Da Hong Pao, of the oolong family, is the world’s most expensive tea. Growing in the mountains of China, the tea leaves can only be picked from one of three bushes. These bushes, according to legend, cured an illness of the mother of a Ming dynasty emperor. In gratitude, the emperor sent up three red robes to clothe the bushes, leading to the direct Chinese translation of Da Hong Pao, or Big Red Robe. The three bushes remain on the mountain today, and are highly respected.
As the tea leaves grow, workers brush them with goat’s milk for nutrients. When the leaves reach maturity, they are picked, baked, and aged for at least 80 years.
When ready to be served, the leaves simmer for up to eight hours and a single pot with about four servings can sell for around $600. The leaves themselves sell for around $35,436 per ounce. Due to its extreme price, the tea is typically reserved for honored guests in China.
Nicholas Karafilis says
I think what’s awesome about your blog is that there is so much history and culture associated with tea. This is such a cool story! I will definitely include this in my bank of fun facts that I dispose at random times. Thank you for sharing!
Nicholas Larimer says
That’s crazy that someone would buy four servings of tea for $600! I guess they go through a lot to make this tea, though. I wonder how it tastes (better be really good for the steep price). The story behind this expensive drink is very interesting, loved reading about this.
Alison Paige Kuznitz says
Oh my goodness, I cannot wrap my head around tea being that expensive! It’s amazing how they let these tea leaves age for eighty years. Drinking tea is appears to be such a complicated process – thanks for keeping me knowledgeable about all of its intricacies with your blog 🙂 Great topic this week!