Tea is one of the most commonly consumed beverages, and it goes parallel to the world’s consumption of coffee. However, the history of tea roots back to the ancient period of Chinese culture and traditions. This subtle and flavourful beverage is derived from the leaves of the tea plant, which is also scientifically known as Camellia sinensis. The leaves should be of good quality depending upon their variety, which is highly essential to brewing the perfect cup of tea that can win over the hearts of tea connoisseurs.
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The variety of quality and flavour of the tea depends on various factors, ranging from different production procedures and geographical differences to the type of fertiliser used by cultivators. Beyond these common varieties, the world of tea also encompasses rare and expensive teas that remain largely unknown to the general public. These exclusive teas are often produced in limited quantities, sometimes under unique and specific conditions that contribute to their rarity and high cost.
Do-hong Pao
Da hong pao, one of the world's rarest and most expensive teas, hails from the Ming Dynasty in China's Fujian Province. This oolong tea is revered for its smooth, lingering aftertaste. Its speciality lies in its unique terroir and traditional processing methods, which include hand-picking and charcoal roasting. Limited production and historical significance contribute to its high value, making it a prized possession for tea connoisseurs. This tea has a market value of 1.2 million per kilogram.
Panda Dung Tea
Panda dung tea, originating from China, is one of the world's rarest and most expensive teas. Grown in the Ya'an region of Sichuan province, this tea is fertilised with panda dung, rich in nutrients that enhance the soil. The tea boasts a unique, earthy flavour with hints of nutty undertones attributed to the pandas' bamboo diet. Its speciality lies in its ecological cultivation, making it a sought-after luxury for tea connoisseurs. A whopping $70,000 is its market price today.
Yellow Gold Tea Buds
Yellow gold tea buds are a rare and expensive tea originating from the high mountains of China. Known for their exquisite flavour, these tea buds are meticulously handpicked once a year, usually during early spring. The buds are then carefully painted with real 24-carat gold, giving the tea a luxurious and unique appearance. The flavour profile is delicate and mellow, with a subtle sweetness and a hint of floral undertones. This tea's speciality lies in its rarity and its opulent golden finish, making it a product worth $7,800 per kilogram.
Narcissus Wuyi Oolong
Narcissus wuyi oolong is a rare and expensive tea from the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian, China. Renowned for its complex flavour, it combines floral notes with a rich, roasted aroma and a hint of sweetness. This tea is grown in rocky, mineral-rich soil, giving it a unique taste and a high level of antioxidants. The meticulous, traditional processing methods contribute to its exclusivity and high price, which goes up to $6,500 per kilogram.
Gyukuro
Gyokuro is a rare and expensive Japanese green tea renowned for its exceptional quality. Originating from Japan's Uji and Yame regions, Gyokuro is cultivated with meticulous care, including shading the tea plants for about three weeks before harvest. This shading process enhances the tea's flavour and increases its chlorophyll content, resulting in a rich, umami taste with sweet, grassy notes. Gyokuro's delicate processing and limited production contribute to its high cost and exclusivity. One individual must spend around $650 per kilogram to experience this tea.
Pu-Erh Tea
Pu-erh tea, a rare and expensive variety, originates from Yunnan province in China. Its unique production involves fermentation and ageing, often improving its flavour over years or even decades. The taste is rich and earthy, with some aged versions offering complex notes reminiscent of dark chocolate or dried fruit. Its distinctiveness and rarity, especially in aged forms, contribute to its high value among tea connoisseurs worldwide, which goes up to $10,000 per kilogram.
Gao Shen Tea
Gao shan tea, originating from the high-altitude regions of Taiwan, is renowned for its rarity and expense. Grown in misty, cool climates, this oolong tea offers a unique flavour profile marked by floral and fruity notes with a creamy, smooth finish. Its speciality lies in the meticulous hand-picking process and the precise oxidation levels, which preserve its delicate aroma and complex taste. The market value of this premium tea is priced at $250 per kilogram.