Gao Ma Ming Zhu Jin Hua Hei Cha (8g Mini Tuan Cha)

Rare 2019, Gao Ma Ming Zhu Jin Hua Hei Cha (8g Mini Tuan Cha)

Our Gao Ma Ming Zhu Jin Hua Hei Cha is a premium Anhua dark tea (Hei Cha) handcrafted in Gao Ma, Hunan Province, China, the ancestral home of traditional post-fermented teas. Each 8g mini Tuan Cha is lightly compressed by hand and wrapped in elegant foil, revealing bright golden flowers (Eurotium cristatum) that reflect skilled fermentation and artisanal heritage.

These beautiful, very high-quality, handmade Anhua dark tea cakes (Mini Tuan Cha) were harvested and pressed in 2019.

Eurotium cristatum, often referred to as “golden flower” (Jin Hua), is a beneficial fungus that develops naturally during the controlled fermentation of traditional Anhua Hei Cha. Far from being a flaw, its presence is a key marker of high-quality dark tea. Eurotium cristatum helps transform the tea’s chemical composition, softening harsh notes while enhancing sweetness, smoothness, and depth of flavour. It also contributes to the tea’s distinctive aroma and mellow mouthfeel, making golden-flower Hei Cha prized for both its taste and its traditional cultural significance.

Origin & Tradition

Produced in the historic tea region of Gao Ma, this Hei Cha is made using time-honoured artisan methods that promote natural fermentation and golden flower development. These golden blooms are a signature of high-quality dark tea and contribute to its smooth texture and rich flavour profile.

Tasting Profile

• Aroma: Clean and sweet with subtle bamboo notes.
• Flavour: Delicate sweetness with no bitterness, layered with bamboo-like vegetal nuances.
• Liquor: Silky, rich body with a refreshing, minty aftertaste and returning sweetness.

Brewing Guide

• Tea-to-water ratio: 1 piece (8g) per 250–300 ml of water.
• Water temperature: Boiling (100 °C / 212 °F).
• Steep time: 30–60 seconds for the first infusion, increasing with subsequent brews.
• Recommendations: Rinse once briefly before brewing to awaken the leaves. Multiple infusions are encouraged for full flavour evolution.

Key Features

• Type: Anhua Hei Cha (post-fermented dark tea).
• Format: 8g mini Tuan Cha, traditionally hand-pressed and foil wrapped. 
• Craftsmanship: Light compression and controlled fermentation highlight golden flower development.
• Experience: Smooth, mellow liquor with natural sweetness and complex aftertaste.

Why Choose This Tea

This Gongfu-friendly Hei Cha brings together centuries-old fermentation techniques with modern convenience. Its distinctive golden flower presence and refined taste make it a standout choice for both seasoned dark tea devotees and curious newcomers alike. 

Storage Recommendations

Due to this tea being fermented and showing the presence of Eurotium cristatum fungus, we recommend storing it in an airtight container away from other teas to avoid any potential cross-contamination. Whilst the Eurotium cristatum fungus won't spoil other teas, it will change their profile. It's a little bit like keeping your blue cheeses away from your soft cheeses!