10 Best Chinese Teas For Every Occasion Slideshow
Covering thousands of years of Chinese history, we've curated a list of 10 classic Chinese teas fit for any and all occasions.
Craving a PSL: Lu’an Gua Pian (Lu’an Melon Seeds)
Pumpkin spice latte lovers, you're in luck. This beautiful green tea offers a smooth, nutty flavor reminiscent of toasted pumpkin seeds. If you need a PSL fix during the other nine months of the year (or if the line at Starbucks is just too long), pour yourself a cup of Lu'an Gua Pian tea. Sure, it doesn't have real pumpkin in it, but before this year, neither did a Starbucks latte.
Everyday Workhorse: Longjing (Dragon Well)
Hangzhou, China, is home to some of the world's best green tea: longjing, otherwise known as dragon well tea. At its best, longjing's emerald leaves produce a fresh tasting cup, nutty and smoky-sweet. This is the perfect casual drink when you're tired of just plain water, with a distinctive flavor that's light enough to not be overpowering. The antioxidants are just an added bonus.
Getting Down to Business: Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe)
Da hong pao, or big red robe tea, is a rare oolong tea from Fujian that we recommend for when you're tackling a challenge at work. Depending on the roast, its flavor varies from a rich, green taste to the lighter side of smoky. Regardless of your preference, this full-bodied tea is no delicate flower — it'll keep going for as long as you do.
Hangover: Pu’erh
Pu'erh is a fermented and aged dark tea from Yunnan. Much like wine, connoisseurs value certain vintages over others, and its complex, earthy flavor changes as it ages. Though it could get to be a pricey cure, urban folklore swears this tea can turn the world right-side up again after a long night out. Depending on how long the night, the price tag for good pu'erh just might be worth it.
Iced Tea: Dragon Pearl Jasmine
Step aside, Lipton, there's a new iced tea in town. While any home-brewed iced tea is miles better than store bought, the next time you want some, reach for dragon pearl jasmine tea. Another great green varietal, the rolled jasmine flowers add fragrancy to each cup. Serve chilled on a hot summer day.
Morning Wake Up Call: Lapsang Souchong
Trying to cut down on the morning coffee? Brew a pot of lapsang souchong instead. This is a fully fermented black tea, so it still has a kick. The Chinese consider its rich, smoky flavor the perfect counterpoint to desserts (or breakfast pastries), but be warned. Much like black coffee, it may be an acquired taste.
Post Workout: Yin Zhen (Silver Needle)
Yin zhen, translated literally to "silver needle," is a white tea native to Fujian. White tea is the lightest of all tea types because of its barely processed nature, hence the name. This makes yin zhen perfect for rehydrating after a good workout. Its smooth and slightly fruity flavor adds a touch of sweetness to end each gym session on a good note.
Sick in Bed: Mi Lan Xiang (Honey Orchid)
This is a beautiful oolong tea from Phoenix Mountain in Guangdong. It brews a warm cup of honey, orange blossom, and vanilla, perfect for soothing a sore throat or achy head. With this tea by your side, you'll be feeling better in no time.
Tea Party: Flowering Tea
We couldn't have a list of teas for any occasion without including a tea party, could we? And Chinese-style flowering tea in a clear teapot doubles as both a beverage and a centerpiece. Tea leaves are wrapped around one or more dried flowers and tied into a ball. When placed into hot water, it blossoms into a beautiful floral display. These can incorporate any of several types of flower, including globe amaranth, jasmine, osmanthus, or chrysanthemum. Because the flower balls usually stay in the pot for decorative purposes, they are made of lighter teas, like yin zhen, that are less susceptible to over-steeping.
Unexpected Company: Tie Guan Yin (Iron Buddha)
Despite its fearsome name, tie guan yin tea is a refreshingly light-bodied oolong with a pleasant floral taste. Whether it's a friend in need of a sympathetic ear or your mom dropping by "just because," when that doorbell rings, put the kettle on.