Tea Type: Red (known as Black in Western Countries) Origin: Mingjian Township, Nantuo, Taiwan Grower/Producer: Alfredo Lin
Hóng yù (紅玉, "red jade"/"ruby") is the nickname given to the 18th cultivar officially designated by Taiwan's Tea and Beverage Research Station (formerly known until 2023 as the Tea Research and Extension Station or TRES). The TBRS is a governmental organization dedicated to researching and developing tea and its industry in Taiwan and globally. As of 2023, there are 25 cultivars officially numbered as tái chá, "Taiwanese Tea".
Alfredo Lin, the apprentice of Master Aones (a tea master who helped popularize TRES #18), has produced a deliciously herbaceous tea. When the tea leaves are first warmed by the ceramic, the aroma of sour berries and tomatoes wafts from the cup; the addition of boiling water brings out the aromas of mint and fresh herbs. The flavor rings of candied fennel seeds, rosemary, mint, basil and cinnamon. This tea is hearty and fills the roof of the mouth with its tranquil herbal notes.
