Yunnan China is a full-leaf black tea from Yunnan Province in southwestern China — the geographic origin of all Camellia sinensis tea plants. Yunnan black teas (known in China as Dian Hong) are distinguished from other Chinese black teas by their characteristic golden tips, peppery bite, and honey-malt sweetness. The broad-leaf assamica variety grown in Yunnan’s tropical highlands produces leaves with higher levels of polyphenols than the small-leaf Chinese sinensis, giving Yunnan teas their distinctive full-bodied character.
The production method is fully orthodox: withering, rolling, oxidation, and careful firing to preserve the golden tips. Unlike broken-grade teas, whole-leaf Yunnan presents the full complexity of the leaf’s aromatic compounds.
In the cup, Yunnan China brews a bright reddish-amber with golden undertones. The aroma is honey-malt with a distinctive peppery note. The body is medium-full, sweet, and smooth, with a warming finish.
Brew at 195°F for 3–4 minutes. Use 2–3 grams per 8-ounce cup.