{"product_id":"hangzhou-jiuqu-hongmei-black-tea-250g-traditional-paper-wrapped-chinese-red-tea","title":"Hangzhou Jiuqu Hongmei Black Tea – 250g Traditional Paper-Wrapped Chinese Red Tea","description":"\u003ch2\u003eJiuqu Hongmei: Hangzhou’s Elegant Red Tea Tradition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJiuqu Hongmei is a distinctive Chinese red tea from the Hangzhou tea tradition, prized for combining the warmth and depth of fully oxidised tea with a refined, aromatic character. This 250g presentation is finished in a traditional paper-wrapped format that feels equally at home on a tea table, in a gift basket or in a collection of classic Chinese teas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTaste \u0026amp; Aroma\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cup opens with a clear amber-red liquor and a rounded fragrance. Expect warm honeyed sweetness, gentle red-fruit tones, soft malt and a lightly toasted finish. Compared with heavier breakfast-style black teas, Jiuqu Hongmei is usually more graceful and aromatic; compared with green tea, it is deeper, warmer and more comforting while remaining clean on the palate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLeaf Appearance \u0026amp; Tea Culture\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe dry leaves are slender and dark, creating a striking contrast with the bright liquor after brewing. In Chinese tea culture, red tea is appreciated not only for flavour but for its ability to deliver a smooth, warming cup across multiple infusions. The traditional paper wrapping reinforces the old tea-house character of the presentation and makes the pack attractive for display before it is opened.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Brew\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWestern-style cup:\u003c\/strong\u003e use about 3–4g of leaf per 250ml of water at 90–95°C. Steep for 2–3 minutes, then adjust the next brew to taste.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGongfu-style:\u003c\/strong\u003e use about 5g per 100–120ml, water around 90–95°C and short infusions starting around 15–20 seconds. Increase the time gradually over later rounds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a cleaner, sweeter cup, avoid boiling the leaves aggressively. A glass fairness pitcher, porcelain gaiwan or small ceramic teapot all work well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhen to Drink It\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJiuqu Hongmei works beautifully in the morning, after lunch or during a quiet afternoon tea session. Its warm, sweet profile also makes it a strong choice for cooler evenings when you want something more rounded than green tea without moving into heavily roasted tea styles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFood Pairing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePair it with butter biscuits, madeleines, dark chocolate, nut-based desserts, red-bean pastries, lightly spiced cakes or savoury dim sum. The tea has enough body to sit beside food while still keeping a polished, clean finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGifting \u0026amp; Presentation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 250g paper-wrapped format has an understated traditional look that suits Chinese New Year hampers, housewarming gifts, tea-themed gifts and refined pantry displays. Place it beside a porcelain gaiwan, bamboo tea tray or celadon cup set for an elegant new-Chinese interior styling moment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Jiuqu Hongmei a green tea?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. It is a fully oxidised Chinese red tea, called black tea in most Western retail terminology.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow is it different from Longjing?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLongjing is a pan-fired green tea known for fresh vegetal, chestnut-like and sweet notes. Jiuqu Hongmei is darker, warmer and more honeyed because the leaves are fully oxidised.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I re-steep the leaves?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Good loose-leaf brewing works especially well with repeated infusions, particularly in a gaiwan or small teapot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow should I store it?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKeep the tea sealed, dry, cool and away from strong odours, heat and direct sunlight.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ClayZenith","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62665998139473,"sku":null,"price":53.0,"currency_code":"SGD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/6297\/6849\/files\/jiuqu-hongmei-250g-paper-pack_307751a3-e3f2-4d14-bb83-7c8839ab7de4.jpg?v=1789714773","url":"https:\/\/clayzenith.com\/products\/hangzhou-jiuqu-hongmei-black-tea-250g-traditional-paper-wrapped-chinese-red-tea","provider":"ClayZenith","version":"1.0","type":"link"}