Does the question “Which Taiwan Tea number is Honey Black Tea?” leave you feeling confused? Honey Black Tea is a rising star in the Taiwanese tea world, loved by tea enthusiasts for its unique honey aroma and rich taste. The question “Which Taiwan Tea number is Honey Black Tea?” is a bit complicated, so let’s break it down clearly.
Which Taiwan Tea number is Honey Black Tea? What are Taiwan Tea numbers?
First, let’s understand what a “Taiwan Tea number” means. Taiwan Tea numbers are the designation codes for tea tree varieties bred locally in Taiwan, such as the widely known Taiwan Tea No. 12 (JinXuan), Taiwan Tea No. 13 (CuiYu), Taiwan Tea No. 18 (Ruby), and Taiwan Tea No. 20 (Yingxiang). These all refer to tea tree “varieties.”
On the other hand, Honey Black Tea is defined by its tea-making “craft.” Its distinct characteristic comes from selecting tea leaves bitten by the Jacobiasca formosana (green leafhopper), which are then fully oxidized to create a black tea rich in honey notes. Therefore, the question “Which Taiwan Tea experimental number is Honey Black Tea?” isn’t quite accurate. Any tea cultivar can potentially be made into Honey Black Tea, and it doesn’t even necessarily require a designated Taiwan Tea variety number. The “suitability” of a tea cultivar is the key: some cultivars are ideal for green tea, others for black tea, and some are particularly well-suited for Honey Black Tea. Here are a few common cultivars used for Honey Black Tea:
Common Cultivars for Honey Black Tea
| Cultivar | Characteristics and Description |
|---|---|
| Taiwan Tea No. 12 (JinXuan) | This tea plant not only yields high production but also readily attracts green leafhopper bites. After being bitten, the bush exhibits strong recovery vigor, making it exceptionally well-suited for crafting Honey Black Tea. |
| Qingxin Oolong | The highest-yield high-quality tea plant cultivated across Taiwan. Although this cultivar has relatively weaker plant vigor and isn’t particularly suited for mass production of Honey Black Tea, the Honey Black Tea it produces boasts an exceptional flavor profile, truly a masterpiece among Honey Black Teas. |
| Taiwan Tea No. 18 (Ruby) | This is a cultivar specially bred for black tea, featuring natural aromas of mint and cinnamon. Generally, Ruby tea isn’t specifically processed into Honey Black Tea, but if the tea garden encounters green leafhoppers, it’s a blessing in disguise! Ruby Honey Black Tea is rare and precious, making this style a highly sought-after item in the local tea market. |
The allure of Honey Black Tea lies in its being the perfect fusion of nature and craftsmanship, with different tea cultivars bringing a diverse range of flavors. Next time you enjoy a cup of Honey Black Tea, take a moment to notice its cultivar—different varieties offer distinct tasting experiences!