Congou black tea is a general term for black teas produced across various regions in China. It includes Dianhong, Qimen black tea, Ninghong, Yihong, Chuanhong, Huhong, Minhong, Yuehong, Jiangsu black tea, and Yuehonda, among others. Depending on the tea plant variety, it is categorized into large-leaf Congou and small-leaf Congou. Congou black teas are characterized by tightly knotted tea strips, an oily sheen, vibrant red brewed leaves, and a rich, robust flavor.
Characteristics of Congou Black Tea
The characteristic of Congou black tea lies in its production process: after harvesting, the leaves undergo withering, rolling, fermentation, and drying, skipping the fixation (shaqing) step. Unlike typical green teas and oolong teas, it is a fully fermented tea. The appearance of Congou black tea is typically strip-shaped with a dark, lustrous color. When brewed, the liquor and spent leaves are a vibrant red, offering a fragrant aroma and a smooth, sweet taste.
Famous Congou Black Teas
A Congou black tea produced in the Lancang River region of Yunnan, simply known as Dianhong, also referred to as Dianhong black tea, Yunnan black tea, or Dianhong Congou tea.
Listed among China’s Top Ten Famous Teas and also China’s most well-known black tea.
Also known as Lapushan Souchong, produced around Tongmuguan in Fujian Province, and hailed as the ancestor of black tea.
Yingde Congou black tea, produced in Yingde City, Guangdong Province, belongs to the fully fermented black tea category.
Zhenghe Congou black tea uses Zhenghe Dabaicha as its main material, offering advantages such as abundant pekoe, rich flavor, mellow depth, and a lingering aroma.
Tanyang Congou tea is a Fujian-style black tea, characterized by a tightly knotted, slender, and straight appearance with a dark color accented by golden pekoe.
Yingde Congou black tea, produced in Yingde City, Guangdong Province, belongs to the fully fermented black tea category.
Yihong Congou is produced in Hubei, with major production areas including Hefeng, Changyang, Enshi, and Yichang counties.