Customer Inquiry: Could you explain what fired tea is? How does it relate to raw and ripe teas? A customer is looking to buy fired tea with a distinct roasted aroma. We’ve mostly dealt with high mountain teas in the past, so we’re not quite familiar with this. Could you let me know which teas fall under fired tea and which ones have the best roasted aroma? Thank you!
Chang Hsing Tea: Firing refers to an additional roasting process applied to tea leaves after they have been initially processed into rough tea. Any tea that goes through this step is called fired tea. Lightly fired teas are considered raw teas, such as Paochung tea and high mountain teas, which are both lightly fired raw teas. Heavier ones, like Red Shui Oolong, are considered semi-ripe or ripe teas.
In the past, the art of firing was used to reduce the moisture content in tea leaves to make transportation and storage easier. Later on, people discovered that fired tea is not only easier to preserve and transport, but it also develops a unique roasted aroma that gives the tea a more dynamic and layered flavor profile. Additionally, teas that didn’t turn out quite right during production can be refined through firing to make them taste better.
Fired teas generally feature an uplifting aroma with hints of roasted notes or ripe fruit. They also tend to be richer, more resilient to multiple steepings, and produce a deeper liquor color. They offer a smooth, mellow taste that is less stimulating and has lower bitterness. Even with modern transportation making things easier nowadays, fired tea is still being produced simply because its unique flavor profile continues to be loved by many.
Fired teas are still commonly produced in mid- to low-elevation tea regions. If you are looking for lightly fired tea, you can check out regions like Pinglin and Mingjian. For medium firing and above, you can look into Lugu, where traditional Dongding Red Shui Oolong uses a heavier roast, offering exceptional quality and roasted aroma. Our shop also offers a variety of fired teas, so feel free to reach out and inquire.