Product Overview
This exquisite artisanal creation features Keemun black tea (not the commonly used pu-erh) as its star ingredient. The Keemun Xiao Qing Xinhui Black Tea Stuffed Mandarins are a unique artisanal creation that brings together two Chinese treasures. At its heart is Keemun black tea, often called the "Burgundy of teas" for its distinctive wine-like aroma and smooth maltiness. This premium tea is carefully stuffed inside sun-dried Xinhui mandarin peels, a variety renowned for its exceptional citrus oils and medicinal properties.
The production process is entirely handmade. Artisans carefully hollow out small green mandarins, fill them with loose-leaf Keemun tea, and slowly dry them to perfection. This traditional method allows the tea to gradually absorb the essential oils from the mandarin peel, creating a perfect marriage of flavors.
When brewed, the tea releases layered notes - starting with the characteristic sweetness of Keemun, then unfolding into the bright, earthy complexity of the aged citrus peel. Expect a clean, brisk taste with layered complexity—initial malty sweetness from the Keemun tea unfolds into vibrant citrus notes, finishing with a delicate honey-like aftertaste. The combination is lighter and more aromatic than traditional pu-erh stuffed mandarins, making it particularly enjoyable for daytime drinking. The keemun black tea absorbs the citrus's bright, aromatic oils, resulting in a refreshing, lively cup with pronounced fruity fragrance that sets it apart from heavier, earthier pu-erh tea-stuffed mandarin varieties.
Beyond its exquisite taste, this blend is valued in traditional Chinese culture for its digestive benefits. The natural oils from the Xinhui peel, combined with the antioxidants in Keemun tea, create a beverage that's as healthful as it is flavorful. Perfect for morning refreshment or afternoon tea sessions, these carefully crafted tea treasures promise to elevate your daily tea ritual with their consistently delightful character. The combination of premium Keemun tea and quality Xinhui tangerine peel creates a balanced yet complex cup that evolves beautifully through multiple infusions, offering tea enthusiasts a sophisticated alternative to traditional stuffed tangerine teas.
About 10 grams each piece, comes individually wrapped in breathable paper and should be stored in tin or ceramic canisters away from strong odors. This preserves the delicate balance of flavors and aromas.
Brewing Guide:
For optimal enjoyment, we recommend using one 10g piece with 300ml of water. Begin with a quick 5-8 second rinse using 95°C water to awaken the aromas. The first infusion should steep for 25 seconds to appreciate the initial sweetness, with subsequent infusions (2-4) requiring just 15 seconds to capture the peak floral-fruity expression. Beyond the fifth infusion, add 10 seconds per steep, with the tea yielding eight or more flavorful brews.
For creative preparations, try cold brewing one piece with 500ml of cold water (refrigerated for 4 hours) to reveal crystalline sweetness, or mix the third infusion with honey and ice for a refreshing citrus-black tea spritzer.
