Hangzhou Jiuqu Hongmei Black Tea – 250g Traditional Paper-Wrapped Chinese Red Tea

Jiuqu Hongmei: Hangzhou’s Elegant Red Tea Tradition

Jiuqu 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.

Taste & Aroma

The 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.

Leaf Appearance & Tea Culture

The 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.

How to Brew

Western-style cup: 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.

Gongfu-style: 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.

For a cleaner, sweeter cup, avoid boiling the leaves aggressively. A glass fairness pitcher, porcelain gaiwan or small ceramic teapot all work well.

When to Drink It

Jiuqu 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.

Food Pairing

Pair 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.

Gifting & Presentation

The 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.

FAQ

Is Jiuqu Hongmei a green tea?
No. It is a fully oxidised Chinese red tea, called black tea in most Western retail terminology.

How is it different from Longjing?
Longjing 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.

Can I re-steep the leaves?
Yes. Good loose-leaf brewing works especially well with repeated infusions, particularly in a gaiwan or small teapot.

How should I store it?
Keep the tea sealed, dry, cool and away from strong odours, heat and direct sunlight.