Keemun Hoa Ya A

Description

Throughout the history of China, many poems and odes have been written to tea, from the Cha Chin by Tang Dynasty writer Lu Yu, to Wen Zhenheng's Treatise on Superfluous Things, Incense and Tea, published during the Ming Dynasty. The ancient writers were inspired by the artistry and natural elegance of tea production, from the harvesting of the fresh leaf to the gentle baking and drying as it was transformed into its drinkable form. One such writer, Gao Qi, is rumored to have penned the following poem during a visit through Anhui province many years ago not far from the site where our Keemun Hoa Ya A is produced to this day.

I heard sound of spinning wheel
Mixed with sound of flowing water
Sight of wooden bridge,
Flowerless trees in hazy spring
Where from the aroma the breeze brought so close?
Oh, next neighbor is baking afternoon tea!

It isn't hard to understand how the natural beauty of Anhui would inspire such a poem - a large swath of the region is now a Unesco World Heritage Site.

True to the poem, the raw leaves plucked to make Hoa Ya A, are still harvested and manufactured during springtime when they are plump with moisture and rich in flavor. In China, the tea is known as a Gong Fu tea, which means "great labor" on account of the hard work and time required to produce it. How hard is the work? Keemun Hoa Ya A is hand-sorted before firing and then hand-sorted again before packing. The hard work also means it is exceptionally rare - our producer only makes 120 kg per year. (In total, the entire province of Anhui produces only 1200 kg per year.)

Also true to the poem, Keemun Hoa Ya imparts a warm bakey aroma both during production and in the cup. Many tasters describe its profile as being reminiscent of toast hot from the oven slathered in berry jam. The character can also be described as Burgundy-like, owing to the deep winey notes that permeate the cup. (Interestingly, like a fine burgundy, many connoisseurs believe that Keemun Hoa Ya A improves with age, and subsequently store batches the way one would wine.) A remarkable tea worth writing about! Takes milk well.

Did you know: Keemun Hoa Ya A is rumored to be the favored breakfast tea of Queen Elizabeth - when she can get it!

Steeping Instructions

PRODUCT TYPE: Loose - Black Tea

IDEAL BREWING TEMPERATURE: 100ºC/212ºF

ANTIOXIDANT BENEFIT: For a greater antioxidant benefit brew longer and use more tea.

FOOD SAFETY ADVISORY: We strongly recommend using filtered or freshly drawn cold water brought to a rolling boil when brewing all types of tea. Today's water has been known to carry viruses, parasites and bacteria. Boiling the water will kill these elements and reduce the potential incidence of water-borne illnesses.

Epic Iced Tea Instructions

Tea isn't just served hot!  Iced tea is one of the most refreshing and natural thirst quenchers around the world.  Here is our suggested method of brewing the best iced tea.

ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Pitcher): (To Make 1 Liter/Quart):

1. Place 6 slightly heaping teaspoons of loose tea or 6 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the tea.
3. Steep for 5 minutes.
4. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water.
5. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the tea or removing the bags.
6. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
7. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase
8. the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.

Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about.

ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Individual Serving):

1. Place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon of loose tea or 1 tea bag into a teapot for each serving required.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving over the tea.
3. Cover and let steep for 5 minutes.
4. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the tea or removing the bags.
5. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving.
6. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted.

Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about.

HERB & FRUIT ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Pitcher): (To Make 1 Liter/Quart):

1. Place 12 slightly heaping teaspoons of herb & fruit blend or 6 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the herb & fruit blend.
3. Steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water.
5. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the tea or removing the tea bags.
6. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
7. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced herb & fruit tea is to increase the strength of hot brew since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.

HERB & FRUIT ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Individual Serving):

1. Place 2 slightly heaping teaspoons of herb & fruit blend or 1 tea bag into a teapot for each serving required.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving over the herb & fruit blend.
3. Cover and let steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the tea or removing the bags.
5. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
6. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed herb & fruit tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted.