Introduction: Also known as ‘Meigui Hongcha', Rose Petal Black is a blend of the popular Chinese black tea ’Keemun’ and fragrant red rose petals.
Robust Keemun
The small leaf tea from Qimen county of Anhui province is best known as the main ingredient for the popular ‘English Breakfast’ blends.
Red Rose Petals
Although there is a whole universe of rose varieties and flavors, the ideal for combining with Keemun are the red roses native to Qimen county. They have a distinct, sweet, cooling aroma that lends great balance to the blend.
Brewing Suggestions
For brewing black teas, we recommend using higher temperature water, close to or just before boiling (190 - 200 F), with a proportion of one teaspoon of leaf per 8oz of water. Some recommend water at a full, rolling boil, but in our opinion boiling reduces the oxygen content in good water and gives the tea a “flatter” taste as opposed to a more “lively” taste from slightly cooler water. Steeping time can vary depending on whether you wish to drink with milk (or non-dairy equivalent) or without. To drink without milk, 3 ½ to 4 ½ minutes is plenty of time to bring out a well balanced sweetness and astringency. With milk, a slightly longer time is required, 5 to 6 minutes, to acquire enough astringency to balance the milk.
