Dian Hong Golden Needles is a newer variety of Dian Hong Black Tea, characterized by its golden-yellow tip and outstanding quality, making it a premium choice among Dian Hong teas. Of course, the quality of tea can vary, and this also applies to Dian Hong Golden Needles. So, how do you assess the quality of Dian Hong Golden Needles?
How to Differentiate Good from Bad in Dian Hong Golden Needles
1. Check Dryness
When selecting Dian Hong Golden Needles, you can assess their dryness, or feel the dryness of the dry tea. Choose those that are dry; a strand of dry tea typically has a prickly texture and breaks easily. If you apply force with your fingers, it should crumble into powder.
2. Examine Appearance
When selecting Dian Hong Golden Needles, you can examine their appearance, or observe the overall impression given by the dry tea. To do this, take a handful of Dian Hong Golden Needles and place them on white paper or a white Ceramic plate, then rotate them clockwise or counterclockwise. Observe the uniformity of the dry tea's shape, color, and presence of golden tips.
3. Sense Aroma
When selecting Dian Hong Golden Needles, you can sense the aroma, or carefully smell the tea's fragrance. Spread out the dry tea and sniff for any smoky, sour, stale, moldy, sun-dried, or other unusual odors. The dry tea should have a sweet and fragrant aroma.
4. Inspect Liquor Color
When selecting Dian Hong Golden Needles, you can inspect the liquor color, or observe the color of the tea infusion. High-quality Dian Hong Golden Needles produce a golden-red liquor that is clear and bright, with leaves that fully unfold and feel tender when touched. Poor quality teas will have a darker, cloudy liquor.
5. Taste Flavor
Finally, you can taste the flavor, or carefully savor the taste of the tea liquor. High-quality Dian Hong Golden Needles have a fresh, rich aroma that lasts, a thick and refreshing taste, and a floral fragrance with a hint of Sweetness. The infused leaves are evenly red and bright.
Black tea is the most versatile among all teas, suitable for drinking plain, where one can appreciate its aroma, color, and full-bodied flavor; or mixed with sugar, milk, Honey, fruit juice, Herbs, and more to create different flavors. Enjoyed hot or cold, it offers a myriad of delightful experiences. With its beautiful appearance and rich character, how could one not love Dian Hong Golden Needles?