Yunnan Province boasts abundant tea resources and a rich history of tea culture, nurturing numerous historical teas. Here are some representative historical teas from Yunnan:
Pu-erh Tea
Pu-erh tea is one of Yunnan’s most iconic teas, renowned for its unique fermentation process and the quality that improves with age. It comes in two varieties: raw (sheng) and ripe (shu). Raw Pu-erh has a greenish hue, while ripe Pu-erh is reddish-brown and offers a rich, full-bodied flavor. It’s celebrated not only for its taste but also for its health benefits, including weight loss and blood pressure regulation, earning it the title “King of Teas.”
Dianhong Tea
Dianhong tea is a representative variety of Yunnan black tea, distinguished by its deep, dark color, strong aroma, and rich flavor. Made from the fresh leaves of Yunnan large-leaf tea trees, it undergoes withering, rolling, fermentation, and drying processes. Dianhong tea is regarded as a top-tier black tea in China.
Xiguan Tuo Tea
Xiguan Tuo tea is a specialty from the Xiguan area in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, known for its unique shape and production process. Using high-quality sun-dried green tea as raw material, it is carefully processed to achieve a compact, well-formed shape with a deep, dark color and fragrant aroma. The brew is bright orange-yellow, offering a refreshing taste with a sweet aftertaste. Xiguan Tuo tea is valued not only for its health benefits but also as a collectible art piece.
Yunlong Tea
Yunlong tea, produced in Yunlong County of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, is a green tea with a strong local character. It is known for its bright green color, refreshing aroma, and sweet, vibrant taste. Grown in a unique high-altitude, misty environment, Yunlong tea is a gem of Yunnan tea culture.
Qizi Cake Tea
Qizi Cake tea is a traditional Yunnan tea recognized for its distinctive shape and aroma. It resembles a cake, with a reddish-brown hue and a unique fragrance, providing a rich flavor. This tea not only refreshes and aids digestion but is also a highly collectible variety.
