Gui yuan heijin xiaozhong (Small variety Black gold of brown tree garden)

Gui Yuan Heijin Xiaozhong is a truly exquisite variety of Chinese red tea, which translates as "Small Black Gold of the Brown Tree Garden." This name alone speaks to its exceptional nature and rich history. It is a variety of the famous tar tea Lapsang Souchong.

Zhengshan Xiaozhong (Chinese: 正山小种, pinyin: zhèngshān xiǎozhǒng) is translated into English as Lapsang Souchong. It is one of the most famous varieties of Chinese black tea, renowned for its unique smoky aroma.

• "正山" (pinyin Zhèngshān) means "correct mountain" or "true mountain", indicating that the tea is produced in a specific region with special climatic conditions.
• "小种" (Pinyin Xiǎozhǒng) translates as "small variety" and refers to the small tea bushes used to produce this tea.

Lapsang Souchong is prized for its deep, rich flavor with notes of smoke, fruit, caramel, and nuts. Its unique aroma is achieved through the traditional technique of roasting tea leaves over an open fire of pine logs.

Unlike classic Lapsang Souchong, Gui Yuan Heijin Xiaozhong has a softer, sweeter aroma with hints of fruit (often compared to longan or lychee) and flowers. Smoky notes are present, but more subdued and harmoniously blended with the other flavors.

What makes Lapsang Souchong special?

Deep Flavor: This tea's flavor is multifaceted and changes with each subsequent steeping. It begins with a bright sweetness, gradually revealing more complex nuances: nutty, honeyed, and sometimes even chocolatey.

High quality: This tea is made from the youngest and most tender buds of the tea bush, which gives it a special tenderness and softness.

Medicinal properties: Like many other varieties of red tea, Gui Yuan Heijin Xiaozhong is rich in antioxidants and other beneficial substances that help strengthen the immune system, improve digestion, and increase overall vitality.

How to brew Gui Yuan Heijin Xiaozhong?

To fully appreciate all the nuances of this tea's flavor, we recommend using the following guidelines:

• Water temperature: The optimal water temperature for brewing is about 90°C.
• Amount of tea: For a gaiwan or teapot with a capacity of 120 ml, 5-8 grams of tea is enough.
• Brewing time: First brew – 15 seconds, subsequent ones – a little longer.
• Teaware: It is best to use a clear glass or porcelain teapot to observe the tea leaves opening and the color of the infusion changing.

What goes well with Gui Yuan Heijin Xiaozhong?

• Desserts: Tea pairs well with light desserts such as fruit salads, mousses and cakes.
• Honey and Nuts: Adding honey and nuts to your tea will enhance its sweet and fruity notes.
• Light snacks: This tea makes a great accompaniment to light snacks such as canapés or fruit.

Gui Yuan Heijin Xiaozhong is a true treasure for connoisseurs of refined tastes. Its soft, sweet aroma and rich flavor will leave no one indifferent. If you're looking to try something new and unusual in the world of tea, Gui Yuan Heijin Xiaozhong is an excellent choice.

Lapsang souchong is useful for hiking and traveling. Sinologist Jack Pratt wrote in his book about how a mug of this tea with rum helped him recover from the effects of severe seasickness during a sea voyage.

Zhengshan xiaozhong is mentioned in several literary works and even in songs. Characters in works by Viktor Pelevin, Mikhail Kharitonov, Monica Ali, and Francis Brody drink this tea. The band "Sansara" titled one of their songs "Lapsang Souchong."