Black Plum is a local style tea made using the Meizhan cultivar, a tea traditionally known for making oolongs. This year's lot is in the class of early spring teas known as "fresh tea" using local customs in timing of the harvest and how the leaves are processed. This lot was grown on a small farm in the mountains of FuAn, near Fuding. Lot # 5.
Lot Notes.We tasted this lot on April 10, 2025. The farmer's decision to make this black from an oolong cultivar reflected his intention to create a fruity-sweet flavor black. In tasting, we found this black lot offers a clean, light, tangy plum flavor.
Tea Facts.Tea was harvested in the first week of April 2025. Cultivar is Meizhan. The cultivar's large leaves offer a depth of flavor that is pronounced in the black tea style. Leaves are fired in baskets. Uniformity and size of the leaves aids in creating a deep and smooth cup taste.
Tasting Notes.The tea maker has created black tea with a sweet fragrance and complex flavor that grows in the mouth. A clean flavor, we find notes of plum and a sweet finish that one will note lingers. This tea well-exemplifies the elegance and light processing touch of the farmer.
Brewing Suggestions.Use one round tablespoon of leaf for 6-8 ounces of water at a temperature of 195-205 F. Steep for 2.5 minutes and taste. For more body, steep 3 minutes. The leaves will offer multiple steeps.
SKU: B-MBC-5
Black Tea
Add 30 seconds for each successive steep — flavors evolve.
Black tea is a leaf that has been fully oxidized. This rigorous oxidization produces a tea of hearty rich flavors while reducing its astringency and bringing out a natural sweetness.
Flavors will range from bright, brisk, peppery, clean, and smoky to aromatic, bold, malty, nutty, spicy, and sweet. Blacks are known for long, delicately aromatic, and comforting aftertastes. Note, they are often enjoyed with milk or sweetener.