A Guide to Jun Shan Yellow Tea from Hunan, China

Jun Shan Yellow Tea, also known as Jun Shan Yin Zhen, ranks among the most popular teas from China’s Hunan Province. This article covers the tea’s history, characteristics, and preservation techniques.

What is Jun Shan Yellow Tea?

Jun Shan Yellow Tea is usually referred to as Silver Needle tea, or Jun Shan Yin Zhen in Chinese. It is a type of yellow tea produced in Dong Ting Lake at Yue Yang, Hunan province.

Jun Shan Yellow Tea History and Significance

The tea has a long history dating back to the Tang Dynasty. It was selected as part of Princess Wencheng’s dowry when she married in Tibet. The tea has also been listed as a tribute tea in Chinese tea culture.

Geographic Factors

Dong Ting Lake features fertile sandy soil. The region offers a suitable climate for tea production, with an annual average temperature of 16 to 17 degrees Celsius and high humidity from March to September.

Characteristics of Jun Shan Yellow Tea

To begin, this Silver Needle delight consists entirely of tea buds covered with small hairs, which give them a glossy appearance. It has a refreshing aroma and appears orange-yellow when brewed. The tea buds stand upright in the cup, resembling needles. People often describe it as having a bright appearance and a nectar-like quality.

Harvesting and Production

Silver Needle requires precision in plucking, with strict conditions regarding timing, weather, and bud size. A pound of Silver Needle contains approximately 150,000 tea buds. The production process involves several steps: deactivating enzymes, cooling, baking, and packaging.

Silver Needle Brewing

When brewing Silver Needle, use specific equipment, including a high-temperature-resistant glass with an airtight lid. Boil water for brewing, and cover the lid swiftly. After three minutes, when most tea buds settle at the bottom, the tea is ready to enjoy.

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Storage and Preservation

To maintain its quality, store Silver Needle carefully. Use plaster and suitable packaging materials to prevent exposure to heat, light, and oxygen. Refrigerate the tea at around five degrees Celsius for preservation, and use the freezer for long-term storage.