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 one of the famous oolongs, originating, like its famous brother Tie Guanyin, from Anxi County (安溪县, Ānxī xiàn) in Quanzhou City, Fujian Province. This tea belongs to the oolongs of weak fermentation and is valued for its incredibly bright, floral aroma and refreshing taste.

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. It is believed that the tea got its name due to two features: a wonderful aroma reminiscent of the fragrance of blooming osmanthus and a beautiful golden hue of the infusion and brewed leaves.

There is a nice legend about the origin of this variety. Long ago in Anxi, a newlywed couple received two tea seedlings as a gift on their wedding day. They planted them near their house, the bushes took root and yielded a harvest of tea with a delightful aroma. They liked the tea so much that they began to grow it, and over time it received its "golden" name and wide popularity.

Production and appearance

To make Huangjin Gui, tender young shoots with two or three upper 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 oxygenated (oxidized).
4. The process is completed by lightly roasting in special kettles to stop fermentation. When brewed, the tightly twisted tea leaves gradually open gracefully, and the leaf color acquires a characteristic golden hue with a slight greenish tint.

Aroma and taste: floral-fruity symphony

The main advantage of Huangjin Gui is its aroma. It is deep and rich, with bright notes of mountain flowers and fruits, which over time turn into a pleasant creamy sweetness. The dominant note is the aroma, similar to osmanthus flowers. The taste is reminiscent of soft and delicate green tea or Tie Guan Yin. The aftertaste is long, fresh, creating the impression of the purity of mountain air. During the steeping, subtle cinnamon and nutty notes may appear in it, evoking associations with homemade pastries, as well as a slight astringency.

Effect and benefit

Huangjin Gui is a wonderful tonic drink. It gives a boost of energy and good mood, promotes active brain function, improving memory and concentration, which makes it an excellent choice for the working day. At the same time, it is able to harmonize thoughts and is suitable for a calm, contemplative tea party. Among the useful properties, they note the ability to remove toxins, a rejuvenating effect and normalization of metabolism.

Brewing recommendations

• Utensils: A fine porcelain gaiwan is recommended, as it will convey the aroma well.
• Water: 85-90°C.
• Amount of tea: 7-10 grams per standard gaiwan (100-150 ml).
• Brewing: By steeping. Tea can withstand 7-8 steepings. Start with short exposures.

Huangjin Gui (Golden Osmanthus) is a bright, aromatic and affordable oolong from Anxi, which is often called one of the four great oolongs of this region. Its calling card is an intense floral aroma, reminiscent of osmanthus. A refreshing taste, pleasant aftertaste and an invigorating and harmonizing effect make it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced tea lovers who value the aroma of the drink above all else.