Ning Hong Golden Pekoe Black Tea:
A Timeless Elixir of Sweetness and Rich Heritage
Ning Hong Golden Pekoe Black Tea, a distinguished China’s Gongfu black teas. Originating from Manjiang Township in Xiushui County, Jiangxi Province, this tea’s history is deeply rooted in the region’s tea-making legacy. Xiushui, formerly known as Ningzhou, lends its name to this exceptional black tea, commonly referred to as “Ninghong.”
This batch of Ning Hong is called Ning Hong Jin Hao, “Jin Hao” means golden pekoe, named for its golden pekoe appearance, where the tender tea buds are adorned with a lustrous golden fuzz.
The dry leaves of this Ning Hong Golden Pekoe exhibit a straight form, interspersed with abundant golden pekoe, giving them a dark and glossy appearance. When steeped, the tea liquor radiates a red hue with golden circles, accompanied by a sweet, fruity, fragrance with honey and caramel notes. Each sip reveals a mellowness that is fresh and sweet.
Long History of Ning Hong Black Tea from the ancient town Ning Zhou
Ningzhou, nowadays called Xiushui country, boasts a tea production history spanning thousands of years. The black tea produced in this region is known as Ningzhou Gongfu black tea, or simply Ning Hong. Its origins can be traced back to the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty. During its peak in the 31st year of Guangxu, it produced an impressive 300,000 big baskets of black tea, with 300,000 boxes exported, accounting for over 80% of Jiangxi Province’s total tea exports. Among the influential “four green and one red” tea brands in Jiangxi, the “one red” refers to Ninghong, which predates Keemun(Qimen) black tea by 90 years.
Location of Xiu Shui Country
Xiushui, located in the northwest of Jiangxi Province, lies on the magical 30° north latitude, nestled between the Mufu Mountains and the Jiuling Mountains. The region’s high terrain, lush green forests, abundant rainfall, suitable temperature, and humid light create a natural haven for tea cultivation.
Making process of Ning Hong Black Tea
The making process of Ning Hong involves careful selection of the first bud and leaf, approximately 3 cm in length. After withering, kneading, fermentation, and drying, the tea undergoes additional refinement through screening, shaking, cutting, wind selection, picking, re-firing, and uniform stacking. The final product is categorized into special grades and grades 1 to 7, with the highest-grade Ninghong exhibiting fine, revealing, black and oily leaves. Its flavor profile is fresh, rich, and mellow, with a softness that accompanies the tender buds. The resulting tea liquor is a vibrant shade of red, exuding brightness and clarity.
Weight per pack: 25g/ 50g
Harvest Time: Spring 2023
Tea Farm Location: Xiu Shui Country, Jiangxi province, China
Tasting Notes: floral , fruity, honey, caramel, mellow
Tea Liquor Colour: bright and clear orange-red
Dry Leave Appearance: fat and tender buds, brown leaves with golden pekoe in between
Wet Leaves: brown