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Yingde Black

英德红茶, Ying Hong

7.2/10 editor's score

A black tea from Yingde County in central Guangdong, first made by machine in 1959. Its reputation has allowed much of it to be exported.

CocoaGuangdongChina
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this teaCompare

Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dry leaf of Yingde Black, top-down

What you need

2.5 g leafYingde Black
250 ml water90 to 95°C
Steep 2:002 steeps
LiquorBright red
Served inYixing clay teapot

At a glance

A black tea from Yingde County in central Guangdong, first made by machine in 1959.

CaffeineMedium~30 to 50 mg, our estimate
Beginner fit8.0 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestSpring to autumnSpring to autumn.
Pairs withDim sum, Chocolate, Roast porkLess good with delicate fish
Grown atHills of central GuangdongYingde, Qingyuan, Guangdong
Served inYixing clay teapotSmall clay pot, tiny cups

About Yingde Black

What sources say about the taste

Sources say it should have a cocoa-like aroma and, like most Chinese black teas, a sweet aftertaste 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

Yingde, QingyuanGuangdongCHINA
Region
Yingde, Qingyuan, Guangdong 1
Since
Machine-made from 1959 1
Market
Much of it exported 1
Aroma
Cocoa-like 1

More from Yingde, Qingyuan and China.

History and culture

Yingde Black Tea was first processed mechanically in 1959 1.

Some prestige varieties are made that look like leaf oolong 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: 7.0Origin & heritage: 7.0Availability: 6.5Value: 7.5Beginner-friendliness: 8.0Versatility: 7.5Flavour 7.0Heritage 7.0Availability 6.5Value 7.5Beginners 8.0Versatility 7.5
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
Yingde Black~30 to 50 mg
Green tea (average)~28 mg

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

Harvest calendar

Our general guide for Guangdong. Tap a month or a season.

Cultivars and plant

Camellia sinensis grown in Yingde 1.

How it is made
01Withering

Softened.

02Rolling

Rolled, often by machine 1.

03Oxidation

Full.

04Drying

Dried.

Dry leaf and liquor
Dry leafDark leaf with golden tips.
LiquorBright red.
After steeping
Wet leafCopper leaf.

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

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Dim sum
  • Chocolate
  • Roast pork

Best avoided

  • Delicate fish

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

Export grades and whole-leaf prestige grades 1.

How to spot a poor or fake one

  1. Whole leaf suits gongfu brewing.
  2. Much is exported 1.
FAQ
Where is Yingde?

A county in Qingyuan Prefecture, central Guangdong 1.

Find it inBlack teasTeas from ChinaYingde, QingyuanCocoaGuangdongChina

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Yingde Black Tea". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yingde_Black_Tea
  2. 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.