Yellow Tea - Pure

What is yellow tea?

Yellow tea is a rare variety that was highly esteemed during China’s dynasties between the 1100s and 1912. At that time, it was reserved exclusively for emperors. Today, it is still produced in very few mountainous regions of China, including Anhui, Hunan, Yunnan, and Sichuan.

Although it isn't widely known outside of Asia, yellow tea is often compared to green tea in taste. At the same time, it shares similarities with Oolong tea when it comes to its reputed qualities.

Yellow tea consists of one bud and one to two leaves. The finest yellow tea leaves are picked only a few days each spring, containing young nutrients that are considered especially valuable. Summer and autumn harvests, on the other hand, develop different characteristics and nutrients.

From leaf to cup

The production of yellow tea depends on the type, but all varieties share the same key process. First, the leaves are briefly exposed to high heat to preserve their unique taste and golden color. Next, they are cooled on bamboo trays before being wrapped in strong paper.

The wrapped leaves are then stored in bamboo baskets or wooden boxes, depending on the variety. Some types are repeatedly opened, cooled, and rewrapped during the process. This careful handling typically lasts about three days until the fermentation is complete. It is precisely this demanding method that removes the vegetable-like notes often found in green tea, leaving a smoother, more delicate flavor.

Brewing yellow tea

To prepare yellow tea, pour water at approx. 80 °C over one flat tablespoon of tea leaves. Let it steep for 3–4 minutes, and you’ll have a flavorful and truly rare cup of tea.

At Nordic Tea, you can also explore a wide range of organic tea , including several unique varieties that reflect the same respect for tradition and quality as yellow tea itself.