Yingshan Black Tea

Yingshan Black Tea – Small Leaf Red Tea from Hubei (英山红茶)

Delicately Twisted Chinese Black Tea with a Sweet, Fruity Aroma
Clean • Bright • Silky

A soft and balanced black tea from the quiet mountains of Hubei.

Yingshan Black Tea (英山红茶) is a lesser-known gem from Yingshan County in Hubei Province, made from local small-leaf tea bushes grown in misty hills at moderate elevation. This red tea (black tea) is hand-harvested and twisted into elegant strands that brew a cup that’s silky, floral, and naturally sweet, with no bitterness.

While not as bold as Yunnan reds or as roasted as Wuyi teas, Yingshan Black offers a clean, fragrant, and easy-drinking profile—perfect for those seeking a lighter, refined black tea with depth and clarity.

Why You’ll Love Yingshan Black Tea

• Clean and silky—no bitterness or heaviness
• Aromatic and naturally sweet with floral–fruity depth
• Ideal for those who enjoy lighter black teas
• Handcrafted from local Hubei small-leaf varietals
• A rare find outside China, now available in fresh spring harvest

Tasting Notes

• Floral top notes of osmanthus and gardenia
• Sweet base with hints of red fruit, sugarcane, and sweet potato
• Light cocoa finish with a smooth body
• Balanced, clear, and comforting with lingering sweetness

Tea Profile

• Type: Chinese Black Tea (Red Tea, 红茶)
• Style: Twisted small-leaf black tea
• Origin: Yingshan County, Hubei Province, China
• Cultivar: Local small-leaf Hubei variety
• Harvest: Spring 2025
• Craftsmanship: Hand-picked, twisted, oxidized, and low-fired
• Appearance: Curled dark strands with reddish tips; clear amber liquor
• Collected: 2025

Processing

Yingshan Black Tea is made with delicate care:

1. Harvest – Small bud-and-leaf sets picked in early spring
2. Withering – Indoor and shaded to preserve floral notes
3. Rolling – Twisted gently to release oils
4. Oxidation – Slow and controlled for a fragrant profile
5. Drying – Low-temperature finishing to lock in aroma and sweetness

The result is a tea that is clean, subtle, and fragrant, with a natural floral complexity that unfolds across steeps.

Health Benefits

• Naturally uplifting, without overstimulation
• Easy on the stomach—low astringency, low acidity
• Rich in polyphenols, theanine, and natural antioxidants
• Ideal for daily drinking or gentle focus sessions

Brewing Instructions

Gongfu Method (5 oz / 150 ml)

• Tea amount: 5–6 grams
• Water temperature: 90–95°C / 194–203°F
• Rinse: Optional (3–5 sec)
• Infusions:
• 1st: 25–30 sec
• 2nd: 30–40 sec
• 3rd–5th: Increase gradually
• Tip: Porcelain or glass teaware brings out its light floral notes

Cup Method (8.8 oz / 250 ml)

• Tea amount: Adjust based on personal preference for tea strength.
• Water temperature: 90°C / 194°F
• Steep time: 2.5–3 minutes
• Re-steep: 2–3 times
• Note: This tea is naturally sweet—no sugar or milk needed

Cultural Significance

Yingshan is located near the Dabie Mountains, an area known for cloud-wrapped valleys and traditional tea cultivation. While the region is more famous for its green teas, this red tea has quietly earned a reputation for being refined, balanced, and beautifully aromatic—a true hidden treasure of central China.

Perfect for those who enjoy the grace of lighter teas with red tea warmth, Yingshan Black is gentle yet expressive.