The 3 World's Rarest and Most Expensive Teas

Tea is one of the most consumed beverages in the world. Each culture lives the tea moment differently and uses its properties for different purposes. In the world, several teas, infusions, and herbal teas contain specific characteristics and properties. In this sense, we find the world's rarest and most expensive teas represent the most valuable teas ever.

In 2017, a global study concluded that, on average, each person drinks 236 cups of tea per year. Originally from China, this healthy drink entered Europe through the Japanese and gained fans in the Netherlands. However, it was in the United Kingdom that it gained greater relevance with the Princess Catarina of Bragança, quickly spreading to other European countries. Due to the high production volume, China accounts for 41% of the tea market.

Tea may have been part of our homes for thousands of years, but can you identify the three world's rarest and most expensive teas? If not, this article will help you. Discover everything! Good reading.

Most expensive and rare teas in the world

Da Hong Pao

Da Hong Pao is considered the most expensive and rarest tea in the world. This traditional Chinese product is obtained from six mother trees of Da Hong Pao with 350 years old, located on Mount Muyi (China). Da Hong Pao Tea or Big Red Robe Tea is one of the most valuable teas in China, with a commercial value higher than gold. The price and rarity of this royal tea are due to the diminished production of leaves due to the prolonged age of the trees.

There are several legends surrounding the origin of Da Hong Pao tea. Of these, the best known involves the mother of one of the emperors of the Ming Dynasty. According to legend, Da Hong Pao tea was offered to the emperor's mother when she was sick. After taking this tea for a long time, her health improved to such an extent that she was eventually cured. To thank, the emperor donated reddish robes to the peasant tea producer Da Hong Pao to be placed next to the trees. Some reports claim that these robes covered four bushes.

In Chinese antiquity, the harvesting of the red buds of this tea was done by domesticated monkeys. This is because the reddish colour of the buds attracts your attention, as opposed to the green colour of the leaves. Thus favouring easy harvesting without damaging the trees.

Da Hong Pao tea belongs to the Oolong tea. This tea has a prolonged, sweet and mineral flavour. Regarding its therapeutic potential, Da Hong Pao can contribute to stress relief, balance the body and delay ageing. The last harvest of this rare and valuable tea was in 2005. However, due to the advanced age of the remaining trees, it is believed that the end of its production will have been definitive.

Over time, Da Hong Pao has become one of the most legendary teas in China. Each year, a ritual is practised in praise of the bushes that produce this tea through prayer to Lu Yu, the god of tea.

PG Tips Tea with Diamonds

Produced in the United Kingdom, PG Tips with Diamonds is made of imperial silver tea hand-coated in a sachet with 280 diamonds. Normally, its production takes three months. This high-value tea emerged from the PG TIPS brand's 75th-anniversary celebration. Proceeds from sales were donated to the Royal Children's Hospital in Manchester, known for hosting more than 200,000 young people a year. This valuable tea is about the diamonds and, not exactly, the rarity factor of the leaves.

This interesting product has been the subject of many reviews by tea specialists due to the uselessness of diamonds. In addition to its high monetary value.

Panda Dung Tea

Although it is called “Panda Dung Tea”, it is not made from panda droppings. This name is due to its use in fertilizer on tea bushes. This sustainable reuse is due to the nutritional richness of this natural ingredient. Panda faeces contain 70% of the waste from their diet, based on tea leaves and bamboo. According to experts, Panda Dung Tea have a characteristic flavour close to nuts.

This tea was created by Chinese teacher and businessman An Yanshi and is grown in Chengdu, Sichuan Province.

Other Valuable and Rare Teas of the World

1) Vintage Narcissus;

2) Tieguanyin;

3) Yellow Gold Tea;

4) Poo Poo Pu-Erh or Poo Poo Puerh;

5) Gyokuro;

6) Tienchi Flower.

Continue in the company of the best teas in the world. Until the next article!

Chás do Mundo 

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