The origin of Dahongpao
When the tea buds bourgeon in the early spring, the whole tree looks like wearing a red robe in the distance, thus it is called”Dahongpao” (Big Red Robe). There were only 6 Dahongpao tea trees of the first generation survived. The annual production of the tea is only 350g~400g. 250g of it is rated to the central government. Other100g~150g is sent to provincial governments. Now Dahongpao tea sold in the market is from the second, the third and even the tenth generation of tea trees.
What is “yanyun” taste?
“yanyun” is the exclusive characteristic of Wuyi Rock tea’s “rock bone floral flavors”. “Rock bone” is a mellow flavor and especially lastes long with a deep sense of aftertaste. Because most of the soil of Wuyi Mountain is volcanic conglomerate, red sandstone and shale, in combination with the traditional cultivation and producing process of Wuyi Rock tea, rock tea is provided with unique “rock flavor”.
History
There are many stories about the origin of Da Hong Pao’s name. The most famous one is that a long time ago, there was a scholar who was very sick on his way to Beijing for an exam. A monk of Tianxin Temple found him and brewed a bowl of tea picked from Wuyi Mountain for the scholar. After drinking the tea, the scholar felt much better and energetic. Few days later, he won the first place in the exam. So he came back to the temple to thank the monk who saved him. Later, he also uses this tea to cure the emperor’s illness. The emperor rewarded the scholar a red robe and asked the scholar to put the red robe on the tea tree. The red robe considered high honor at that time. The emperor also gave his orders: all officials passing through this place must put their red robes on tea trees to show the emperor’s gratitude for healing. After that, the tea tree were named Big Red Robe which in Chinese pronunciation is Da Hong Pao.
Health Benifits
Da Hong Pao contains caffeine, theophylline, tea polyphenols , and flavonoids. For these reasons and others, a number of health benefits are claimed for the tea. Drinking Da Hong Pao could mitigate weariness and help blood circulation.And it could also treat edema and water retention. Moreover, it helps decrease the bad effects of drinking and smoking. The elements contained in Da Hong Pao could reduce the alcohol and nicotine.Furthermore, it has cosmetic effects. Drinking Da Hong Pao regularly is good for the skin and helps lose weight. Lastly, it helps relieving cough and reducing phlegm.
Recommend Brewing Method
Water temperature: 90°C~95°C.
Tea sets: the purple sand teapot, or porcelain pot.
Amount of tea: about 1/2 of the tea set. Infusion times: 6 to 8 infusions.