Huoshan Yellow Monkey, What Type of Tea Is It? A Gem Among Green Teas, Its Orchid Fragrance Refreshes the Heart.

Huoshan Yellow Monkey is a Chinese Green Tea and one of China's Top Ten Famous Teas, produced in the Huangshan District (formerly Taiping County), Anhui Province. This Tea is not only renowned for its unique appearance and excellent taste but also cherished by tea enthusiasts for its long history and rich cultural heritage. Let's delve deeper into what makes this tea so special.

Huoshan Yellow Monkey: History and Origins

Huoshan Yellow Monkey, a name that evokes a sense of legend, is produced in the Huangshan District of Huangshan City, Anhui Province. The natural conditions here are exceptional, with high mountains, fertile soil, and misty clouds providing an ideal environment for tea growth. The history of Huoshan Yellow Monkey dates back to the Xianfeng period of the Qing Dynasty, when Mr. Zheng Shouqing cultivated tea gardens along the Mochuan River. Through meticulous care, he produced a flat and upright “pointed tea” that was fresh and flavorful. Due to its outstanding quality, it was named “Taiping Pointed Tea,” which later evolved into the Huoshan Yellow Monkey we know today.

Huoshan Yellow Monkey: Appearance and Characteristics

Huoshan Yellow Monkey is well-known for its distinctive appearance. The tea leaves are flat and upright, resembling the shape of a “yellow monkey.” They have a dark green color, a substantial texture, and a layer of white down on the back. When brewed, the buds and leaves unfurl in the water, floating up and down like a playful monkey, making it quite entertaining. The tea liquor is clear and bright, with a fresh fragrance and a rich, sweet taste, featuring unique orchid and chestnut aromas.

Huoshan Yellow Monkey: Production Techniques

The production process of Huoshan Yellow Monkey is very meticulous, primarily involving picking, fixing, rolling, and baking. Each step requires the careful attention and experience of the tea farmers, especially during the fixing and rolling processes, where temperature and time must be strictly controlled to preserve the shape and aroma of the leaves.

1. Picking: Usually carried out around the Qingming Festival, only the two leaves and a bud from the new shoots are selected.
2. Fixing: High temperatures are used to quickly halt the oxidation of the leaves, preserving their green color and fresh taste.
3. Rolling: The leaves are rolled into a flat shape, which determines the appearance of Huoshan Yellow Monkey.
4. Baking: Slowly dried over charcoal fire, enhancing the aroma of the leaves and prolonging their shelf life.

Huoshan Yellow Monkey: Appreciation and Brewing

To fully experience the charm of Huoshan Yellow Monkey, the brewing method is crucial. Here is a simple guide:

1. Water Temperature: Use water at 80-85°C to avoid damaging the tenderness of the leaves.
2. Amount

: Place 3-5 grams of tea leaves into a glass Teapot or cup.

3. Rinsing: For the first infusion, pour quickly to rinse the leaves.
4. Brewing: After the second infusion, let the leaves steep for 2-3 minutes to fully unfurl and release their aroma.

When tasting, start by smelling the aroma, then take small sips, allowing the tea liquor to spread slowly in your mouth to appreciate its sweetness and freshness.

Health benefits of Huoshan Yellow Monkey

Like other green teas, Huoshan Yellow Monkey is rich in antioxidants and offers various health benefits, including:

1. Antioxidant Properties: Helps neutralize free radicals and slows down the aging process.
2. Boosts Metabolism: Assists with weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight.
3. Improves Digestion: Stimulates the secretion of digestive juices, aiding digestion.
4. Enhances Immunity: Strengthens the body's immune function and helps prevent diseases.

Selecting High-Quality Huoshan Yellow Monkey

When purchasing Huoshan Yellow Monkey, consider the following points:

1. Appearance: The leaves should be flat and upright, with a dark green color and luster.
2. Aroma: Should have a fresh orchid or chestnut fragrance.
3. Liquor: The brewed tea should be clear and bright, with the leaves unfolding gracefully in the water.
4. Taste: Should have a fresh, sweet taste without bitterness.

Summary

Huoshan Yellow Monkey, as a premium green tea in China, attracts countless tea enthusiasts with its unique appearance, fragrance, and taste. It is more than just a tea; it is a cultural legacy. In Chinese tea culture, tea is not merely a beverage but also a way of life and a spiritual sustenance. Huoshan Yellow Monkey, with its exceptional quality and rich cultural heritage, has become a shining gem in the world of tea culture. It represents the harmonious unity of nature and humanity, a vivid illustration of coexistence between humans and nature.