Throwback to that red tea tho
Throwback to that red tea tho is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 1. 2 calories per serving. Recipe by Jesse's Teahouse on YouTube.
Prep: 6 min | Cook: 4 min | Total: 15 min
Cost: $19.98 total, $19.98 per serving
Ingredients
- 2.5 grams Jing Jun Mei Tea Leaves (high‑quality loose leaf, 2‑3 g per 250 ml water)
- 250 milliliters Water (filtered or spring water, preferably low mineral content)
Instructions
Measure Tea Leaves
Weigh 2.5 g of Jing Jun Mei tea leaves using a kitchen scale (or use a heaping teaspoon if a scale is unavailable).
Time: PT1M
Heat Water
Fill the electric kettle with 250 ml of water and heat to about 95 °C (just below boiling).
Time: PT3M
Temperature: 95°C
Pre‑Warm Teapot/Mug
Pour a splash of the hot water into the teapot or mug, swirl, then discard the water.
Time: PT0.5M
Add Tea Leaves
Place the measured tea leaves into the strainer or directly into the teapot.
Time: PT0.5M
Pour Water Over Leaves
Slowly pour the 95 °C water over the tea leaves, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Time: PT0.5M
Temperature: 95°C
Steep
Cover the teapot and let the tea steep for 4 minutes.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: 95°C
Strain and Serve
Remove the strainer (or pour through a fine mesh) into a cup and discard the leaves.
Time: PT0.5M
Enjoy
Sip the tea plain or add a splash of milk or sweetener if desired.
Time: PT0.5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 2
- Protein
- 0g
- Carbohydrates
- 0g
- Fat
- 0g
- Fiber
- 0g
Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Jing Jun Mei Tea Leaves: Assam black tea, Darjeeling black tea, Keemun black tea
- Instead of Water: filtered water, distilled water
Equipment Needed
- Electric Kettle
- Teapot or Heat‑Proof Mug
- Fine Mesh Strainer
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- Timer (optional)
- Spoon (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Measure the exact amount of Jing Jun Mei tea leaves.
- Heat water to the correct temperature (≈95 °C).
- Steep for the proper time (4 min) to avoid bitterness.
- Strain promptly to stop extraction.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use filtered or spring water; hard water can mute the tea’s delicate flavors.
- Rinse the leaves quickly with hot water before steeping to awaken them.
- Taste the tea at the 3‑minute mark; you can adjust the final steep time to suit personal preference.
Troubleshooting
Tea is too bitter.
Reduce steep time by 30 seconds or lower water temperature to 90 °C; also ensure you are not using too many leaves.
Tea tastes weak or watery.
Increase leaf amount to 3 g per 250 ml or extend steep time up to 5 minutes, but watch for bitterness.
Leaves do not fully unfurl.
Make sure water is near boiling (≈95 °C) and pour gently to allow the leaves to move freely.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store loose leaf tea in an airtight tin in the fridge for up to 2 weeks if you live in a humid climate.
Freezer: Not recommended; freezing can degrade flavor.
Room temperature: Keep tea in a cool, dark pantry in an airtight container; use within 1 month.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Pre‑heat the kettle while you measure the tea leaves to save time.
- Store the tea leaves in a dark, airtight container away from moisture.
- Brewed tea can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; serve cold or re‑heat gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Jing Jun Mei Red Tea in Chinese tea culture?
Jing Jun Mei originates from the Zhejiang province and is a premium grade of the famous Keemun black tea. Historically, it was created for export to the West, where black teas were prized, and its name means “Golden Needle” referring to the tightly rolled, golden‑colored leaves.
What are the traditional regional variations of red (black) tea in Chinese cuisine?
China produces several renowned black teas such as Keemun, Yunnan Dianhong, and Lapsang Souchong, each with distinct smoky, fruity, or malty notes. Jing Jun Mei is a refined Keemun style, while other regions may use larger leaf rolls or different oxidation levels.
How is Jing Jun Mei Red Tea traditionally served in Chinese tea ceremonies?
In a formal Chinese tea ceremony, Jing Jun Mei is brewed in a small Yixing clay teapot, poured into tiny porcelain cups, and enjoyed without milk or sweeteners to appreciate its natural chocolatey aroma and bright amber hue.
What occasions or celebrations is Jing Jun Mei Red Tea traditionally associated with in Chinese culture?
Premium black teas like Jing Jun Mei are often served during festive gatherings, business meetings, and as a sign of hospitality. They are also enjoyed during the Mid‑Autumn Festival as a complement to mooncakes.
How does Jing Jun Mei Red Tea fit into the broader Chinese tea tradition?
Chinese tea culture values the balance of aroma, flavor, and appearance. Jing Jun Mei exemplifies the black‑tea category, showcasing controlled oxidation that yields a deep color, rich body, and a hint of tannic briskness, completing the spectrum from green to oolong to black teas.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Jing Jun Mei Red Tea versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic Jing Jun Mei uses only the young buds and first leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant from specific Zhejiang estates. Acceptable substitutes for home brewers include other high‑quality Chinese black teas like Keemun or Yunnan Dianhong, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.
What other Chinese dishes pair well with Jing Jun Mei Red Tea?
Its chocolatey, slightly sweet profile pairs beautifully with dim sum, roasted duck, mooncakes, and lightly sweet pastries. The tea’s astringency also cuts through fatty dishes, making it a classic companion to pork belly or fried spring rolls.
What makes Jing Jun Mei Red Tea special or unique in Chinese black tea cuisine?
Jing Jun Mei is prized for its tightly rolled, golden‑colored buds that produce a clear amber liquor, a delicate chocolate aroma, and a smooth, lingering finish—qualities that set it apart from more robust, smoky black teas.
How has Jing Jun Mei Red Tea evolved over time in Chinese tea culture?
Originally a export‑grade tea, Jing Jun Mei’s production techniques have been refined to emphasize leaf uniformity and oxidation control. Modern growers now use precise withering and firing methods to enhance its signature flavor while maintaining traditional hand‑rolling.
What are common misconceptions about Jing Jun Mei Red Tea?
Many assume all Chinese black teas are the same or overly bitter. In reality, Jing Jun Mei offers a nuanced, sweet‑chocolate profile when brewed correctly; bitterness only appears from over‑steeping or using water that is too hot.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Jing Jun Mei Red Tea at home?
Common errors include using boiling water (100 °C) which burns the leaves, steeping longer than 4 minutes causing excessive tannins, and using too few leaves which results in a weak cup. Follow the temperature and time guidelines for the best flavor.
Can I make Jing Jun Mei Red Tea ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, brew a larger batch, then refrigerate the tea in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Serve chilled or gently re‑heat; avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than an hour to prevent flavor degradation.
What does the YouTube channel Jesse's Teahouse specialize in?
Jesse's Teahouse focuses on exploring Chinese teas, offering detailed tasting notes, brewing techniques, and cultural background for each tea type, helping viewers appreciate the nuances of traditional and specialty teas.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
