What is Keemun Tea? Plus Recommended Teas

One of the greatest and most well-liked Chinese black teas is Keemun. You may have previously tasted this tea without realizing it since it is often included in many popular traditional tea blends. 

Keemun tea is the only black tea in the list of the Top 10 Famous Chinese Teas because it is so unique and significant.

What is a black tea from Keemun?

Qimen, a black tea from China with a smooth taste, fruity, and subtle smokey overtones, and a vivid orange color, is spelled in English as Keemun.

Like all other true teas, this one is brewed from Camellia sinensis leaves. In the spring and summer, leaves are gathered, wilted, rolled, oxidized, burnt, and sorted.

Keemun tea, in contrast to Indian Assam tea, is manufactured from Camellia Sinensis var. Sinensis is a popular green tea plant used mostly in China.

Keemun contains distinct leaves, a different taste profile, and less caffeine than Assam teas because of this. To attain the desired profile and to mellow the taste of Assam tea, Keemun is often added to blends of English morning or Russian Caravan tea.

When was the first Keemun tea made?

The Qimen County in the Chinese province of Anhui is where Keemun tea first appeared.

Other great teas produced in the same region include Liu’an Gua Pian, a rich and velvety green tea, Taiping Houkui, a distinctive green tea with large flat leaves, and Huangshan Mao Feng, one of the most well-known and tasty Chinese teas.

In the pearl jasmine tea selection, black tea is a somewhat uncommon option. Yu Quianchen, a failed government servant who learned how to make black tea while visiting Fujian, made it for the first time in 1875[1]. The popularity of this tea quickly spread outside of China as well.

What flavor does Keemun have?

Depending on the kind, quality, and brewing technique of the Keemun tea, it may have a variety of taste characteristics. Numerous people make this comparison, and in some ways, it may provide the same richness and even fruity flavors as burgundy wines.

Keemun is typically smooth, somewhat sweet, a little malty, and has a little floral aroma. Some varieties may be sweeter or less sweet and have a faint chocolate note, a hint of citrus, a hint of cinnamon, or a hint of ripe fruit.

Overall, you can anticipate mellow tea that is sweeter and more flowery than Assam teas, with less noticeable maltiness. Tea that has been brewed may vary in color from bright orange to crimson and amber.

Keemun tea varieties

Keemun black tea comes in several varieties. Typically, Keemun Mao Feng has longer, wirier leaves with golden blooms. The same plant that produces green Mao Feng is utilized to harvest it in the spring.

Any traditionally prepared, undisturbed Keemun tea qualifies as Keemun gongfu tea. The third kind, Keemun Hoya, is produced from buds and ought to have a taste that is even softer and sweeter. Use the gong-fu brewing technique for those kinds of tea for the best results.

What advantages does Keemun tea have?

The advantages of Keemun black tea are the same as those of other black teas. However, not all black teas are created equal, and some will have a greater concentration of healthy ingredients.

The final concentrations of antioxidants and caffeine are constantly influenced by a variety of variables, including growth circumstances, plant type, processing techniques, and brewing style.

Interestingly, research has shown that even while the highest-grade Keemun black tea may contain more antioxidants, it may not always provide the best advantages.

In terms of advantages, intermediate-high-grade teas could surpass competition-grade teas.

Therefore, the highest quality may provide an amazing experience if you want to taste the greatest flavor, but if you want to get the most benefits, choose the intermediate-high grades.

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