Baicha Fuzhuan (Fu Xi & Fu Bao)

• Type: Baicha Fuzhuan / White Tea Fu Brick (Dark Tea Category)
• Base Material: 2024 Spring Fuding Shoumei White Tea (福鼎寿眉)
• Flowering and Pressing Year: 2024
• Origin of Raw Material: Fuding, Fujian Province — renowned for producing China's finest white tea
• Producer: On Taoism (几于道), Jingyang, Shaanxi Province — the ancestral birthplace of Fu brick tea (茯茶宗源地); pioneer of clean-production Fu brick tea using South China tea sources
• Processing: Innovative golden flower fermentation (发花 / fa hua) applied to white tea leaves; Eurotium cristatum culture develops naturally under controlled, sanitary conditions
• Packaging Format: Fu Bao brick (190g, Yellow packaging — symbolizing blessings) or Fu Xi brick (190g, Red packaging — symbolizing joy and prosperity); identical tea, different auspicious meanings
• Golden Flower Status: Abundant, active golden flowers visible throughout the brick interior
• Flavor Character: Clean fermentation from hygienic facilities; Fuding white tea base contributes floral delicacy, creamy body, and bright sweetness rarely found in traditional dark tea Fu bricks

Dry Leaf Appearance and Aroma:

Compressed brick with visible golden-yellow Eurotium cristatum colonies (Jin Hua / 金花) scattered throughout. The dry aroma presents gentle yeastiness, subtle dried chrysanthemum, and a whisper of light rye bread — inviting and clean without any mustiness.

Wet Leaf Appearance and Aroma:

After steeping, leaves unfurl to reveal olive-brown and amber-gold tones. The wet leaf aroma intensifies with warm baked bread notes, delicate florals, and a hint of dried citrus peel.

Liquor Color:

Clear amber-gold to honey-orange, bright and luminous with excellent transparency — far lighter and more vibrant than typical dark tea Fu bricks.

Taste Profile:

Opening Notes: Immediate gentle sweetness emerges, courtesy of the golden flower fermentation. Soft yeastiness resembling light rye bread mingles with clean earthy depth. Delicate white tea florals — think chrysanthemum and subtle orchid — float above a creamy, full mouthfeel.

• Mid-Palate Development: Brightness persists as the floral-yeast character evolves. Warm, balanced mineral notes appear alongside nuanced spice: a ginseng-like clarity paired with subtle bark tones (distinct from cinnamon). Faint dried citrus peel adds complexity without sharpness.
• Finish: Warm mineral sensation settles gently in the throat. The aftertaste is long, clean, and inviting — no rough edges, no challenging astringency, no off-flavors.

Empty Cup Aroma:

Sweet, warm, and faintly honeyed with lingering floral whispers and soft baked-grain notes.

Body Sensation:

Medium-full body — substantial enough to provide satisfying weight, yet lighter and more elegant than most dark teas. The tea feels smooth and coating on the palate, with a gentle warming quality that spreads through the chest and stomach. Exceptionally clean and balanced, this tea drinks easily cup after cup without heaviness or fatigue.

Brewing Longevity:

Highly durable across multiple infusions, maintaining sweetness and floral complexity through 8-12 steeps (gongfu method) or extended Western brewing sessions.

Q: What flavor profile can I expect from this tea?

A: Expect a remarkably smooth, clean experience that differs dramatically from typical dark tea. The opening impression is gentle sweetness reminiscent of honey and light rye bread, contributed by the beneficial golden flower (Eurotium cristatum) fermentation. This is layered with delicate florals — think chrysanthemum, subtle orchid, and a whisper of dried citrus peel. The white tea base brings an elegant lightness and creamy mouthfeel you would not find in traditional Fu brick tea made from darker leaves. Mid-palate, you will notice warm mineral notes and subtle, complex spice: some suggesting ginseng, others hinting at aromatic bark (not cinnamon). The finish is long, warm, and clean with no mustiness, no astringency, and no challenging earthy funk. If you enjoy the gentle nature of white tea but want more depth and complexity, or if you have been curious about dark tea but worried about harsh flavors, Baicha Fuzhuan offers the perfect bridge.

Q: What are the golden flowers, and are they safe?

A: The golden specks visible throughout the brick are colonies of Eurotium cristatum, a beneficial probiotic fungus cultivated intentionally during Fu brick tea production. Known as Jin Hua (金花 / "golden flowers") in Chinese, this organism has been studied for its digestive and metabolic benefits. It is the defining characteristic of authentic Fu brick tea and has been consumed safely for centuries. The golden flowers contribute a gentle, yeasty sweetness and help create the smooth, mellow character this tea is prized for. On Taoism produces their tea in modern, clean-production facilities, ensuring the golden flower development occurs under hygienic, controlled conditions.

Q: How is this different from traditional dark tea Fu brick?

A: Traditional Fu brick tea typically uses darker, more oxidized tea leaves from the Qinling Mountain region in Shaanxi or Hunan Province, producing a robust, earthy profile that can sometimes carry musty or funky notes. Baicha Fuzhuan breaks this mold by using 2024 Spring Fuding Shoumei white tea as its base. This innovative approach yields a dramatically lighter, more aromatic cup — floral and sweet rather than heavy and earthy. The golden flower fermentation still occurs, providing probiotic benefits and mellow depth, but the overall impression is refined and approachable. It is a fresh interpretation that makes Fu brick tea accessible to those who might find conventional dark tea too intense.

Q: What is the difference between Fu Bao and Fu Xi packaging?

A: The tea inside both packages is completely identical — same 2024 Spring Fuding white tea base, same golden flower fermentation, same smooth and floral flavor profile. The difference lies in the cultural symbolism and packaging design. Fu Bao (茯报), presented in yellow, symbolizes blessings returned from good deeds — the traditional Chinese belief that kindness given will be returned in abundance. Fu Xi (茯熹), dressed in auspicious red, represents joy and prosperity — an invitation for happiness and good fortune. Both packages feature the inscription "茯茶宗源地" (Birthplace of Fu Tea) on the side, honoring Jingyang's ancient heritage as the cradle of Fu brick tea. Choose based on the meaning that resonates with you, or select both for gifting — one to share blessings, one to share joy.

Q: Is this tea suitable for aging and collection?

A: Yes. Like other Fu brick teas, Baicha Fuzhuan has excellent aging potential. The compressed format and active golden flower cultures will continue to evolve over time, potentially deepening complexity and smoothing any remaining edges. Store the brick properly — away from strong odors, moisture, direct sunlight, and extreme temperature fluctuations — and it will reward patience. That said, this tea is also delicious now, so feel free to enjoy it immediately while setting aside a portion for future exploration. The beautiful packaging also makes it an attractive display piece for your tea collection.

Gongfu Style (Recommended for Maximum Complexity)

• Teaware: Porcelain gaiwan or Yixing clay teapot (120-150ml)
• Tea Amount: 5-7g (break gently from the brick using a tea pick or knife)
• Water Temperature: 95-100°C (203-212°F) — freshly boiled water works well
• Rinse: Perform one quick rinse (3-5 seconds) to awaken the leaves and rinse away any surface dust; discard this water
• Steeping Time: Begin with 10-15 seconds for the first infusion; add 5-10 seconds for each subsequent steep
• Number of Infusions: 8-12 or more, depending on leaf amount and personal strength preference

Boiling Method (Traditional, Full-Bodied)

• Teaware: Glass, ceramic, or stainless steel pot
• Tea Amount: 5-8g per 500-800ml water
• Method: Bring water to a boil, add tea, reduce heat, and simmer gently for 3-5 minutes. Strain and serve. For subsequent rounds, add fresh water and extend boiling time slightly.
• Notes: Boiling draws out maximum depth and body; particularly enjoyable in cooler weather.

Grandpa Style / Extended Steeping

• Teaware: Large mug or thermos (300-500ml)
• Tea Amount: 3-5g
• Water Temperature: 95-100°C (203-212°F)
• Steeping Time: 5-10 minutes or to taste; the tea is forgiving and will not turn bitter even with extended steeping
• Method: Add tea directly to the vessel, pour hot water, and drink. Refill with hot water as you drink down to about one-third full. Continue refilling throughout the day.

Western Style (Teapot or French Press)

• Teaware: Teapot or French press (400-500ml)
• Tea Amount: 4-6g
• Water Temperature: 95-100°C (203-212°F)
• Steeping Time: 3-5 minutes for the first infusion; extend slightly for subsequent brews
• Number of Infusions: 3-5 quality infusions
• Notes: A convenient method for sharing or when gongfu equipment is unavailable; still delivers excellent flavor and body.

Storage Recommendations

• Environment: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, moisture, and strong odors
• Temperature: Stable room temperature is ideal; avoid areas with extreme fluctuations
• Container: Keep in breathable packaging (original paper wrapping is fine) or an unglazed ceramic jar; avoid airtight plastic containers, which can trap moisture and inhibit healthy evolution
• Separation: Store away from strongly aromatic items (spices, coffee, perfumes) as compressed tea readily absorbs surrounding odors
• Aging Potential: This tea will continue to develop complexity over years of proper storage; check periodically for any signs of unwanted mold (distinct from the healthy golden-yellow Jin Hua) or off-odors