Fujian
Black Tea
Spring
Full Oxidation
Jin Jun Mei is a premium, fully oxidized black tea (hong cha) from the Tongmuguan region of the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian Province, China. It is made exclusively from the buds of wild, high-altitude tea plants, resulting in a sweet, floral, and honey-like flavor profile.
Jin Jun Mei (金骏眉), meaning "Golden Beautiful Eyebrow," is a premium, fully oxidized black tea (hong cha) that emerged in the early 2000s from the Tongmuguan region within the Wuyi Mountains of Fujian Province, China. It is considered one of the finest black teas in the world.
Jin Jun Mei is made exclusively from the downy golden tips (buds) of wild, high-altitude tea plants (Camellia sinensis var. assamica) growing in the protected Tongmuguan nature reserve. The name refers to the golden color of the dry buds and their shape, which resembles an eyebrow.
Unlike traditional black teas, Jin Jun Mei is produced using techniques inspired by high-grade white tea processing, focusing on preserving the delicate nature of the unopened buds. This results in a tea with a smooth, sweet, floral, and honey-like flavor profile, distinctly different from robust, malty black teas.
Sweet honey, floral, orchid, with subtle fruity undertones
Smooth, sweet, honey-like, floral, complex and layered
Clean, sweet, lingering aftertaste with subtle floral notes
Jin Jun Mei was created around 2005 by tea master Jiang Guangjie (江光杰) and his team at the Zheng Shan Tang tea company. They were inspired by the techniques used for producing high-grade white teas and applied them to the processing of black tea buds from the Tongmuguan region.
The Tongmuguan region, part of the Wuyi Mountains UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a long history of tea production, including the famous Lapsang Souchong. Jin Jun Mei represents a modern innovation within this ancient tea culture.
The tea was designed to be a premium, delicate black tea that showcased the terroir of Tongmuguan using only the finest golden buds, creating a product distinct from traditional Chinese black teas known for their stronger, more robust flavors.
"Jin Jun Mei is the golden thread that connects the ancient art of Wuyi tea with modern refinement." — Master Tea Maker
Tongmuguan region produces Lapsang Souchong and other black teas.
Development of Jin Jun Mei begins by Zheng Shan Tang team.
Jin Jun Mei is officially created and launched.
Global recognition and demand for premium Jin Jun Mei increases.
Only the finest golden buds (unopened leaf tips) are hand-picked, usually in early spring. This is extremely labor-intensive as it takes many thousands of buds to produce one pound of tea.
Buds are spread out in a controlled environment (often using gentle air flow or minimal sun exposure) to reduce moisture content slowly, preserving the delicate structure and flavor precursors.
The buds are gently rolled by hand or in small batches to break down cell walls slightly, releasing juices and initiating the oxidation process. This step is done very carefully to avoid damaging the buds.
The rolled buds are spread in a humid, controlled environment for a specific period. Oxygen interacts with the leaf enzymes, turning the leaves dark and developing the characteristic black tea flavors and color. This step requires precise timing.
The oxidized leaves are heated in a wok or dryer to halt the oxidation process and remove remaining moisture, stabilizing the tea for storage. Temperature control is crucial to preserve the delicate flavors.
Careful Withering Process
"Each golden bud of Jin Jun Mei holds the essence of the mountain, crafted by the gentlest of hands." — Master Tea Maker
Use water at 90-95°C (194-203°F). Slightly below boiling to avoid bitterness.
First infusion: 30-60 seconds. Subsequent: Increase time gradually.
Use 3-5 grams of tea per 150-200 ml of water.
Use soft, filtered water for the best results.
Use a small vessel to concentrate the delicate flavors and aromas.
Can be steeped several times, with flavors evolving.
Focus on the subtle sweetness and floral notes.
Avoid boiling water to prevent scorching the delicate buds.
In TCM, black teas like Jin Jun Mei are generally considered to have a warm nature. They are believed to warm the stomach, aid digestion, and invigorate the body's Qi (vital energy). The sweet nature is thought to be nourishing.
As a premium tea made from buds, it is considered a refined and high-quality product, suitable for nourishing and balancing the body, especially in colder seasons.
Jin Jun Mei, as a fully oxidized tea, contains theaflavins and thearubigins, along with caffeine and L-theanine. The use of buds might concentrate certain compounds.
Research on black tea suggests potential benefits for cardiovascular health, digestive health, and antioxidant activity. The unique processing and origin may contribute specific bioactive compounds.
Contains theaflavins and thearubigins from oxidation.
Caffeine and L-theanine provide balanced alertness.
Potential benefits for cardiovascular function.
Traditionally consumed to support digestion.
Provides a gentle, sustained energy boost.
Contains fluoride and other minerals from the tea plant.
| Nutrient | Amount | Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 0 | 0% |
| Caffeine | 30-50mg | 6-10% |
| Antioxidants (Theaflavins, Thearubigins) | High | Significant |
| L-Theanine | Moderate | Beneficial |
| Fluoride | Moderate-High | Supportive |
| Minerals (Potassium, Magnesium) | Trace | Minimal |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Individual needs may vary.
Based on 0 reviews
英德红茶 (Yingde Hongcha), or Yingde Black Tea, is a premium Chinese black tea produced in Yingde City, Guangdong Province. Known for its bright red liquor, sweet aroma, and smooth, mellow taste with subtle fruity notes, it represents the unique terroir of southern China.
About Dian Hong Black Tea Dian Hong (滇红), meaning "Yunnan Red," is a premium Chinese black tea produced in Yunnan Province. It is known for its bold, malty flavor, rich color, and often golden tips,
Keemun, also known as Qimen Hongcha, is a premium Chinese black tea from Qimen County, Anhui Province. It is renowned for its distinctive aroma, often described as having notes of orchid, honey, and a unique smoky character known as 'Qi Men Xiang'.
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, brewing tips, and special offers.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.