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Chinese Loose Leaf Tea
An Introduction to China Teas
Chinese loose leaf tea has always been known as China tea. China has the longest history of producing tea. These comprise all the major categories namely black, green, oolong, white and yellow teas. There are ten Famous Teas acknowledged for their quality and distinctive characters. Before the end of Imperial China in 1912 these fabulous teas were known as Tribute Teas presented to Emperors over the last four dynasties, starting with the Tang in 618 AD. We stock all ten of these teas and they are amongst the very best in the world. These include green teas which China mainly drinks such as Huang Shan Mao Feng and An Lu Gua Pian; black teas such as Keemun and Da Hong Pao to oolongs such as Tie Guan Yin and white teas such as Biahao Yinzhen. Here you will find all China’s Famous Teas.
Green China Tea
Green China Teas are produced in provinces such as Fujian, Jiangsu, Anhui, Yunnan, Zhejiang and Guangdong.In particular we stock several China Green Tea with Jasmine
Black China Tea
Black China teas have been produced since the 18th century as the oxidation process was shown to reduce the perishibility of teas on their long voyage to Europe. China Keemun teas(known as the Burgundy of teas) have been popular for centuries …Lapsang Souchong teas are unique smoky teas. Their large leaves have been fired over pinewood. They have an enthusiastic following. Black Yunnan Teas are traditionally black, unlike most China teas. We stock several of these sweetish, well rounded teas with good body.
China Oolong Tea
China Oolong Tea originates from mainland China and Taiwan (Formosa). They are semi-fermented (oxidised) teas that have a distinct earthy and aromatic quality.
China White Tea
China White Tea is picked only a few day each year in areas that have just the right atmospheric conditions. They are either traditional budset (two leaves and a bud) or more modern style pickings of very young downy white buds and leaf shoots. They are very mild and have the lowest caffeine levels of any teas.
China Yellow Tea
China Yellow Tea is picked so young, before white teas, that the buds are still green. They are then steamed before firing. This fastidious process means that few yellow teas are produced these days. They are lush, fresh tasting and grassy with a certain sweetness.
Flavoured China Tea
Flavoured China Tea. Several China teas have traditionally been flavoured with flowers such as jasmine or rose. They may be based upon either green or black teas.
Map of the Tea Producing Provinces of China
See our page on the Chinese tea growing areas from where Chinese loose leaf teas originate.
Exploring China teas of all types is a source of much pleasure and will give an understanding of the great skill with which good teas are made. Furthermore, appreciating these teas will help give you an insight into other teas from noted tea growing areas which learned (or stole!) their techniques developed in China over the centuries.