Da Hong Pao

Da Hong Pao is a popular Chinese Oolong tea. It has been used for over 1,000 years and is now considered one of China's most famous teas. Typically, the tea leaves are picked between October and November; then, they can be sold for up to $1,000 per kilogram ($2,200 per pound). Furthermore, Da-Hong Pao tea is well-known for its sweet, flowery aroma and the lingering aftertaste of honey or nuts.

And considering its price and harvesting process, it is no surprise that this tea is one of the rarest to acquire. And its history goes back to a time where Taoist monks were the first to be intrigued by it.

What Is Da Hong Pao?

Da Hong Pao Oolong tea is a kind of tea grown in the Wuyi Mountains of China. It was first produced during the Qing Dynasty and has been popular ever since. The tea leaves are roasted and then rolled into balls before being dried. The roasting process gives the leaves a unique flavor and color. Da Hong Pao was named after the temple where it was first grown, which was located near Mount Lu. It was given its name by Emperor Qianlong, who visited this temple and tasted this particular type of tea.

Da Hong Pao Ingredients

The Da Hong Pao (or Big Red Robe) is a semi-fermented tea. It is not made from leaves picked from the tea plant. Instead, its leaves are made from the buds of the tea plant.

The main ingredients present are green tea leaves, black tea leaves, and red dates. After pan-fried, the leaves are rolled into balls to resemble a Chinese robe.

The difference in harvesting practices can be seen in its taste and color. Therefore, Da Hong Pao tea is dark red, while other teas are green or yellow.

Side-Effects

Despite being one of the most famous and expensive teas in the world, there are some side-effects associated with Da Hong Pao, including:

• Nausea
• Muscle spasms
• Numbness
• Dizziness
• Heartburn

Availability

The high demand for Da Hong Pao has led to counterfeiting and fake products on the market. Hence, to ensure that consumers get authentic Da Hong Pao, they must be vigilant. The production of this tea is also dependent on the weather and the availability of leaf material from old bushes. To produce Da Hong Pao, you need to have a specific type of leaf that has been picked in springtime and has gone through a process that involves oxidation and roasting. Although it was initially only available in China, some varieties are now available outside China for purchase online or at departmental stores.

Benefits Of Da Hong Pao

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, Da Hong Pao can be used to help with symptoms of asthma, cough, fatigue, headache, and insomnia. It can also help with pain relief during menstruation or childbirth. However, pregnant people should not take it without consulting a doctor.

Here are some of the most prominent benefits of Da Hong Pao:

• It has antioxidants that help lower the risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes
• It enables you to sleep better because it contains theanine
• It helps you with weight loss because it doesn't have calories or sugar
• It improves blood circulation and helps fight against fatigue and headache.

Origin Of Da Hong Pao

Da Hong Pao is a type of tea that originates from China; it is also known as Big Red Robe, which is the name of the tea's origins. The tea was grown initially in Wuyi Mountain, which translates to "Five-Finger Mountain" in Chinese.

It was first created by accident when a tea master left some tea to dry in the sun. The resulting brew became one of the most expensive teas globally, with each pound costing about $1,000. Da Hong Pao's tea leaves are hand-picked and processed by experienced tea masters. The processing of this tea includes a dry-withering process, a roasting process, and finally, an oxidizing process that helps produce the distinctive flavor of this tea.

Types Of Da Hong Pao

Let's take a look at the types of Da Hong Pao tea!

• Rou Gui – Has a sweet taste and smells like cinnamon.
• Shui Jin Gui – Has a mild taste and smells like honey.
• Wu Yi Shan Cha – Tastes sour and smells like orchids.
• Bai Ji Guan – Tastes bitter and smells like pine needles.
• Tie Guan Yin – Has a greenish color and smells like a fragrance.

What To Look For In Da Hong Pao?

Da-Hong Pao tea is a famous Chinese tea that may be a little heavy on the wallet for most drinkers. However, it's worth it because of its unique flavor and health benefits.

Here are some signs to look for when searching for Da Hong Pao tea for sale!

• The leaves should be covered with downy hair.
• It should be red.
• The flavor should be long lasting and sweet.
• The leaves should have a strong fragrance that is not too heavy or too light.

Besides, the packaging should be simple with no words or images, and the leaves should be tightly wrapped together.

Best Da Hong Pao Tea For You

The best type of Da Hong Pao tea is the one that has been harvested in the spring. The tea leaves are picked in early March, dried in the sun. However, these factors determine which type of tea is best for you:

• Your budget.
• Your taste preferences.
• Your desired health benefits.

FAQS

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions!

Why Is Da Hong Pao Tea So Expensive?

It is harder to source since it can only grow in a specific region in China called Wuyi Shan. It's made from leaves picked from old trees that grow naturally on cliff sides and steep slopes.

What Is Da Hong Pao Tea Good For?

People drink Da Hong Pao for its taste – sweet with bitterness. However, it also has many health benefits, including weight loss, improved blood circulation, and lower cholesterol levels.

What Does Da Hong Pao Tea Taste Like?

Da Hong Pao has a sweet, honey-like taste with a relatively strong flavor, which can also be bitter at times.

Tags: best tasting coffee, aeropress espresso, arabica blend coffee, coffee for weight loss, echinacea loose leaf tea, equipment for prepare matcha tea, matcha tea, green tea, matcha set, french press tips