Nine Twist Red Plum Tea

Nine Twist Red Plum Tea

　　Nine Twist Red Plum Tea

　　Produced around Qiantang River, in the southwestern suburbs of Hangzhou such as Hubu, Shangbao, Zhangyu, Fengjia, Shejing, Shangyang, and Renqiao, with the tea from Dawu Mountain in Hubu being particularly exceptional. Also known as Nine Twist Oolong, it is a type of black tea. When brewed, the tea liquor has a bright, crimson color resembling red plum blossoms, hence the name Nine Twist Red Plum.

　　Characteristics

　　　　Quality Features: The tea leaves are fine as hair strands, tightly twisted and curved like silver hooks, forming interlocking loops when held, covered with golden fuzz; the color is dark and glossy; the flavor is rich; the aroma is fragrant; the liquor is bright; the leaves at the bottom are red and blooming.

　　Commonly referred to as “Jiu Qu Hong” (Nine Twist Red), Nine Twist Red Plum Tea is another major traditional premium product of the West Lake District and is considered a treasure among black teas. It is produced in areas around Zhoupu Township in the West Lake District, including Hubu, Shangbao, Dalin, Zhangyu, Fengjia, Lingshan, Shejing, Renqiao, Shangyang, and Xiayang, with the tea from Dauwu Mountain being of the highest quality. Dawu Mountain stands over 500 meters tall, with a basin at its summit, sandy and fertile soil, surrounded by lush mountains that shelter it from wind, snow, and intense sunlight, while also benefiting from the moisture of the nearby Qiantang River. The rising steam and surrounding mist create ideal conditions for tea tree growth and quality development.

　　The origin of Nine Twist Red Plum traces back to Jiulong (Nine Twist) in Wuyi Mountain. It was brought north by farmers migrating from northern Fujian and southern Zhejiang, who settled around Dawu Mountain, cultivating land and tea to make a living and producing what came to be known as Nine Twist Red. This encouraged local tea production. The timing of the harvest significantly affects the tea’s quality, with the period around Grain Rain yielding the best results, while tea picked around Qingming Festival is generally of lower quality. Among the various regions, tea from Dawu is considered top-grade; those from Shangbao, Dalin, Fengjia, and Zhangyu are called “Hubu Tea,” considered mid-grade; and those from Shejing, Shangyang, Xiayang, and Renqiao are referred to as “Three Bridge Tea,” seen as lower-grade.

　　The picking standard for Nine Twist Red Plum requires one bud and two young leaves. The production process involves fixation, fermentation, and roasting, with fermentation and roasting being the most critical steps. Known as Nine Twist Red Plum due to its red color and fragrant aroma reminiscent of red plum blossoms, the tea offers a fresh and refreshing taste and is known to warm the stomach. With a history of nearly 200 years, Nine Twist Red Plum Tea gained fame over a century ago, even winning a gold medal at the 1886 Panama World Exposition. However, it remains less well-known than West Lake Dragon Well tea.

How to Brew Nine Twist Red Plum Tea

(1) Simple Brewing Method: Nine Twist Red Plum Tea is suitable for brewing in a teapot. Boil water and use preferably Jingdezhen ceramic teaware. Place about fifty percent of the teapot’s capacity with tea leaves, pour in boiling water. After brewing, the aroma will be sharp and long-lasting. Pour into small cups after around 45 seconds. First enjoy the fragrance, then the taste — it will fill your mouth with aroma and leave a sweet aftertaste.

(2) Gongfu Brewing Method: Drinking it straight (without adding anything) best highlights its aroma. When brewing this Gongfu-style black tea, it is generally recommended to use purple clay, white porcelain, or white porcelain with red floral designs. The tea-to-water ratio is around 1:50, and the brewing water temperature should be between 90–95°C.

　　Nine Twist Red Plum Tea is typically brewed using the teapot method. First, place the tea leaves in the teapot according to the proper proportion, add water, and steep for 2–3 minutes. Then, pour the tea into cups in a circular motion to ensure even strength. Sip slowly and savor the tea, which can usually be brewed 2–3 times. You may add a moderate amount of lemon, milk, or honey according to personal preference for a unique and delicious taste.