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Huoshan Huangya

霍山黄芽

7.2/10 editor's score

A yellow tea from Huoshan County in Anhui, once a Ming dynasty tribute tea. Sweet, nutty and gentle.

Yellow teaSweetTribute tea
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this teaCompare

Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dry leaf of Huoshan Huangya, top-down

What you need

2.5 g leafHuoshan Huangya
250 ml water75 to 85°C
Steep 2:002 steeps
LiquorGreen-yellow
Served inGaiwan (lidded bowl)

At a glance

A yellow tea from Huoshan County in Anhui, once a Ming dynasty tribute tea.

CaffeineLow to medium~15 to 35 mg, our estimate
Beginner fit8.0 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestEarly AprilPicked in early April [1].
Pairs withSteamed buns, Light fish, NutsLess good with heavy spice
Grown atDabie mountain slopesHuoshan, Anhui
Served inGaiwan (lidded bowl)Porcelain bowl, lid and saucer

About Huoshan Huangya

What sources say about the taste

Sources describe a very sweet, nutty taste and an unusual green-yellow colour 1.

01 · Aroma

First sip

Lift the cup and smell before you drink.

02 · Taste

Middle

Let it sit on the tongue for a moment.

03 · Finish

Finish

What stays after you swallow.

Hover or tap a noteBigger image and more dots mean a stronger note.

Notes and intensities are an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not our own tasting.

Where it grows

HuoshanAnhuiCHINA
Region
Huoshan County, Anhui 1
History
Imperial tribute tea since the Ming dynasty 1
Pick
One bud and one leaf, or a bud and two unopened leaves 1
Season
Usually early April 1

More from Huoshan and China.

History and culture

An imperial tribute tea dating back to the Ming dynasty 1.

Editor's score

7.2/10

Weighted across six criteria: flavour 30%, heritage 20%, availability 15%, value 15%, beginners 10%, versatility 10%.

Based on published sources, not yet tasted. Rates the tea style, not a brand. How we score →

1086Flavour & complexity: 7.5Origin & heritage: 8.5Availability: 5.0Value: 7.0Beginner-friendliness: 8.0Versatility: 6.5Flavour 7.5Heritage 8.5Availability 5.0Value 7.0Beginners 8.0Versatility 6.5
Taste profile and caffeine

Profile is an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not a lab measurement or our own tasting.

Caffeine

Brewed coffee~95 mg
Black tea (average)~47 mg
Green tea (average)~28 mg
Huoshan Huangya~15 to 35 mg

Our estimate. Per 8 fl oz (240 ml) cup. Coffee and tea averages from Mayo ClinicC.

Harvest calendar

A short spring season 1. Tap a month or a season.

Cultivars and plant

Local Camellia sinensis of the Dabie mountains.

How it is made
01Plucking

Bud and one leaf 1.

02Kill-green

Pan-fired.

03Sweltering

Slow yellowing 2.

04Drying

Gentle.

Dry leaf and liquor
Dry leafSmall, glossy yellow-green buds and leaves 1.
LiquorGreen-yellow 1.
After steeping
Wet leafTender buds.

The colour swatch is an approximate guide, not a photograph.

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Steamed buns
  • Light fish
  • Nuts

Best avoided

  • Heavy spice

Pairings are general suggestions from the tea's style, not tested matches.

Storage

  • Airtight, opaque tin or pouch, away from light, heat, moisture and strong smells.
  • Keep it out of the fridge unless fully sealed, to avoid condensation.
  • Most loose tea is at its best within a year. Note the harvest date on the tin.
Grades and fakes

Graded by tenderness.

How to spot a poor or fake one

  1. The dry leaf looks a lot like Huangshan Mao Feng 1.
  2. Buy from yellow-tea specialists.
FAQ
Does it look like Mao Feng?

Yes, the dry leaf is very similar 1.

Find it inYellow teasTeas from ChinaHuoshanYellow teaSweetTribute tea

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Huoshan Huangya tea". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huoshan_Huangya_tea
  2. Wikipedia, "Yellow tea". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow_tea
  3. Mayo Clinic, "Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more". www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

Scores and content updated 30 Oct 2026.