What makes these teas so expensive?
Tea or chai is not a beverage, but an emotion. In India and abroad, this concoction made with tea leaves, hot water, sweetener, and milk (optional) is a refreshing delight which comes in varied, shape, taste, texture, and price too. When it comes to pricing of teas, scarcity, craftsmanship, history, prestige, style of harvesting, and presentation together helps a key role. Here we have curated a list of the most expensive teas in the world and what makes them so heavy on the pocket. Scroll down to find out.
Da Hong Pao-$1.2 Million/kg
It is native to China's Wuyi Mountains and is a legendra oolong tea once reserved for emperors. As per reports, the original mother trees are over 350 years old and the tea from these ancient bushes has fetched prices as high as /$1.2 million per kilogram Known for its roasted, floral notes and deep mineral character.
Panda Dung Tea- $70,000/kg
This one is native to Sichuan, China and is a unique green tea fertilized with panda dung. It is said that pandas absorb only a small amount of nutrients, so their waste is rich in organic material that helps nourish the plant and results in finer leaves.
PG Tips Diamond Tea Bag- $15,000 per bag
It is said that this tea is made with silver tips imperial tea and is wrapped in diamond-studded 18-carat gold bag. As per reports, this tea was first created to raise money for charity.
Tieguanyin– $3,000–$10,000/kg
Also known as the Iron Goddess of Mercy, this one is known for its floral aroma and smooth, buttery flavor.
Vintage Narcissus Oolong- $6,500/kg
This tea is named after the mythological flower, Narcissus (Shui Xian), where oolong is aged for decades in the Wuyi mountains and offers a dark, earthy richness in every sip.
Yellow Gold Tea Buds – $3,000/kg
This tea is harvested with golden scissors from one tea estate in Singapore and later the tea buds are hand-painted with 24-karat gold flakes.
Junshan Yinzhen-$3,000/kg
This yellow tea is produced in very limited quantities and offers a subtle, mellow sweetness and is said to have historic connection with Chinese emperors.
Silver Needle White Tea-$1,100/kg
Also known as Baihao Yinzhen, this is one of the purest white teas, and is made from only the youngest tea buds. It is rich in antioxidants and offers a delicate and smooth flavour.
Gyokuro– $500/lb
It is a popular yet rare Japanese green tea, which is shaded for 3 weeks before harvest to concentrate chlorophyll and amino acids, and results in a smooth, sweet, and umami-rcuh tea.
Longjing-$6,000/kg
Also known as Dragon Well, this Chinese tea is a famous green tea and is pan-roasted by hand and is known for its chestnut aroma and flat leaf shape.