Some of those who prefer tea instead of the bitter taste of coffee try to find the secret of the perfect cup. They might know that black tea is high in caffeine or that you can add a splash of milk to it, or they might prefer green tea which needs less time to brew for an unforgettable taste.
But have you ever heard of yellow tea?
It is similar to green tea (with respect to the taste: sweet, vibrant, and nutty) but it also has a fruity and floral scent that is recognizable for this type of tea.
Of course, it has a liquor-like color that gave its name. But what other interesting stuff can we learn about yellow tea?
Yellow tea, very hard to cultivate
The leaves for yellow tea can only be cultivated during early spring when the buds did not sprout yet. When they remain in this stage they retain their good benefits to give to us.
After they are cultivated, the oxidation process must be stopped to allow the benefits to remain by burning them over a period of three days (with pauses when they are wrapped in paper).
After three days, the leaves are once again burned but the flame must be low this time.
Why yellow tea?
The non-tea-lovers might scowl at the fancy way of preparing this beverage and ask why yellow tea? Couldn’t we drink any other type of tea?
Yes and no.
It’s not always just a preference or just trying to look superior by drinking something so exotic. Yellow tea is a good supplement for green tea if you do not like the taste. The stomach tolerates yellow tea better and it also has a lower percentage of caffeine in it.
But you can also feel smug for drinking it: the hard process of obtaining it makes it difficult for production outside of China (where it originally grows).
It is a calorie-free tea and it can help with stress. So you can replace unhealthy sodas with a tastier beverage that has a lot of benefits. This reminds me:
Yellow tea, benefits
Because yellow tea protects you against oxidative stress (as mentioned above), it can delay the signs of aging.
And it can also prevent the formation of plaque on the teeth.
Not only you would look younger, but you would also have a better smile that you can flash to those that refuse to indulge in the most amazing drink.
Other benefits include a healthier metabolism, the regulation of cholesterol levels, and the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases (including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s).
Types of yellow tea
Jun Shan Yin Zhen is a type of yellow tea that is more similar to white tea. It has a sweet and floral taste, perfect for even a president (supposedly it was Mao Zedong’s favorite).
Meng Ding Huang Ya shares the grass flavor of green tea but also adds a kick of a nutty taste.
The place where Mo Gan Huang Ya grows is magical: mountain springs and foggy mornings. Of course, the tea has that lingering taste that makes you think of a more beautiful and peaceful life.
If you can find Huo Shan Huang Ya then don’t think and buy it instantly. This type of yellow tea is almost extinct. You should feel the sweet and peppery taste at least once in your life.
How to brew yellow tea
Warm the kettle and swirl the water around. Put one teaspoon of leaves for every 8 ounces of water. When the temperature reaches 167-176 F put it on the leaves. Boiling water will damage the leaves. Let the tea steep for 2-3 minutes. Put your tea into a cup and enjoy!
