiday in April 2018. Lot # 8.

Why we selected this lot. Grown in the Fuding area, over the years we have found excellent black teas from this region although it is famous primarily for white teas. The appearance of the leaves was enticing as they are very large, consistent in shape and offer a great mix of gold buds and black leaf. Aroma is soft yet rich. The taste is lush and naturally full of flavor.

Interesting facts about this lot. The tea maker elected to take this lot to black tea versus green as the domestic market is quite strong for black tea offerings. It was grown at an elevation of 600 meters. The tea came into the market on April 8th following 5-6 days of comparatively warm weather stimulating the growth of the tea bushes. It is approximately a 24-hour period between harvest and the tea being ready for market. Varietal is a Mao Feng.

Taste profile. Taste is lush and wet. Tastes that come to mind include bright, clean & coppery. Naturally sweet, we find hints of molasses to fruity flavors. Finish is sweet and lingering.

Brewing suggestions. A teaspoon of leaf for 8-12 ounces of water at a temperature of 195-205 degrees F. Steep the leaves for two minutes and taste. This may be enough flavor or, if you'd like more taste, steep to 3 minutes, it will not over steep at that time. Leaves will yield multiple steeps.