Golden Needle
Dianhong Organic

Imperial Grade 98 P.

SKU
7997-bio
The highest quality of one of China’s finest black teas. Hand-selected, pure tea buds from the Ming Qian 明前 harvest in March – the first and most treasured of the year. Delightfully malty-sweet flavour with an elegant citrusy freshness. Organically grown at an altitude of 1500m in Lincang, Yunnan. 70g
  • Authentic Dianhong tea from Yunnan
  • The first buds of the year (Ming Qian), harvested at the optimal time in March
  • Hand-selected buds
  • Large-leaf, indigenous cultivars
Character Sunny-malty, citrusy, elegant, refreshing
Tea Farm One of the leading organic tea farms in Lincang
Terroir Lincang, Yunnan Province, China
Harvest 1st harvest 2023 (Ming Qian), end of March, hand-harvested, only single buds
Cultivar Yunnan Da Ye Zhong (Large leaf)
Elevation 1500m-1800m above sea level
Oxidation Full Oxidation
Processing Withering (approx. 6-16h), rolling, oxidation (6-10h), final oven drying (120°C)
Cultivation EU certified organic since 2011
Grade 98/100 p. (Black tea category); Imperial Grade
€19.90
70g

Delivery : Up to 5 business days

Incl. VAT, excl. shipping

SKU
7997-bio
€284.29 / 1kg
In stock

Tea Farm

Since 2011, the farm has held all major international organic certifications. Even before that, their tea cultivation was carried out without the use of pesticides. The farm is located in one of Yunnan’s key tea-growing regions, in Lincang Province.

Character

Tasting Notes

This Imperial Grade of the renowned Dianhong black tea (滇紅茶, with "Dian" being an ancient name for Yunnan) is a true sensory delight. The large yet delicate needles are entirely covered in golden down, a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship behind its production. When brewed, it unfolds in a radiant amber-gold infusion, revealing refined, sunlit malty grain tasting notes, a rich sweetness, and a refreshing citrusy character.

Leaf

Beautiful large, pure golden needles

Cup

Bright amber gold

Black Tea

Black tea is the most oxidised form of tea. In contrast to green tea, oxidation is not halted after harvesting and withering through heat application. Instead, the leaves undergo intensive rolling, which breaks the cell walls and releases enzymes that not only facilitate but further intensify oxidation. During this process, the leaves transition in colour from green to black, developing a particularly rich, complex flavour profile. In the cup, the tea often glows in vibrant shades of orange to red, which is reflected in its Chinese name, Hong Cha – meaning "red tea."

Cultivation & Processing

Special features in location, cultivation and processing

The highland of Yunnan has a mild, subtropical climate, even at higher altitudes. This is due to the predominantly south-facing slopes, which are strongly influenced by the Indian and the Pacific Ocean. Traditionally, Yunnan is home to various large-leaf cultivars, some of which trace their origins back to ancient tea plants.

For this tea, only pure tea buds are used, carefully hand-selected during harvest. The finest buds, the very first of the season, are chosen for this tea. This early harvest period in China is known as Ming Qian. "Ming" (明) means "bright" or "clear," while "Qian" (前) means "before." Together, they refer to tea harvested before the Qingming Festival, a traditional Chinese celebration that usually takes place in early April. Teas picked during this time are considered exceptionally fresh and of the highest quality.

The oxidation of the buds takes place indoors. Initially, the tea leaves are lightly withered on bamboo trays. The room temperature is carefully controlled during this stage. The buds are then rolled by machine. After withering, the buds are placed in special wooden boxes and covered with cloths to undergo oxidation. This process lasts between three to five hours, depending on the desired oxidation level. An experienced tea master continuously monitors the tea to determine the exact moment to halt oxidation. Finally, the tea leaves are dried at 120°C, finishing off the process.

Organic Certification

Preparation

Brewing Guide

2 heaped tsp per 200-300ml, 85-90°C water. Steep for 2 minutes. Suitable for several infusions.

Gong Fu Style:
For this method, a Gaiwan or small teapot (up to 150ml) is used. A slightly higher tea dosage (7g) is recommended. Brew with 100°C water, starting with very short steeping times of 15-30 seconds, gradually increasing the time with each infusion. This allows for over five infusions, resulting in an especially intense flavour.

Packaging

Packed in a high-quality, airtight, resealable zipper pouch with nine protective layers to preserve flavour and prevent oxidation. After opening, press out as much air as possible when snapping shut.

Recommended Teapot

For an especially aromatic preparation, we recommend using a Chinese teapot made of Yixing or Nixing natural clay. Alternatively, a teapot made of porcelain or glass is also a great option, as well as a traditional Gaiwan.

Recommended Storage

Ideal and particularly beautiful are authentic Chinese containers made of porcelain or clay. Alternatively, more affordable, internally coated airtight tea caddies are also suitable.

Test results

We find it very important that our teas are pure and produced in a way that respects the environment. For this reason, each one of our teas is tested for pesticide residues by an independent laboratory, the results of which can be found here. Some of our teas are also tested for specific nutritional compounds, in which case the test results are also published here.

See tests

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