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Black Tea Guide

The warmth of full oxidation — the unique charm of Yunnan black tea

Black tea (called "hong cha" or "red tea" in Chinese, after the red liquor color; "black tea" internationally, after the dark dry leaves) is a fully oxidized tea. Yunnan black tea (Dianhong) uses large-leaf varietal leaves, yielding a full-bodied, aromatic cup that is a hallmark of Chinese black tea. Songdehao's Lincang sun-dried black tea uses a sun-drying process, producing a smooth, ageable tea that complements traditional Dianhong.

Black Tea Categories

Chinese black tea has three types: Souchong (e.g., Lapsang Souchong), Congou (e.g., Dianhong, Keemun), and Broken (for tea bags). Yunnan specializes in Dianhong Congou and sun-dried black tea: Dianhong uses traditional fermentation + high-temperature drying for bright aroma; sun-dried black tea is dried in sunlight after fermentation, yielding a smoother, ageable profile.

Brewing Parameters

Water temperature: 90-95°C (avoid pouring boiling water directly to prevent astringency). 5g per 110ml gaiwan. Rinse first steep (5 seconds), then steep 10-15 seconds per infusion. Black tea is not suitable for long cold brewing; try ice-extraction (brew hot, then pour over ice for rapid cooling).

Dianhong vs. Sun-dried Black Tea

Dianhong: traditional process — withering → rolling → fermentation → first fire (110-120°C) → final fire (85-95°C), moisture ≤5%, bright aroma and strong body. Sun-dried black tea: sun-dried after fermentation, retaining more active compounds, smooth and sweet, ageable with transformation similar to raw Puer.

Articles in This Guide

Why Black Tea Cannot Be Cold Brewed

July 8, 2026

White tea can be cold brewed, green tea can be cold brewed, but something feels wrong about cold brewing black tea? Today we discuss black tea and cold brewing.

Songdehao July Hot Drink Recommendations: From White Tea to Black Tea, There's One for You

July 13, 2026

July hot drink recommendations: Jinggu white tea with clean sweetness and honey notes, Lincang sun-dried black tea that's smooth and versatile, Mangfei raw Puer for heat relief — there's one for your summer.