ZHOU JIA GOU FU ZHUAN HEI CHA
ANHUA BRICK TEA
DARK (HEI CHA) TEA
★ PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
Yuntaishan, Anhua, Hunan, China
2017 Zhou Jia Gou Fu Zhuan Hei Cha is a traditionally fermented Hei Cha from Anhua County, known for its characteristic golden flower fermentation and deep, mellow profile. Carefully aged since 2017, the tea has developed greater smoothness, balance, and aromatic integration over time. The infusion is rich and warming, offering notes of wood, dried fruit, medicinal herbs, and a clean, long-lasting finish. MORE
500 g brick
AROMA
Wood, tobacco
TASTE
Wood
CULTIVAR: Yun Tai Shan Da Ye
HARVEST: Spring, 2017
DARK (HEI CHA) TEA
★ PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
Yuntaishan, Anhua, Hunan, China
2017 Zhou Jia Gou Fu Zhuan Hei Cha is a traditionally fermented Hei Cha from Anhua County, known for its characteristic golden flower fermentation and deep, mellow profile. Carefully aged since 2017, the tea has developed greater smoothness, balance, and aromatic integration over time. The infusion is rich and warming, offering notes of wood, dried fruit, medicinal herbs, and a clean, long-lasting finish. MORE
500 g brick
AROMA
Wood, tobacco
TASTE
Wood
CULTIVAR: Yun Tai Shan Da Ye
HARVEST: Spring, 2017
Fermented tea also known as Hei Cha has an excellent healing effect, as it contains theaflavins - substances that can resist tumours, and prevent the formation of blood clots and coagulation. Hei Cha improves immunity, inhibits the spread of cancer cells, prevents cardiovascular diseases, and much more. It is believed that this kind of tea prolongs life.
Learn more about the BIOCHEMISTRY OF A TEA LEAF
Learn more about FERMENTED TEA
EASTERN (PIN CHA) ★
Temperature: 99 °C
Amount: 3-7 grams per 120 ml of water
Steeping: 10-30 sec x 7+
WESTERN (INFUSION)
Temperature: 99 °C
Amount: 2-3 grams per 250 ml of water
Steeping: 1-2 min x 3
Learn more about TEA BREWING METHODS
Tea absorbs surrounding aromas and moisture and loses its properties, including taste and aroma. Store it in a dry and cool place. Avoid direct exposure to the sun and high temperatures.
TEMPERATURE: 20-25°C
HUMIDITY: 50-60%
BEST BEFORE: No expiration date!
*When properly stored, this tea gets better with time!
TEMPERATURE: 20-25°C
HUMIDITY: 50-60%
BEST BEFORE: No expiration date!
*When properly stored, this tea gets better with time!
Learn more ABOUT STORING AND AGING PU'ER TEA
HEI CHA (DARK TEA) is a unique category of post-fermented tea distinguished by its microbial fermentation and aging processes. Through the combined action of microorganisms, oxidation, and time, this type of tea develops a rich concentration of bioactive compounds, minerals, amino acids, and complex aromatic substances that contribute to both its distinctive character and traditionally valued properties.
Unlike other tea categories, Hei Cha continues to evolve after production, gradually developing deeper flavors, smoother textures, and greater complexity during storage and aging. It is believed that regular consumption of Hei Cha may support digestive health, contribute to healthy cholesterol metabolism, promote the balance of beneficial intestinal microflora, and assist the body's natural antioxidant defenses. Traditionally, dark tea has also been appreciated for its warming nature, its ability to aid digestion after rich meals, reduce feelings of heaviness, support overall vitality, and create a calm, grounding, and balanced state of mind.
Unlike other tea categories, Hei Cha continues to evolve after production, gradually developing deeper flavors, smoother textures, and greater complexity during storage and aging. It is believed that regular consumption of Hei Cha may support digestive health, contribute to healthy cholesterol metabolism, promote the balance of beneficial intestinal microflora, and assist the body's natural antioxidant defenses. Traditionally, dark tea has also been appreciated for its warming nature, its ability to aid digestion after rich meals, reduce feelings of heaviness, support overall vitality, and create a calm, grounding, and balanced state of mind.
Learn more about the BIOCHEMISTRY OF A TEA LEAF
SEED-GROWN TEA PLANT
This tea refers to a Qunzi Zhong, a "seed-grown tea plant". Unlike cloned or asexually propagated cultivars, which are created by cuttings or grafting from a single "mother" plant, Qunzi Zhong tea trees are grown from seeds. This results in a genetically diverse population of plants. Each seed-grown tea tree is unique, with slightly different characteristics. This genetic variety helps improve the resilience of the tea garden, making it more resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental stress. Seed-grown trees usually develop stronger and deeper roots than cloned plants, allowing them to draw nutrients and minerals from deeper soil layers, often giving the tea a more complex and rich flavor profile. Qunzi Zhong represents the traditional way of tea cultivation. Because of the genetic diversity, teas made from Qunzi Zhong plants tend to offer more layered and nuanced flavors, reflecting a richer expression of the local terroir (soil, climate, and environment).
PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
Pesticide-free gardening refers to a cultivation method in which no synthetic chemical pesticides are used at any stage of plant growth. Instead, this approach relies on biodiversity, ecological balance, and cultural practices to manage pests and diseases. Unlike conventional farming, which often depends on chemical intervention to control infestations, pesticide-free gardening emphasizes prevention through healthy soil, companion planting, and natural predators. This method fosters a more resilient and adaptive garden ecosystem. Without chemical inputs, beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and native bees thrive, contributing to pollination and pest control. Untouched by harsh agents, the soil remains alive with microbial activity, supporting deeper root systems and more vigorous plant development. Over time, this results in produce with purer, more expressive flavors, reflecting the health of the environment and the grower's intention.
Learn more about Pesticide-Free Gardening
EASTERN (PIN CHA) ★
Temperature: 100 °C
Amount: 3-5 grams per 120 ml of water
Steeping: 10-30 sec x 7
WESTERN (INFUSION)
Temperature: 100 °C
Amount: 2-3 grams per 250 ml of water
Steeping: 1-2 min x 3
Learn more about TEA BREWING METHODS
Tea absorbs surrounding aromas and moisture. This type of tea oxidizes when it comes into contact with oxygen and loses its properties, including taste and aroma. Store it in a dry and cool place in airtight packaging. Avoid direct exposure to the sun and high temperatures.
BEST BEFORE: 2 years since production date!
*Suitable for long-term aging. Under proper storage conditions, the tea may gradually develop increased depth, smoothness, and complexity.
BEST BEFORE: 2 years since production date!
*Suitable for long-term aging. Under proper storage conditions, the tea may gradually develop increased depth, smoothness, and complexity.
Learn more ABOUT TEA STORAGE
ABOUT
Zhou Jia Gou Fu Zhuan Hei Cha is a traditionally fermented Hei Cha belonging to the Anhua Fu Zhuan category, produced in Anhua County. This tea is crafted from carefully selected high-quality raw material sourced from organically managed tea gardens, where cultivation focuses on preserving ecological balance and the natural integrity of the leaf. The quality of the raw material plays a fundamental role in the tea’s ability to age and develop complexity over time.
The production follows the traditional Fu Zhuan Hei Cha process, including compression and controlled post-fermentation, during which the characteristic “golden flowers” gradually develop within the tea. Particular attention is given to precision at every stage of processing in order to achieve balance, cleanliness, and structural depth. The careful production approach allows the tea to maintain both strength and refinement throughout long-term aging.
Produced in 2017, this tea has undergone years of professional natural storage, during which its profile evolved into a notably smooth and noble expression. Over time, the flavors and aromas became more integrated, developing greater softness, depth, and aromatic harmony. Zhou Jia Gou Fu Zhuan Hei Cha represents a mature and refined example of aged Anhua Hei Cha, appreciated for its stability, complexity, and elegant aged character.
PRODUCTION
The production of Zhou Jia Gou Fu Zhuan Hei Cha follows the traditional Anhua Fu Zhuan Hei Cha method, beginning with careful harvesting and primary processing of the tea leaves into maocha. After withering, fixation, rolling, and drying, the tea undergoes controlled piling and fermentation, where heat, humidity, and microbial activity gradually transform the character of the leaf. This stage develops the deep, mellow foundation characteristic of Hei Cha.
The processed tea is then steamed and compressed into traditional Fu Zhuan bricks. During controlled aging and storage conditions, the characteristic “golden flowers” (Eurotium cristatum) naturally develop inside the tea. These beneficial microorganisms play a key role in shaping the smooth texture, soft sweetness, and distinctive aromatic profile associated with high-quality Fu Zhuan Hei Cha.
Particular attention is given to maintaining stable temperature and humidity throughout fermentation and storage in order to support clean microbial development and long-term aging potential. Since this tea was produced in 2017, years of natural professional storage have allowed the flavors and aromas to become increasingly integrated, resulting in a mature, refined, and highly balanced expression of aged Anhua Hei Cha.
TERROIR
Zhou Jia Gou Fu Zhuan Hei Cha is produced in Anhua County, a historically important tea-producing region in Hunan Province, China. The area is characterized by a humid subtropical climate with abundant rainfall, frequent mist, and moderate temperatures throughout the year, creating favorable conditions for tea cultivation and post-fermentation processes. These environmental factors support balanced leaf development and contribute to the smooth, mellow character associated with Anhua Hei Cha.
Tea gardens in the region are often located in mountainous areas with rich forest ecosystems and mineral-rich soils. The combination of humidity, organic matter, and stable climatic conditions allows the tea plants to develop a balanced composition suitable for long-term aging and fermentation. Such terroir is especially important for Fu Zhuan Hei Cha, where both the quality of the raw material and the surrounding environmental conditions influence the development of the characteristic golden flower fermentation.
The terroir of Anhua emphasizes depth, softness, and stability, creating a strong foundation for aging and microbial transformation over time. Combined with professional natural storage, the tea gradually develops greater smoothness, integration, and aromatic refinement, resulting in the noble and mature profile characteristic of well-aged Fu Zhuan Hei Cha.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf appearance is dense and compressed, with dark brown to black tones and visible golden flowers distributed throughout the brick. The aroma of the dry tea is deep and mature, showing notes of aged wood, warm grain, dried fruit, and subtle medicinal herbs. In a preheated teapot, the tea gradually opens, and the aroma becomes richer and softer, revealing sweet woody tones, dates, autumn forest nuances, and delicate fermentation notes characteristic of well-aged Fu Zhuan Hei Cha. After a brief rinse, the leaves fully awaken, and the aroma gains clarity and integration, where earthy warmth, sweetness, and gentle herbal complexity merge harmoniously.
The aroma of the liquor in the empty cup is warm and persistent, with soft woody sweetness and a subtle dried fruit character. The taste is smooth and mellow, with a rounded medium-to-full body and an exceptionally soft texture developed through years of aging. From the first sips, notes of warm wood, dried dates, medicinal herbs, and sweet grain emerge, supported by deep underlying sweetness and almost no bitterness or astringency. The profile remains stable and calming across multiple infusions, gradually revealing more mineral and forest-like nuances. The aftertaste is long, warming, and deeply comforting, leaving lingering sweet woody tones and a gentle herbal freshness. In the empty cup after drinking, rich aromas of aged wood, dried fruit, warm grain, and soft fermentation notes remain for a long time.
Zhou Jia Gou Fu Zhuan Hei Cha is a traditionally fermented Hei Cha belonging to the Anhua Fu Zhuan category, produced in Anhua County. This tea is crafted from carefully selected high-quality raw material sourced from organically managed tea gardens, where cultivation focuses on preserving ecological balance and the natural integrity of the leaf. The quality of the raw material plays a fundamental role in the tea’s ability to age and develop complexity over time.
The production follows the traditional Fu Zhuan Hei Cha process, including compression and controlled post-fermentation, during which the characteristic “golden flowers” gradually develop within the tea. Particular attention is given to precision at every stage of processing in order to achieve balance, cleanliness, and structural depth. The careful production approach allows the tea to maintain both strength and refinement throughout long-term aging.
Produced in 2017, this tea has undergone years of professional natural storage, during which its profile evolved into a notably smooth and noble expression. Over time, the flavors and aromas became more integrated, developing greater softness, depth, and aromatic harmony. Zhou Jia Gou Fu Zhuan Hei Cha represents a mature and refined example of aged Anhua Hei Cha, appreciated for its stability, complexity, and elegant aged character.
PRODUCTION
The production of Zhou Jia Gou Fu Zhuan Hei Cha follows the traditional Anhua Fu Zhuan Hei Cha method, beginning with careful harvesting and primary processing of the tea leaves into maocha. After withering, fixation, rolling, and drying, the tea undergoes controlled piling and fermentation, where heat, humidity, and microbial activity gradually transform the character of the leaf. This stage develops the deep, mellow foundation characteristic of Hei Cha.
The processed tea is then steamed and compressed into traditional Fu Zhuan bricks. During controlled aging and storage conditions, the characteristic “golden flowers” (Eurotium cristatum) naturally develop inside the tea. These beneficial microorganisms play a key role in shaping the smooth texture, soft sweetness, and distinctive aromatic profile associated with high-quality Fu Zhuan Hei Cha.
Particular attention is given to maintaining stable temperature and humidity throughout fermentation and storage in order to support clean microbial development and long-term aging potential. Since this tea was produced in 2017, years of natural professional storage have allowed the flavors and aromas to become increasingly integrated, resulting in a mature, refined, and highly balanced expression of aged Anhua Hei Cha.
TERROIR
Zhou Jia Gou Fu Zhuan Hei Cha is produced in Anhua County, a historically important tea-producing region in Hunan Province, China. The area is characterized by a humid subtropical climate with abundant rainfall, frequent mist, and moderate temperatures throughout the year, creating favorable conditions for tea cultivation and post-fermentation processes. These environmental factors support balanced leaf development and contribute to the smooth, mellow character associated with Anhua Hei Cha.
Tea gardens in the region are often located in mountainous areas with rich forest ecosystems and mineral-rich soils. The combination of humidity, organic matter, and stable climatic conditions allows the tea plants to develop a balanced composition suitable for long-term aging and fermentation. Such terroir is especially important for Fu Zhuan Hei Cha, where both the quality of the raw material and the surrounding environmental conditions influence the development of the characteristic golden flower fermentation.
The terroir of Anhua emphasizes depth, softness, and stability, creating a strong foundation for aging and microbial transformation over time. Combined with professional natural storage, the tea gradually develops greater smoothness, integration, and aromatic refinement, resulting in the noble and mature profile characteristic of well-aged Fu Zhuan Hei Cha.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf appearance is dense and compressed, with dark brown to black tones and visible golden flowers distributed throughout the brick. The aroma of the dry tea is deep and mature, showing notes of aged wood, warm grain, dried fruit, and subtle medicinal herbs. In a preheated teapot, the tea gradually opens, and the aroma becomes richer and softer, revealing sweet woody tones, dates, autumn forest nuances, and delicate fermentation notes characteristic of well-aged Fu Zhuan Hei Cha. After a brief rinse, the leaves fully awaken, and the aroma gains clarity and integration, where earthy warmth, sweetness, and gentle herbal complexity merge harmoniously.
The aroma of the liquor in the empty cup is warm and persistent, with soft woody sweetness and a subtle dried fruit character. The taste is smooth and mellow, with a rounded medium-to-full body and an exceptionally soft texture developed through years of aging. From the first sips, notes of warm wood, dried dates, medicinal herbs, and sweet grain emerge, supported by deep underlying sweetness and almost no bitterness or astringency. The profile remains stable and calming across multiple infusions, gradually revealing more mineral and forest-like nuances. The aftertaste is long, warming, and deeply comforting, leaving lingering sweet woody tones and a gentle herbal freshness. In the empty cup after drinking, rich aromas of aged wood, dried fruit, warm grain, and soft fermentation notes remain for a long time.
Check out our Anhua Fu Zhuan 2017 video review in 4K!
Anhua Fu Zhuan Hei Cha 2017
4K Timelapse Video
HEI CHA (DARK TEA)
Explore more Hei Cha (Dark Tea) from the AN SHIM TEA Collection.