When we talk about Tea, we are not just discussing a beverage; we are talking about a culture, an art form, and an attitude towards life. Today, we will discuss a special type of tea—Jin Jun Mei. It is more than just a Black Tea; it is the aristocrat among black teas, a precious gift bestowed upon us by nature.
The Birth of Jin Jun Mei
The birth of Jin Jun Mei can be traced back to 2005. Mr. Jiang Yuanxun, the twenty-fourth-generation inheritor of Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong black tea, led a team that, based on over four centuries of black tea culture and traditional techniques, innovated and integrated these elements to develop this top-tier black tea. The emergence of Jin Jun Mei not only changed the domestic sales landscape for black tea but also introduced a new concept in black tea consumption to the market.
The Origin of Jin Jun Mei
The origin of Jin Jun Mei is Tongmu Village, Wuyi City, Fujian Province, which is the birthplace of world black tea and also a dual World Heritage Site for both culture and nature. The raw materials for Jin Jun Mei are harvested from tea shoots grown within the national key nature reserve in Wuyi Mountain, covering an area of 565 square kilometers. These tea plants grow at an altitude of around 1,200 meters, enjoying unique natural conditions such as an average annual temperature of 18 degrees Celsius, annual rainfall of 2,000 millimeters, and fertile soil, which provide the foundation for producing high-quality Jin Jun Mei tea leaves.
Quality Characteristics of Jin Jun Mei
Jin Jun Mei tea has a tight, slender appearance with colors ranging from gold, yellow, and black, slightly covered with downy hairs. Its liquor is golden-yellow with a halo, and its aroma is high and floral with honey notes. The taste is mellow and sweet, with a rich, golden-red color and a fresh, sweet, and refreshing flavor, prominently displaying the high-mountain character. After brewing, the leaves at the bottom of the cup are fresh and upright, presenting a bright red-brown color.
Brewing Method for Jin Jun Mei
Brewing Jin Jun Mei is an art. First, rinse the teaware with boiling water to disinfect and prevent a significant temperature difference when brewing. Then, add approximately 7 grams of Jin Jun Mei tea leaves, and use freshly boiled water. Pour the boiling water into the teacup and gently skim off any foam using a lid. Start with a steeping time of 15 seconds, gradually increasing to 45 seconds. Good Jin Jun Mei tea can be brewed more than ten times, and the brewing time can be adjusted according to personal preference.
Conclusion
Jin Jun Mei, as the aristocrat among black teas, is more than just a drink; it is a symbol of culture and an attitude towards life. It allows us, amidst our busy lives, to slow down and savor a good cup of tea, enjoying a moment of tranquility. Jin Jun Mei deserves to be savored by every tea lover, to experience the harmony and naturalness it brings.