DIAN HONG JIN ZHEN
YUNNAN GOLDEN NEEDLE
RED (BLACK) TEA
★ PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
Badashan, Menghai, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China
Dian Hong Jin Zhen is a premium Chinese red tea from Yunnan Province, composed exclusively of carefully selected golden buds. It is produced from early spring material, where tender buds are processed with precise oxidation to preserve sweetness, clarity, and aromatic definition. The infusion is smooth and full, offering rich honeyed sweetness, soft malt notes, and a refined, lingering finish. MORE
AROMA
Caramel, chocolate, dough
TASTE
Bread, nut, cacao
ALTITUDE: 1650 m
CULTIVAR: Chang Ye Bai Hao
HARVEST: Spring, 2023
RED (BLACK) TEA
★ PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
Badashan, Menghai, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China
Dian Hong Jin Zhen is a premium Chinese red tea from Yunnan Province, composed exclusively of carefully selected golden buds. It is produced from early spring material, where tender buds are processed with precise oxidation to preserve sweetness, clarity, and aromatic definition. The infusion is smooth and full, offering rich honeyed sweetness, soft malt notes, and a refined, lingering finish. MORE
AROMA
Caramel, chocolate, dough
TASTE
Bread, nut, cacao
ALTITUDE: 1650 m
CULTIVAR: Chang Ye Bai Hao
HARVEST: Spring, 2023
RED (BLACK) TEA is one of the most widely consumed and appreciated tea categories in the world. Due to its high level of oxidation and carefully controlled production process, this type of tea develops a rich concentration of aromatic compounds while preserving valuable polyphenols, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants that contribute to both its distinctive flavor and beneficial properties.
During oxidation, the chemical composition of the tea leaf changes significantly, creating the characteristic amber to deep red infusion, smooth texture, and complex aromatic profile associated with red (black) tea. It is believed that regular consumption of red tea may support cardiovascular health, improve blood circulation, contribute to the body's natural antioxidant protection, and promote mental alertness and concentration. Traditionally, red tea has also been appreciated for its warming qualities, its ability to support digestion, reduce fatigue, improve overall vitality, and provide a comforting sense of balance and well-being, especially during colder seasons.
During oxidation, the chemical composition of the tea leaf changes significantly, creating the characteristic amber to deep red infusion, smooth texture, and complex aromatic profile associated with red (black) tea. It is believed that regular consumption of red tea may support cardiovascular health, improve blood circulation, contribute to the body's natural antioxidant protection, and promote mental alertness and concentration. Traditionally, red tea has also been appreciated for its warming qualities, its ability to support digestion, reduce fatigue, improve overall vitality, and provide a comforting sense of balance and well-being, especially during colder seasons.
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: 99 °C
Amount: 3-5 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. 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
Dian Hong Jin Zhen is a high-grade Chinese red tea from Badashan, Menghai, Yunnan Province, produced at an altitude of around 1650 meters. The name “Jin Zhen,” meaning “Golden Needles,” refers to the distinctive appearance of the tea, composed entirely of long, slender buds covered with fine golden hairs. This style represents one of the most refined expressions of Dian Hong, emphasizing precision in both raw material selection and processing.
The tea is made from the Chang Ye Bai Hao cultivar, a large-leaf variety known for its prominent bud structure and high content of aromatic compounds. Carefully harvested early spring buds are processed using the traditional red tea method, including withering, gentle rolling, full oxidation, and controlled drying. Particular attention is given to preserving the integrity of the buds, allowing for a clean and expressive aromatic profile without excessive heaviness.
Production in this region is relatively limited due to the strict selection of material and the labor-intensive nature of working with pure buds. As a result, Dian Hong Jin Zhen from this origin is valued by experienced tea lovers for its clarity, softness, and balanced depth, reflecting both the high-altitude environment and the precision of craftsmanship.
TERROIR
Dian Hong Jin Zhen is sourced from the mountainous area of Badashan, Menghai, Yunnan Province, at an elevation of around 1650 meters. This region is characterized by a warm, humid subtropical climate with frequent mist, abundant rainfall, and noticeable day and night temperature variation. Such conditions slow down bud development, allowing for higher accumulation of amino acids and aromatic compounds while maintaining structural balance.
The soils are rich in minerals and well-drained, supporting healthy root systems and clean growth of the tea plants. The Chang Ye Bai Hao cultivar expresses itself distinctly in this environment, producing elongated buds with a high concentration of essential compounds, ideal for refined red tea production. The altitude and climate contribute to a softer and more elegant profile, where intensity is supported by clarity and smoothness.
This terroir allows for a balanced expression of richness and refinement, where the natural sweetness of the buds is enhanced by the mountain environment, resulting in a tea with stable structure and consistent development across multiple infusions.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf appearance is elegant and uniform, composed of long, slender golden buds with a fine, velvety surface and a bright amber-gold tone. The aroma of the dry leaves is clean and expressive, with notes of honey, light cocoa, and a subtle dried fruit sweetness. In a preheated teapot, the tea gradually opens, and the aroma becomes deeper and more rounded, revealing rich honeyed tones, soft caramel, and a gentle creamy nuance. After a brief rinse, the leaves fully awaken, and the aroma gains clarity and structure, combining warm sweetness with delicate fruit notes and a refined malty undertone.
The aroma of the liquor in the empty cup is soft and насыщенный, with pronounced honey notes and a light floral trace. The taste is smooth and full, with a silky, slightly viscous texture and a well-balanced structure. From the first sips, a deep natural sweetness emerges, supported by soft malt and light cocoa nuances, with very low astringency. The profile remains clean and stable, offering both richness and precision without heaviness. The aftertaste is long and warming, leaving a lingering honeyed sweetness and a smooth, rounded impression. In the empty cup after drinking, rich notes of honey, light caramel, and a soft cocoa nuance remain.
Dian Hong Jin Zhen is a high-grade Chinese red tea from Badashan, Menghai, Yunnan Province, produced at an altitude of around 1650 meters. The name “Jin Zhen,” meaning “Golden Needles,” refers to the distinctive appearance of the tea, composed entirely of long, slender buds covered with fine golden hairs. This style represents one of the most refined expressions of Dian Hong, emphasizing precision in both raw material selection and processing.
The tea is made from the Chang Ye Bai Hao cultivar, a large-leaf variety known for its prominent bud structure and high content of aromatic compounds. Carefully harvested early spring buds are processed using the traditional red tea method, including withering, gentle rolling, full oxidation, and controlled drying. Particular attention is given to preserving the integrity of the buds, allowing for a clean and expressive aromatic profile without excessive heaviness.
Production in this region is relatively limited due to the strict selection of material and the labor-intensive nature of working with pure buds. As a result, Dian Hong Jin Zhen from this origin is valued by experienced tea lovers for its clarity, softness, and balanced depth, reflecting both the high-altitude environment and the precision of craftsmanship.
TERROIR
Dian Hong Jin Zhen is sourced from the mountainous area of Badashan, Menghai, Yunnan Province, at an elevation of around 1650 meters. This region is characterized by a warm, humid subtropical climate with frequent mist, abundant rainfall, and noticeable day and night temperature variation. Such conditions slow down bud development, allowing for higher accumulation of amino acids and aromatic compounds while maintaining structural balance.
The soils are rich in minerals and well-drained, supporting healthy root systems and clean growth of the tea plants. The Chang Ye Bai Hao cultivar expresses itself distinctly in this environment, producing elongated buds with a high concentration of essential compounds, ideal for refined red tea production. The altitude and climate contribute to a softer and more elegant profile, where intensity is supported by clarity and smoothness.
This terroir allows for a balanced expression of richness and refinement, where the natural sweetness of the buds is enhanced by the mountain environment, resulting in a tea with stable structure and consistent development across multiple infusions.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf appearance is elegant and uniform, composed of long, slender golden buds with a fine, velvety surface and a bright amber-gold tone. The aroma of the dry leaves is clean and expressive, with notes of honey, light cocoa, and a subtle dried fruit sweetness. In a preheated teapot, the tea gradually opens, and the aroma becomes deeper and more rounded, revealing rich honeyed tones, soft caramel, and a gentle creamy nuance. After a brief rinse, the leaves fully awaken, and the aroma gains clarity and structure, combining warm sweetness with delicate fruit notes and a refined malty undertone.
The aroma of the liquor in the empty cup is soft and насыщенный, with pronounced honey notes and a light floral trace. The taste is smooth and full, with a silky, slightly viscous texture and a well-balanced structure. From the first sips, a deep natural sweetness emerges, supported by soft malt and light cocoa nuances, with very low astringency. The profile remains clean and stable, offering both richness and precision without heaviness. The aftertaste is long and warming, leaving a lingering honeyed sweetness and a smooth, rounded impression. In the empty cup after drinking, rich notes of honey, light caramel, and a soft cocoa nuance remain.
RED (BLACK) TEA
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