The Classification of Anhua Dark Tea
Anhua dark tea is a unique type of tea that comes from the Anhua region, and it is primarily categorized into three main series. These include the Brick series, known as Zhuan Cha, the Tip series, referred to as Xiang Jian, and the Huajuan series, also known as Qian Liang Cha, which is characterized by its steamed roll production. Each series has its own distinct types of tea that are worth exploring in greater detail.
Anhua Dark Tea - Brick Series
Within the Brick series, we have three primary types of tea bricks.
1. Flower Brick, also called Hua Zhuan, is mainly produced using third-grade raw tea leaves, which are the same as those used in the Huajuan steamed roll series. Flower Brick evolved from the traditional Huajuan tea and features decorative patterns that resemble flowers, thus earning its name "Hua Zhuan," meaning flower brick.
2. Black Brick is created using fourth-grade raw tea leaves. The process of compressing the Black Brick is similar to that of Flower Brick, although the type and grade of tea leaves differ, contributing to its unique characteristics.
3. Fu Brick is made from a mixture of third and fourth-grade raw tea leaves. The name Fu-Brick comes from the fact that these tea bricks are traditionally produced during the extremely hot summer days, known as "fu" days in the Chinese solar calendar. High-quality, or classy, Fu-Bricks are handcrafted using only third-grade tea leaves, while the standard level Fu-Bricks are machine-produced with a blend of third and fourth-grade leaves.
Anhua Dark Tea - Tips Series - Loose Leaf
The Tip Series, also recognized as Xiangjian, is made from refined, tender tea leaves and is usually packed in bamboo baskets. Known for its loose leaf form, the Tip series was historically considered as a tribute tea for royalty.
1. Tianjian, or Top Tips, is the highest grade in this series. It is primarily refined from first-grade raw tea leaves with the addition of a small quantity of second-grade leaves, creating a premium and exquisite blend.
2. Gongjian, referred to as Tribute Tips, is mainly refined from second-grade raw tea leaves. Occasionally, some first and third-grade tea leaves are included to enhance its flavor and quality.
3. Shengjian, or Raw Tips, differs from the others as it is refined from crude tea composed of larger leaves and stalks, giving it a robust flavor.
Anhua Dark Tea - Huajuan Series - Steamed Roll
The Huajuan series has its origins in Bailiang tea, which translates to "hundred tael" tea. This type of tea is now classified based on weight, with varieties such as Qianliang (thousand tael) tea and Shiliang (ten tael) tea. Their production involves a unique tramping process. These steamed roll teas are quite distinctive due to their large, compressed form and the traditional methods used in their production.