The world famous Da Hong Pao - "Big Red Robe" - a unique variety of tea, which was known in antiquity. Bushes of this variety grow on steep cliffs in a unique reserve in Wuyishan province. 4 "mother" plants, from which all the others originated, are even shown to tourists during an excursion to the reserve.
However, many experts believe that in reality the “big red coat” as a separate variety of tea does not exist, and that in fact it is a trademark, which hides a mixture of varieties quite common in Wuyishan. Seeing the bushes, knowledgeable people usually say that it is impossible to remove a quality crop from them. In addition, the amount of tea presented under this brand on the market does not correspond to the legend that there are almost no plantations. Too many secrets!
The production technology of this tea is no different from the procedure used to make other varieties. It consists of 5 stages: collecting leaves, primary drying, then frying, curing, another drying. At the fourth stage, selection and blending is carried out, and last of all - Hongpei, a special procedure used in the production of dark oolongs. The essence of this process is the prolonged calcination of tea leaves on charcoal at a fairly low temperature. To do this, use special wicker baskets with a double bottom.
Any specialist will say that the final result depends on the last two stages of leaf processing: the taste and aroma of tea. The degree of roasting also affects the saturation of the Big Red Bathrobe. Tea can be processed in just a few hours, which will make it light, and can take several lengthy procedures, and then its aroma will get smoky notes, and the taste will become saturated.
Choosing and buying this tea without smelling it is a criminal indiscretion, since it can differ significantly from one batch to another. A person must choose for himself whether he likes this smell. So any recommendations on this subject are meaningless.
You can brew a "Big Red Bathrobe" more than once. Most people like 3 or 5 tea leaves. This is a matter of taste, however, pouring the same leaves more than 7 times is not recommended. Usually, a teaspoon of leaves is consumed per cup of boiling water, while the water temperature should reach 95-100 degrees. Insist a drink for no more than a minute.
"Big red bathrobe" has a number of interesting and amazing effects. Firstly, it has a beneficial effect on the health of the body in general and all organ systems in particular. Secondly, it helps to reduce weight to normal values, and also normalizes metabolism.
Thirdly, there is an opinion that it perfectly removes a hangover, restoring water-salt metabolism in the body. Many believe that the "Big Red Bathrobe" even prevents aging and has antioxidant properties. The legends surrounding this tea variety also attribute to it hallucinogenic effects similar to some drugs, however, there is no evidence of this claim.
Touching an ancient history with just a cup of tea - what could be more interesting? A rich and interesting story makes Da Hong Pao a drink that is worth a try at least once in a lifetime.