Tea is deeply ingrained in the fabric of numerous cultures worldwide. It is one of the most consumed and the oldest beverages in the world. Tea is also highly regarded for its healing properties. Historical evidence indicates that the practice of drinking tea originated in China. Currently, tea is cultivated across the globe, with a primary focus in Asia and Africa, including commercial production in over 60 countries. China holds the position of world’s largest producer and exporter of tea with approximate production of 40% of global tea at 2.4 million tonnes.
Top 10 Most Expensive Tea in the World in 2023
For passionate tea lovers here are some of the finest and luxurious blends in the world. Some of these rare teas can cost beyond imagination.
Da Hong Pao Tea
Da Hong Pao tea, cultivated in the Wuyi mountains of Fujian province, China, is renowned as the most expensive tea globally. Its origins go back to the Ming Dynasty, and it has attained the status of a national treasure. The Chinese government has closely guarded the production process, keeping it a secret.
Referred to as "Big Red Robe" in English, Da Hong Pao tea is highly regarded for its medicinal properties, including its ability to prevent arterial plaque formation and provide antioxidants to support the immune system, among other benefits. The tea leaves are priced at an astonishing $1.2 million per kg.
Panda Dung Tea
For enthusiasts of unique and exotic beverages, Panda Dung Tea might offer an intriguing experience. This tea is cultivated in the Ya’an Mountains of Sichuan, China, using Panda dung as a natural fertilizer.
Panda Dung Tea offers various health benefits, and is mainly known for its high antioxidant properties. Panda Dung Tea is priced at approximately $70,000 per kg.
PG Tips Diamond Tea Bag
The British tea company PG Tips unveiled the Diamond Tea Bag to commemorate their 75th anniversary. The tea bag contains Silver Tips Imperial Tea and is adorned with 280 pieces of diamonds. The luxurious packaging of this tea bag contributes to its high price.
The intention behind this special edition was to raise funds for the Manchester Children’s Hospital. This one bag of tea is able to burn a hole in the pocket of $15,000.
Pu-Erh Tea
Pu-Erh tea is revered as one of the oldest, most exquisite, and expensive teas globally. It belongs to the category of fermented teas and is primarily cultivated in the Yunnan Province of China. Some tea trees have been growing for thousands of years. Pu-Erh tea is commonly sold in the form of compressed tea cakes, which can be brewed to enjoy its unique flavors.
The popularity of Pu-Erh tea extends worldwide due to its numerous health benefits like promoting gut health, assisting in weight management, and aid in reducing cholesterol levels. One kg Pu-Erh costs $10,000.
Yellow Gold Tea Buds
Yellow Golden Tea is another luxurious and highly-priced tea. It undergoes a meticulous process of being plucked and harvested once a year using gold shears, followed by sun drying. Not just that, the tea leaves are delicately adorned with edible 24-karat gold flakes. Like its name, this tea offers a distinctive combination of metallic and floral flavors, with a luxurious aftertaste.
This tea is known as the tea of the emperors of China and is renowned for its anti-aging properties. This tea is currently exclusively available in Singapore through the TWG tea company. One kg of tea leaves is priced around $7,800.
Narcissus Wuyi Oolong Tea
Narcissus tea, named after the Greek mythological figure, is a rare and exquisite tea made from the buds and leaves of the Narcissus plant from China. This plant is believed to possess mystical powers. Vintage Narcissus Tea is sweet and floral, with a touch of spice.
Apart from its delightful taste and aroma, Narcissus tea is best known for its potential health benefits like enhancing mental alertness and assisting in preventing tooth decay, heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis. The value reaches $6,500 per kg.
Tieguanyin Tea
Tieguanyin, a variety of Oolong tea, derives its name from the Buddhist goddess Guan Yin, the “Iron Goddess of Mercy”. The tea leaves are carefully dried in the sun until they become crisp and golden. This particular type of tea undergoes fermentation, resulting in a distinctive flavor that combines elements of black and green tea.
Tieguanyin tea offers a delightful combination of nutty notes and a pleasant floral fragrance. Interestingly, the leaves of Tieguanyin can be steeped multiple times, up to seven, before their flavor diminishes. One kilogram of Tieguanyin costs $3,000.
Silver Tips Imperial Tea
Silver Tips Imperial Tea is an opulent and expensive tea plucked only in the time of full moon. It is harvested at Makaibari Tea Estate on the sloping hills of Darjeeling. The Tea has some special buds that look exactly like silver needles and have a great fusion fragrance of mango and frangipani aroma.
The final product is a delicate tea with a silvery sheen and a sweet, floral flavor. It is known for its relaxing and anti-aging effect, especially best before bedtime. The cost of this extravagant tea reaches to $1850 per kilo.
Gyokuro
Gyokuro, also known as "pearl dew" or "jade dew" in Japan, is a type of green tea cultivated in Shizuoka Prefecture. Unlike most tea leaves that undergo grinding, Gyokuro tea leaves are shielded from sunlight for around 20 days before they are harvested. This unique cultivation process contributes to its distinct characteristics.
Gyokuro tea is highly regarded for its taste and sweet, robust aroma. This tea is known for its potential benefits in cancer prevention and dental health. Gyokuro tea is generally considered expensive. It is priced at around $650 per kilogram.
Gorreana – Broken Leaf Black Tea
Gorreana – broken leaf black tea uses specific leaves from the Camellia Sinensis Assamica plants grown in the Assam district of India. The broken leaf variant is specifically plucked from the third leaf on the tea plant branch. It has a light copper color with a fruity aroma. These tea plants grow best in subtropical forests.
Gorreana – broken leaf tea has a low caffeine content. This is ideal for blends with other infusions. It is best consumed during or after dinner. This tea is priced at $450 per kilogram.
Conclusion
Not only are the aforementioned teas most expensive in the world, but they are rare too. Therefore, those who have had the opportunity to taste them must be fortunate. Additionally, numerous studies have indicated that various types of tea can enhance the immune system and combat inflammation.
Tea has been a beloved beverage since its discovery and has evolved into hundreds of different varieties worldwide. Nowadays, there is no specific time designated for enjoying a cup of tea; it can be savored in the morning or after dinner. Furthermore, a cup of tea has the potential to foster and strengthen relationships, serving as a symbolic bridge.
