What is the ‘Golden Flower’ in Anhua dark tea? The golden flower is a special beneficial probiotic found in Anhua dark tea, scientifically known as “Eurotium cristatum“. During the production process of Fuzhuan brick tea from Anhua, Hunan, these golden, granular microbial growths develop under specific temperature and humidity conditions, adhering to the tea leaves to form tiny, flower-like spots known as “golden flowers” (Jinhua). The presence of these golden flowers is one of the key indicators of Fuzhuan brick tea’s quality.
The Formation of Anhua Dark Tea Golden Flowers and Their Impact on Quality
During the production of Fuzhuan brick tea, the “fanhua” (flower-developing) process is the most crucial step. This process encourages the abundant growth of “golden flowers,” making them widespread, lush, large in particle size, brightly colored in golden yellow, and free of foreign microbes. The abundance of golden flowers directly affects the quality of Fuzhuan brick tea. Generally speaking, well-developed golden flowers result in a more mellow tea liquor with reduced bitterness and astringency, creating a smoother mouthfeel.
According to research, Fuzhuan brick tea with well-developed golden flowers shows a decrease in the content of amino acids, tea polyphenols, flavonoids, caffeine, soluble sugars, and water extracts. Among these, caffeine decreases significantly, which helps lower the bitterness and astringency of the tea. Similarly, flavonoids within the tea polyphenols and amino acids also decrease. These chemical changes transform the flavor of the tea leaves and are a major reason for the diverse and complex aromas of Fuzhuan brick tea.
“Golden flowers” (Jinhua), a unique characteristic of Anhua Fuzhuan dark tea, are not only a symbol of quality but also significantly enhance the tea’s flavor and mouthfeel by altering its chemical composition. Therefore, the growth and abundance of Jinhua are directly related to the quality of Fuzhuan brick tea, making it a key quality indicator prized by dark tea enthusiasts and tea makers alike.
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