Chinese tea

The Thousand-Year History of Chinese Tea

Since 2022, UNESCO has defined “traditional tea processing techniquesand associated social practices in China” as intangible cultural heritage. This global recognition of the link between the People's Republic of China and tea, however, is part of a broader context. For, while this hot drink is still among Chinese culinary institutions, it is rich in ancestral history, which has certainly spanned the different dynasties of this East Asian country.

The origin of Chinese tea is obviously the Camellia sinensis, a shrub whose leaves are harvested to make all the different colors of tea. Only the drying and oxidation stages vary, so that each tea is distinguished from the others by its liquor and its taste. However, the tea plant is said to have originated in the Far East, starting in southwest China, which would explain the development of tea cultivation and consumption in Chinese lands.

During the Tang Dynasty (618-907),Tea officially becomes China's national drinkAt that time, Chinese tea was reserved for the literate elite. It was not until the Song Dynasty (960-1279) that tea consumption became accessible to the whole of society. Finally, under the Ming (1362-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, tea was modernized by being presented in the form of dried leaves, where it had previously been sold as a compact brick to be crumbled, then as a powder to be whipped.

With its wealth of traditional know-how and strong capacity for innovation, China now claims the world's leading position in tea production and export. Green tea makes up the majority of its production, but blue-green teas (oolong or wulong) and dark teas are also popular in this region of the world where tea is king.

Chinese tea: a range of emblematic vintages

In the family of Chinese green teas, spring infusions are undoubtedly the most prestigious and most appreciated by connoisseurs. Often made from young shoots and buds, Chinese green tea always has a truly exceptional character.

As for oolong teas, whose oxidation rate varies from 15 to 17% to create floral or rather woody infusions, theTie Guan Yinis particularly representative. It is appreciated for its cinnamon notes, which perfectly symbolize the blend of power and sweetness specific to Chinese teas.

Among Chinese black teas, Pu-Er is the most popular. Known for improving over time, these fermented teas are distinctive beverages, perfect for true black tea lovers.

Spruce wood-smoked teas also stand out, such as Souchong infusions made with the short, large leaves of Camellia sinensis.

While white tea is rarer in China,the Pai Mu Tanor teaYin Zhen(Silver Needles) also brilliantly reflect the delicacy of Chinese teas.

Let yourself be charmed by Betjeman & Barton Chinese tea

Since 1919, our House has been selecting fine vintages and creating tea blends that meet every requirement. True to our quality standards, our collection of Chinese teas is sure to delight you with its sophisticated and refined offerings.

Available in black tea, green tea, oolong tea, and white tea, our loose-leaf Chinese teas adapt to all consumption habits. Some vintages are organic and therefore sustainably cultivated, in line with contemporary issues.

Black tea lovers are spoiled for choice acrossour range of Chinese teas. Some of our Chinese black teas are also among the best-sellers in our catalog, like our“Grand Yunnan GFOP Sup”with a full-bodied taste as well as our“Lapsang Souchong”and our“Tarry Souchong”smoked. While our Chinese tea“Yunnan Golden Tips Supreme TGFOP”reveals honeyed and caramelized notes that are pleasant for all palates, our“Great Szechwan”full-bodied will delight tea experts. Our“Panyong Golden”, will satisfy lovers of elegant teas.

Fancy a green tea? Again, our“Yunnan Chinese green tea”is a great classic of the House. Its full-bodied notes can be enjoyed neat throughout the day. Vary the pleasures with our grand cru“Pi Lo Chun”with irresistible aromatic flavors or our“Gu Zhang Maojian”with a subtle chestnut scent. Also, choose our elegant tea flowers to infuse for a heightened sensorial experience. Shaped like a ball or heart, these are also excellent gift ideas for a birthday, or just for fun.

If you are looking for a blue-green tea, halfway between black tea and green tea, thenOur Chinese oolong teas are made for you. Royal tea“Wulong Dancong Phoenix Lan Hua Xiang”with semi-fermented infusion“Wulong Milky”, passing through our essential“Organic Tie Guan Yin”, our traditional oolong teas will give you the most exquisite taste experience during the day and in the evening.

As a white tea fan,bet on our white teas from Chinafor a high-quality tea time. While our“Pai Mu Tan organic Superior”adorned with round notes of cocoa, our Chinese white tea“Yin Zhen”offers fresh and delicate cups thanks to the careful and rigorous selection of its buds. Between green tea and white tea, our“Wild Tea Buds Superior”finally reveals a very clear cup of extreme finesse.