Enjoy Qimen red tea with Xinjiang roses

Qimen red tea (top) and Xinjiang roses. [Photo/sipa.com]

Qimen red tea, also known as Keemun red tea originates, from Qimen county in Anhui province.

It is highly regarded for its unique aroma and amber-red color. Qimen red tea has a smooth and mellow taste with notes of fruit, flower and sometimes hints of smokiness. The tea's aroma is often compared to orchids or honey.

Qimen red tea is made from the leaves of the tea plant grown in the region, which undergo a specific processing method. The tea leaves are harvested and then withered, rolled, oxidized and dried to produce Qimen red tea.

Qimen red tea is popular both in China and internationally. It is commonly used as a base for English breakfast tea blends and is enjoyed on its own as well. The tea can be brewed using boiling water for around 3-4 minutes to fully release its flavors.

By dried roses, the Qimen red tea becomes elevated, offering a multifaceted taste experience.

As for roses, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwestern China has them in abundance. The local residents frequently gather fresh wild roses during the months of May and June. While some of these roses are in bud form and are commonly mixed with tea, others are fully bloomed and are used to make jam.

Due to the prevailing weather conditions in Xinjiang, the flowers can be naturally dried without the need for any machinery.