How to make Yellow tea most delicious way: Find out here!

What tea turns yellow? While many might expect the answer to be something straightforward like turmeric tea, the reality is far more intriguing. Enter the enigmatic realm of yellow tea—a rarity found predominantly in China, cherished for its delicate flavour and unique hue. Enter yellow tea—a mysterious and rare gem in the world of true teas, predominantly nestled in the heart of China. But hold your assumptions, because yellow tea has nothing to do with turmeric tea. It's an enigmatic beverage offering a taste experience that's both delicate and nuanced, akin to green tea but with its own distinct charm. 

Notably, yellow tea holds a revered status in Chinese culture, having been bestowed as tribute to past leaders and dignitaries. Yet, obtaining this elusive tea can feel like embarking on a treasure hunt. However, once you secure a stash of these prized leaves, brewing them to perfection is surprisingly simple. Join us on a journey to unravel the secrets of yellow tea, from its cultural significance to the art of brewing, and discover why it's cherished as a rare and indulgent indulgence in the world of tea.

What is Yellow Tea?

"Huangcha," or yellow tea in Chinese, represents an increasingly rare and prized variety within the world of tea. This delicate and costly tea undergoes a meticulous production process akin to green tea but distinguished by an additional step known as encasing or sweltering. During this crucial phase, the tea leaves are carefully wrapped or covered, allowing them to undergo a gentle oxidation process. This unique treatment not only contributes to the tea's distinctive flavour but also imparts a subtle yellow hue to the leaves during the drying stage. As a result, huangcha stands out for its nuanced taste and its status as a rare and coveted delicacy among tea enthusiasts.

Think about special leaves of tea being fermented, oxidised, rolled, and packed in a container: all of this just for you! Isn’t it a special feeling? Drinking yellow tea will give you symmetrical vibes. You might not know about this tea but if you do, welcome to the rare social club. Yellow tea is not a tea that every kitchen stocks upon.

The first reason is its rarity and fewer people know about this tea. The second is its cultivation. This wonderful tea is native only to China and is not cultivated anywhere else giving it an even more mysterious aura. The third is that it is a luxury. So, it is not affordable for daily consumption by all. Yellow tea was reserved for the elite and kings in history, was not passed among commoners. This makes Yellow tea a tribute beverage for China.

Yellow tea v/s Green tea

Yellow tea is often misconceived as Green tea. The reason is the unwavering resemblance in processing, colour, and benefits. Green tea and Yellow tea are the first products of C. Sinensis shrub plant. These are the least oxidised teas. But what makes Yellow tea so special? Why is it a luxury? What is Yellow Tea? Well, let's take a look at how Yellow tea is processed from plant to container.

C.sinensis is a common shrub plant cultivated for tea extraction. This plant is harvested in high altitude areas with utmost precision. When leaves are plucked, the first step is to dry them, then pan firing. The fermentation is a long process and high-quality tea leaves are often processed for a period of one year. What makes Yellow tea different from Green tea is the added process of encasing and steaming.

This additional step gives this wonderful tea its beautiful sun-lit color. The mild yellow color and mellow taste are in contrast to that of astringent Green tea. Yellow tea is slightly oxidised during the process while in other cases, Green tea is prevented from any such process.

Types of Yellow Tea

Each type of yellow tea showcases the diverse terroirs and rich heritage of Chinese tea production, offering tea enthusiasts a journey of discovery and appreciation for this unique and storied beverage. Here's an overview of the different types of yellow tea:

1. Jin Shan Yin Zhen: Also referred to as Junshan Silver Needles tea, this variety originates from the Hunan province, particularly cultivated on Junshan island. Often mistaken for white tea due to its similarities with Bai Hao white teas, Jin Shan Yin Zhen boasts a legendary status, rumoured to be Mao Zedong's favourite. Its delicate flavour and light colour make it a prized possession among tea enthusiasts.
2. Huo Shan Huang Ya: Grown on the slopes of Mt. Huo in Anhui province, Huo Shan Huang Ya traces its origins back to the Ming Dynasty when it served as an imperial tribute tea. Its shiny leaves and peppery flavour distinguish it, with a green-yellow hue upon brewing, reflecting its rich history and esteemed status.
3. Meng Ding Huang Ya: Originating from Sichuan province and cultivated along the peaks of Mt. Meng, Meng Ding Huang Ya boasts a heritage dating back over 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty. Also known as Mt. Meng Yellow Sprout offers a unique nutty flavour with subtle grassy undertones, accompanied by leaves that elegantly stand upright when brewed, symbolising its esteemed lineage and distinct character.
4. Huang Tang: Hailing from Zhejiang province, Huang Tang, or "yellow broth" tea, is renowned for its simplicity and purity. Crafted using one bud and one or two delicate leaves, it embodies the essence of traditional Chinese tea culture, offering a subtle yet satisfying flavour profile reminiscent of the tranquil landscapes of its origin.

How to make Yellow tea?

Although the Yellow tea leaves go through a tedious, extensive procedure to reach you, the brewing itself is very straightforward and simple.

What you'll need:

• 1 teaspoon Yellow tea leaves
• 8oz (1 cup) of water
• Sweetener of your choice (you may use honey or maple syrup)

Instructions:

• Boil the water in a container or saucepan at 175 degrees.
• Turn off the burner once the water is boiled.
• Add ½ tablespoon of yellow tea leaves to it.
• Add sweetener and let it seep for 30 seconds.
• Restrain the filter.

Voila! Enjoy your cup of Yellow tea.

What is Yellow root tea?

Let us tell you beforehand - Yellow root tea is not your usual C. Sinensis plant tea. So, what is Yellow root tea then? Yellow root is an herbal plant that is cultivated in the Eastern part of North America. This herb has been used as a major ingredient in ancient medicine for treating mouth infections, sore throats.

The herb has antibiotic properties with hypotensive, sedative, and choleretic benefits. The Yellow root plant grows no taller than 1 or 2 meters. This amazing herb has also been used for childbirth and diabetes. Consuming this tea during pregnancy should be prohibited.

What is Yellow root tea good for?

There are multiple benefits of Yellow root tea. Some of the properties offered by this tea are still under study. Though, the ancient culture has praised its benefits and employed this herb for health advantages.

• Antibiotic

The herb has been used as a pain reliever since ancient days. People have used Yellow root tea to treat sore throat, urinary infection, ear infection, mouth infection. Researches and studies claim that Yellow root has vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and iron. These vitamins provide a better immune system and help fight viral and bacterial diseases.

• Anti-inflammation

Yellow root tea has anti-inflammatory properties therefore it is often used as eyewash and mouthwash. People also use this herb in their toothpaste. The herb is also quoted to cure allergic rhinitis and asthma.

• Digestive aids

If you are traveling and have the resolution to enjoy the delicacies of the world, do carry a pack of Yellow root tea along with yourself. This tea is a potent ingredient to fight digestive problems. It can work against stomach ulcers, diarrhea, and other tummy troubles. In fact, the Yellow root is claimed to have properties that increase a person’s appetite. So, if you are planning on putting on some flesh on your body and gain weight, you can depend on this delicious tea to increase your hunger.

How to make Yellow root tea?

• Pour 1 cup of water (approximately 8oz) into the saucepan.
• Add ½ tablespoon of Yellow root and let it simmer.
• Let it steep for 15 minutes.
• Add ½ tablespoon lemon and honey to the tea
• Restrain the mixture.

Enjoy a healthy cup of Yellow root tea.

Yellow tea rose

It's strange. Isn't it? What is Yellow tea rose? What a weird name for a tea. Well, if you are guessing it to be a hybrid, you are right. With a botanical name of mellow yellow, this flower is the significance of cheer, hope, and renewal. This flower can lift up your heart and cheer you up for changes in your life. Make it a part of your sad and happy moments.

The best part is that this flower preserves its beautiful yellow until it shades its petals. This beautiful flower was the result of an experiment conducted by a horticulturist. He combined a Chinese tea rose with a European rose. This flower was also named Peace at the end of World war 2.

The bottom line

Yellow Tea is a mellow flavoured lightly oxidised tea with great medicinal properties. Though it surprises your taste buds with astringent tastes sometimes, it is probably the best tea out there to fight ailments. So are Yellow root tea and Yellow tea rose. These herbal teas might not come from the C.sinensis perennial plant, but they offer a plethora of health benefits. So enjoy the blast of bitter and sweet tea and let your body boost immunity by just a cup of tea!