Fu Brick Tea (Fuzhuan) — Authentic Golden Flower Dark Tea from Jingyang, Shaanxi

Fu Brick Tea, or Fuzhuan (茯砖茶), is a compressed post-fermented dark tea (heicha) from China. It is pressed into a brick shape and undergoes a secondary fermentation process that cultivates a unique probiotic fungus, Eurotium cristatum, known as the "Golden Flower." Authentic Fuzhuan tea is produced primarily in Jingyang, Shaanxi Province and Anhua, Hunan Province.

Golden Flowers (金花) are colonies of the beneficial probiotic fungus Eurotium cristatum that naturally develop inside Fu brick tea during fermentation. They appear as tiny yellow-gold spores visible when you break open a brick. A dense, evenly distributed bloom of Golden Flowers is considered the primary indicator of high-quality Fuzhuan tea, contributing to its smooth, mellow flavor and digestive health properties.

Jingyang Fuzhuan (Shaanxi) and Hunan Fuzhuan are both authentic Fu brick teas, but differ significantly in leaf material, climate, and flavor. Jingyang Fu brick is pressed and fermented in the dry, high-altitude climate of Shaanxi using select dark tea leaves, producing a cleaner, sweeter, more mineral-forward profile. Hunan Fuzhuan, produced mainly in Anhua County, tends to have earthier, woodier notes from its humid terroir. Jingyang is historically considered the origin of Fuzhuan tea production.

Break off 5–8g of Fu brick tea using a tea pick or knife. Rinse briefly with boiling water (100°C / 212°F) for 5 seconds and discard. Brew in a gaiwan or clay teapot: first steep 20–30 seconds, increasing slightly with each subsequent infusion. Quality Jingyang Fu brick tea can produce 8–15 infusions. Alternatively, simmer 10g in 500ml water for 3–5 minutes for a bold, warming cup.

Orientaleaf is one of the few international retailers specializing exclusively in Jingyang Fu Brick Tea, sourced directly from heritage producers in Shaanxi Province. Our collection includes award-winning teas from On Taoism, Yongxingtai (YXT), and master craftsman Jia Genshe — all with verified provenance and Golden Flower fermentation.

No. Fu Brick Tea (Fuzhuan) and Pu-erh are both post-fermented dark teas (heicha), but they are distinct types. Pu-erh originates from Yunnan Province and uses camellia sinensis var. assamica leaf. Fuzhuan originates from Shaanxi and Hunan, uses a different leaf grade, and is uniquely defined by Golden Flower (Eurotium cristatum) fermentation — which does not occur in Pu-erh. The flavor profiles also differ: Fuzhuan tends to be sweeter and smoother, while Pu-erh can be earthier and more complex.