Honey Orchid Fragrance Dancong

Phoenix Dancong teas are classified into individual cultivars (or strains) based on the unique morphology or flavor characteristics of each tea plant. They are harvested and processed individually, which is why they are called "Dancong" (single bush).

Each tea plant is unique, producing its own natural floral or fruity aroma. Among them, there is one particular tea plant known for its rich honey flavor and a distinctive orchid-like fragrance. This Dancong is: Honey Orchid Fragrance.

Next, let’s take a closer look at what Honey Orchid Fragrance is, including its morphological features and quality characteristics.

1. What is “Honey Orchid Fragrance”?

Honey Orchid Fragrance Dancong is one of the ten precious honey-scented varieties of Phoenix Dancong and an outstanding cultivar from the Phoenix Narcissus group. It belongs to the oolong tea series and is produced in Fenghuang Town, Chaozhou City, Guangdong Province. It is recognized as one of China’s famous teas by the Ministry of Commerce.

Honey Orchid Fragrance is also a renowned and premium aroma type among Phoenix Dancong teas. Its mother plant has a history of over 600 years. It is called Honey Orchid Fragrance because the finished tea has a strong sweet potato-like honey aroma, hence it is also referred to as Sweet Potato Fragrance. Remember the steamed sweet potatoes we ate as kids? After steaming, a layer of sugar would settle on the surface, and that aroma was sweet.

In addition, Honey Orchid Fragrance Phoenix Dancong also carries a subtle orchid-like scent. The wonderful blend of these two fragrances makes it even more special.

2. Morphological Features

The plant is tall with an open tree posture, medium branching density, and leaves that grow slightly upwards and obliquely.

The leaves are long-oval in shape, slightly inwardly folded, with a flat leaf surface and edge. The leaf color is yellowish-green, the leaf tip is acuminate, and the leaf serrations are blunt and shallow. The leaf texture is thick and soft. The buds and leaves are light yellowish-green with sparse fuzz. The weight of 100 buds and three leaves is 122 grams. The peak flowering period is in late October, and the plant is flower-bearing but not fruit-bearing.

3. Quality Characteristics

The finished Honey Orchid Fragrance Dancong tea has a distinct sweet potato “honey” flavor along with an orchid aroma. The honey fragrance is intense, sharp, and long-lasting, while the orchid scent is elegant and delicate. The taste is mellow with a sweet aftertaste, featuring the unique charm of “rich honey and subtle orchid.” It leaves a lingering fragrance in the mouth and is extremely resistant to multiple infusions.

The tea liquor is clear and bright yellow, containing high levels of amino acids, vitamins, tea polyphenols, alkaloids, and other nutritious and therapeutic components. When brewed, the fragrance of Honey Orchid Fragrance Dancong can be detected from several steps away. The tea offers an unforgettable aftertaste and has long been celebrated for its “four excellences”: beautiful shape, emerald color, rich aroma, and sweet taste.