Yinghong Lemon Black Tea is a highly innovative and distinctive tea beverage originating from Guangdong Province, China. It masterfully blends the classic Yinghong black tea (a premium variety of Yingde black tea) with fresh lemon leaves, creating a unique sensory experience that bridges tradition and modernity.
The Base: Yinghong No. 9 Black Tea
Yinghong No. 9 is often hailed as the “aristocrat of teas.” Produced in Yingde City, Guangdong, it is celebrated for its high quality. The tea leaves are uniformly beautiful, with a dark, lustrous appearance. When brewed, the tea soup is a vibrant, bright red. It boasts a rich and complex aroma, famously characterized by a delightful blend of floral and fruity notes—often reminiscent of roses and sweet lychees. The taste is mellow, full-bodied, and naturally sweet, leaving a long-lasting, pleasant aftertaste without any bitterness.
The Twist: Infused with Lemon Leaves
What sets this tea apart is the innovative addition of lemon leaves (specifically the aromatic Perfume Lemon leaves) during the processing. Unlike adding fresh lemon slices which can make the tea overly sour or astringent, the lemon leaves impart a pure, refreshing citrus fragrance.
Through a specialized co-fermentation and drying process, the grassy and bitter notes of the leaves are removed, leaving only their essence. This creates a harmonious marriage of flavors: the deep, robust character of the black tea is perfectly balanced by the bright, uplifting scent of the lemon leaves.
Flavor Profile and Characteristics
- Aroma: Upon opening the package, you are greeted with an intense, natural lemon fragrance that is incredibly refreshing.
- Taste: The tea is remarkably smooth and sweet. It is neither sour nor bitter, making it very gentle on the stomach. The citrus aroma infuses the water, so every sip delivers both the rich taste of black tea and the zesty freshness of lemon.
- Health Benefits: Yinghong No. 9 is a fully fermented tea, considered “warm” in nature, which helps to warm the stomach and boost energy. Lemon leaves are rich in flavonoids and are traditionally believed to aid digestion, relieve coughs, and promote lung health. This combination makes it a healthy drink suitable for people of all ages.
Brewing Recommendations
- Hot Brew: Use about 5-6 grams of tea for every 150ml of water. The ideal water temperature is between 85°C and 90°C. It has a very fast infusion time—you can pour out the tea soup in just 5 seconds. The leaves are durable and can be steeped up to 10 times.
- Cold Brew: For a perfect summer drink, simply add the tea leaves to cold purified water and let it steep for 6-8 hours (or shake well and wait a few minutes for a quicker version). Cold brewing highlights the natural sweetness and smoothness while eliminating any potential astringency.
