Beneficial microorganisms
Golden flower (金花) is the common name given to beneficial microorganisms that can develop in post-fermented dark teas, depending on production processes, and storage environment. Not only are they considered to have an appeasing effect on the digestive system, they also give the tea leaves a sweet and smooth taste, similar to vanilla.
Golden flowers look like tiny golden or yellow dots scattered on the tea leaves. Sometimes they are immediately visible, while in other cases you need to take a close look in order to see them. Following is a list of some basic facts about golden flowers and Anhua Dark Tea:
The result of ageing or processing
- Golden flowers can be found in all varieties of dark tea (post-fermented tea).
- They will develop in some dark teas, if the needed storage conditions, especially humidity and temperature, are met.
- Fu Brick Tea is the only variation of Anhua Dark Tea that is intentionally produced in such a way that it develops golden flowers.
- In the case of Fu Brick Tea, golden flowers are not the result of ageing. The last processing step (slow-baking) creates the conditions for them to appear.
- Fu Brick Tea’s relatively loose compression and its required amount of stems are also favourable for their development.
- The slow-baking processing step, which lasts for many days and requires a lot of attention, makes them appear naturally, if successful.
- Fu Brick Tea does not require special storage conditions because of its golden flowers. Like all dark teas it should be kept away from direct contact to sunlight and dampness.
- The quality of a Fu Brick Tea does not depend on the quantity of its golden flowers. Too much is not a good sign as it will completely cover the taste of the leaves.
- A medium compression seems to be the sweet spot for the development of golden flowers. They rarely appear on the very loosely compressed Tianjian Teas or the heavily compressed Dark Brick Teas