YXT Golden Fu Tea Individually Wrapped

• Type: Fu Brick Tea (茯砖茶) / Chinese Dark Tea (黑茶)
• Form: Loose portions from whole brick (not cut/crushed), individually sealed in 6g sachets
• Harvest Year: 2019 Spring
• Aging Start: 2019 (approximately 6 years aged)
• Origin Region: Qinling Mountain tea-growing area, Shaanxi Province, China — high-altitude gardens at 1,200m elevation
• Raw Material: Dark tea base (黑毛茶, hēimáochá) from YXT's contracted farms in Ziyang and Nanzheng counties, Shaanxi
• Producer: Jingyang Manzi Fu Tea Co., Ltd. (泾阳蔓子茯茶有限公司), operating under the YXT (永兴泰) brand — established 2012 in Jingyang, the birthplace of Fu Brick Tea
• Facility: 5,000+ sqm production facility in the Jing River valley; annual capacity of 1,000+ tons
• Certifications: Authorized to use Chinese Geographic Indication (地理标志) protection mark for Jingyang Fu Brick Tea
• Golden Flower Status: Abundantly flowered — dense, visible colonies of Eurotium cristatum (冠突散囊菌) indicating successful traditional fermentation
• Flavor Character: Clean fermentation profile typical of Qinling high-mountain raw material — smooth, sweet, free of off-notes, with pronounced fungal fragrance
• Best For: Daily drinking, travel, office brewing, digestive wellness routines, or gifting

Dry Leaf Appearance & Aroma

The loose portions reveal dark, glossy chestnut-brown leaves with clearly defined, intact strips—not broken fragments. Scattered abundantly across the surface are golden-yellow flower clusters (Eurotium cristatum), the signature of properly fermented Fu Tea. The dry aroma is inviting: a warm, earthy base layered with notes of toasted grain, dried apricot, and a distinctive savory-sweet fungal scent reminiscent of aged cheese rind or forest mushrooms.

Wet Leaf Appearance & Aroma

After steeping, the leaves unfurl to show their supple, well-preserved structure. The wet aroma intensifies—deeper, woodier, with hints of cocoa nibs and sun-dried hay. The fungal character becomes rounder, closer to the umami-rich scent of shiitake or miso.

Liquor Color

Bright amber-orange to reddish-copper, remarkably clear and luminous with excellent transparency—no cloudiness or sediment.

Taste & Mouthfeel

The first sip delivers a velvety, medium-bodied texture that coats the palate gently. Flavor notes unfold in layers: initial impressions of caramelized barley and roasted walnut give way to a subtle dried-fruit sweetness (think date or fig). The hallmark fungal note adds savory depth without any mustiness. Absolutely zero bitterness or astringency—exceptionally clean and smooth, even for those new to dark tea.

Empty Cup Aroma (杯底香, Bēidǐ Xiāng)

After finishing the cup, the vessel retains a lingering sweetness—honeyed grain with a whisper of aged wood.

Finish & Aftertaste (回甘, Huígān)

A gentle, returning sweetness emerges at the back of the throat, accompanied by a subtle cooling sensation. The finish is long and clean, inviting another sip.

Body Sensation (茶气, Cháqì)

Warming and grounding. Many drinkers report a comfortable sensation of warmth spreading through the core—ideal after meals or during colder months. The tea's reputed digestive-soothing properties make it a popular choice for post-meal relaxation.

Q1: What flavor profile can I expect from this tea?

Expect a mellow, deeply smooth cup with zero bitterness or harsh edges. The dominant notes recall roasted barley, toasted walnuts, and caramelized grains, balanced by a subtle dried-fruit sweetness similar to dates or figs. What makes Fu Tea distinctive is its savory, umami-rich "fungal" character—imagine the pleasant earthiness of shiitake mushrooms or aged parmesan, but gentler and fully integrated into the tea's warmth. The finish is clean with a lingering honeyed sweetness. If you enjoy the smoothness of aged Pu-erh or the comforting depth of roasted oolong, you'll find this tea immediately appealing.

Q2: What are the "golden flowers," and are they safe?

The golden specks you see are colonies of Eurotium cristatum, a beneficial fungus cultivated intentionally during Fu Tea's unique "flowering" (发花, fāhuā) fermentation stage. Far from being mold or contamination, these golden flowers are the hallmark of authentic, high-quality Fu Brick Tea—they develop only under precise temperature and humidity conditions in skilled tea factories. Scientific studies have identified Eurotium cristatum as a probiotic organism associated with digestive support and lipid metabolism. The more abundant and evenly distributed the golden flowers, the higher the tea's quality. Rest assured: this is one of the safest, most intentionally cultivated elements of the tea.

Q3: How is this different from regular Fu Brick Tea?

Traditional Fu Brick Tea comes compressed into dense bricks that require a tea pick or knife to break apart—inconvenient and sometimes messy. This product solves that problem elegantly: after the brick completes its full flowering process, YXT's craftsmen gently separate it into loose portions and seal them in individual 6g sachets. The tea is never chopped, crushed, or degraded—it retains the same leaf integrity, golden flower density, and flavor complexity as the original brick. You simply get all the authenticity with none of the hassle, perfect for travel, office brewing, or anyone who values convenience without compromise.

Q4: Is this tea suitable for beginners to Chinese dark tea?

Absolutely. Fu Tea is often recommended as an ideal "gateway" dark tea because of its remarkably smooth, clean profile—no fishy, musty, or overly aggressive fermented flavors that sometimes challenge newcomers to the category. The pre-portioned format also removes guesswork: just use one 6g sachet per session, add hot water, and steep for 30 seconds. It's forgiving, delicious, and accessible, while still offering the depth and complexity that experienced tea enthusiasts appreciate.

Gongfu Style (功夫茶泡法) — Recommended for Connoisseurs

• Teaware: Gaiwan or small clay teapot (100–150ml)
• Tea Amount: 1 sachet (6g)
• Water Temperature: 95–100°C (203–212°F) — fully boiling is fine
• Rinse: Pour hot water over the leaves, discard immediately (awakens the tea and rinses away dust)
• First Infusion: Steep 10–15 seconds; pour out completely
• Subsequent Infusions: Add 5–10 seconds per round; expect 8–12 flavorful steeps
• Tips: Shorter steeps highlight sweetness and fungal aroma; longer steeps draw out deeper, woodier notes

Boiling Method (煮茶法) — Best for Rich, Full-Bodied Flavor

• Equipment: Heat-safe glass pot, ceramic kettle, or stovetop-safe vessel
• Tea Amount: 1 sachet (6g) per 500–800ml water
• Procedure:Bring water to a boilAdd the tea sachet contents directly into the potReduce heat and simmer gently for 3–5 minutesStrain and serve; can be re-boiled 2–3 times
• Tips: Boiling extracts maximum golden flower benefits and produces the richest, most warming cup—ideal for cold weather

Grandpa Style / Mug Steeping (闷泡法) — Easiest for Daily Drinking

• Teaware: Lidded mug, infuser mug, or thermos (300–500ml)
• Tea Amount: 1 sachet (6g)
• Water Temperature: 95–100°C (203–212°F)
• Steeping Time: 1–3 minutes (adjust to taste)
• Procedure: Add tea to vessel, pour in hot water, cover, and steep. Drink down to one-third full, then refill with hot water. Repeat several times throughout the day.
• Tips: Perfect for office or travel; the tea remains smooth and never turns bitter even with extended steeping

Western Style (French Press or Large Mug)

• Teaware: French press (350–500ml) or large mug with infuser
• Tea Amount: 1 sachet (6g)
• Water Temperature: 95–100°C (203–212°F)
• Steeping Time: 3–5 minutes
• Procedure:Preheat vessel with hot water; discardAdd tea, pour in hot water, and coverSteep for 3–5 minutes; plunge (if using French press) and pourGood for 2–3 infusions
• Tips: A French press works beautifully for Fu Tea, producing a clean pour and allowing the golden flowers to bloom visibly

Storage Recommendations

• Environment: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, strong odors, and excessive humidity
• Temperature: Room temperature (15–28°C / 59–82°F) is ideal; avoid refrigeration
• Packaging: Keep sachets sealed until use; if opened, reseal tightly or transfer to an airtight container
• Aging Potential: Fu Brick Tea improves with age when stored properly—flavor deepens and golden flowers remain active for years
• Avoid: Kitchens (cooking odors), bathrooms (humidity), and proximity to spices, coffee, or perfumed items