Huan Jing Gui / Golden Osmanthus Oolong Tea

Huang Jin Gui, which translates to "Golden Osmanthus," is a premium oolong tea from Anxi County in Fujian Province, China. It is renowned for its unique flavor profile, delicate aroma, and cultural significance. This oolong is somewhat similar to Tieguanyin, with only a little oxidation. It has a very flowery, delicate aroma without the astringency of a green tea or the heaviness of a Red/Black Tea.

Characteristics:

- Origin: Huang Jin Gui tea originates from Anxi County in Fujian Province, China, famous for producing various oolong teas.
- Leaf Appearance: The leaves of Huang Jin Gui are tightly rolled into small, dense balls or strips, often with a greenish-yellow hue, resembling cassia (osmanthus) leaves.
- Processing Style: It undergoes a light to medium level of oxidation, between green and black teas, giving it a balanced flavor profile.

Flavor and Aroma:

- Flavor: Huang Jin Gui tea is known for its sweet and floral flavor, reminiscent of osmanthus flowers. It has a smooth and mellow taste with hints of honey and a subtle vegetal undertone.
- Aroma: The aroma is rich and fragrant, with pronounced floral notes similar to osmanthus flowers. There are also hints of orchid and honey, creating a captivating and inviting scent.

Tasting Notes:

- First Infusion: Refreshing and floral with a sweet, honey-like finish.
- Subsequent Infusions: Develop a deeper complexity with more pronounced floral notes and a lingering sweetness.

Processing:

- Plucking: The tea leaves are hand-picked, often in the spring, to ensure the highest quality and freshness.
- Withering: Leaves are spread out to wither briefly, reducing moisture content.
- Shaking: This step helps to bruise the edges of the leaves slightly, enhancing oxidation.
- Oxidation: Huang Jin Gui undergoes a light to medium level of oxidation, allowing the flavors to develop without becoming too robust.
- Firing: The oxidation process is halted by firing or roasting the leaves to preserve their freshness and delicate flavor.

Cultivation and Harvest:

- Huang Jin Gui tea is cultivated in the mountainous regions of Anxi County, where the moderate climate, fertile soil, and misty weather contribute to its unique flavor.
- The tea bushes are often grown at elevations ranging from 500 to 800 meters above sea level.

Appearance:
- Dry Huang Jin Gui tea leaves are tightly rolled into small, dense balls or strips. The color ranges from greenish-yellow to golden.
- When brewed, the tea leaves unfurl to reveal whole leaves and buds, and the liquor ranges from pale yellow to golden amber.

Health Benefits:

- Like other oolong teas, Huang Jin Gui contains antioxidants such as catechins and polyphenols, which may contribute to various health benefits including supporting heart health, aiding digestion, and boosting metabolism.
- It also contains caffeine, providing a mild energy boost.

Brewing Tips:

Chinese Gongfu Method (5oz / 150ml):

1. Tea Leaf-to-Water Ratio: Use approximately 6-8 grams of Huan Jing Gui Oolong Tea for 150 ml (5 oz) of water. This ratio allows for a higher concentration suitable for Gongfu brewing.

2. Water Temperature: Heat water to around 90-95°C (194-203°F). This temperature range helps to extract the full range of flavors from the oolong tea leaves.

3. Brewing Time:
   - First Infusion: Steep for about 30-40 seconds. This initial short steeping time allows the tightly rolled oolong leaves to unfurl and release their flavors gradually.
   - Subsequent Infusions: Increase the steeping time slightly for each subsequent infusion. For example, steep for 40-50 seconds for the second infusion, then adjust based on taste preference. Huan Jing Gui Oolong Tea can typically be steeped multiple times (3-4 infusions or more) using this method, with each infusion revealing different layers of its floral and fruity notes.

Cup Method (8.8oz / 250ml):

1. Tea Leaf-to-Water Ratio: Adjust based on personal preference for tea strength. 

2. Water Temperature: Use water just below boiling, around 95°C (203°F).

3. Brewing Time:
   - Steep Time: Steep Huan Jing Gui Oolong Tea for 3-4 minutes. This longer steeping time allows the tea leaves to fully unfurl and release their floral and fruity flavors into the larger volume of water, resulting in a fragrant and flavorful cup of tea.

Cultural Significance:

- Huang Jin Gui tea holds cultural significance in Chinese tea culture, appreciated for its delicate flavor, floral aroma, and the craftsmanship involved in its production.
- It is often enjoyed during special occasions and ceremonies, reflecting its status as a symbol of elegance and refinement.
- Huang Jin Gui tea competitions are held annually to assess the quality of different harvests, highlighting its importance and prestige among tea connoisseurs.

In summary, Huang Jin Gui tea stands out for its sweet floral notes, balanced flavor, and cultural heritage. It represents a harmonious blend of nature's bounty, artisanal skill, and cultural tradition, making it a cherished oolong tea variety enjoyed by tea enthusiasts worldwide.

• Collected: 2024
• Origin: Anxi in Fujian province, China
• Taste: Refreshing taste with floral and creamy notes