What is the origin of Yunnan black tea?
It is in China, the birthplace of tea, that Yunnan black tea is grown. More precisely, in Yunnan province, in the south-west of the country, a region bordering Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam. The hot, humid tropical climate makes the jungle lush and the land particularly fertile (hence Yunnan’s name, “red earth”). The region is also mountainous (with the snow-capped Cangshan Mountains, rising to an altitude of 4,122 metres), and produces a wide variety of fruit, vegetables... as well as particularly renowned tea. Both the climate, which is conducive to the growth of tea plants, and the very pure mountain waters that flow there explain the exceptional quality of the tea leaves grown there.
Did you know that other teas are grown in this region of the world?
- Pu Erh black tea
- Some green and white teas
- And even Oolong tea
A sign that the environment brings together all the conditions needed for tea leaves to grow optimally!
What does Yunnan Tuocha black tea taste like?
This remarkable Chinese black tea is renowned for its subtle taste of damp earth and its delicate bitterness. It may seem contradictory, but it is a tea that is at once smooth, mellow and full-bodied, with woody and mineral notes. Some find a honeyed note in the leaves. This black tea pairs equally well with breakfast toast - with a splash of milk, as the English do - or with meat such as veal, chicken, duck breast or foie gras.
What are the characteristics of Yunnan Tuocha tea leaves?
Yunnan black tea has the same characteristics as other black teas. Unlike green tea or white tea, black tea remains exposed to the air for longer after harvesting, allowing it to undergo natural oxidation. As with other cut plants, exposure to oxygen causes the tissues to darken. This oxidation affects the tea leaves and the colour of the infusion: black tea produces a darker-coloured brew, sometimes even resembling coffee. Another characteristic is that black tea can be kept intact for several years. It is easy to understand why it was long the most widely consumed tea in Europe, as it took time for tea leaves to travel from other parts of the world…
What are the health benefits of Yunnan black tea?
Yunnan tea: a stimulant, not an excitant
Yunnan black tea shares benefits with all black teas. Due to its production process, black tea is the most concentrated in theine (caffeine). If you are looking for a noticeable effect on your energy levels, without the stimulating effect of coffee, this black tea can give you a little boost. That is why black tea is said to be a stimulant, not an excitant. A cup of Yunnan tea is ideal in the morning at breakfast or during a break in the day.
Did you know that theine and caffeine come from the same molecule? Yes, they actually refer to the same thing, except that they do not have the same effects on the body. Caffeine is released almost immediately in the body, providing a boost, while theine is released steadily throughout the day, delivering soothing energy.
Why do we speak of soothing energy? Because Yunnan tea, like its fellow black teas, contains L-theanine, an amino acid that may have an effect on stress and anxiety levels. It is thanks to L-theanine that tea has little or no impact on nervousness levels, unlike coffee on occasion. Not bad, is it?
Yunnan tea contains antioxidants
But Yunnan black tea leaves offer other benefits. Their high theaflavin content may help combat headaches and anxiety, as well as prevent cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events thanks to the presence of antioxidants.
Yes, antioxidants are very important for health! They help fight premature cell ageing and the development of certain diseases.
Makes you want to drink a cup of tea, doesn’t it?
Choosing the right Yunnan black tea leaves for quality tea
For quality, choose organic Yunnan tea
At Kusmi, we recommend choosing organic Yunnan tea and, if possible, loose-leaf tea. This way, you can be sure of enjoying quality tea that is pesticide-free and environmentally friendly. The organic label guarantees checks during the production and manufacture of the product.
Kusmi Tea organic black teas
At Kusmi, like all our other products, Grand Yunnan N°21 black tea is organically grown and available loose-leaf, because it is good for the planet. The perfect way to make the most of all the benefits this tea has to offer! It is ideal with breakfast or for a well-deserved afternoon tea break!
How do you prepare Yunnan Tuocha tea?
You can enjoy all the benefits of this tea, provided you prepare it properly. Heat water to 80°C; take care with the temperature, as water that is too hot can alter the flavour and the properties of black tea leaves. Once the water is hot, use your infuser and add a teaspoon of tea. Leave to infuse for 2 to 3 minutes. Your Yunnan tea is ready! The infusion time can be adjusted to suit your taste: leaves infused for longer will have a stronger, more pronounced flavour when enjoyed. Conversely, a shorter infusion time will produce a lighter tea on the palate.
Our reviews of Yunnan black tea
This tea is perfect for black tea lovers thanks to its unique flavour. We love drinking it at breakfast because it pairs wonderfully with toast. Its caffeine content will gently wake you up while providing the energy you need to get through your day. You can add a splash of milk, English-style! Ideally, we recommend buying organic loose-leaf tea to enjoy quality tea and benefit from all the health-promoting properties of Yunnan Tuocha tea.