Profile : Organic Keemun Panda #1
Loose - Organic - China Black Tea
March 12, 2019
CUP CHARACTERISTICS: Lovely burgundy depth with light hints of an oak cask. A tea to serve during hectic or quiet times.
Ingredients: Black tea* *Organic Certified Organic by Pro-Cert Organic Systems
INGREDIENTS FROM: Anhui Province
REGION(S): China
SHIPPING PORT(S): Shanghai
GROWING ALTITUDES: 1500 - 4900 feet above sea level
GRADE(S): Panda Grade #1
MANUFACTURE TYPE(S): Special Keemun Orthodox
ANTIOXIDANT LEVEL: Medium
CAFFEINE LEVEL: Medium
VEGETARIAN: Yes
VEGAN: Yes
INFUSION: Bright tending reddish
INFORMATION:
Of
all the China black teas available Keemun Panda #1 is probably one of
the best known. Keemun is one of the congou-type teas; meaning it
requires a great deal of gongfu, (disciplined skill) to make into fine
taut strips without breaking the leaves. Interestingly the characters in
the written Chinese script for time and labor are the same as those
used for 'gongfu'. It is often said that a properly produced Keemun
such as Panda #1 is one of the finest teas in the world with a complex
aromatic and penetrating character often compared to burgundy wines.
Traditionally keemuns were used in English Breakfast tea.
In
the early 1800's tea was such the rage in England there was a danger
that the British treasury would be drained because all the silver was
being used to pay the Chinese for tea. The Chinese did not need
textiles, one of Britain's main exports- so what to do??? India and
Burma produced significant quantities of opium and in due course China
became a major market. The economic circle that evolved was as follows:
Opium from India was sent to the British merchants stationed in Canton,
China. The Chinese paid for this in silver and the merchants received
credits against debts in England. This silver was then used to pay the
Chinese for their tea. This practice led to wars between England and
China - called The Opium Wars. The last war was won by the British in
1860 which led to opium being a legal commodity in China until 1908 when
it was finally outlawed.
Keemun black tea was only produced
after 1875 - against the grain of the Chinese practice of producing
green teas. The English palate was finely attuned to fine black tea and
with virtually unrestricted trade with opium and tea, Keemun rapidly
became an English staple, notwithstanding that keemuns were particularly
flavorful and full bodied. This interest in Keemun also came about as
some describe the taste and aroma of Keemun's as reminiscent of toast
hot from the oven - another British tradition. Keemun is one the
best-keeping black teas. Fine specimens will keep for years if stored
properly and take on a mellow winey character.