HONGCHA
RED TEA
RED (BLACK) TEA
★ PESTICIDE-FREE
Boseong, South Korea
Hongcha is a Korean red tea produced in South Korea, representing the country’s interpretation of fully oxidized tea. It is made from locally cultivated Camellia sinensis, processed with controlled oxidation to achieve balance and clarity. The infusion is smooth and clean, offering gentle sweetness, light fruit notes, and a refined, well-structured finish. MORE
AROMA
Honey, floral
TASTE
Honey, nutty
HARVEST: Spring, 2024
RED (BLACK) TEA
★ PESTICIDE-FREE
Boseong, South Korea
Hongcha is a Korean red tea produced in South Korea, representing the country’s interpretation of fully oxidized tea. It is made from locally cultivated Camellia sinensis, processed with controlled oxidation to achieve balance and clarity. The infusion is smooth and clean, offering gentle sweetness, light fruit notes, and a refined, well-structured finish. MORE
AROMA
Honey, floral
TASTE
Honey, nutty
HARVEST: Spring, 2024
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 (DARYE) ★
Temperature: 90-95 °C
Amount: 3-5 grams per 120 ml of water
Steeping: 10-30 sec x 5
WESTERN (INFUSION)
Temperature: 95 °C
Amount: 2-3 grams per 250 ml of water
Steeping: 2 min x 2
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
Hongcha is a Korean red tea produced in Boseong in South Korea, a region with a long-standing tea-growing tradition. This tea is a true farmer’s production, made by an experienced local master who continues traditional methods on a small scale. The focus is on preserving authenticity and expressing the natural qualities of the leaf rather than producing for large commercial output.
The raw material comes from an early spring harvest, when the leaves are at their most tender and balanced in composition. Due to the limited availability of such material and the artisanal nature of production, the quantity of this tea is extremely small. Each batch reflects careful selection and attention to detail at every stage of processing.
The tea is processed using traditional methods, including withering, rolling, full oxidation, and drying, with techniques passed down through generations. This approach allows for a clean and well-defined profile, highlighting natural sweetness and clarity. Hongcha from this context represents a rare and authentic expression of Korean red tea, appreciated by experienced tea lovers for its limited production and direct connection to traditional craftsmanship.
TERROIR
Hongcha is sourced from the tea-growing area of Boseong in South Korea. The region is characterized by a humid coastal climate with abundant rainfall, high humidity, and mild temperature variation throughout the year. Proximity to the sea moderates extremes and supports steady, balanced leaf development across the growing season.
Tea gardens are typically situated on rolling hills at low to moderate elevations, where well-drained soils rich in organic matter provide a stable foundation for plant growth. These conditions support a balanced accumulation of aromatic and structural compounds in the leaves. Early spring harvest further enhances this balance, contributing to clarity and a more refined profile in the final tea.
The combination of coastal influence, fertile soils, and seasonal timing defines a terroir that emphasizes smoothness, softness, and clean aromatic expression. The leaves develop with a controlled and even character, allowing traditional processing to highlight natural sweetness and a well-structured, harmonious profile.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf appearance is natural and slightly irregular, with medium-sized twisted leaves in dark brown tones and occasional lighter accents. The aroma of the dry leaves is soft and clean, showing notes of light honey, dried fruit, and a subtle grain-like sweetness. In a preheated teapot, the tea gradually opens, and the aroma becomes warmer and more rounded, revealing gentle caramel, soft baked notes, and a light fruity nuance. After a brief rinse, the leaves fully awaken, and the aroma gains clarity and balance, combining mild honeyed tones with delicate fruit and a smooth, warm depth.
The aroma of the liquor in the empty cup is soft and stable, with gentle sweetness and a faint fruity trace. The taste is smooth and well-structured, with a medium-light body and a clean, rounded texture. From the first sips, a natural sweetness emerges, supported by light fruit notes and a subtle malty nuance, with very low astringency. The profile remains calm and harmonious across multiple infusions, offering clarity and refinement. The aftertaste is clean and moderately persistent, leaving a light sweetness and a slightly warming sensation. In the empty cup after drinking, delicate notes of honey, light caramel, and a subtle fruity sweetness remain.
Hongcha is a Korean red tea produced in Boseong in South Korea, a region with a long-standing tea-growing tradition. This tea is a true farmer’s production, made by an experienced local master who continues traditional methods on a small scale. The focus is on preserving authenticity and expressing the natural qualities of the leaf rather than producing for large commercial output.
The raw material comes from an early spring harvest, when the leaves are at their most tender and balanced in composition. Due to the limited availability of such material and the artisanal nature of production, the quantity of this tea is extremely small. Each batch reflects careful selection and attention to detail at every stage of processing.
The tea is processed using traditional methods, including withering, rolling, full oxidation, and drying, with techniques passed down through generations. This approach allows for a clean and well-defined profile, highlighting natural sweetness and clarity. Hongcha from this context represents a rare and authentic expression of Korean red tea, appreciated by experienced tea lovers for its limited production and direct connection to traditional craftsmanship.
TERROIR
Hongcha is sourced from the tea-growing area of Boseong in South Korea. The region is characterized by a humid coastal climate with abundant rainfall, high humidity, and mild temperature variation throughout the year. Proximity to the sea moderates extremes and supports steady, balanced leaf development across the growing season.
Tea gardens are typically situated on rolling hills at low to moderate elevations, where well-drained soils rich in organic matter provide a stable foundation for plant growth. These conditions support a balanced accumulation of aromatic and structural compounds in the leaves. Early spring harvest further enhances this balance, contributing to clarity and a more refined profile in the final tea.
The combination of coastal influence, fertile soils, and seasonal timing defines a terroir that emphasizes smoothness, softness, and clean aromatic expression. The leaves develop with a controlled and even character, allowing traditional processing to highlight natural sweetness and a well-structured, harmonious profile.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf appearance is natural and slightly irregular, with medium-sized twisted leaves in dark brown tones and occasional lighter accents. The aroma of the dry leaves is soft and clean, showing notes of light honey, dried fruit, and a subtle grain-like sweetness. In a preheated teapot, the tea gradually opens, and the aroma becomes warmer and more rounded, revealing gentle caramel, soft baked notes, and a light fruity nuance. After a brief rinse, the leaves fully awaken, and the aroma gains clarity and balance, combining mild honeyed tones with delicate fruit and a smooth, warm depth.
The aroma of the liquor in the empty cup is soft and stable, with gentle sweetness and a faint fruity trace. The taste is smooth and well-structured, with a medium-light body and a clean, rounded texture. From the first sips, a natural sweetness emerges, supported by light fruit notes and a subtle malty nuance, with very low astringency. The profile remains calm and harmonious across multiple infusions, offering clarity and refinement. The aftertaste is clean and moderately persistent, leaving a light sweetness and a slightly warming sensation. In the empty cup after drinking, delicate notes of honey, light caramel, and a subtle fruity sweetness remain.
Check out our KOREAN GREEN TEA. Boseong, Jeolla, South Korea, on YouTube!
KOREAN GREEN TEA. Boseong, Jeolla, South Korea
KOREAN TEA
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AN SHIM 'BLENDS' TEA
Check out our BLENDS section for unique red/black tea blends made by us and our colleagues from all over the world.