Anhua Fuzhuan brick tea is produced in Anhua County, Hunan Province. Also known simply as Fu tea, it is a type of brick tea belonging to the Anhua dark tea family. Crafted from premium dark green tea material (heimaocha), it undergoes a unique “fahua” (fermentation/blossoming) process that naturally generates “golden flowers”—known scientifically as *Eurotium cristatum*—inside the leaves, which is considered the hallmark of high-quality dark tea.
Characteristics and History of Anhua Fuzhuan Brick Tea
Among the four types of Anhua brick tea, Fuzhuan stands out for its unique fahua process, which encourages the natural growth of golden flowers. This gives it a distinct flavor profile that is very popular on the market and commands a higher price.
Fuzhuan brick tea first appeared during the Ming Dynasty. Early Anhua dark tea was transported northwest to supply ethnic minority regions, and tea merchants in Jingyang, Shaanxi discovered that Fuzhuan tea naturally developed golden flowers in that environment, which significantly enhanced the quality of the tea.
Modern Fuzhuan tea is mostly pressed into rectangular bricks measuring about 35 cm long, 18 cm wide, and 5 cm thick, weighing roughly 2 kg. Quarter-sized versions are also produced for easier storage and transport. Today, annual production reaches tens of thousands of tons, making Fuzhuan tea a representative style of Anhua dark tea. Its liquor is yellowish-brown, with a pure aroma, a smooth taste, and a bright appearance.
Production Craft of Anhua Fuzhuan Brick Tea
Fuzhuan brick tea starts with the finest heimaocha (dark rough tea) leaves, which go through screening, piled fermentation, steaming, pressing, and fahua processing. While its basic production steps are similar to black and patterned brick teas, the fahua step is what makes Fuzhuan unique. The goal of this phase is to stimulate microbial activity so that “golden flowers”—Eurotium cristatum—bloom across the tea. Fuzhuan tea featuring these golden flowers offers a richer flavor with prominent aroma and mellowness. As a symbol of premium Anhua dark tea, top-tier golden flower Fuzhuan tea is quite expensive, with the finest batches fetching hundreds of thousands of RMB.
How to Brew Anhua Fuzhuan Brick Tea
Fuzhuan brick tea can be brewed using standard brewing or boiling methods. Because the tea comes in a solid brick shape, you’ll need to use a tea knife or pick to break off an appropriate amount of leaves before brewing or boiling.
Standard Brewing Method: Use a Zisha (purple clay) teapot and spring water boiled to 100°C. The ratio is 1:25—about 4 grams of Fuzhuan tea per 100 ml of water. Steep for roughly 3 minutes before serving.
Boiling Method: Bring spring water to a boil in a kettle, add tea leaves at a 1:20 ratio, boil for about 2 minutes, then strain and serve.
Style Blending Method: Follow the same steps as the boiling method, strain the tea, and mix in milk at a 1:4 ratio. You can also add a pinch of salt to taste.
Read more:
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- Anhua Patterned Brick Tea: Dark Tea with Decorative Patterns
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