Stash Keemun Hao Ya China
stash storestash websitestore and website   Internet Tea Special of the Week Each week Stash offers a selected loose tea and FREE canister

Stash Keemun Hao Ya China

For hundreds of years, Anhui province in central China produced only green tea. Tea plants grew well in the warm, moist climate and well drained soil of the province but most of the green tea produced was of mediocre character.

In the 1870's however, Yu Quianchen, a plucky young man who had failed at a civil service career decided to try his luck at making black tea from these same leaves. He traveled to Fujian province to learn black tea manufacturing techniques and upon his return set up three factories. Much to everyone's surprise and delight the new black tea he produced was of excellent character.

Keemun tea, named after Quimen precinct in southern Anhui province soon was a big hit in England and became a key component in "English Breakfast" tea blends. Its popularity spread rapidly and eventually surpassed India's Darjeeling tea as the favorite black tea in the world's tea markets. In 1915, it was awarded the gold medal at the Monde Selection contest in Panama as the world's finest black tea.

Keemun Hao Ya is the highest grade of this famous tea and is produced with the utmost of disciplined skill. "Hao Ya" means "tippy bud" in Chinese and refers to the leaves with the best appearance.. The narrow, tightly twisted black leaves brew into a brilliant reddish-gold cup with a full-bodied fruity, sweet flavor and a unique orchid aroma. Keemun Hao Ya tastes wonderful without milk or sugar and goes exceptionally well with baked goods like breads and cakes and muffins. Try a steaming hot cup of Keemun Hao Ya in the afternoon, around 4 PM, and you will discover a special pleasure that could easily become habit-forming.

For further reading:

• Isobuchi T. "Keemun -The King of China Teas" Tea International London Nov 94 PP 2-6
• Pratt J. The Tea Lover's Treasury 101 Productions San Ramon CA 1982 PP 157-8
• Stella A. et al The Book of Tea Flammarion Paris 1990 P. 231
• Ukers W. All About Tea Tea and Trade Journal Company New York 1935 PP 228, 254