Black tea Yunnan G.F.O.P

Born in the misty mountains of southwest China, Yunnan GFOP embodies one of the finest expressions of Chinese black tea. Yunnan province, considered the cradle of tea worldwide, has been home for millennia to large-leaf tea plants, the ancestors of all cultivated varieties today. It is from this region, shaped by red earth and subtropical mists, that the legend of the "land of eternal spring" was born. Here, tea is more than just a plant; it is a living heritage, passed down through generations by the Dai, Bulang, and Hani mountain minorities, guardians of ancestral know-how.

Historically, Yunnan lies at the heart of the legendary Tea Horse Road, which once connected China to Tibet and as far as India. Caravans transported compressed tea cakes (the forerunners of pu'erh) across breathtaking mountain passes, while whole leaves destined for domestic markets were eagerly awaited in Pu'er and Simao. These vast trade routes forged Yunnan's reputation as a land of high-altitude tea, where tradition and commerce intertwine. The Lincang region still boasts tea trees over three thousand years old, living testaments to an age-old tea-growing tradition.

The GFOP grade, for Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe, classifies Yunnan teas among the finest black teas. This grade designates a tea made from young, whole leaves and golden buds, carefully hand-picked. Yunnan artisans ensure slow withering and controlled oxidation, which develop the characteristic notes of honey, leather, and blond tobacco. It is a tea of ​​balance and depth, often called the "mocha of teas" for its woody warmth and aromatic purity.

Yunnan teas enjoy their greatest success in Europe, where the art of prolonged black tea infusion, sometimes enhanced with a touch of milk, has become a connoisseur's tradition. The British are its most devoted ambassadors: Yunnan GFOP is a welcome addition to the breakfast tables of enthusiasts seeking deep, well-rounded, and woody aromas. It is therefore only natural that Betjeman and Barton has, for decades, reserved a place of honor for Yunnan teas in its collection, perpetuating the spirit and tradition of the most precious black teas for its most discerning clientele.

Food and tea pairings
What if you savored your Yunnan tea with a spelt couscous with candied vegetables? This bold pairing reveals the full nobility of Yunnan: its honeyed notes embrace the caramelized sweetness of the onions and apricots, while its woody character complements the nutty texture of the spelt. The mild spices of the tfaya (a traditional Moroccan garnish of caramelized onions and dried apricots in honey) extend the tea's elegance in a subtle alchemy where the aromas of the Atlas Mountains and Yunnan blend, creating a delicious bridge between two age-old traditions.

Recipe based on Yunnan black tea from China GFOP
Elevate a shoulder of lamb in a marinade where Yunnan reveals its culinary nobility. The concentrated infusion of tea, combined with honey and Chinese five-spice, infuses the meat with its woody and honeyed aromas. The syrupy reduction glazes the lamb with a golden sheen, creating a harmonious and flavorful dish where the tannins of Yunnan tenderize the meat while its cocoa notes complement the richness of the lamb.