When we talk about tea, most of us probably think of classic varieties like green tea , black tea or maybe even oolong tea . But there is a treasure hidden in the world of tea that doesn't get the attention it deserves - namely yellow tea. Let's take a closer look at yellow tea and dive into some of the things that make it so special.
Yellow tea is an ancient tea with roots in China , where it was discovered more than 1000 years ago. It has its characteristic yellow color, which is achieved through a unique and careful processing.
There are not many people in the western world who know about yellow tea, and when you finally come across the rare tea, it is unfortunately often mistaken for green tea. This may be related to the fact that yellow tea consists of a bud and one to two leaves. Therefore, it has a certain similarity to many green teas.
Unfortunately, most yellow teas today have been lost, just as the ancient knowledge of the manufacturing process is known to fewer and fewer.
Today there are only 3 types of yellow tea left:
It is important to preserve and appreciate these rare and unique yellow teas to ensure they are not lost. They have a flavor and history worth exploring and appreciating.
Yellow teas are known for their delicate and complex taste. They have a light sweetness reminiscent of honey and flowers and a subtle nutty undertone. This makes them extremely pleasant teas to drink – whether in the morning to start the day or in the evening to relax.
Due to the gradual and careful fermentation process, it is also said that yellow tea can have a beneficial effect on both the spleen and the stomach.
Production of yellow tea
The production of yellow tea itself is a very resource-intensive process that can take between one and three days, depending on the specific tea variety. Each type of yellow tea has its own unique production method.
The enzymes are stopped: First, the enzymes in the tea leaves are stopped to preserve the color and taste of the tea. This is done by roasting the small shoots in a wok for a few seconds at very high temperatures. This process requires special expertise to avoid burning either leaves or fingers. Often, several tea masters work together to be able to handle the task, so that they can take over from each other when the fingers get too hot.
The tea leaves are rolled: After roasting, the tea leaves are carefully rolled on a bamboo tray to reduce the heat. They are then wrapped in either heavy paper (for example Jun Shan Yin Zhen) or cloth (as in the case of Meng Ding Huang Ya and Mo Gan Huang Ya). Yellow tea is often classified alongside white tea as it is considered slightly oxidized. However, the process is more of a light microbial fermentation than actual oxidation.
The special processing method removes the vegetable-like taste from the buds but preserves the tea's healthful qualities, which are also found in white and green tea.
Fermentation begins: the wrapped tea leaves are placed on a small bamboo basket over a coke fire, while the Yin Zhen is stored in a wooden box. The coke fire is usually covered with ash to avoid smoke. The small packages are opened at regular intervals, cooled and repackaged – except for Mo Gan Huang Ya, which is also hand-rolled between repackages.
This process gradually promotes the fermentation of the tea over several days, allowing the tea to dry slowly. The entire production process is both time-consuming and technically challenging, but the result is a milder, sweeter and more nuanced taste than green tea.
The purpose of making yellow tea is to remove the grassy undertone often found in green tea while retaining the health benefits. In fact, yellow tea is considered to have even more of these, as it is easier to digest and gentler on the stomach.
Yellow tea is a type of tea that originates from China and is known for its distinctive taste, color and manufacturing process.
It differs from other tea varieties by its light oxidation, which gives the tea its golden colour. Yellow tea is also known for its mild sweetness, floral notes and sometimes nutty nuances that give it a unique flavor profile.
Yellow tea is known to have higher levels of antioxidants.. It also contains less caffeine than black or green tea, making it suitable for those who want a milder caffeine experience. Additionally, yellow tea is said to be easier on the stomach compared to green tea, and its unique flavor and aroma make it an enjoyable beverage for tea enthusiasts.
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