What is the origin of Yunnan black tea?
It is in China, the cradle of tea, that Yunnan black tea is grown. More precisely in the province of Yunnan, in the southwest of the country, a border region with Burma, Laos and Vietnam. The tropical climate, hot and humid, makes the jungle lush and the land particularly fertile (hence the name “red soil” of Yunnan). The region is also mountainous (with the snow-capped Cangshan Mountains, peaking at 4,122 meters above sea level), and produces a wide variety of fruits, vegetables... as well as particularly famous tea. It is both the climate, conducive to the development of tea plants, and the very pure mountain waters that flow there, which explain the high quality of the tea leaves grown.
Did you know that other teas are grown in this region of the world?
- Pu Erh black tea
- Some green teas and white teas
- And even Oolong tea
A sign that the environment meets all the conditions for the tea leaves to grow optimally!
What does Yunnan Tuocha black tea taste like?
This remarkable black tea from China is renowned for its slight taste of damp earth and its discreet bitterness. This may seem contradictory, but it is a tea that is both sweet, mellow and full-bodied, with woody and mineral flavors. Some find in the leaves a honeyed side. This black tea goes well with breakfast sandwiches - by adding a touch of milk, as the English do - and with meat, such as veal, chicken, duck breast or foie gras.
What are the particularities of Yunnan Tuocha tea leaves?
Yunnan black tea includes the same characteristics as others black teas. Unlike the green tea or at white tea,black tea will remain in the open air longer after harvest, in order to undergo natural oxidation. As is the case with other cut plants, exposure to oxygen causes tissue to darken. This oxidation affects the tea leaves and the color of the infusion: black tea will give a tea of a darker color, sometimes going so far as to resemble coffee. Another particularity: black tea can be kept, intact, for several years. We understand why it was for a long time the most consumed tea in Europe, since it took time for the tea leaves to travel from other regions of the world...
What are the health benefits of Yunnan black tea?
Yunnan tea, a stimulant but not an exciter
The Yunnan black tea has common benefits to all black teas. Due to its manufacturing process, black tea is the most concentrated in theine (caffeine). If you are looking for a convincing effect on your energy level, without achieving the exciting effect of coffee, this black tea can give you a little boost. This is why black tea is said to be a stimulant but not an exciting one. A cup of Yunnan tea Drinks very well in the morning for breakfast or during a break during the day.
Did you know that theine and caffeine come from the same molecule? And yes, they actually mean the same thing, except that they do not have the same effects on the body. The caffeine will be released almost immediately in the body providing a boost, while theine will diffuse constantly throughout the day delivering a calming energy.
Why do we talk about calming energy? Because Yunnan tea, like its black tea cousins, has L-theanine, an amino acid which would have an action on the level of stress and anxiety. It is thanks to L-theanine that tea has little or no impact on the level of nervousness, unlike coffee sometimes. Not bad, right?
Yunnan tea contains antioxidants
But Yunnan black tea leaves include other benefits. Their high content of theaflavins helps fight headaches and anxiety. As well as preventing cardiovascular or cerebral accidents, thanks to the presence of antioxidants.
Because yes, antioxidants are very important for health! They help fight against premature aging of cells 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 to drink quality tea
To buy quality, opt for organic Yunnan tea
At Kusmi, we recommend that you opt for a organic Yunnan tea and if possible in bulk. This way, you ensure that you have quality tea, pesticide-free and environmentally friendly. Theorganic designation guarantees controls during production and product development.
Kusmi Tea organic black teas
At Kusmi, like all our other products, the Grand Yunnan N°21 black tea comes from organic farming, and available in bulk, because it’s good for the planet. Enough to make the most of all the benefits that this tea has! It will be perfect to accompany a breakfast or a well-deserved snack break!
How to prepare Yunnan Tuocha tea?
You will be able to benefit from all the benefits that this tea has, provided you prepare it correctly. Heat water to 80°C, pay attention to the temperature because water that is too hot can alter the taste and virtues of black tea leaves. Once the water is hot, use your infuser and pour in a teaspoon of tea. Leave to infuse for 2 to 3 minutes. Your Yunnan tea is ready! The infusion time can be adjusted according to your tastes; leaves infused for longer will have a stronger and more pronounced taste when consumed. Conversely, a shorter infusion time will give a lighter tea in the mouth.
Our opinion on Yunnan black tea
This tea is perfect for black tea lovers because of its unique taste. We like to eat it for breakfast because it goes very well with toast. Its caffeine content will wake you up gently but provide the energy you need to get through your day. You can add a touch of milk like the English way! Preferably, we recommend that you purchase a organic tea in bulk to consume quality and benefit from all the beneficial health properties of Yunnan Tuocha tea.