Keemun Black Tea
- LifeStyle Blogger
- Sep 29, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 17
Keemun Black Tea: The Refined Elegance of China’s Finest Black Tea
Keemun Black Tea, also known as Qimen Hongcha (祁门红茶), is one of China's most celebrated black teas. Often referred to as the “Bordeaux of Tea,” it is prized for its smooth, rich flavor and floral aroma that appeals to both tea connoisseurs and everyday drinkers. With a storied heritage and complex profile, Keemun remains a timeless addition to any tea lover’s collection
Origin: The Heart of Anhui Province
Keemun tea hails from Qimen County in the Anhui Province of China, a region known for its misty mountains, red soil, and optimal growing climate. First produced in the late 19th century during the Qing Dynasty, it quickly gained international recognition, becoming a staple in English breakfast blends and a favorite in Europe.
Unlike many Chinese teas that favor green varieties, Keemun’s creation was inspired by black tea production in Fujian. The result was a unique black tea with character and delicacy, which set it apart on the global stage.
History: Keemun black tea was produced in the late 19th century (around 1875) during the Qing Dynasty. A Chinese civil servant initially made it, Yu Ganchen, who studied the black tea-making techniques in Fujian province before bringing them back to Anhui. Until that point, Anhui was mainly known for green teas. Keemun quickly gained popularity in England and became a key ingredient in English Breakfast Tea.
Characteristics
Aroma: Keemun tea is renowned for its complex and floral fragrance. It’s often described as having a "rosy" scent with hints of pine, dried fruits (prunes or plum),
and orchids. There’s also a touch of earthiness and subtle smokiness.
Appearance: The tea leaves are finely twisted and dark in color. When brewed, Keemun tea produces a reddish-brown or amber liquor.
Flavor Profile: Keemun has a smooth, full-bodied flavor with natural sweetness. It is delicate, with mild astringency and a lingering, slightly sweet aftertaste. There are also subtle hints of fruitiness, such as apricot, along with faint floral and smoky notes.
Body and Taste
Body: The tea has a medium to full body, which makes it a satisfying brew for those who enjoy a more robust black tea. Despite its richness, it maintains a smooth and mellow finish.
Taste: The taste of Keemun is sophisticated and balanced. It has a floral sweetness combined with malty undertones and a slight hint of smoke. Some variants, especially the higher-grade Keemun teas like Keemun Mao Feng, emphasize the sweet and floral notes more, while the more traditional Keemun Gongfu tea may have stronger smoky and earthy flavors.
The tea’s taste can range from light and airy to bold and earthy, depending on the grade and how it's brewed. Its low astringency makes it a pleasant sipper even without milk or sugar.
Cultivation and Growing Conditions
Location: Keemun is grown in Qimen County in the Yellow Mountain region. The local environment is cool, misty, and humid, which helps in slow growth and the development of intricate flavors.
Altitude: Tea plants for Keemun are grown at relatively high altitudes, typically around 200-600 meters above sea level.
Soil: The region’s acidic, well-draining soil provides optimal growing conditions for the tea plants.
Production Process
Keemun is made using the Camellia sinensis tea plant, specifically the sinensis variety. The tea undergoes a full oxidation process that gives it its black tea characteristics.
Plucking: Young tender leaves (usually the top two leaves and a bud) are plucked in the early spring.
Withering: The freshly plucked leaves are laid out to wither, which reduces the moisture content and makes the leaves more pliable.
Rolling: The withered leaves are rolled to break down their cell structure, releasing enzymes that initiate oxidation. This step is crucial for developing Keemun’s signature flavor and aroma.
Oxidation: After rolling, the leaves are left to oxidize, which turns them a dark, reddish-brown. The duration of oxidation can vary depending on the style of Keemun being produced.
Firing: The oxidized leaves are then fired or dried to stop the oxidation process and lock in the flavors.
Sorting and Grading: After drying, the leaves are sorted and graded based on their size, shape, and quality. Higher grades, like Keemun Mao Feng, have more uniform leaves and a more refined taste.
Varieties of Keemun Tea
Keemun Gongfu (工夫红茶): The traditional style of Keemun, produced with meticulous handcrafting. It has a robust body, with both fruity and smoky flavors.
Keemun Mao Feng (祁门毛峰): A higher-grade version, made from young tender leaves. It has a lighter, more floral flavor with less smokiness.
Keemun Hao Ya (祁门毫芽): This comes in two grades—A and B, with A being the highest quality. It has a richer flavor with more sweetness and less astringency.
Keemun Xin Ya (祁门新芽): A newer variety made from very young buds, known for its gentle and fresh taste.
How to Brew Keemun Tea
Water Temperature: Keemun should be brewed with water just below boiling, around 90-95°C (195-205°F).
Tea-to-Water Ratio: Use about 1 teaspoon (2-3 grams) of tea per 200 ml (7 oz) of water.
Steeping Time: Allow the tea to steep for 3-4 minutes. If you prefer a stronger brew, you can steep it for a bit longer.
Multiple Infusions: High-quality Keemun teas can be steeped multiple times, with each infusion revealing new layers of flavor.
Pairing and Uses
Keemun pairs well with both sweet and savory dishes. It complements pastries, chocolate desserts, and mild cheeses. Its smoothness also makes it a good pairing for roasted meats or rich stews.
Because of its rich flavor, Keemun is often enjoyed as part of breakfast blends, including the famous English Breakfast Tea.
Health Benefits
While appreciated for its elegance, Keemun is also packed with wellness benefits:
Supports Heart Health: Rich in flavonoids and antioxidants that may help improve cholesterol levels and blood vessel function.
Boosts Mental Alertness: Contains moderate caffeine to promote focus without the jitters.
Strengthens Immunity: Polyphenols can help combat inflammation and support the immune system.
Aids Digestion: Often consumed after meals to soothe the digestive tract and support metabolism.
Its moderate caffeine content also makes it a smart choice for a mid-morning or afternoon energy boost.
Conclusion
Keemun Black Tea is a tea with deep cultural and historical roots. Its complex aroma and flavor make it a prized tea among black tea enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy it on its own or as part of a blend, Keemun’s delicate balance of floral, fruity, and smoky notes makes it a memorable tea experience.
Retail Price in South Africa
In South Africa, Keemun Black Tea is generally considered a premium loose-leaf tea. Pricing varies depending on the grade and whether it’s imported in bulk or part of a curated tea brand.
Estimated Price: R350–R450 per 500g for loose-leaf tea of standard quality
Smaller Packets: R75–R90 for 100g retail packs from specialty tea shops or online stores
As with most teas, organic or high-grade Keemun varieties (like Keemun Hao Ya A or B) may sell at higher prices due to limited production and superior flavor.
I design my website using Wix.com, and you can do the same—click HERE for more information, plus you can easily add the Shopify e-commerce app through the platform.
Click the link HERE to join ⭐️Temu Affiliate Program⭐️!
Up to 💰R2,000,000 per month is waiting for you
Get a Card Machine to collect payments on the go.
Affiliate Disclaimer:
Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase them at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services I use or believe will add value to you.
Comments