Description
An unusual black tea from Taiwan, Yuchi Red Jade (魚池紅玉紅茶), also known as ‘Ruby’ tea. This tea is made from Hong Yu TRES No. 18 cultivar. Hong Yu translates as Red Jade or Ruby, hence the name for this tea. Our Red Jade black tea comes from Yuchi Township on the shores of the picturesque Sun Moon Lake in Nantou County of Taiwan. It was plucked in September 2023.
Hong Yu TRES No. 18 cultivar was developed in Taiwan very recently in an attempt to reinvigorate black tea production of the country. This cultivar was developed from an Assamica strain from Burma (B-729) and the local wild tea from Taiwan (B-607). The Taiwanese Wild Shan Cha is available to buy in our online shop, where you can also read more about that unique strain of Camellia native to Taiwan. Wild Shan Cha compares interestingly to the new Red Jade cultivar. They both exhibit similar qualities, however the teas made with the new Red Jade cultivar have a unique eucalyptus and minty edge to them. But if you try them side by side you can definitely see the ancestral relationship between these two strains. Our Red Jade GABA black tea is also crafted from the Hong Yu cultivar.
Yuchi Red Jade black tea has large twisted leaves that produce a dark amber red liquor. It has a savoury profile that is verging on having a medicinal kind of taste. This is attributed to the spicy, peppery and menthol flavours that this type of tea is famous for. There is hardly any astringency in this tea, only a slight dryness on the aftertaste. There are very pleasant jammy fruity notes and hints of mint and eucalyptus. Yuchi Red Jade is a very complex tea and the clean yet thick liquor combined with these unique flavours make this a truly captivating tea!
This tea is best brewed with water at 90°C for 3-4 minutes and should be brewed multiple times.
This Yuchi Red Jade black tea was first featured in our September 2017 Curious Tea Subscription Boxes.