Da Hong Pao, also known as Big Red Robe, is a famous oolong tea from the Wuyi Mountains in the Fujian province of China. It has a long and storied history dating back hundreds of years, with numerous legends and myths surrounding its origins.
Legend has it that during the Ming Dynasty, a high-ranking official fell seriously ill, and none of the imperial physicians were able to cure him. One day, a monk passing through the area gave the official some tea made from the leaves of a particular Wuyi rock tea bush. The official drank the tea and miraculously recovered from his illness. In gratitude, the official sent large swathes of rich, luxurious red fabric to drape over the tea bushes, earning the tea the name “Big Red Robe.”
Another legend tells of a mother who was seriously ill and unable to care for her son. She prayed to the local deity for help, who then appeared to her in a dream and led her to some tea bushes on the mountainside. The mother picked the leaves from these bushes, brewed them into tea, and gave it to her son. Miraculously, the son was cured, and the tea became known as Da Hong Pao, or Big Red Robe, in honor of the red cloth the deity wore.
Historically, Da Hong Pao tea was considered a tribute tea and enjoyed by emperors and nobility. It was also highly prized as a gift, with the tea leaves being carefully harvested and processed to ensure their quality. The tea leaves are traditionally roasted over charcoal fires, giving them a unique flavor profile with notes of roasted nuts, caramel, and a subtle sweetness.
Today, Da Hong Pao remains one of the most prestigious and sought-after teas in China, known for its rich history, unique flavor, and reputed health benefits. It is often considered a symbol of prosperity and status, with rare batches of authentic Da Hong Pao tea selling for exorbitant prices at auctions.
In conclusion, the history and legend of Da Hong Pao tea are intertwined with stories of healing, divine intervention, and imperial favor. Its reputation as a tea fit for emperors and nobility continues to endure, making it a cherished and revered tea in Chinese culture.