Lychee Black Tea

Lychee Black Tea is a flavored black tea that incorporates the sweet and aromatic essence of lychee fruit. Here’s a detailed description covering various aspects of Lychee Black Tea:

Characteristics:

- Origin: Lychee Black Tea blends are crafted by infusing high-quality black tea leaves with natural lychee flavor or extracts.
- Leaf Appearance: The appearance of the tea leaves can vary depending on the specific blend. Typically, it consists of black tea leaves that may be whole leaves or broken into smaller pieces, infused with dried lychee fruit pieces or flavoring.
- Processing Style: The base black tea undergoes standard processing techniques, followed by the addition of lychee flavoring during or after processing.

Flavor and Aroma:

- Flavor: Lychee Black Tea is known for its sweet and fruity flavor, reminiscent of fresh lychee fruit. The tea itself provides a robust and malty base, while the lychee flavor adds a layer of sweetness and floral notes.
- Aroma: The aroma is intensely fruity and floral, with prominent notes of lychee. It has a refreshing and enticing fragrance that combines the natural aroma of black tea with the sweetness of lychee.

Tasting Notes:

- First Sip: Sweet and fruity, with a balanced combination of black tea robustness and lychee sweetness.
- Subsequent Sips: Maintain a consistent flavor profile with the sweetness of lychee lingering on the palate.

Processing:

- Plucking: The tea leaves used for Lychee Black Tea are typically harvested from Camellia sinensis tea bushes, similar to those used for regular black tea production.
- Withering: Leaves undergo withering to reduce moisture content.
- Rolling: Rolled to release enzymes that start oxidation.
- Oxidation: Leaves are fully oxidized to develop the characteristic robust flavor of black tea.
- Flavoring: After oxidation, the tea leaves are infused or blended with natural lychee flavoring or extracts. Some variations may include dried lychee fruit pieces for added visual appeal.

Cultivation and Harvest:

- Lychee Black Tea blends can be produced in various tea-growing regions worldwide, where black tea cultivation is common.
- The tea bushes are grown in subtropical or tropical climates suitable for black tea production, often in regions known for their rich tea-growing traditions.

Appearance:
- Dry Lychee Black Tea leaves vary in appearance depending on the specific blend. They are typically dark brown to black in color, sometimes with visible pieces of dried lychee fruit or flavoring particles.
- When brewed, the tea liquor ranges from amber to reddish-brown, depending on the strength of the brew and the amount of lychee flavoring present.

Health Benefits:

- Lychee Black Tea retains the health benefits associated with black tea, such as antioxidants that may help support cardiovascular health and boost immunity.
- It provides hydration and contains caffeine, which can help improve alertness and mental focus.

Brewing Tips:

Chinese Gongfu Method (5oz / 150ml):

1. Tea Leaf-to-Water Ratio: Use approximately 5-7 grams of Lychee Black 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 95-100°C (203-212°F). This high temperature helps to extract the full-bodied flavors of the black tea while also infusing the lychee aroma.

3. Brewing Time:
   - First Infusion: Steep for about 20-30 seconds to start. This short initial steeping time allows the tea leaves to unfurl and release their flavors without over-extracting the black tea or lychee notes.
   - Subsequent Infusions: Increase the steeping time slightly for each subsequent infusion. For example, steep for 30-40 seconds for the second infusion, then adjust based on taste preference. Lychee Black Tea can typically be steeped multiple times (3-4 infusions or more) using this method, with each infusion revealing different layers of flavor.

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 Lychee Black Tea for 3-4 minutes. This longer steeping time allows the flavors to fully develop in the larger volume of water, resulting in a balanced infusion of black tea richness and sweet lychee aroma.

Cultural Significance:

- Lychee Black Tea is appreciated for its unique flavor combination and is enjoyed as a refreshing beverage.
- It may be served hot or cold, depending on personal preference and cultural traditions.
- In some cultures, lychee fruit is considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity, which may enhance the cultural significance of Lychee Black Tea as a special and enjoyable treat.

In summary, Lychee Black Tea offers a delightful fusion of black tea’s robustness with the sweet and floral essence of lychee fruit. It appeals to tea enthusiasts seeking a flavorful and aromatic beverage experience that combines tradition with exotic fruit flavors.

• Collected: 2024
• Origin: China
• Taste: Sweet and fruity, with a balanced combination of black tea robustness and lychee sweetness.