Jin Zhen 2 (Golden Needles)

Jin Zhen (Golden Needles) Tea: Grace and Nobility

Jin zhen tea , or "Golden Needles" (Chinese: 金针, pinyin: jīnzhēn) is one of the most refined and prized varieties of red tea, native to Yunnan Province, China. It gets its name from its unique appearance: the tea buds are covered in thick golden hairs, giving them the appearance of shiny needles.

History and Production

The history of Jin Zhen dates back centuries. This tea is traditionally harvested in early spring, when the tea bush's buds reach their full size and are covered in a delicate fuzz. The harvesting is done by hand, and only the youngest and highest-quality buds are used in the tea.

Place of Origin: Fengqing County (凤庆县, fèngqìng xiàn), Lincang County (临沧市, Líncāng shì), Yunnan Province (云南省, yúnnán shěng), China. Red tea is a relatively recent addition to the history of tea, appearing in the 1930s. However, its popularity has rapidly grown, and we now have a wealth of varieties and cultivars. One of the main cultivars is Dian Hong. The tea leaves used for its production are harvested in spring, summer, and fall.

Jin Zhen is a Dian Hong tea that's hard to ignore. The main distinguishing feature of Golden Needles from other Dian Hong teas is its smooth, long, needle-like leaves with a generous number of hairy buds. Jin Zhen is a spring harvest, which distinguishes it from other teas by its particularly juicy and dense buds. The tea has a rich, sweet aroma and a full, memorable flavor.

Key features of Jin Zhen production:

• Tea bush variety: Special varieties of tea bushes grown in specific climatic conditions are used to produce Jin Zhen.
• Harvesting: Tea buds are harvested by hand, which helps preserve their integrity and prevent damage to the delicate fluff.
• Drying: After harvesting, the buds undergo gentle drying, which allows them to retain their natural aroma and flavor.
• Twisting: Unlike other red teas, Jin Zhen is not twisted, which preserves its delicate texture.

Taste and Aroma

Jin Zhen tea has a rich and complex flavor. It combines sweet honey notes, fruity undertones, and light floral aromas. The infusion has an amber color and a velvety texture. The finish is long and pleasant, with a slight sweetness.

Main taste characteristics:

• Sweet: Honey and fruity notes create a sweet and pleasant sensation.
• Floral: Light floral aromas add sophistication to the tea.
• Velvety: The infusion has a soft and velvety texture.

Health Benefits

Jin zhen is prized not only for its taste but also for its health benefits. It contains a large amount of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help strengthen the immune system, improve digestion, and boost overall energy.

Useful properties of Jin Zhen:

• Antioxidant: Protects the body's cells from damage.
• Tonic: Increases energy and vitality.
• Improves digestion: Promotes normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Strengthens the immune system: Increases the body's resistance to infections.

How to Brew Jin Zhen

In order to reveal the full aroma and taste of Jin Zhen, it is necessary to follow certain brewing rules.

• Water Temperature: The optimal water temperature for brewing Jin Zhen is 90-95 degrees Celsius.
• Brewing time: The first brew should last no more than 30 seconds, subsequent ones – a little longer.
• Amount of tea: 3-5 grams of tea is enough for one gaiwan.