Dianhong

Dianhong is a type of Chinese tea that is a variety of black tea originating from the Yunnan province of China. The name "Dianhong" translates to "Yunnan Red" in English, with "Dian" being the short name for the Yunnan region and "hong" meaning red in Chinese, referring to the color of the brewed tea.

History

Dianhong tea was first produced in the early 20th century, around the 1930s. It was developed as a result of the Chinese government's efforts to create a high-quality black tea for export to compete with the popular black teas from India and Sri Lanka.

Production

Dianhong tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, specifically the Camellia sinensis var. assamica, which is native to Yunnan. The production process involves withering, rolling, fermenting, and drying the tea leaves. The unique climate and soil conditions in Yunnan contribute to the distinctive flavor and aroma of Dianhong tea.

Types

There are several types of Dianhong tea, including:

• Golden Tip Dianhong: This type is characterized by its high proportion of golden tea tips, or young tea buds. It produces a brew that is bright red in color and has a sweet, mellow flavor.
• Broken Yunnan: A lower grade of Dianhong with fewer golden buds and more mature tea leaves. It has a stronger, more robust flavor and a darker brew.
• Yunnan Pure Gold: This is the highest grade of Dianhong, made entirely of golden tea buds. It produces a brew that is rich and sweet, with a hint of peppery spice.

Health Benefits

Like other types of black tea, Dianhong is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body against oxidative stress and inflammation. It also contains caffeine and theanine, which can have a stimulating effect on the brain and improve mental alertness and focus.

See Also

• Pu-erh tea
• Bai Mudan
• Longjing tea
• Tieguanyin