Recently I wrote a post on the rarest and strangest tea on the market, "PANDA DUNG TEA".
But being an avid tea drinker, and having had some of the best teas in the world cause of my job, I was curious about what the more expensive teas are out there... and why?
One item on this list I have actually had, but there are a couple that I am dying to try. If only to see what the fuss is all about.
Let start with the most expensive tea on the list:
1. DA HONG PAO
Price: $1,400 per gram/ $10,000 a pot
Leaf: Oolong
Region: China
Da Hong Pau is said to be one of China's "national treasure!" The name itself translates to "Big Red Robe" (not sure why).
The tea has a strong, "floral" favor to it not unlike jasmine, and has very prominent medicinal properties.
But the reason why the tea is so pricey is due to the fact that there are hardly any Da Hong Pau trees left in the world. The last time one these trees was harvested was in 2005, and the few trees that still planted aren't bearing leaves.
I was lucky enough to have a cup of this at a dinner a few years back! And I can vouch that it is pretty amazing. So basically, if you are ever offered a cup of this stuff, you would be nuts not to take it!
2. YELLOW GOLD BUDS
Price: $3000 per kilogram
Leaf: Yellow tea buds
Region: Singapore
Another rarity in the tea world, Yellow Gold Buds are unique in that, though the leaves are already a deep yellow, they are then painted with REAL 24K GOLD!
It is harvested exclusively with gold scissors and only from the top of the tree which is the tea bud. Then sun dried and placed into closed containers till the leave turn yellow. After which, the tea is painted with 24 ct gold flakes!
They say that the gold does not harm the tea, and in fact provides health benefits. Not entirely sure how true that is, but I would be more than willing to give it a try!
3. POO POO PU-ERH
Price: 1,000 per kilogram
Lead: None
Region: China
This particular tea will definitely test your "Fear Factor" limits as it is not produced from any leaves at all... but from insect droppings.
Yep! This is happening!
The insects are bred and feed nothing but a particular tea leaf their whole life cycle. So what it "produces" is a tea very rich in flavor, and is said to be actually quite good.
It is also said to have to be a delicacy. Given to royalty and "important guest" over the centuries.
Not sure if that is enough to get you to drink it, but if you are the adventurous type, I say, why the hell not?
FINAL THOUGHTS
Anyway, if you do consider yourself a "tea aficionado" this will probably interest you quite a bit. As for myself, I am always on the hunt for new and interesting leaves (or other) to brew in the kettle!
If you know of any that aren't common, or might be cool to check out, SHARE it in the comments section!