On Taoism Golden Flower Fu Brick Tea | 2023 Yunnan Fengqing Dark Tea

• Tea Type: Golden Flower Fu Brick Tea (金花茯砖茶) / Dark Tea (Hei Cha)
• Tea Category: Post-Fermented Dark Tea with Probiotic Eurotium cristatum
• Raw Material Origin: Yunnan Province, Fengqing County
• Raw Material Harvest: Spring 2023
• Brick Pressing Year: 2023
• Producer: On Taoism (几于道) Tea Factory, Xianyang, Shaanxi
• Producer Credentials: 2025 Global Tea Championship Superior Award Winner; 2015 Milan World Expo China Famous Tea Gold Award
• Production Method: Clean-facility fermentation with natural Fahua (发花, Fā Huā) flowering process; no wheat flour used in Golden Flower cultivation
• Stem Content: Less than 5% (national standard permits up to 20%)
• Storage Condition: Xi'an dry warehouse storage; clean, no off-flavors or dampness
• Available Formats: 200g Full Brick
• Maturity Stage: Young with active Golden Flowers; suitable for immediate drinking or extended aging
• Tasting Character Highlight: The Yunnan Fengqing origin delivers deeper amber liquor, enhanced natural sweetness, and fuller body compared to traditional Qinling or Hunan material

Appearance & Aroma (Dry Leaf)

• Brick Surface: Dark brown to near-black with tight, even compression; professionally formed edges
• Internal Profile: Break the brick to reveal abundant golden-yellow Eurotium cristatum spores distributed throughout—the hallmark of quality Fuzhuan
• Dry Aroma: Gentle, sweet smell, often with hints of dried fruit and a clean, fungal scent that's pleasant and interesting. Notes of aged wood, sweet hay, and a subtle breadiness reminiscent of sourdough starter

Wet Leaf (After Steeping)

• Leaf Color: Deep brown with bronze highlights; leaves unfurl to reveal mature, whole leaf segments
• Wet Aroma: Warm, inviting notes of toasted grain, dried longan, and a distinctive "mushroom cellar" character—earthy yet clean
• Leaf Integrity: High percentage of intact leaves due to low stem content; pliable and supple after brewing

Liquor Color

• Visual Profile: Beautiful, clear, bright reddish-orange. The Yunnan Fengqing material produces a notably deeper amber-gold than typical Hunan or Shaanxi Fu teas
• Clarity: Excellent transparency with no sediment; slight natural oiliness visible at the surface

Mouthfeel

• Texture: Velvety, medium-bodied, with a silky coating quality similar to well-aged natural wine or a smooth barrel-aged spirit
• Body: Medium-full; substantial without heaviness
• Huigan (Returning Sweetness): Pronounced and lasting; a clean sweetness rises in the throat 10-15 seconds after swallowing
• Shengyin (Salivation): Gentle, sustained moisture generation along the sides of the tongue

Core Flavor Notes

• Primary: Jujube (Chinese red date), dried longan, sweet potato, brown sugar
• Secondary: Wet earth, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and dried fruit sweetness
• Tertiary: Subtle woody undertones, hints of aged leather, whisper of roasted barley
• Complexity Comparison: Think of the layered complexity found in a funky natural wine or the warm spice undertones of an aged bourbon—fermentation-driven depth without sharp edges

Empty Cup & Finish

• Empty Cup Aroma (Gua Bei Xiang): Lingering sweetness with caramelized sugar notes and faint floral hints; remains fragrant for several minutes
• Finish Length: Long, clean, and warming; the sweetness persists without cloying
• Evolution: Flavor profile deepens and smooths with each subsequent steep, revealing new layers through 10-15+ infusions

Body Sensation (Chaqi)

• Physical Warmth: Gentle, radiating warmth begins in the chest and spreads outward; comforting without being overwhelming
• Relaxation Quality: Calming yet focused; traditionally enjoyed for post-meal digestion support
• Chaqi Intensity: 3/5—Smooth and accessible rather than intense; ideal for daily drinking without overstimulation

What flavor profile can I expect from this tea?

This Golden Flower Fu Brick Tea delivers a remarkably smooth and naturally sweet experience that tea newcomers and connoisseurs alike find approachable. This probiotic changes the tea's taste. It reduces bitterness while creating a mellow, sweet, and smooth flavor profile. Expect dominant notes of Chinese red date (jujube), dried longan fruit, and sweet potato, supported by clean earthy undertones and a subtle woody finish. The Yunnan Fengqing origin material produces deeper color and enhanced sweetness compared to traditional sources. If you enjoy the complexity of natural wines, aged spirits, or craft fermented beverages, you'll appreciate how the Golden Flower fermentation creates layers of flavor without harsh edges. The aftertaste is notably clean and sweet, lingering pleasantly without any mustiness or astringency.

What are the Golden Flowers, and are they safe?

The Golden Flower is not only safe but highly desirable in Fu Brick Tea, transforming its flavor and potentially offering probiotic benefits. These bright golden-yellow specks are Eurotium cristatum, a beneficial probiotic fungus intentionally cultivated during a specialized fermentation stage called Fahua (发花). Eurotium cristatum is a potential probiotic fungus that is used to enhance Fuzhuan tea quality through fermentation and could reduce obesity by modulating gut dysbiosis. Modern scientific research has validated what traditional tea cultures have known for centuries—this fungus aids digestion and supports metabolic health. The more abundant and evenly distributed the Golden Flowers, the higher the tea's quality. This is why On Taoism's clean production methods are so important: pure growing conditions produce healthy, beneficial Golden Flowers.

How does this tea support gut health and digestion?

Fu Brick Tea has been consumed for centuries by nomadic communities across western China—Tibetans, Mongolians, and Uyghurs—specifically for digestive support. For centuries, nomadic communities across western China—such as in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Inner Mongolia—have relied on this tea as a key source of vitamins and plant-based nutrients in their diet. Traditionally, people who ate lots of meat, fat, and dairy but few fresh vegetables valued Fu Brick Tea. They used it to help digestion. Improves digestion by supporting gut bacteria, breaking down fat, and protecting the intestinal lining. Supports metabolic health by regulating blood sugar, blood lipids, and insulin sensitivity. The Eurotium cristatum produces beneficial compounds during fermentation that support gut bacteria balance and may assist with fat metabolism—making it an excellent choice after heavy or rich meals. Note that while Fu Brick Tea supports a healthy lifestyle, it should complement rather than replace professional medical advice.

Why is this tea made with Yunnan Fengqing material instead of traditional sources?

Traditional Fuzhuan typically uses Hei Mao Cha from Shaanxi's Qinling mountains or Hunan's Anhua county. On Taoism pioneered the use of Yunnan Fengqing dark tea material—a decision that has proven transformative for quality. Yunnan's large-leaf tea varietals produce deeper, more vibrant liquor color, enhanced natural sweetness, and a fuller body. Combined with On Taoism's exceptionally low stem content (under 5% versus the 20% national standard), this creates a dramatically cleaner, smoother drinking experience. This innovation helped earn their international recognition at both the 2015 Milan World Expo and the 2025 Global Tea Championship.

Gongfu Method (Recommended for Full Flavor Exploration)

• Tea Amount: 5-7g per 100ml water
• Water Temperature: 100°C (212°F) boiling water
• Vessel: Yixing clay teapot, porcelain gaiwan, or heat-resistant glass
• Rinse: Pour boiling water over leaves, steep 5-10 seconds, discard. This awakens the leaves and cleanses any surface dust.
• First Infusion: 10-15 seconds
• Subsequent Infusions: Add 5-10 seconds per round
• Expected Steeps: 10-15+ quality infusions
• Tips: Use a tea needle or pick to break tea from the brick, preserving leaf integrity. The flavor evolves beautifully across steeps—early rounds are sweeter and brighter, later rounds reveal deeper earthy notes.

Grandpa Style (Casual Daily Drinking)

• Tea Amount: 2-3g per 200-300ml vessel
• Water Temperature: 95-100°C (203-212°F)
• Method: Place leaves directly in a tall glass or mug. Add hot water and drink as-is, refilling when liquid reaches one-third remaining. No straining required.
• Duration: Leaves can be refilled throughout the day
• Tips: This forgiving method works exceptionally well with Fu Brick Tea due to its low astringency. Perfect for office or travel.

Western Style (Teapot Method)

• Tea Amount: 3-5g per 250-350ml teapot
• Water Temperature: 100°C (212°F)
• Steep Time: 3-5 minutes for first infusion; extend subsequent steeps by 1-2 minutes
• Expected Steeps: 3-5 full infusions
• Tips: Pre-warm your teapot with hot water. This method produces a fuller-bodied cup per steep.

French Press Method

• Tea Amount: 5-7g per 500ml French press
• Water Temperature: 100°C (212°F)
• Steep Time: 4-5 minutes
• Method: Add leaves to press, pour boiling water, steep, then slowly press and pour. Rinse press between uses.
• Tips: This method is excellent for serving multiple people simultaneously.

Boiling Method (Traditional Nomadic Style)

• Tea Amount: 8-10g per 1 liter water
• Method: Add tea to cold water in a pot. Bring to boil, then reduce to simmer for 5-10 minutes.
• Serving: Strain and serve hot. Can be kept warm and refilled with additional water.
• Tips: This versatile tea can be brewed in multiple ways. Try it gongfu style for a concentrated flavor, grandpa style for casual drinking, or even boiled for a robust brew. It's also excellent when steeped in a thermos for an on-the-go option. Boiling extracts maximum flavor and is the method traditionally used by Tibetan and Mongolian communities.

Thermos Infusion (Men Pao Method)

• Tea Amount: 5-8g per 500ml thermos
• Water Temperature: 100°C (212°F)
• Method: Add tea to preheated thermos, fill with boiling water, seal, and steep 1-2 hours or longer.
• Tips: Creates a deeply extracted, full-bodied brew perfect for travel, work, or cold weather. Fu Brick Tea is particularly forgiving of extended steeping.

Storage Recommendations

Optimal Storage Conditions:

• Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight
• Ideal temperature: 15-25°C (59-77°F)
• Ideal humidity: 40-70% relative humidity
• Keep away from strong odors (spices, perfumes, chemicals)—tea absorbs ambient aromas easily

Storage Materials:

• Original paper wrapper or breathable packaging
• Unglazed ceramic container
• Clean cardboard box lined with unbleached paper
• Avoid completely airtight plastic containers which can trap moisture

Important: Do NOT refrigerate or freeze Fu Brick Tea. Unlike green or lightly oxidized teas, Fu Brick Tea contains living Golden Flower cultures that benefit from ambient temperature storage. Refrigeration halts the beneficial aging process and can introduce damaging moisture condensation when removed.

Aging Potential:
This tea can be aged for years or even decades. With proper dry storage, expect the flavor to mellow further, with hay and tobacco notes transforming into deeper wood, ginseng, and dried fruit characteristics over time. The 200g brick format is ideal for both immediate enjoyment and long-term collection.