Top Yellow Tea Brands and Factories in China
Yellow tea, a rare and unique type of tea, is known for its delicate taste and unique production process. Here are some of the top yellow tea brands and factories in China that are renowned for their high-quality yellow tea:
1. Junshan Yinzhen (君山银针)
- Location: Hunan Province
- Brand/Factory: Junshan Tea Factory
- Description: Junshan Yinzhen, also known as Silver Needle Yellow Tea, is one of China’s most famous yellow teas. Produced on Junshan Island in Dongting Lake, this tea is known for its delicate, slightly sweet flavor and beautiful yellowish hue.
2. Meng Ding Huang Ya (蒙顶黄芽)
- Location: Sichuan Province
- Brand/Factory: Mengding Mountain Tea Factory
- Description: This tea is harvested from the Mengding Mountain area and is known for its bright yellow leaves and mellow, sweet taste. The tea leaves undergo a special processing method that involves a unique “sealing yellow” step, giving the tea its distinctive color and flavor.
3. Huoshan Huang Ya (霍山黄芽)
- Location: Anhui Province
- Brand/Factory: Huoshan Tea Company
- Description: Huoshan Huang Ya, or Huoshan Yellow Sprout, is a high-quality yellow tea from the Huoshan region. It features tender buds and leaves that are carefully processed to produce a tea with a light, refreshing taste and a slight nutty aroma.
4. Mogan Huang Ya (莫干黄芽)
- Location: Zhejiang Province
- Brand/Factory: Mogan Mountain Tea Factory
- Description: Grown in the Mogan Mountain area, this yellow tea is recognized for its subtle, sweet flavor and smooth finish. The tea leaves are carefully selected and processed to preserve their unique characteristics.
5. Beigang Maojian (北港毛尖)
- Location: Hunan Province
- Brand/Factory: Beigang Tea Factory
- Description: Beigang Maojian is a lesser-known but high-quality yellow tea. It is produced using traditional methods that involve multiple stages of drying and slight fermentation, resulting in a tea with a distinct yellow color and rich, complex flavor.
Key Characteristics of Yellow Tea
- Processing Method: Yellow tea undergoes a unique “sealing yellow” process where the leaves are lightly steamed and then wrapped in cloth or paper to allow slight oxidation. This process is repeated several times, resulting in the characteristic yellowish color and mellow flavor.
- Flavor Profile: Yellow tea is known for its smooth, delicate flavor with a slight sweetness and minimal bitterness. It often has a nutty or floral aroma.
- Appearance: The leaves of yellow tea are typically bright yellow or golden, reflecting the unique processing method.
These brands and factories are celebrated for their dedication to producing high-quality yellow tea, maintaining traditional methods while ensuring a premium product.
