2024 Zi Yang Old Tree Black Tea from Shaanxi

This Zi Yang Hong Cha (紫阳红茶), a black tea from Ziyang County in Ankang, Shaanxi, hails from the same tea mountains as our Zi Yang Mao Jian. Ziyang is renowned for its naturally selenium-rich soils, which impart not only a unique flavor profile but also contribute to the tea’s potential health benefits. This particular Ziyang Hong Cha is harvested from old heirloom tea trees, cultivated using eco-friendly practices, and carefully hand-picked on April 10. The traditional processing methods preserve the tea's natural qualities and enhance its depth of flavor.

Ziyang’s unique terroir—mineral-rich soils, moderate rainfall, and a mild climate—promotes the slow growth of these ancient trees, allowing the leaves to develop a rich, malty character with sweet undertones and a smooth, rounded finish. The slower growth of the heirloom trees adds an extra layer of complexity to the tea, distinguishing it from more commercially produced varieties. Additionally, the region’s selenium content enhances its potential health benefits, offering antioxidant properties and supporting metabolic health.

This tea’s bold, full-bodied flavor, combined with a smooth, lingering floral sweetness, makes it an ideal choice for those who enjoy robust black teas with a delicate finish. The rarity of Ziyang Hong Cha, alongside its deep flavor and traditional craftsmanship, makes it a hidden gem among Chinese black teas, perfect for tea connoisseurs seeking something truly special.