Lao Tsun Hongcha (Red Tea from Old Wild Bushes)

Lao Zong Hongcha: Treasure of the Chinese Mountains

Lao Zong Hong Cha (Chinese: 老枞红茶, pinyin: Lǎo cōng hóngchá ) is more than just a tea; it is a treasure born in the embrace of wild nature. Its name translates as "red tea from old wild bushes," and it fully captures its uniqueness. This tea is harvested from ancient tea trees growing in the most remote and inaccessible corners of China's mountainous regions.

Origins and Features

The history of Lao Zong Hongcha goes back centuries. These tea trees, which have survived centuries, have absorbed the wisdom of nature and the power of the earth. Their leaves are distinguished by their distinctive shape and rich color, and the tea's flavor is striking in its depth and complexity.

Key Features of Lao Zong Hongcha:

• Ancient origins: Tea is harvested from tea trees that can be hundreds of years old.
• Wildlife: Tea bushes grow in natural conditions, without human intervention.
• Manual processing: All stages of tea production are carried out manually, which allows us to preserve all its natural properties.
• Rich Flavor: Lao Zong Hong Cha's flavor is complex and multifaceted, combining notes of wood, flowers, fruits, and nuts.
• Healing properties: This tea has numerous beneficial properties for the body. It strengthens the immune system, improves digestion, promotes rejuvenation, and increases vitality.

The variety of Lao Zong Hongcha varieties

Lao Zong Hong Cha is not just one type of tea, but an entire family of varieties, each with its own unique character and flavor nuances. Differences between varieties are determined by a variety of factors: growing region, age of tea trees, climate conditions, and processing techniques.

Main varieties of Lao Zong Hongcha:

• Lao Zong from Fujian Province: This variety is considered one of the most famous and prized. Tea trees growing in Fujian are known for their exceptional tenacity and longevity. The tea has a rich flavor with notes of wood, fruit, and nuts.
• Lao Zong from Yunnan Province: Yunnan Lao Zong has a softer, more floral flavor, often featuring notes of honey, plum, and jasmine.
• Lao Zong from Hunan Province: Hunan Lao Zong has a distinctly fruity aroma and a sweet finish. It often features hints of berries and citrus.

Other regional varieties:

In addition to the main provinces, Lao Zong Hong Cha is also produced in other regions of China, such as Anhui, Jiangxi, and Guangxi. Each region contributes its own unique nuances to the tea's flavor and aroma.

How to brew Lao Zong Hong Cha

To fully enjoy the taste and aroma of Lao Zong Hong Cha, you must follow certain brewing rules:

1. Selecting a teapot: It is best to use a clay or porcelain teapot for brewing this tea.
2. Water Preparation: Water for brewing should be clean and soft. The optimal water temperature is 90-95 degrees Celsius.
3. Warming up the teapot: Before brewing, the teapot must be warmed up with hot water.
4. Brewing: For one teaspoon of tea, it is recommended to use about 150 ml of water.
5. Brewing time: The first brew should be short (about 15-20 seconds), subsequent brews can be longer in time.

Health benefits

Lao Zong Hong Cha is not only a gourmet delight but also a source of health and longevity. Regular consumption of this tea promotes:

• Strengthening the immune system: Due to its high antioxidant content, Lao Zong Hong Cha effectively protects the body from the harmful effects of free radicals.