Organic and Natural Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe) Tea
Da Hong Pao (大红袍), also known as “Big Red Robe”, is a type of oolong tea that originates from the Wuyi Mountains in the Fujian province of China. Da Hong Pao is renowned for its complex flavors, which can include notes of roasted nuts, caramel, chocolate, and sometimes even floral or fruity undertones. It’s typically characterized by its long, twisted dark leaves and produces a rich, reddish-brown liquor when brewed. Due to its limited availability and high demand, authentic Da Hong Pao is often quite expensive and considered a luxury tea. Interested in Da Hong Pao? Shop it at Chasourcing at best prices.
Shop Da Hong Pao Tea
Why Choose Chasourcing's Dahongpao Tea
Premium Selection of Best Tea Leaves
We meticulously select only the finest Da Hong Pao tea leaves at spring seaon, ensuring optimal quality and flavor of each product Our commitment to sourcing the best raw materials guarantees a superior oolong tea experience for our customers.
Traditional Handcrafting
Our Big Red Robe tea is crafted using time-honored traditional methods that have multiple procedures, passed down through generations. Each leaf is carefully handpicked, processed, and roasted by skilled artisans, preserving the authenticity and essence of this beloved beverage.
Pure and Authentic Taste
Experience the true essence of Da Hong Pao tea with Chasourcing. Our teas boast a rich and pure flavor profile, meticulously crafted to deliver a delightful sensory experience with every sip. From the first infusion to the last, enjoy the unmatched taste of our authentic oolong teas.
About Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe) Tea
What Does Da Hong Pao Look Like?
Da Hong Pao tea is visually characterized by its tightly rolled, dark brown leaves, vibrant orange liquor, and bright red or reddish-brown infused leaves. Its aroma is intense and captivating, with a harmonious blend of rock essence and floral fragrances, making it a truly unique and cherished tea variety.
The following are five apparent characteristics that distinguish Da Hong Pao from other tea leaves:
- Dry Leaves: The dry leaves of Da Hong Pao are uniformly shaped, tightly rolled, and robust in appearance, with a glossy, dark brown coloration. Their structure is compact, indicating high quality.
- Tea Infusion: When Big Red Robe tea is brewed, the tea liquor exhibits a deep orange hue, sometimes bordering on reddish-orange. Its texture is smooth, and the flavor is mellow and harmonious. The aroma fills the senses with a pronounced fragrance of rock essence and floral notes, indicative of its Wuyi rock tea origins.
- Wet Leaves: After steeping, the tea leaves of Da Hong pao unfurl to reveal whole, thick leaves with a bright and lustrous appearance. Even after multiple infusions, the leaves maintain their integrity, demonstrating their durability and resilience.
- Physical Characteristics: Da Hong Pao leaves are tightly twisted and curled, showcasing fine, prominent tips. The color of the leaves is a deep green, indicating their freshness and high chlorophyll content. The brewed tea exhibits a rich and vibrant orange-red or orange-yellow hue, reflecting its strength and depth of flavor. Its taste profile is characterized by a velvety smoothness and a pronounced sweet aftertaste, highlighting its inherent richness.
- Aroma: The aroma of Da Hong Pao is robust and intense, with a unique blend of rock essence and floral fragrances. This distinctive aroma, often referred to as “yan yun” or “rock rhyme,” is characteristic of teas grown in the mineral-rich soil of the Wuyi Mountains. Additionally, the floral notes add complexity and depth to the overall aroma profile, enhancing the drinking experience.
What Da Hong Pao Taste Like?
Da Hong Pao tea is renowned for its rich, smooth, and lingering taste profile. Its tea liquor presents a deep golden-yellow hue, clear and radiant, imparting a warm sensation upon sipping. Throughout the drinking experience, you can perceive a gradual release of flavors from the tea leaves, with the taste becoming increasingly robust. The flavours of Da Hong Pao can be summarized into the following four fields:
- Sweetness and Floral Notes: Da Hong Pao tea offers a delightful sweetness upon entry, with a solid tea base infused with subtle floral undertones. It encompasses three main aromatic categories: floral, fruity, and woody. The tea liquor is thick and smooth, delivering a satisfying mouthfeel.
- Aromatic Complexity: The aroma of Da Hong Pao is characterized by its rich fragrance of orchid blossoms, with a pronounced and enduring scent. High-quality Da Hong Pao exudes a refreshing aroma, while inferior varieties may present bitter, astringent, pungent, or sour notes.
- Long-lasting Flavor and Texture: The taste experience of Da Hong Pao is described as sweet upon entry, with a tea liquor that holds a hint of floral fragrance. It’s complex and full-bodied, with a lingering aftertaste and a robust character. The texture is smooth, sweet, and delicate, offering a rich and satisfying drinking experience.
- Brewing Resilience: Da Hong Pao tea leaves are known for their endurance through multiple infusions. Even after seven or eight brews, they retain their aroma. To fully appreciate the Zen-like essence of rock tea, it’s recommended to prepare and savor Da Hong Pao tea using the traditional Gongfu tea ceremony method, emphasizing liveliness, sweetness, clarity, and fragrance.
Different Types of Da Hong Pao Tea
Da Hong Pao can be classified into three main types: Mother Tree Da Hong Pao, Purebred Da Hong Pao, and Commercial Da Hong Pao.
Mother Tree Da Hong Pao
These are tea trees that originated from the cliffs of the Jiulongke area in the Wuyi Mountains. There are three main varieties: Qidan, Beidou, and Que She, with only six remaining trees. Mother Tree Da Hong Pao is no longer harvested, making it a rare and exclusive treasure due to its limited availability and historical significance.
Purebred Da Hong Pao
Cultivated through asexual reproduction from specific strains of the mother trees, Purebred Da Hong Pao offers a direct lineage to the original trees. As a result of its direct heritage and limited production, it is highly valued and commands a premium price in the market.
Commercial Da Hong Pao
This is the most commonly available type of Da Hong Pao in the market. It is a blend of various Wuyi rock teas crafted to replicate the flavor profile of authentic Da Hong Pao. Typically, it includes base teas such as Cinnamon (rou gui) and Narcissus (shui xian), blended to create a tea with the characteristic rock essence and floral fragrance associated with Da Hong Pao. While it may lack the exclusivity of Mother Tree or Purebred Da Hong Pao, Commercial Da Hong Pao provides a more accessible option for tea enthusiasts, offering a taste reminiscent of the original while being readily available and affordable.
Da Hong Pao Vs Other Oolong Tea
Da Hong Pao vs. Tie Guan Yin
Da Hong Pao offers a robust experience with deep, rocky minerality and layers of dark chocolate and smokiness, contrasting sharply with Tie Guan Yin‘s delicate floral notes and subtle sweetness. This stark difference highlights Da Hong Pao’s invigorating full-bodied character versus Tie Guan Yin’s serene, uplifting tea experience.
Da Hong Pao vs. Wuyi Oolong Tea
Among Wuyi Oolong tea, Da Hong Pao stands out with its rich ‘yan yun’ or rock rhyme, showcasing a complex blend of smoky to sweet floral flavors. This complexity contrasts with Tie Guan Yin’s floral elegance, emphasizing Da Hong Pao’s embodiment of Wuyi’s unique terroir.
Da Hong Pao vs. Dan Cong Oolong
Da Hong Pao’s strong mineral base and rich earthy notes set it apart from Feng Huang Dan Cong‘s aromatic versatility, which mimics various natural scents. This comparison underscores Da Hong Pao’s depth and the mastery behind its cultivation, offering a singular, immersive tea experience.
Da Hong Pao vs. Dong Ding Oolong
Dong Ding Oolong Tea is known for its buttery texture and floral-fruity balance, while Da Hong Pao boasts a powerful, rich mineral complexity. The contrast between Dong Ding’s cozy warmth and Da Hong Pao’s rugged, invigorating essence captures the essence of their respective origins
Why Should You Try Da Hong Pao Tea?
Embark on a journey of discovery and delight with Da Hong Pao tea—a revered treasure steeped in rich history, cultural significance, and tantalizing flavors. From its legendary origins to its health-promoting properties, here are five compelling reasons why you should experience the allure of Da Hong Pao:
Cultural Legacy and Heritage Big Red Robe Possesses
Da Hong Pao tea traces its roots back to the majestic cliffs of the Wuyi Mountains, where it has been cultivated for centuries. As one of China’s most esteemed teas, Da Hong Pao carries a profound cultural legacy, celebrated by emperors, scholars, and tea connoisseurs throughout history. Its association with imperial tributes and legendary tales imbues Da Hong Pao with a sense of mystique and reverence, inviting enthusiasts to partake in a tradition that transcends time and borders.
Traditional Craftsmanship and Artistry Included in Dahongpao
Crafted using time-honored techniques passed down through generations, Da Hong Pao embodies the pinnacle of traditional tea craftsmanship. From the meticulous selection of tea leaves to the skilled roasting and rolling processes, each step in its production is executed with precision and care to preserve the tea’s natural essence and flavor. The artistry and expertise involved in crafting Da Hong Pao result in a tea that exudes complexity, depth, and character, offering a sensory journey that captivates the soul.
Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) of Da Hong Pao
Da Hong Pao has been granted Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, ensuring its unique identity and origin are safeguarded. Only teas produced within the designated region of the Wuyi Mountains can bear the esteemed title of Da Hong Pao, protecting against counterfeit and preserving the authenticity of this historic tea. By choosing Da Hong Pao, you not only savor its exquisite flavor but also support sustainable agriculture and cultural preservation.
Health and Well-being Effects of Drinking Da Hong Pao
Beyond its cultural and historical significance, Da Hong Pao offers a myriad of health benefits. Cultivated in the pristine environment of the Wuyi Mountains and nurtured by clean mountain air and mineral-rich soil, Da Hong Pao tea is brimming with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Regular consumption of Da Hong Pao may help boost immunity, aid digestion, and promote relaxation and mental clarity, making it a holistic beverage that nourishes both body and mind.
Exquisite Flavor and Aroma of Da Hong Pao
Last but certainly not least, Da Hong Pao captivates the senses with its exquisite flavor and aroma. From its rich, roasted notes to its lingering floral undertones, Da Hong Pao offers a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate and linger in the memory long after the last sip. Whether enjoyed alone or shared with loved ones, Da Hong Pao promises an unforgettable tea-drinking experience that transcends the ordinary and transports you to the sublime.
In conclusion, Da Hong Pao tea beckons with its cultural allure, traditional craftsmanship, health benefits, and tantalizing flavors. By indulging in Da Hong Pao, you not only savor a cup of tea but also partake in a centuries-old tradition that embodies the essence of Chinese tea culture. So why wait? Take a sip of Da Hong Pao and embark on a journey of discovery and delight unlike any other.
How to Select Da Hong Pao
How to Distinguish High-quality Da Hong Pao from Low-quality Ones
Navigating the world of Da Hong Pao can be akin to embarking on a quest for treasure. The difference between high-quality and lesser teas is not just in the sip, but in the story each leaf tells. Here’s how you can distinguish a gem from the stones, ensuring every cup of Da Hong Pao you enjoy is a testament to the tea’s noble heritage.
The Hue of Heritage
Begin with the visual feast. High-quality Da Hong Pao leaves boast a vibrant, deep brown color with a hint of reddish hue, reminiscent of the Wuyi Mountains’ majestic cliffs. Their twist and curl speak of careful, artisanal handling. In contrast, lower-quality leaves may appear dull, uneven, or lack the vibrant lustre that characterizes premium selections.
Aroma of Antiquity
Lift the lid and let the aroma tell its tale. A top-tier Da Hong Pao greets you with a rich, complex bouquet combining floral, fruity, and slightly smoky notes, layered over an unmistakable mineral undertone. This rock rhyme—’yan yun’—is the signature of its origin. Lesser teas might offer a one-dimensional aroma or lack the nuanced depth that defines the best.
The Liquor’s Legacy
The proof, as they say, is in the pouring. A superior Da Hong Pao yields a liquor that’s a captivating amber, clear and bright, inviting a sip that promises to unfold layers of flavor. Each sip should reveal a harmonious blend of sweetness, roast, and a lingering, mineral-rich aftertaste. Lower-quality teas may present a murkier appearance, with a flat or imbalanced flavor profile.
The Tale of Taste
High-quality Da Hong Pao sings with a balanced complexity, a symphony of flavors that evolve on the palate, leaving a memorable aftertaste that beckons for another cup. Lower-grade teas often miss this harmony, presenting either an overpowering bitterness or an underwhelming blandness that fades swiftly, without echo.
The Heritage of Harvest
Lastly, the story behind the tea can often be a guide to its quality. True Da Hong Pao comes from the revered Wuyi Mountains, nurtured by the mist, the rock, and the history they share. While the label might proclaim its origin, the tea’s authenticity shines through its quality and complexity, distinguishing itself from lesser counterparts.
Where to Buy Da Hong Pao: Chasourcing as Your Best Choice
When it comes to authenticity, quality, and a genuine tea experience, Chasourcing stands out as the premier destination. Here’s why:
Direct from the Wuyi Mountains
At Chasourcing, our Da Hong Pao doesn’t just come from China; it comes directly from the heart of its legendary birthplace – the Wuyi Mountains. This ensures not only the authenticity of your tea but also supports the heritage and the communities that have cultivated this treasure through generations. When you choose Chasourcing, you’re sipping from the source.
Curated Selection for Connoisseurs
Our commitment to quality transcends the ordinary. Each leaf of Da Hong Pao is selected with an eye for excellence. Our curated collection is a testament to our dedication to offering not just tea, but an exquisite experience. Whether you’re a seasoned tea aficionado or a curious newcomer, Chasourcing guides you to the perfect cup.
Transparency and Trust
In a world brimming with claims and counterclaims about authenticity, Chasourcing sets itself apart by offering transparency. We provide detailed information about the origin, harvest, and unique characteristics of our Da Hong Pao teas. This open book approach fosters trust and ensures that you know the story behind every leaf.
A Symphony of Flavors
Chasourcing doesn’t just sell tea; we offer an invitation to explore a rich tapestry of flavors. Our Da Hong Pao collection captures the essence of the Wuyi Mountains, from the delicate floral undertones to the profound minerality. With Chasourcing, each cup is not merely a drink; it’s an exploration of taste, tradition, and the timeless beauty of tea.
Health Effects of Da Hong Pao
Da Hong Pao tea, revered for its exquisite flavor and rich history, also offers a myriad of health benefits. From promoting cardiovascular health to aiding digestion and relieving stress, here are six compelling reasons to incorporate Da Hong Pao into your wellness routine:
Six Key Health Benefits of Drinking Da Hong Pao Tea
Cardiovascular Health
Da Hong Pao tea contains potent antioxidants such as flavonoids and catechins, which are known to promote cardiovascular health. These compounds help dilate blood vessels, reduce blood viscosity, and lower blood pressure, thereby supporting a stable circulatory system. Regular consumption of Da Hong Pao tea may contribute to better heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Anti-aging Properties
Rich in polyphenols, Da Hong Pao tea possesses powerful anti-aging properties. These polyphenols neutralize free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage, helping to prevent premature aging and promote overall health. Additionally, Da Hong Pao tea is effective in protecting against radiation, preserving skin health, and delaying the aging process, making it a valuable addition to any beauty regimen.
Stress Relief
Da Hong Pao tea contains amino acids and polyphenols that stimulate the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin in the brain, exerting a calming effect on the nervous system. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels, Da Hong Pao tea can help improve mood, enhance mental clarity, and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and tension.
Digestive Support
Da Hong Pao tea contains various enzymes such as protease and amylase, which aid in digestion and enhance gastrointestinal motility. These enzymes facilitate the breakdown and absorption of nutrients in the intestines, promoting better digestion and nutrient assimilation. By supporting digestive health, Da Hong Pao tea may alleviate symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and discomfort, ensuring optimal gastrointestinal function.
Weight Management
Drinking Da Hong Pao tea can aid in weight management by promoting fat metabolism and regulating lipid levels in the body. The tea’s polyphenols help to decrease cholesterol and triglyceride levels, contributing to a healthier lipid profile. Additionally, Da Hong Pao tea’s mild diuretic properties may assist in reducing water retention and promoting detoxification, aiding in weight loss efforts.
Detoxification and Immune Support
Da Hong Pao tea’s antioxidant properties play a crucial role in detoxifying the body and boosting immunity. By neutralizing harmful free radicals and supporting liver function, Da Hong Pao tea helps eliminate toxins from the body and strengthens the immune system’s defenses against infections and diseases. Regular consumption of Da Hong Pao tea can enhance overall well-being and promote a healthy, resilient immune system.
Potential Side Effects of Drinking Da Hong Pao Tea
While Da Hong Pao tea offers numerous health benefits, it’s essential to be aware of potential side effects, although they are generally rare and mild. Here are three possible side effects to consider:
Caffeine Sensitivity
Da Hong Pao tea contains caffeine, albeit in smaller amounts compared to black or green tea. For individuals sensitive to caffeine, excessive consumption of Da Hong Pao tea may lead to side effects such as jitteriness, nervousness, increased heart rate, or difficulty sleeping. It’s advisable to moderate consumption, especially for those with caffeine sensitivity or individuals prone to anxiety or insomnia.
Gastrointestinal Discomfort
While Da Hong Pao tea is generally gentle on the stomach, some individuals may experience gastrointestinal discomfort, particularly if consumed on an empty stomach or in excessive amounts. Side effects such as nausea, stomach upset, or acid reflux may occur in sensitive individuals. To minimize the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort, it’s recommended to consume Da Hong Pao tea alongside or after meals and to avoid excessive intake.
Interference with Medications
Like many herbal teas, Da Hong Pao may interact with certain medications, potentially affecting their efficacy or increasing the risk of side effects. For example, the caffeine content in Da Hong Pao tea may interact with stimulant medications or exacerbate certain health conditions. Individuals taking medications for blood pressure, heart conditions, or mental health disorders should consult with their healthcare provider before incorporating Da Hong Pao tea into their routine to ensure safety and minimize potential interactions.
While these side effects are relatively uncommon and mild, it’s essential to exercise moderation and listen to your body’s signals when consuming Da Hong Pao tea. If you experience any adverse reactions or discomfort, it’s advisable to discontinue use and consult with a healthcare professional. As with any dietary supplement or herbal remedy, individual responses may vary, and it’s essential to prioritize your health and well-being above all else.
Recipes of Da Hong Pao
How to Brew Big Red Robe Tea
By following these steps and tips, you can brew a delightful cup of Da Hong Pao tea that encapsulates its rich flavor, aroma, and health benefits.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to brew Da Hong Pao Tea:
Step 1: Preheat Tea Ware
Begin by thoroughly rinsing your brewing vessel, whether it’s a gaiwan, teapot, or clay pot. It’s essential to ensure that the vessel is clean and heated through. Preheating helps maintain the optimal temperature for brewing and enhances the flavor of the tea.
Step 2: Add Tea Leaves of Da Hong Pao
Measure out approximately half of your brewing vessel’s capacity with Da Hong Pao tea leaves. When adding the tea leaves, aim for a swift motion to minimize heat loss and maintain the vessel’s temperature.
Step 3: Brewing Process
Bring water to a rolling boil, around 100°C, and pour it directly into the brewing vessel containing the Da Hong Pao tea leaves. Allow the tea to steep for about 5 seconds before decanting it into tea cups for enjoyment. During brewing, it’s crucial to ensure that the tea leaves have ample space to unfurl and release their flavors fully.
Step 4: Pouring the Tea
Pour the brewed tea evenly into each aroma cup, avoiding the use of fairness pitchers. For the first steep, fill the aroma cups to about one-third full, repeating the same volume for subsequent steeps.
Tips to Brew Delicious Da Hong Pao
Please Cleanse Tea Ware in Advance
Prior to brewing, thoroughly clean your tea cups and teapot with warm water to eliminate any impurities or odors. Preheating the vessels with boiling water helps sanitize them and enhances the tea’s flavor.
Improve Brewing Technique
When brewing Da Hong Pao, ensure that the water temperature remains consistently high, ideally above 95°C. High temperatures are crucial for extracting the tea’s nutrients and aroma fully. However, avoid using boiling water directly as it can scorch the delicate leaves. Let the water sit for a couple of minutes after boiling before pouring.
Pay Attention to Steeping Time
During the initial steeping sessions, keep the steeping time relatively short, around 20-30 seconds, to avoid over-extraction and bitterness. As you progress through subsequent steeps, increase the steeping time by about ten seconds with each infusion. Da Hong Pao can yield multiple steepings, often more than ten, with each infusion requiring a slightly longer steeping time to maintain its aromatic qualities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Da Hong Pao Tea
Is Dahongpao Black Tea?
No, Da Hong Pao is not a black tea. It is a type of semi-fermented tea known as oolong tea, specifically categorized under the Wuyi rock tea variety. While its name might suggest it’s a black tea due to the presence of “hong” (红) which means red, it’s actually a type of oolong tea, which falls under the category of partially fermented teas. Just as the name “Anji White Tea” doesn’t make it a white tea but a green tea, Da Hong Pao’s name doesn’t change its classification as an oolong tea.
Why Da Hong Pao is so expensive ?
Da Hong Pao’s rarity, intricate processing, and historical significance contribute to its high price. Grown in a limited area of the Wuyi Mountains, only a few tea trees produce authentic Da Hong Pao leaves. Additionally, its meticulous traditional processing, including hand-picking and roasting, requires skilled artisans. The tea’s legendary status, as a tribute to royalty in ancient China, further elevates its value. Consequently, Da Hong Pao’s scarcity, labor-intensive production, and esteemed cultural heritage justify its premium price.
Why is there such a big difference in the Da Hong Pao tea‘s price sold on the market?
The high price gaps of Da Hong Pao can be attributed to the types of Da Hong Pao. As mentioned above, Mother Tree Da Hong Pao is no longer sold. What you can get on the market mainly belong to either Purebred Da Hong Pao or Commercial Da Hong Pao. Overall, Purebred Da Hong Pao is far more expensive than ommercial Da Hong Pao.
Why does Da Hong Pao have a smoky taste?
When drinking Da Hong Pao or similar Wuyi rock teas for the first time, the burnt smell perceived is called “smoky taste” (or aroma), reminiscent of the roasted aroma of coffee. If the roasting process is conducted at a higher temperature and for a longer duration, the smoky aroma will be more pronounced.
Can I store Da Hong Pao for a long period of time?
The shelf life of Da Hong Pao is generally 2 to 3 years. However, this can vary depending on the roasting level. Da Hong Pao with lower roasting levels is less suitable for long-term storage as its aroma dissipates more easily. On the other hand, Da Hong Pao with higher roasting levels, having a fuller roast, is relatively more suitable for storage. It is often recommended to allow heavily roasted Da Hong Pao to rest for a period, allowing the roasted aroma to subside and enhancing its flavor and aroma.