The essence of the mountaintops cascades through a field of Da Hong Pao—rooted on the steepest cliffside, where the precarious is made comfortable. A gentle nudge from the truthful spirit of tartness, followed by nectarous notes of fruit.
Da Hong Pao is one of the most revered and exclusive Chinese teas. This tea has been sold for as much as $1.2 million for a single Kilogram.
Da Hong Pao means "Big Red Robe": It is said that during the Ming Dynasty, the Emperor's mother became sick. A monk gave her Da Hong Pao as a treatment, and it allowed her to recover her health. With great esteem for this tea, the Emperor ordered giant red silks to be made, which would cover and protect the Da Hong Pao plants during the wintertime.
The original six Da Hong Pao mother plants (all at least 600 years old), are still dutifully cared for.