Huangjin gui (Golden Osmanthus)

Huangjin Gui (黄金桂): Anxi's "golden osmanthus" fragrance

Huangjin Gui (黄金桂, Huángjīn guì), whose name translates as "Golden Osmanthus" (sometimes also "Golden Cinnamon"), is a renowned oolong tea, originating, like its renowned cousin Tie Guanyin, from Anxi County (安溪县, Ānxī xiàn) in Quanzhou City, Fujian Province. This lightly fermented oolong tea is prized for its incredibly vibrant, floral aroma and refreshing flavor.

Origin and Legend

The Huangjin Gui tea plantations are located on the fertile mountain slopes of Anxi County, at an altitude of 700-900 meters above sea level. The tea is believed to have received its name from two characteristics: its wonderful aroma, reminiscent of blooming osmanthus, and the beautiful golden hue of the infusion and brewed leaves.

There's a charming legend about the origin of this variety. Long ago in Anxi, a newlywed couple received two tea plants as a gift on their wedding day. They planted them near their home, the bushes took root, and produced a harvest of tea with a delightful aroma. They liked the tea so much that they began cultivating it, and over time, it earned its "golden" name and became widely known.

Production and appearance

To make Huangjin Gui, tender young shoots with two or three outer leaves are used. The production technology is typical for light oolongs:

1. The raw materials are dried for a short time in the fresh air.
2. The leaves are gently crushed to release the juice and start the fermentation process.
3. The tea is laid out on bamboo trays to allow it to be saturated with oxygen (oxidized).
4. The process is completed by lightly roasting the tea in special kettles to halt fermentation. As it steeps, the tightly twisted tea leaves gradually and gracefully unfurl, and the leaves acquire a characteristic golden hue with a slight green tint.

Aroma and taste: a floral-fruity symphony

The main advantage of Huangjin Gui is its aroma. It is deep and rich, with vibrant notes of mountain flowers and fruits that gradually develop into a pleasant creamy sweetness. The dominant note is the aroma, reminiscent of osmanthus flowers. The taste is reminiscent of a soft and delicate green tea or Tie Guan Yin. The finish is long and fresh, evoking the purity of mountain air. As the tea steeps, subtle cinnamon and nutty notes, reminiscent of homemade baked goods, can emerge, along with a slight tartness.

Effect and benefits

Huangjin Gui is a wonderful tonic drink. It boosts energy and improves mood, promotes active brain function, and improves memory and concentration, making it an excellent choice for the workday. At the same time, it can harmonize thoughts and is perfect for a quiet, contemplative tea party. Its beneficial properties include detoxifying, rejuvenating, and metabolic support.

Brewing recommendations

• Utensils: A fine porcelain gaiwan is recommended, as it will impart aroma well.
• Water: 85-90°C.
• Amount of tea: 7-10 grams per standard gaiwan (100-150 ml).
• Brewing: Steeping method. The tea will withstand 7-8 steepings. Start with short steeping times.

Huangjin Gui ("Golden Osmanthus") is a vibrant, aromatic, and affordable oolong from Anxi, often referred to as one of the four great oolongs of this region. Its signature aroma is intense, floral, and reminiscent of osmanthus. Its refreshing flavor, pleasant aftertaste, and invigorating, harmonizing effect make it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced tea drinkers who value the aroma above all else.