About Da Hong Pao
An excellent example of a classic Da Hong Pao Oolong tea from the Wuyi Mountains, the original home of this tea type. This tea is made from the famous ‘Big Red Robe’ cultivar. Produced in Star Village by Mr Wu, the taste is rich and robust, showcasing a complex blend of roasted flavours, mineral undertones, and subtle, lasting sweetness with floral, fruity flavour and aroma. Our Da Hong Pao pairs well with spicy meats and rice, cutting through heat with its clear, refreshing character.
About
The Wuyi Mountains are famous for producing what are known as ‘rock’ teas owing to the unusual flavour that the mountains here impart to the tea – rich with mineral notes that stimulate your senses. These mountainous valleys gush with waterfalls and are covered in thick green mosses. Tea has long been produced here, with much of the area protected at a national level.
Cultivation & Processing
Grown in gardens at 600m that buzz with wildlife (lots of birds and rabbits) and are fringed with tall bamboo forests, this tea is picked in May at the peak of the season before being carefully pan fried and then rolled by hand. This process is repeated twice before the tea is baked at intervals to dry and finish it using bamboo baskets that are intermittently held over glowing charcoal, helping to caramelise the flavours and add a roasted note. Star Village is based within the core production area for this famous tea, with Mr Wu overseeing operations.
Effects
Da Hong Pao contains caffeine, theophylline, polyphenols, and flavonoids, all which contribute to supporting overall wellbeing. Research suggests that this tea is excellent at supporting cellular health which has a positive impact on the skin, mind, and body. Anecdotally, many drink Da Hong Pao to support their metabolism.
How to Enjoy
Enjoy Da Hong Pao after a rich, spicy lunch to cleanse the palate. In China, afternoons are often spent enjoying this tea as part of a ceremony with friends and neighbours, savouring the unique flavours that this tea offers, and benefitting from the stimulation it offers the body and senses.
How to Steep
