• a tin of yunnan black (dian hong) ZL select tea
  • close up of 3 yunnan black tea leaves
  • the golden-red liquor of yunnan black tea
  • a circle yunnan black tea leaves
  • yunnan black infused tea leaves
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Yunnan Black

Yunnan Black

Grade
Year
Option
$18.95 USD
$18.95 USD
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Sweet, malty black tea hailing from the prestigious Bing Dao Mountain in Yunnan, China. Contains 17 servings, which can be infused 2 times each.

Region 💬The region where tea is grown influences its flavor, aroma, and quality. Different climates, altitudes, and soil types contribute to unique characteristics specific to each area.
 Bing Dao Mountain, Yunnan, China
Harvest 💬The season when the tea is harvested affects its flavor profile. Early spring teas, known as first flush, are often lighter and more delicate, while later harvests can be bolder and more robust.
 Mid spring 2024
Cultivar 💬Cultivar refers to the specific variety of tea plant used. Different cultivars have distinct flavor profiles, growth patterns, and adaptability to environmental conditions.
 Camellia sinensis var. assamica
Pluck set 💬The pluck set describes the combination of leaves and buds that are harvested. For example, 'one bud and two leaves' is a common standard that can impact the tea's flavor, texture, and quality."
 1 bud with 2 leaves
Caffeine 💬Caffeine levels vary between tea types and can be influenced by factors like leaf size, processing methods, and steeping time.
 Medium
Roast 💬Roast level refers to how much heat has been applied to the leaves during processing. A higher roast imparts deeper, toasty notes, while lighter roasts preserve the tea’s natural floral or vegetal character.
 Light
Oxidation 💬Oxidation is the process of exposing tea leaves to air, which changes their color and flavor. Higher oxidation levels result in darker, more robust teas, while lower levels maintain lighter, more delicate flavors.
 100%
Fermentation 💬Fermentation is a microbial process used in certain teas like Pu'er to develop complex flavors over time. Higher fermentation levels often produce richer, earthier notes and darker liquor.
 N/A

Suggested water temperature

95-100°C
(203-212°F)		 OR Allow kettle to cool for 1 minute before pouring

Simple brewing method

+ + +
2g
(1 tsp)		 tea infuser 240ml
(1 cup)		 4-5 mins

To learn more about how to brew Yunnan Black Tea, refer to our Universal Tea Brewing Guide.
This tea is part of our Select tier, the middle of our three grades—ideal for gifting or elevating your daily tea ritual.

Learn more about how we grade our teas.
100% whole leaf tea
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3 cups of yunnan black (dian hong) tea being served traditional style

Taste & Aroma

Yunnan Black (Dian Hong—云南红茶) boasts a rich, malty sweetness with notes of cocoa and honey, complemented by a warm, earthy aroma with hints of dark cherry and spice.

an ancient tea harboring hundreds of massive beehives in Yunnan, China

Terroir

This tea derives its depth and balance from the subtropical mountains of Yunnan, China, where an ancient ecosystem thrives. The region's rich biodiversity, including bee colonies that craft vast, honey-laden hives, imparts this tea's rich flavor.

smiling ethnic minorities from yunnan harvesting tea

History

First crafted in the 20th century, this Yunnan Black is relatively new but deeply rooted in Yunnan's ancient tea traditions, drawing on thousands of years of cultivation by the region's native hill tribes.

a woman sifting through yunnan black tea leaves

Production

Comprised of tender buds and leaves, Yunnan Black undergoes precise withering, rolling, and oxidation, enhancing its rich, malty sweetness and signature golden tips.

a map of where yunnan black (dian hong) tea is grown, in Yunnan, China

Geography

Yunnan is where the tea plant evolved over millions of years before spreading to other parts of the world. Its ancient tea forests also nurture legendary pu’er, green and white teas.