“What is Golden Monkey Tea?” you may be asking. Let me tell you, and it’s quite an extraordinary blend. Steeped in rich history and known for its distinctive flavor profile, Golden Monkey Tea is more than just a tea – it’s an indulgence.
The high price point might raise an eyebrow, but once you understand its unique composition and exceptional benefits, you’ll see why it’s well worth it.
Highlights
- Golden Monkey Tea, also known as “Jin Hou Hong Cha” or “Panyong Wang,” originates from Fujian, China, and is a variety of Zhenghe black tea with exceptional quality and flavor. – Go to details
- The tea is named after the golden, downy tips of the tea leaves that resemble monkey paws, paying tribute to the significance of monkeys in Chinese culture. – Go to details
- The history of Golden Monkey Tea dates back about 300 years, with its export production only starting in the last 13-18 years. – Go to details
- The tea is expensive due to meticulous harvesting methods, unique flavor, and rich cultural heritage. – Go to details
- Brewing instructions recommend using 3 grams of tea for every 6-8 ounces of water, steeping for 2-2.5 minutes for a milder flavor or 3 minutes for a stronger brew. – Go to details
- Golden Monkey Tea offers health benefits, including antioxidants, cholesterol control, headache relief, weight loss support, and stress reduction. – Go to details
- The tea has a caffeine content of around 45 mg per serving, making it a moderate source of caffeine. – Go to details
- It is rich in vitamins (A, B, C, D) and minerals (iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium), providing various health benefits. – Go to details
- Golden Monkey Tea is low in calories, making it a suitable choice for those watching their calorie intake. – Go to details
- Proper storage involves protecting the tea from oxygen, light, and humidity by sealing it in vacuum bags, storing it away from direct light, and maintaining a dry environment. – Go to details
About Golden Monkey Tea
What is Golden Monkey Tea?
Golden Monkey Tea, known as “Jin Hou Hong Cha”, or “Panyong Wang” or 金麪猫 in Chinese, is a celebrated variety of Zhenghe Black tea, a tea that originates from the lush, verdant hills of the Fujian region in southeastern China. This region, prized for its abundant tea gardens, produces teas recognized worldwide for their exceptional quality and flavour.
The brewing process of Golden Monkey Tea unlocks a rich, sweet aroma, which fills the air with a mesmerising floral essence. It’s a delight to the senses as it is full-bodied and smooth on the palate, giving way to subtle notes of smoke.
Why is it called the golden monkey black tea?
The name of this exquisite tea is surprisingly straightforward. It’s derived from the golden, downy tips of the tea leaves that resemble monkey paws.
Monkeys are a common sight in the hilly landscapes of Fujian province, known for their playful leaping around the terrain. Monkeys are also significant in Chinese culture and mythology, symbolised through celebrated tales like the Monkey King’s.
This legendary character, revered for his intelligence and courage, is often depicted in traditional tea art and figurines.
Consequently, naming this delightful tea ‘Golden Monkey’ is an honorable tribute, capturing the essence of the tea’s origins and the deep cultural significance of monkeys in Chinese folklore.
History of golden monkey tea
The history of Golden Monkey Tea is as intriguing as the tea itself. This unique blend, grown at elevations of 1200 meters, traces its origins back to the Yunnan province – a region known for its misty mountains and centuries-long tea cultivation tradition.
The ancient tea gardens of Yunnan have been producing tea for a great 1700 years. Yet, the history of Golden Monkey Tea itself is relatively recent, with its inception dating back about 300 years.
During its early days, the Golden Monkey was savoured by local landlords and influential figures known as Taipans. These individuals believed in the tea’s special properties, attributing agility and enhanced vitality. These myths around Golden Monkey Tea have only added to its mystique over the years.
Despite its long history, Golden Monkey Tea only began to be produced for export in the last 13–18 years, making its distinctive flavor and rich heritage a relative discovery for tea enthusiasts outside China.
As we sip this fine tea today, we’re partaking in a delightful brew and a piece of Yunnan’s deep-rooted tea culture.
Why is golden monkey tea so expensive?
Farmers selectively pick the topmost leaf of each tea plant for Golden Monkey tea, ensuring only the best part of the plant is included. This meticulous method guarantees the tea’s superior quality.
Golden Monkey Tea’s charm entices casual tea drinkers and tea connoisseurs alike. Its unique flavour profile, deeply rooted history, and complex process of growing and harvesting contribute to its premium price. Grown in the high altitudes of Yunnan and meticulously crafted, it represents a luxurious beverage and a significant piece of Chinese culture.
Therefore, the cost of Golden Monkey Tea reflects its outstanding character and the rich heritage it embodies.
What is golden monkey tea recipe made of?
To make a cup of tea, use a rounded teaspoon or approximately 3 grams of tea for every 6-8 ounces of water.
The water can be heated until boiling or reach a temperature between 195-205°F. Allow the tea to steep for 2-2.5 minutes, then taste it. If you prefer a stronger flavor, steep the tea leaves for 3 minutes.
Read More:
- What is Keemun tea? Find Out Its Origin, Tastes, Types And More
- What is Yunnan Black Tea? Figure Out Its Types, Benefits, Buying And Storing
- What is Lapsang Souchong Tea? Guides On Origins, Types, Benefits & Warning
- Popular Types of Black Tea & Blends
Golden Monkey Tea Health Benefits
Quercetin, found in this tea, is a powerful antioxidant that reduces tumor and heart failure risks. Additionally, this tea is rich in magnesium, promoting bone growth and blood circulation.
So, in short, What is golden monkey tea good for? Keep reading for more details!
| Benefit | Description |
| Great For The Immune System |
Contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that boost the immune system.
|
| Controls Cholesterol |
Rich in theoflavins and thearubigens, which reduce LDL (“bad cholesterol”). Ideal for those who dislike traditional black tea.
|
| Treats Headache |
Soothes occasional headaches with its anti-inflammatory properties. Complements medical advice for persistent headaches.
|
| Assists Weight Loss |
Supports weight loss by flushing out toxins and excess fat when combined with regular exercise and a balanced diet.
|
| Relieves Tension |
Acts as a natural remedy for stress relief, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.
|
Great For The Immune System
Golden Monkey Tea is a great ally for our immune system, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. These attributes stem from a host of beneficial compounds inherent in this special brew, which collectively work to boost our body’s natural defences.
Fortifying our immunity is paramount in the wake of the ongoing second wave of the novel coronavirus affecting various regions globally. Adopting a balanced lifestyle, incorporating regular exercise, nutritious meals, and healthful beverages like Golden Monkey Tea can play a crucial role.
This tea’s exceptional qualities offer more than a delightful drinking experience. It actively aids in strengthening our health, making it an invaluable part of our daily routine. Amidst the challenges of our times, a cup of Golden Monkey Tea offers serenity and resilience.
Controls Cholesterol
Golden Monkey Tea is a fantastic choice for managing cholesterol levels, largely owing to its rich content of theoflavins and thearubigens. These beneficial compounds are recognised for reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often called ‘bad cholesterol’.
While many traditionally turn to golden monkey black tea benefits, those who find its flavour less appealing can confidently opt for Golden Monkey Tea as a tasty alternative. This tea has lower epigallocatechin levels, making it an excellent option for those seeking to manage their cholesterol.
So, if you want to improve your health and wellness while enjoying an energising and flavorful brew, Golden Monkey Tea is an excellent choice. It empowers you to take control of your health and adds a flavorful twist to your daily tea routine.
Treats Headache
Golden Monkey Black Tea could be a soothing remedy if occasional headaches have troubled you. The anti-inflammatory properties found in this unique tea can effectively alleviate inflammation, helping you feel more relaxed.
Of course, seeking medical advice for persistent headaches is essential, but a calming cup of Golden Monkey Tea can bring a surprising relief for those sporadic, stress-induced ones.
The experience becomes even more enjoyable when you add a touch of your favourite sweetener, enhancing the flavour and lifting your mood. So, the next time you’re confronted with an unwelcome headache, consider reaching for a warm cup of Golden Monkey Tea. Its tranquillising effect could offer the relief you need while adding a sweet spot to your day.
Assists Weight Loss
Golden Monkey Tea can be a valuable addition to your weight loss journey, thanks to its natural ability to flush out toxins and fat from the body.
Incorporating this remarkable tea into your diet alongside regular exercise gives your body an effective means to support weight loss efforts.
Golden Monkey Tea is a potent detoxifier, helping eliminate harmful toxins and excess fat, making weight loss more achievable.
Relieves Tension
Golden Monkey Tea can be a wonderful natural remedy for relieving tension and stress, allowing you to find a sense of calm and relaxation.
While fulfilling work and family responsibilities, it’s common to feel overwhelmed. While seeking guidance from a healthcare professional is important for chronic stress, incorporating stress-relieving foods into your diet, such as Golden Monkey Tea, can provide a valuable boost.
With its unique blend of compounds, Golden Monkey Tea works to relax muscles and promote a tranquil state of mind. By including this exquisite tea in your daily routine, you can indulge in a soothing beverage that helps alleviate stress. Infusing aromatic herbs into your tea can also enhance the golden monkey tea benefits and provide swift relief.
What is the Golden Monkey Tea Taste
Golden Monkey tea boasts light, honeyed peach flavors and astringency-free taste.
Discover the subtle flavor of Golden Monkey Loose Tea, distinct from robust China Black Tea varieties.
Does Golden Monkey tea have caffeine?
Yes, Golden Monkey tea has caffeine – around 45 mg per serving. Whether this caffeine content is beneficial depends on your health goals and lifestyle.
Suppose you’re on a wellness journey to reduce your golden monkey tea caffeine intake. In that case, you might gravitate towards decaffeinated teas or herbal infusions, such as chamomile or peppermint tea, which naturally contain little to no caffeine.
However, if you’re seeking a balanced energy boost to combat midday lethargy or jump-start your morning routine, Golden Monkey tea is an excellent choice. Its caffeine content is moderate compared to drinks like coffee or energy drinks, providing stimulation without the jittery side effects.
Moreover, when you couple this with the potential health benefits of black teas and Golden Monkey tea’s rich, smooth flavor profile, you might discover your new favourite caffeinated beverage.
Golden Monkey Tea Nutrition
Golden Monkey tea, apart from caffeine, is loaded with good stuff for your body. It has vitamins A, B, C, and D, and minerals like iron, magnesium, potassium, and sodium. These nutrients all team up to help your body stay healthy.
But there’s more. These nutrients in Golden Monkey Black Tea can fight off harmful stuff in your body called free radicals. These free radicals can make you sick if you have too many. So, having a cup of Golden Monkey tea isn’t just tasty, and it’s also a smart move for your health. It helps keep you feeling good while you enjoy a delicious drink.
Golden Monkey Tea Calories
Golden Monkey tea should be on your radar if you’re counting calories. You’ll be pleasantly surprised that this flavorful black tea from China’s Fujian province has a minuscule calorie count, roughly around two calories per serving.
This low-calorie content makes Golden Monkey tea a brilliant alternative to sugary, calorie-dense beverages like sodas or processed fruit juices. Plus, it scores higher in the taste department! If you’re on a weight loss journey or are simply conscious about maintaining a balanced diet, incorporating Golden Monkey tea into your daily routine is a smart choice. It allows you to enjoy a delicious drink without worrying about unwanted extra calories, supporting your healthy lifestyle.
Golden Monkey Tea Brewing Guide
If you’re keen on experiencing the magic of Golden Monkey tea at home, you’re in for a treat. Let me walk you through the simple process of brewing this delightful tea.
Materials Needed
- First off, here’s what you’ll need:
- A teapot and a teacup.
- 1-2 teaspoons of Golden Monkey tea leaves.
- Hot water (90-95ºC or 194-205ºF).
Step-by-Step Brewing Instructions
- Fill your teapot and cup halfway with hot water.
- Tilt and rotate them to warm up all sides, then pour the water.
- Add the Golden Monkey tea leaves to the teapot.
- Pour in the hot water.
- Put on the lid and let it steep for 2 minutes.
- Pour the tea into your cup, and voila! You’re ready to enjoy.
Tips to Enhance the Taste
Here are a few things to keep in mind for the best-tasting tea:
- Warming the teapot and cup beforehand helps the flavours come out better.
- Take your time with the steeping time. Those 2 minutes are key for the best taste.
- After the first brew, you can reuse the tea leaves 3-5 more times. For each extra brew, let it steep for an additional 30 seconds.
Note: The best cup of tea is the one you enjoy the most. Feel free to play around with the amount of tea and the steeping times to find your perfect brew.
How should I store my Golden Monkey tea?
Keeping your Golden Monkey tea fresh is as simple as remembering three key factors: oxygen, light, and humidity. Let me share how my tea storage practices align with these principles.
Oxygen: Once, I left a bag of Golden Monkey tea open and exposed to air for a while. I noticed that the tea leaves began to change color and the unique aroma seemed to fade. From then on, I learned the importance of sealing my tea properly, usually in vacuum bags, to keep oxygen out and preserve the quality of the tea.
Light and Temperature: I recall a sunny summer day when I mistakenly left my tea canister near a window. The direct sunlight and high temperature caused the normally vibrant color of the tea leaves to fade, and the fragrant aroma was lessened. Since then, I have stored my tea away from direct light in a cool place to prevent any loss of flavour and aroma.
Humidity: I learned the hard way about humidity when my tea, stored in a moist area, absorbed moisture and an unintended flavor from its surroundings. This changed the taste and smell of the tea and caused the colour to alter. I realised then that I needed to store my tea in a dry place to keep it tasting its best.
To sum it up, storing your Golden Monkey tea correctly can maintain its delightful color, aroma, and flavor. Keep it sealed, cool, and dry, and you’ll have a perfect cup of tea every time!
FAQs
Is Golden Monkey Black Tea picked by monkeys?
Contrary to the name, Golden Monkey tea is not picked by monkeys. This common misconception probably arises from the name. In reality, skilled human tea pickers carefully hand-harvest the tea leaves. The name ‘Golden Monkey’ refers to the unique, curled shape of the tea leaves, which resemble monkey paws.
What does Golden Monkey tea taste like at Starbucks?
Golden Monkey tea is known for its unique taste profile that sets it apart from other teas, including those served at Starbucks. It has a rich, smooth flavor, sweet undertones, and a hint of chocolate. While Starbucks offers a variety of teas, the specific flavor profile of Golden Monkey tea is distinct, making it a truly special brew for enthusiasts.
Can I reuse Golden Monkey tea leaves?
Yes! Golden Monkey tea leaves can be reused for 3-5 infusions. Remember to increase the steeping time by 30 seconds for each subsequent brew.
What pairs well with Golden Monkey tea?
Golden Monkey tea pairs wonderfully with sweet pastries, dark chocolate, or a rich, creamy cheesecake slice. Its smooth, malty flavor compliments a wide variety of snacks.
Can Golden Monkey tea be brewed cold?
Certainly, you can make a refreshing cold brew with Golden Monkey tea. The process takes longer than hot brewing, often requiring several hours of steeping in the fridge, but the result is a crisp, refreshing drink perfect for warm days.
Is Golden Monkey Tea suitable for pregnant women?
Golden Monkey tea does contain caffeine, so it’s recommended that pregnant women limit their intake or consult with their healthcare provider before consuming.
Can I drink Golden Monkey tea before bed?
Golden Monkey tea contains caffeine, so it might not be the best choice before bedtime. However, sensitivity to caffeine varies from person to person so it might work fine for some.
Can kids drink Golden Monkey tea?
While Golden Monkey tea is safe for kids in small amounts, it does contain caffeine. Limiting their intake and opting for decaffeinated teas or herbal infusions is best.
Can I add milk or sugar to Golden Monkey tea?
While traditionally consumed plain, you can customise your Golden Monkey tea to suit your preference. Adding milk or sugar is entirely up to your taste.
What’s the best time to drink Golden Monkey tea?
Golden Monkey tea can be enjoyed any time of the day. However, due to its caffeine content, many prefer it for a gentle energy boost in the morning or afternoon.
I’m Shanna, creator of Spiritea Drinks. I’m all about teaching people to grow their own food, tea, cook what they harvest, and eat with the seasons.