Yingde Hongcha(Yingde Black Tea)

Origin

Guangdong

Category

Black Tea

Harvest Time

Spring & Summer

Processing

Full Oxidation

Description

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 英德红茶 (Yingde Hongcha)

英德红茶 (Yingde Hongcha), or Yingde Black Tea, is a premium Chinese black tea produced in Yingde City, Guangdong Province. It is known for its bright red liquor, sweet aroma, and smooth, mellow taste with subtle fruity notes, representing the unique terroir of southern China.

The tea is typically made from large-leaf varieties of the Camellia sinensis plant, often the Keemun or Assamica types, which thrive in the warm, humid climate and red soil of the region. This environment contributes to its distinctive character.

Yingde Hongcha is appreciated for its balance of sweetness and strength, often producing a liquor that is both full-bodied and refined, sometimes exhibiting a subtle honey or stone fruit character.

Key Characteristics

  • Appearance: Dark, often with golden tips
  • Aroma: Sweet, fruity, sometimes honey-like
  • Flavor: Smooth, mellow, sweet, with fruity notes
  • Liquor: Bright, clear red color
  • Grade: Varies; higher grades often have more refined flavor

Tasting Notes

👃

Aroma

Sweet, fruity, honey-like

👅

Flavor

Smooth, mellow, sweet, with subtle fruitiness

Finish

Clean, sweet, lingering with fruity notes

History & Origin of 英德红茶

Yingde Tea Plantations

A Modern Development (20th Century)

英德红茶 (Yingde Hongcha) was developed in the mid-20th century, primarily in the 1950s and 1960s, as part of efforts to expand black tea production in China beyond the traditional regions like Yunnan and Anhui.

Yingde City in Guangdong Province, already known for its suitable climate and soil conditions, began cultivating black tea varieties using imported or adapted tea plants and processing techniques.

It has since gained recognition as a distinct regional black tea, prized for its unique characteristics derived from Guangdong's specific terroir.

"英德红茶 carries the warmth of Guangdong's southern sun in a cup of golden-red brilliance." — Ancient Tea Saying

Historical Timeline

1950s-1960s

Development of 英德红茶 (Yingde Hongcha) production in Guangdong.

1970s-1980s

Establishment of production standards and regional recognition.

1990s-Present

Growing appreciation as a distinct regional Chinese black tea.

Traditional Processing Method

1. Plucking

Leaves are hand-picked, often using standards like "one bud and two to three leaves". Harvesting typically occurs in spring and summer when the leaves are optimal for black tea.

2. Withering

Fresh leaves are spread out in thin layers and allowed to wither, reducing moisture content and making them pliable for the next steps. This can be done under the sun or in controlled indoor environments.

3. Rolling

The leaves are rolled to break down cell walls, releasing essential oils and juices, initiating the oxidation process. This step also shapes the leaves.

4. Oxidation

The rolled leaves are spread in a humid, controlled environment. Oxygen interacts with the leaf enzymes, turning the leaves dark and developing the characteristic black tea flavors, color, and aroma. This is the most critical step for black tea.

5. Drying

The oxidized leaves are heated in a dryer to halt the oxidation process and remove remaining moisture, stabilizing the tea for storage and enhancing the final aroma.

Tea Processing

Controlled Oxidation Process

"The art of 英德红茶 lies in the craftsman's understanding of Guangdong's terroir." — Master Tea Maker

Brewing Guide for 英德红茶

Essential Brewing Parameters

Water Temperature

Use water at 95-100°C (203-212°F). Boiling water is suitable for this robust tea.

Steeping Time

First infusion: 3-5 minutes. Subsequent: Adjust to taste.

Tea to Water Ratio

Use 3-5 grams of tea per 150-200 ml of water.

Water Quality

Use soft, filtered water for the best results.

Brewing Steps

  1. Warm the teapot or cup with hot water and discard.
  2. Measure 3-5 grams of 英德红茶 leaves.
  3. Heat water to 95-100°C.
  4. Pour water over the leaves.
  5. Steep for 3-5 minutes for the first infusion.
  6. Pour the liquor into cups.
  7. Can be steeped multiple times (2-4+ infusions).

Brewing Tips from Masters

Porcelain or Glass

Allows appreciation of the liquor's bright color.

Multiple Infusions

Can be steeped several times, with flavors evolving.

Appreciate Sweetness

Focus on the smooth, sweet, fruity character.

Afternoon Tea

Its balance suits afternoon consumption.

Health Benefits of 英德红茶

Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

In TCM, black teas like 英德红茶 are generally considered to have a warm nature. They are believed to warm the stomach, aid digestion, invigorate the body's Qi (vital energy), and provide a gentle, sustained energy boost.

The tea is often recommended for individuals with a cold constitution or during colder seasons.

Modern Scientific Research

Like other black teas, 英德红茶 contains theaflavins and thearubigins, along with caffeine and L-theanine. These compounds contribute to its potential health benefits.

Research suggests that black tea consumption may support cardiovascular health, digestive health, and provide antioxidant activity.

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Antioxidant Properties

Contains theaflavins and thearubigins from oxidation.

🧠

Mental Clarity

Caffeine and L-theanine provide balanced alertness.

❤️

Heart Health

Potential benefits for cardiovascular function.

⚖️

Digestive Aid

Traditionally consumed to support digestion.

Sustained Energy

Provides a gentle, sustained energy boost.

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Mineral Content

Contains fluoride and other minerals from the tea plant.

Nutritional Profile (per 100ml brewed tea)

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.

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