Yunnan is regarded as one of the areas for the Genesis of tea. The Southern part of this province is home to the Mekong and Lancang river basins and for the famous Puer category of teas. It is also the native home of the ‘Dayeh’, broad leaf tea varietal, which provides unique flavor profiles. The central and northern part of Yunnan are home to primarily darker teas, also known as Dian Hong.

Varietal
Only certain tea plant varietals can produce the golden colored tipped leaves. The golden color emerges during processing and after accurate withering (moisture drying) of the leaves. Few areas in Yunnan contain these type of plants. Other areas known to have golden tipped varietals Hunan and Fujian in China and Assam in India.

Jin Cha or Gold Tea
Grown at a 100% organic tea garden, Jin Cha is made with long, tippy leaves. High grade Jin Cha’s contain only gold leaves. Lower grades sometimes have a mix of black tea leaves and gold tips.

Best Season
Jin Cha is special during May-June time periods. Since it is a heavily oxidized (darker) tea, it maintains its flavor well over the months.

Water Temp °F (°C)	Quality of Water	Quantity of Leaf (tsp / 8oz water)	Steep Time (minutes)	Infusions
190°F (88°C)	Best with Spring water	1-2	4-5	2

Chinese black teas can range dramatically in flavor and aroma but generally produce very full bodied, strong infusions. A water temperature of 180 to 200 F is sufficient to bring the rich character of the leaf. Some recommend water at a full, rolling boil, but in our opinion boiling reduces the oxygen content in good water and gives the tea a flatter taste as opposed to a livelier taste from slightly cooler water. The full leaf of this tea is larger than other broken leaf or small leaf black teas and requires a slightly longer steeping time. We recommend steeping 1 to 2 teaspoons per 8 ounce cup of water (depending on the size and bulk of the leaf) for 4 to 5 minutes. A minute or so longer if you wish to add milk (a longer steeping time is needed to acquire enough astringency to balance the milk).