Golden Monkey
Golden Monkey
1.5 oz
Golden Monkey tea, known as “Jin Hou” in Chinese, is a premium black tea that originates from the Fujian province of China. The name “Golden Monkey” is derived from the appearance of the leaves, which are said to resemble monkey paws due to their fuzzy golden tips. This tea is hand-processed each spring, with only the top bud and one leaf being carefully plucked to ensure high quality. The cultivation occurs at altitudes of around 1200 meters near the Tai Mu mountains, an area renowned for producing some of the finest teas.
“Only certain tea plant cultivars can produce golden-colored leaf tips. The color emerges during processing after accurate withering (moisture drying of the leaves). Few areas in Fujian contain this type of plant. Other areas known to have golden-tipped varietals are Yunnan and Hunan provinces in China, as well as Assam in India.” Due to its labor-intensive harvesting process (only specific parts of the plant are picked) Golden Monkey tea tends to be on the pricier side compared to other teas. Its rarity and high demand contribute significantly to its cost in markets outside China.
Golden Monkey tea is a highly regarded black tea known for its unique flavor profile, health benefits, and labor-intensive production process, making it a favorite among tea enthusiasts.
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About the Tea
Flavor Profile
The flavor profile of Golden Monkey tea is complex and multifaceted. It features a lightly sweet and round cup with notes reminiscent of roasted apples, palm sugar, walnuts, cocoa, rye, and spices.
The aroma includes hints of apricot and nuts with a subtle rose fragrance. Upon tasting, drinkers often note flavors akin to baked stone fruits like apricots combined with a slight sweetness similar to semisweet chocolate. The finish is mellow and nutty, often described as having roasted pecan undertones.
Ingredients
Black tea leaves
Nutritional Benefit
Golden Monkey tea is not only appreciated for its taste, but also for its health benefits. It contains antioxidants such as quercetin, which may lower the risk of tumor development and heart failure.
Additionally, it has a higher caffeine content, compared to many other black teas, which can enhance focus and reduce drowsiness. The magnesium present in this tea supports bone development and improves blood flow.
Preparation Instructions
To brew Golden Monkey tea effectively;
It is recommended to steep it at 212°F (100°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This high temperature helps extract the rich flavors and aromas from the leaves. Given its quality and complexity, Golden Monkey can be enjoyed through multiple infusions; each infusion may reveal different flavor nuances. Steep 2-5 times