Jin Jun Mei Tea is a luxurious treat that you’ll love to indulge in. Originating from the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian Province, China, this golden black tea has become highly sought after and one of the most expensive teas in the world. The flavor profile is complex: earthy and sweet. These flavors set it apart from other varieties.
Keep reading to learn more about the tea connoisseurs worldwide treasure as a one-of-a-kind beverage.
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History and Origin
Jin Jun Mei tea, a remarkable black tea, has its roots in the beautiful Wuyi Mountain region of Fujian Province.
The tea was first crafted in 2005, and since then, it has gained immense popularity locally and internationally due to its rich flavor.
The creation of Jin Jun Mei is credited to a tea master named Jiang Yuanxun, who worked in the Wuyi Mountain region. He wanted to develop a new black tea that could rival the popular and highly sought-after Lapsang Souchong tea, which is also from the Wuyi region.
Using his knowledge and expertise in tea processing, Jiang Yuanxun focused on using only the young and tender buds of the tea plant to create this new black tea. These buds are usually covered in fine golden hairs, giving the tea a distinctive appearance.
The name “Jin Jun Mei” itself translates to “Golden Beautiful Eyebrow,” referring to the appearance of the tea buds.
Through careful experimentation and craftsmanship, Jiang Yuanxun successfully created the Jin Jun Mei tea, quickly gaining popularity among tea enthusiasts in China and internationally. Its unique flavor profile, delicate aroma, and beautiful appearance contributed to its popularity.
Production Process
Hand-Picking
Regarding Jin Jun Mei Tea, the production process is quite meticulous. Hand-picking is essential to ensure the high quality of the tea. The picking time is around the end of March and early April. What sets this tea apart is the focus on choosing only the buds. During this time, buds and tender buds are carefully selected by experienced farmers. They inspect each one to guarantee they are fresh and uniform in appearance.
Oxidation
Next up is the oxidation process. Once your hand-picked buds are collected, they can wither outdoors for a short period. This helps in reducing the moisture content.
The buds are then rolled into thin strips to release their flavors and aromas further. This step helps to shape the tea buds and develop the desired taste profile.
The leaves are gently spread on bamboo trays (a room with controlled temperature and humidity) and frequently turned to ensure even oxidation. Buds are monitored closely as the oxidation time can vary, generally taking 10-24 hours.
Drying
Finally, the drying stage commences. After the tea buds have undergone oxidation, it is time to preserve their flavors and aromas. The buds are carefully roasted over charcoal or an electric heater at low temperatures. Ensure keeping the heat moderate and consistent, as higher temperatures can result in overly bitter or burnt flavors.
The dried tea is sorted and graded based on the appearance and quality of the tea buds. The highest-quality Jin Jun Mei teas are made from buds with a high proportion of golden tips.
The sorted tea undergoes a final quality inspection to ensure it meets the desired standards before being packaged and sold.
Appearance and Taste
Tea Buds
The tea consists of tiny buds. These delicate buds have a distinct appearance, giving the tea its renowned nickname, “golden eyebrows.” The fine hairs on the tea buds create a soft, almost velvety texture, making it a delight to touch and a testimony to its high quality.
Color
As for the color, Jin Jun Mei tea displays a beautiful, rich golden hue. The tea shimmers with a mix of both bright gold and dark brown tones, reflecting the exceptional craftsmanship that goes into producing this rare tea. When steeped, the tea liquor takes on a vivid amber color, revealing a vibrant and inviting visual experience for you, the drinker.
Flavor Profile
Jin Jun Mei tea is renowned for its complex flavor profile, which sets it apart from other black teas. When brewed correctly, it offers a delightful sensory experience. Here are some key characteristics of the tea’s flavor profile:
- Sweetness: Jin Jun Mei exhibits a natural sweetness often likened to honey or caramel.
- Fruity Notes: The tea has subtle fruity undertones, which can vary but might include hints of dried fruits like raisins or plums. These fruity notes add a touch of brightness to the flavor.
- Floral Aromas: The tea can emit delicate floral aromas like orchid or honeysuckle.
- Malty Undertones: Jin Jun Mei often contains malty or grain-like undertones, giving it a robust character characteristic of black teas.
- Creamy Texture: High-quality Jin Jun Mei teas may have a creamy mouthfeel, which adds to the tea’s luxurious and velvety sensation.
- No Astringency: Jin Jun Mei is typically not astringent or bitter, unlike some black teas. When prepared properly, it should have a smooth and gentle taste without any harshness.
- Long-Lasting Aftertaste: One of the prized qualities of this tea is its lingering aftertaste. The flavors can stay on the palate, leaving a pleasant impression.
- Subtle Earthiness: Some Jin Jun Mei teas may have a subtle earthy quality from the Wuyi Mountain terroir, where the tea is grown.
Brewing Jin Jun Mei Tea
Steeping Instructions
To enjoy Jin Jun Mei tea at its best, follow these simple brewing steps:
- Preheat your teapot by rinsing it with hot water.
- Measure out the tea: For a standard 150 ml teapot, use 500 mg of Jin Jun Mei tea leaves.
- Heat your water to around 90-95°C (194-203°F), just below boiling point.
- Pour the heated water over the tea leaves in your teapot. Make sure the leaves are fully submerged.
- Steep the tea for about 15 seconds for the first infusion. Pour the tea into your teacup, leaving the last bit in the teapot to cover the tea leaves for the next infusion.
- Repeat the steeping process 3-5 times, increasing the steeping time by 5 seconds with each subsequent infusion.
Adjust steeping time and water temperature based on your personal preferences.
Teapot Materials
The material of your teapot can affect the flavors and experience of brewing the tea. Here are some options to consider:
- Porcelain: A porcelain teapot is an excellent choice for retaining the delicate flavors and aromas of the tea. It’s nonporous, so it won’t absorb previous flavors, and its heat retention properties will keep your tea warm for a longer period.
- Clay: Yixing clay teapots are highly regarded in the tea community due to their porous nature. They absorb the tea’s flavor and develop a unique seasoning over time, enhancing the taste of the tea. However, it’s best to dedicate a clay teapot to one type of tea to prevent flavor mixing.
- Glass: Glass teapots are visually appealing, allowing you to watch the tea leaves unfurl as they steep. Additionally, glass is nonporous, so it won’t retain flavors, allowing you to appreciate the true taste of Jin Jun Mei tea.
Health Benefits
As a fully oxidized black tea, Jin Jun Mei contains abundant antioxidants to help neutralize free radicals, preventing cellular damage and protecting your body from oxidative stress-related diseases.
Drinking Jin Jun Mei tea regularly can also boost your immune system. Its polyphenol compounds significantly keep your immune system strong, reduce inflammation, and promote overall health. As a result, your body becomes more resilient to infections and common colds.
Additionally, the tea may offer heart health benefits. These are due to its flavonoid content, which can aid in reducing LDL cholesterol levels, lowering blood pressure, and improving blood vessel function.
Finally, drinking Jin Jun Mei may enhance your cognitive function. This tea’s moderate amounts of caffeine can improve alertness, focus, and concentration. Its antioxidant properties can protect your brain from free radical damage, promoting overall cognitive health.
Comparison to Other Chinese Black Teas
Regarding Chinese black teas, Jin Jun Mei stands out for its unique characteristics. Here is a high-level comparison to other notable black teas.
Jin Jun Mei
- It is made from young and tender buds, often with golden tips.
- Originates from Wuyishan, Fujian province.
- Flavor profile: Sweet, with honey or caramel notes, subtle fruitiness, and delicate floral aromas. Creamy texture with no astringency. Lingering aftertaste.
- Relatively modern tea, developed in the early 2000s.
- It is highly prized and sought-after for its unique flavor and exquisite craftsmanship.
- It is made from fully matured tea leaves, smoke-dried over pinewood fires.
- Originates from Wuyishan, Fujian province.
- Flavor profile: Bold and smoky with a prominent campfire-like aroma. Some variations may have underlying fruity or floral notes.
- Has a distinctive and polarizing smoky taste, not present in Jin Jun Mei.
- One of the oldest and most well-known Chinese black teas.
- Made from tea leaves grown in Anhui province.
- Flavor profile: Mild, smooth, and slightly sweet with orchid-like floral notes. Some variations can have a hint of smokiness.
- It is often compared to wine due to its complexity and ability to age well.
- It is recognized for its Burgundy wine-like flavor profile.
- It is made from tea leaves grown in Yunnan province.
- Flavor profile: Rich and full-bodied with a malty sweetness. It may have hints of cocoa, honey, and dried fruit.
- It comes in different grades, with golden-tipped versions considered the highest quality.
- It is known for its comforting and bold flavor.
- It is made from tea leaves grown in Fujian province, specifically in the Tanyang Village area.
- Flavor profile: Smooth and mellow with sweet, fruity, and caramel-like notes. It can have floral undertones.
- It is highly regarded for its superior quality and craftsmanship.
Dianhong Jin Ya (Golden Buds)
- It is made from pure golden buds, often from the Fengqing region in Yunnan province.
- Flavor profile: Sweet and honey-like with a velvety texture. Delicate floral and malt notes.
- Similar in some aspects to Jin Jun Mei but composed entirely of golden buds.
Buying Recommendations
Jin Jun Mei Tea can be expensive due to its high demand, limited production, and labor-intensive process. Remember, this tea is made from tender buds, which are limited.
The cost varies depending on the grade and origin, but it’s essential to remember that you’re paying for a rare, high-quality tea experience.
A great place to buy this tea is at specialty tea shops. These shops often carry a wide variety of tea blends. Specialty tea shops are also the place to ask questions and get recommendations from knowledgeable staff members who can help you find products according to your preferences and budget.
If visiting a specialty tea shop is not viable, you can look for reputable online tea shops or retailers. You can also read reviews from other customers to get an idea of the quality of the tea and the seller’s reliability.
If you are interested in buying online, please consider the recommendations below.
Jin Jun Mei Black Tea – Wuyi Mountains Tea From Fujian China
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Jinjunmei Black Tea Loose Leaf
Tenfu’s New Supreme Organic Jin Jun Mei
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Jin Jun Mei tea processed?
Jin Jun Mei tea is hand-processed using the finest tea buds. First, the buds are picked during early spring; then, they’re withered to reduce moisture content. After withering, the buds are rolled to release natural oils and enzymes. They’re then partially fermented, but not as much as other black teas. Finally, the buds are dried under low heat to lock in their unique flavors.
What makes Jin Jun Mei unique among Chinese black teas?
Jin Jun Mei is unique due to its exclusive use of buds and meticulous hand processing. Its flavor profile is rich, smooth, and sweet, with fruity and floral undertones. Its rarity and complex flavor make it a highly sought-after and luxurious Chinese black tea.
How should I brew Jin Jun Mei for the best taste?
To bring out the best flavors of the tea, use a porcelain or glass teapot and follow these steps:
- Preheat your teapot by pouring hot water into it, swirling it around, and then pouring it out.
- Add 1 heaping teaspoon of tea leaves per 8 ounces of water.
- Bring water to a temperature of 195°F (90°C).
- Pour the hot water over the tea leaves in the teapot.
- Steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on your taste preference.
- Pour the tea into your cup, and enjoy!
Feel free to adjust the tea-to-water ratio, steeping time, and water temperature.
What are some health benefits of Jin Jun Mei tea?
This tea contains antioxidants, which help protect your body against free radicals. Regular tea consumption may also contribute to heart health by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Furthermore, Jin Jun Mei tea has anti-inflammatory properties that may enhance your immune system and promote overall health. However, remember to enjoy the tea in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
How does Jin Jun Mei compare to other Chinese red teas?
While Jin Jun Mei is a Chinese red (or black) tea, it stands out due to its unique processing and exceptional taste. While other red teas typically blend tea leaves and buds, Jin Jun Mei tea is made exclusively from young tea buds. This produces a more delicate, sweet flavor than other Chinese red teas, like Keemun or Dian Hong.
Where is Jin Jun Mei tea produced?
Jin Jun Mei tea is produced in the Wuyi Mountains of Fujian Province, China. The region’s high altitude, mild climate, and mineral-rich soil create the perfect environment for tea cultivation, contributing to the tea’s outstanding flavors and qualities.
I hope you have enjoyed the article and learned something new! See you later!
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