Large-leaf Tea | Distinctive Flavor and Health Benefits | Brewing Guide
Large-leaf Tea (Dàyè Chá)
Tea Category: Varies (Can be Black, Green, Oolong or Pu-erh, depending on processing)
Origin: Predominantly grown in Yunnan Province, China; also cultivated in other tropical and subtropical regions like India, Sri Lanka
Harvest Time: Multiple harvests throughout the year, with spring and autumn harvests often considered the best
Properties: Properties vary based on type; generally, black large-leaf tea has a warm nature, while green large-leaf tea has a cool nature
1️⃣ Tea Characteristics
Appearance: As the name suggests, characterized by large, broad tea leaves. Leaves can range from dark green (green tea type) to deep brown or black (black tea or Pu-erh type), with a slightly rough texture and visible veins.
Aroma:
- Black Large-leaf Tea: Robust, malty aroma with hints of dried fruits and sometimes a subtle smoky note
- Green Large-leaf Tea: Fresh, grassy, and vegetal aroma, often with floral undertones
- Oolong Large-leaf Tea: Complex aroma combining floral, fruity, and woody scents
- Pu-erh Large-leaf Tea: Earthy, with notes of damp forest, mushrooms, and a sweet undertone (ripe Pu-erh), or fresh and slightly astringent aroma (raw Pu-erh)
Liquor Color:
- Black Large-leaf Tea: Deep reddish-brown, almost like amber
- Green Large-leaf Tea: Pale yellow-green to bright green
- Oolong Large-leaf Tea: Golden to deep orange
- Pu-erh Large-leaf Tea: Dark reddish-brown (ripe), pale yellow to orange (raw)
Taste:
- Black Large-leaf Tea: Full-bodied, rich, and sweet, with a smooth finish
- Green Large-leaf Tea: Refreshing, slightly astringent, with a clean, crisp taste
- Oolong Large-leaf Tea: Balanced between light and full-bodied, with a complex interplay of sweet, floral, and roasted flavors
- Pu-erh Large-leaf Tea: Ripe Pu-erh is smooth, mellow, and earthy; raw Pu-erh is more astringent when young, becoming smoother and more complex with age
Type
Varies (Black, Green, Oolong, Pu-erh)
Elevation
600 - 2000m
Caffeine
Varies by type (Higher in black tea, lower in some aged Pu-erh)
Vintage
Spring 2024
2️⃣ Health Benefits
- ✅ Rich in Nutrients:
- Contains high levels of polyphenols, amino acids, vitamins (such as vitamin C, B vitamins) and minerals (including potassium, calcium, magnesium), which contribute to overall health
- ✅ Antioxidant Power:
- Polyphenols in large-leaf tea, like catechins and theaflavins, act as antioxidants, protecting cells from damage, reducing inflammation, and potentially lowering the risk of heart disease, cancer, and other chronic illnesses
- ✅ Digestive Support:
- Black and Pu-erh large-leaf teas can stimulate the digestive system, aiding in the breakdown of food, relieving indigestion, and promoting a healthy gut environment
- ✅ Energy and Mental Clarity:
- The caffeine content provides a natural energy boost, enhancing alertness, focus, and concentration. Unlike coffee, the combination of caffeine and L-theanine in tea offers a more sustained and calm energy lift
- ✅ Hydration and Detoxification:
- Drinking large-leaf tea helps keep the body hydrated. Some types, especially green large-leaf tea, may assist the body's natural detoxification processes by promoting the elimination of toxins
Unique Growing Environment: Large-leaf tea plants thrive in tropical and subtropical climates with high humidity, abundant rainfall, and warm temperatures. The unique terroir of regions like Yunnan, with its rich soil and diverse microclimates, imparts distinct flavors and characteristics to the tea, making each batch special.
3️⃣ Brewing Guide
1
Water Temperature:
- Black Large-leaf Tea: 95 - 100°C (203 - 212°F)
- Green Large-leaf Tea: 75 - 85°C (167 - 185°F)
- Oolong Large-leaf Tea: 90 - 95°C (194 - 203°F)
- Pu-erh Large-leaf Tea: 100°C (212°F)
2
Tea Amount: 3 - 5 grams per 150 - 200ml of water (adjust according to personal taste and the tea's strength)
3
First Infusion:
- Black Large-leaf Tea: Steep for 3 - 5 minutes
- Green Large-leaf Tea: Steep for 1 - 3 minutes
- Oolong Large-leaf Tea: Steep for 1 - 2 minutes
- Pu-erh Large-leaf Tea: Rinse the tea leaves first with hot water for 5 - 10 seconds, then steep for 1 - 2 minutes (longer for aged ripe Pu-erh)
4
Subsequent Infusions: Increase the steeping time by 15 - 30 seconds for each additional brew. Large-leaf tea can often be steeped multiple times, with each infusion revealing different layers of flavor.
5
Teaware: Porcelain or glassware is great for green and oolong large-leaf teas to appreciate the color and aroma. For black and Pu-erh large-leaf teas, Yixing clay teapots can enhance the flavor and are popular among tea enthusiasts.
Optimal Consumption:
- 🌞 Morning Energy: Black large-leaf tea in the morning can provide a good start to the day, giving a boost of energy and mental clarity
- 🌞 Midday Refreshment: Green or oolong large-leaf tea during the day can refresh the mind and help with focus without causing jitters
- 🌙 Evening Relaxation: Aged Pu-erh large-leaf tea in the evening is calming and aids digestion, making it a perfect drink before bedtime
4️⃣ Product Specifications
- ✅ Origin: Yunnan Province, China; Assam region in India; Sri Lanka; and other tropical/subtropical tea-growing areas
- ✅ Harvest: Hand-picked or machine-harvested, typically selecting the top few leaves and bud of the tea plant
- ✅ Processing:
- Black Large-leaf Tea: Withering, rolling, oxidation, and drying
- Green Large-leaf Tea: Withering, (pan-frying or steaming to prevent oxidation), rolling, and drying
- Oolong Large-leaf Tea: Withering, shaking, oxidation (partial), roasting, and shaping
- Pu-erh Large-leaf Tea: Raw Pu-er
