Black tea Grand Yunnan

In the mountains of Yunnan, the tea plants destined for Grand Yunnan G.F.O.P Supérieur thrive at altitudes between 1,200 and 2,500 meters, where nature dictates its slow and precise rhythm. This altitude is not a requirement of the grade itself, but it shapes the nobility of the tea. The pure air, ferruginous soils, and daily mists slow down the growth of the leaves, concentrating their sugars and polyphenols. Under these conditions, the buds are adorned with a denser, lighter down, precursors to the golden Golden Tips that will make the reputation of this high-altitude vintage.

In Mengku, harvesting takes place during the second flush of spring, when the sap is most concentrated. Harvesters carefully pick a terminal bud accompanied by two barely opened young leaves. This precise gesture, repeated thousands of times by hand, embodies the nobility of the Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe grade. Nothing is left to chance: only this subtle combination of tender leaves and buds promises the future presence of the Golden Tips.

These golden buds appear much later, at the crucial moment of oxidation. After withering and rolling, the tea masters observe the transformation of the leaves, seeking the perfect shade and aroma. This is where their art is expressed: they interrupt oxidation earlier than for a traditional black tea, just before the bud browns. The silvery down then takes on a warm gold, under the combined effect of heat and air, giving the tea its recognizable luster.

A local legend tells that, to preserve the integrity of this precious tea, the artisans of Yunnan used to cover the leaves with damp cloths or let the steam from cooking rice rise in their workshops. This gesture, combining instinct and alchemy, slowed down oxidation and enveloped the buds in nourishing steam. A poetic legacy passed down by the masters of Yunnan, this expertise remains the very essence of Grand Yunnan G.F.O.P. Supérieur. Thus, it is only natural that this tea with its millennial breath has found its place on the wooden shelves of our shop on Rue Malesherbes: each opened box radiates the spirit of Yunnan throughout the shop.

Food and tea pairings
Unveil the full nobility of this Grand Yunnan tea by pairing it with a grilled Wagyu beef fillet with shiitake mushrooms. Its velvety power and notes of forest humus create a perfect harmony with the umami of the mushrooms, while its aromas of aged leather and tobacco enhance the rich marbling of the exceptional meat. This prestigious pairing reveals the unexpected gastronomic dimension of high-altitude tea.

Recipe based on Grand Yunnan GFOP Superior black tea from China
Dare to try a revolutionary cooking jus for veal chops: generously deglaze the pan juices with a robust infusion of Grand Yunnan tea, enriched with candied shallots, juniper berries, and Sichuan peppercorns. Reduce until syrupy and then whisk in butter. The tea lends its deep, woody notes and structuring tannins, enveloping the meat in a sauce of unparalleled complexity, where the strength of the high-altitude terroir blends with the elegance of haute cuisine.