Yellow Tea History:

Yellow tea, or huángchá, originated in China and was historically a rare, tribute tea reserved for the emperor, with its unique production process involving a "sealed yellowing" step after initial drying to achieve its distinctive flavor and mellow, golden-green hue. The process, believed to be a result of accidental over-drying of green tea, became more refined during the Ming Dynasty and reached its peak in the Qing Dynasty, though it remains a delicate and laborious process.

Origins and Evolution

Ancient Roots: Yellow tea is thought to have first emerged during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) in China, according to some accounts. Accidental Creation: One origin story suggests that yellow tea was created by accident when tea leaves intended for green tea were inadvertently left to dry too long, resulting in a new color and flavor profile.