China's Four Famous Black Teas
Exploring the Mysteries of Keemun Black Tea, Dian Hong, Zheng Shan Xiao Seed and Jin Jun Mei
Chinese tea culture is long and deep, with black tea as an important part of it, rich varieties, and a variety of flavours that are loved by tea lovers. Among the many black teas, Zheng Shan Xiao Seed, Keemun Black Tea, Dian Hong and Jin Jun Mei have become the world-renowned ‘Four Famous Black Teas of China’ due to their unique flavours and production techniques. Behind each famous tea is its long history and exquisite craftsmanship. Drinking these black teas is not only a tracing of tea culture but also an extraordinary experience for the palate.
Zhengshan Xiaojiao: the ‘smoky aristocrat’ of black tea
As one of the earliest black tea varieties in China, Zhengshan Xiaojiao has a unique pine-smoke aroma and is produced in Wuyi Mountain, Fujian Province. Authentic Zheng Shan Xiao Seed is roasted with pine needles and pine wood, giving the tea a charming smoky flavour. The tea broth is red, rich and translucent, with a mellow taste, accompanied by a light smoky aroma and a sweet aftertaste.
Drinking a cup of Zhengshan Xiao Seed is like being in the clouds and mist of Wuyi Mountain, with the aroma of pine wood intertwined with the aroma of tea, bringing a sense of calm and comfort. Such a black tea with a smoky flavour also brings new inspiration for barbecue cuisine. Beef or lamb chops marinated in black tea barbecue seasoning not only has the aroma of tea but also a deep smoky flavour, so you can feel the perfect blend of tea and barbecue in every bite.
Keemun Tea: The Noble of Tea in Aroma
When it comes to Keemun black tea, many tea lovers will immediately think of its very representative ‘Keemun incense’. Produced in Keemun County, Anhui Province, Keemun black tea has become one of the top black teas recognised in the international tea world for its perfect combination of fruity, floral and honey aromas. With its reddish colour and mellow, sweet taste, it is perfect for sipping on its own as well as pairing with after-dinner desserts.
The warm, sweet aroma of Keemun black tea gives it an extremely high degree of plasticity. In addition to serving as a beverage, black tea BBQ seasoning can also bring this elegant aroma to your BBQ cuisine. Imagine chicken wings or pork ribs marinated in this seasoning and grilled over charcoal with the aroma of tea and meat, the flavour is absolutely to die for.
Dian Hong: Yunnan's Gem of Highland Flavour
Dian Hong is the representative black tea of Yunnan. Dian Hong is grown in high-altitude mountainous areas, and the natural environment of perennial clouds and mist gives it a unique sweet aroma and heavy taste. Dian Hong has a reddish amber-like colour and a rich, fruity and sweet aroma, which makes it ideal for those who like a strong taste in their tea.
Not only does Dian Hong perform well in a teacup, it also shines on the BBQ. Sauces blended with black tea BBQ seasoning can combine the aroma of Dian Hong with the flavour of charcoal grilling in a seamless way, especially when paired with steak or lamb, allowing you to savour that rich, yet elegant, sweet aroma in every bite. If you are a food lover with demanding tastes, the unique flavour of Dian Hong BBQ will never disappoint you.
Jinjunmei: the newest of modern black teas
Jin Jun Mei is the youngest representative of the four black teas, born in Wuyi Mountain, Fujian Province. Compared with other black teas, Jinjunmei is made from high-altitude tea buds from Wuyi Mountain, and the production process not only retains the traditional tea-making techniques but also incorporates modern innovative elements. Its tea broth is golden and translucent, with an elegant and long-lasting aroma of flowers, fruits and honey, and a fresh and sweet taste.
Not only is Jin Jun Mei a great choice for sipping, it is also one of the inspirations for our black tea BBQ seasoning. Imagine a barbecue infused with the refreshing aroma of Jinjunmei to neutralise the greasiness of meats while providing a chic tea experience. Whether you use it to marinate fish or grill chicken, the addition of black tea will provide a refreshing taste experience.
Black Tea Goes Great with Barbecue
You might think that black tea can only be used for drinking, but it can actually be a secret weapon in BBQ cooking. In particular, our Black Tea BBQ Seasoning combines the natural aroma of black tea with the rich flavour of the seasoning, giving the ingredients a distinctive tea aroma and flavour when marinating meat. Whether it's beef, chicken or seafood, you can marinate them all with this seasoning, and the tea aroma will hit your nose after barbecuing, making every barbecue full of surprises.
Not only that, but black tea's own antioxidant and refreshing properties allow it to deliver even more health benefits while enriching the flavour. While enjoying the delicious flavour of barbecue, you can also take in the healthy ingredients in black tea, which is a win-win situation.
Summary
China's four most famous black teas - Zhengshan Xiaojiao, Keemun black tea, Dian Hong and Jin Jun Mei - not only occupy an important position in tea culture but also add unlimited taste pleasure to our daily life. Each of them has its own characteristics. The smoky flavour of Zhengshan Xiao Seed, the sweet aroma of Keemun Black Tea, the heavy and mellow aroma of Dian Hong, and the freshness and crispness of Jin Jun Mei all bring us a different tea-tasting experience.
And when these black teas are perfectly combined with our Black Tea BBQ Seasoning, it not only enriches your BBQ menu, but also makes the fusion of tea flavour and cuisine possible. Whether it's a savouring in a teacup or a happy hour by the grill, black tea offers a unique and delicious experience.
Black tea is both a symbol of tradition and an essential element of modern life. The next time you prepare a barbecue, add our Black Tea BBQ Seasoning and let the tea flavour permeate every delicious bite!