Country of Origin: China
Region: Yunnan Province
Shipping Port: Shanghai
Grade: FTOP (Flowery Tippy Orange Pekoe)
Altitude: 4000 feet above sea level
Manufacture Type: Orthodox
Cup Characteristics: Excellent fullness with subtle China sweetness.
Only produced during March and April, when the mountain air is moist and
cool.
Infusion: Bright, with an origin specific character.
Ingredients: Luxury black tea
Information:
It is believed throughout the tea world that the Chinese province of
Yunnan, which borders Laos, Vietnam, Burma, and Tibet, is the birthplace
of the world’s first tea plantations. However, in direct contrast to
the soothing qualities of a cup of freshly brewed tea, the Yunnan tea
plantations, if legend is to be believed, were the byproduct of a
terrible war.
According to ancient Chinese military texts, during the ancient period
of the Chinese three kingdoms, (220-265 AD), a marauding army led by a
General Kong Ming, (at the time one of the most feared men in China),
conquered Yunnan province after invading it from nearby Hunan. Kong
Ming, besides being a brilliant military strategist, was also a man of
science, and specialized in botany. After conquering the province he
conducted a thorough survey of its topography and biology and deemed it
to be perfect for the cultivation of tea. Subsequently, the general
ordered 1000 of his men to plant tea seedlings they had brought with
them from Hunan and plant them throughout the highlands of Yunnan.
Whether or not the legend of Kong Ming is to be believed, the
environment and altitude of Yunnan province do create an absolutely
perfect environment for growing tea. The tea there is grown at very high
elevations ranging from 4500-6000 feet above sea level. (Interestingly
it is the height that gives the province its name; Yunnan translates
into English as “South cloud”). The altitude, combined with the warmth
and humidity of the highlands creates a natural greenhouse that Yunnan
tea plants thrive in. Ying Ming Yunnan, like most Yunnan teas is known
by its full-bodied and slightly sweet flavor. Brew a cup of this
fabulous tea yourself and the next time you hear the song “war, war,
what is good for?” at least you’ll know that it was good for at least
one thing.
Hot tea brewing method: Bring freshly drawn cold water to a rolling
boil. Place 1 teaspoon of tea for each cup into the teapot. Pour the
boiling water into the teapot. Cover and let steep for 3-7 minutes
according to taste (the longer the steeping time the stronger the tea).
Even though milk and a dash of sugar help enhance the flavor character
on this tea, it is perfectly acceptable to consume this tea
‘straight-up’