What Is Chinese Red Tea?

Of all the Chinese teas, red teas are perhaps the most famous. There are several varieties of Chinese red tea, and their flavors and colors vary depending on the leaves. When their leaves are seeped, Chinese red tea will have a brilliant and distinct red color. Its flavor can be dominant and robust, or it can be mild. Its taste has the ability to linger after you swallow it.

History
Qimen Kung Fu Red Tea, a revered tea, has been enjoyed since the Qing Dynasty in the late 1800s. According to "The Chinese Kitchen," by Deh-Ta Hsiung, most tea in China was green tea until then, when an unemployed official moved to Qimen, a tea-producing area, and cultivated new blends. He felt that by introducing his bright and bold red teas, he would redeem his reputation.

Red or Black?
What the Chinese call red tea, Americans call black tea. All tea evolves from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. What makes a tea's flavor and coloring different from other teas is the way the leaves are processed.

Benefits
Chinese red tea is thought to be beneficial in relieving headaches, muscle aches, dizziness, insomnia and heat stroke. Also, it may help prevent cancer, act as an antioxidant and slow the aging process.

Three Varieties
There are three classes of Chinese red tea. They are Qimen Kung Fu Red Tea, Ted Te Bits and Small Species Red Tea.

Brewing
Traditional tea drinkers believe that loose teas are better and more flavorful. While most people drink Chinese teas plain, some people often add sugar and milk to teas for a richer taste and aroma.