Huoshan Huangya Premium Yellow Tea

Huoshan Huangya Premium is a rare Yellow tea produced in the Huoshan County, Anhui Province. This yellow tea is a hidden gem for most tea enthusiasts in the West. It is known that Huoshan Huangya was one of the teas that was revered as a tribute to the Chinese court from the Tang Dynasty (618–906 AD) to the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911).

This tea is usually harvested in early April and includes only cuttings with one bud and one leaf or one bud with two unopened leaves. The meticulous processing includes a crucial step called "men huan" (sealing yellow), where the tea is lightly fermented and wrapped to develop its characteristic yellow hue and mellow flavor. Huoshan Huangya smells fresh and refreshing, floral and bright, with a subtle chestnut fragrance. It tastes soft and thick, sweet and reminiscent of buttered sweet corn.

If you'd like to know what drinking this tea is like, you can read this: Huoshan Huangya - A Sip of Sunlight.

More about Yellow tea and its production and Why is Yellow Tea so rare?

Tasting Notes

Huoshan Huangya yellow tea is celebrated for its delicate and complex flavor profile:
- Aroma: The dry leaves emit a subtle, sweet aroma with hints of chestnut, fresh grass, and a touch of floral notes.
- Flavor: When brewed, the tea offers a smooth, mild taste with prominent notes of chestnut, sweet corn, and a slight vegetal undertone. There is a gentle sweetness and a hint of floral freshness that balances the flavor profile.
- Finish: The finish is clean and lingering, leaving a delicate sweetness and a refreshing, slightly nutty aftertaste.

Health Benefits

Huoshan Huangya yellow tea provides several health benefits:
- Antioxidants: Rich in polyphenols and catechins, which help combat oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Digestive Health: Known to aid digestion and promote gut health.
- Calm Alertness: Contains moderate caffeine levels, providing a gentle energy boost without the jitters.
- Detoxification: May support the body’s natural detoxification processes.

Brewing Tips

Chinese Gongfu Method (5oz / 150ml):

1. Tea Leaf-to-Water Ratio: Use approximately 5-7 grams of Huoshan Huangya Yellow 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 75-80°C (167-176°F). This lower temperature range helps to preserve the delicate flavors and aroma of the yellow tea.

3. Brewing Time:
   - First Infusion: Steep for about 40 seconds. This initial longer steeping time allows the tightly curled leaves of Huoshan Huangya to unfurl and release their flavors gradually.
   - Subsequent Infusions: Increase the steeping time slightly for each subsequent infusion. For example, steep for 50 seconds for the second infusion, then adjust based on taste preference. Huoshan Huangya Yellow Tea can typically be steeped multiple times (3-4 infusions or more) using this method, with each infusion bringing out different nuances of its sweet and floral 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 at around 75-80°C (167-176°F), similar to Gongfu brewing.

3. Brewing Time:
   - Steep Time: Steep Huoshan Huangya Yellow Tea for 3-4 minutes. This longer steeping time allows the tea leaves to fully unfurl and release their delicate flavors into the larger volume of water, resulting in a smooth and aromatic cup of tea.

Cultural Significance

Huoshan Huangya yellow tea holds an important place in Chinese tea culture:
- Heritage: Originating from Huoshan County, this tea is deeply rooted in the local tea traditions and represents the artisanal skill involved in its production.
- Ceremony: Although yellow tea is less commonly used in formal Chinese tea ceremonies compared to green or black teas, its unique processing and refined flavor make it a cherished part of tea connoisseurship.
- Rarity: Yellow tea, including Huoshan Huangya, is relatively rare and less known compared to other types of Chinese teas, making it a prized possession for tea enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Huoshan Huangya yellow tea is a remarkable example of the delicate art of Chinese tea-making. Its subtle, complex flavor profile, coupled with its health benefits and cultural significance, makes it a highly valued tea. By following proper brewing techniques, one can fully appreciate the nuanced flavors and historical importance of this exceptional yellow tea.

• Collected: 2024
• Origin: Huoshan County, LuAn City, Anhui Province, China
• Taste: Very sweet and nutty taste as well as an unusual green-yellow color.