Da Hong Pao
Da Hong Pao is one of the most expensive teas globally, with a price that can reach up to $1.2 million per kilogram. The high price is explained by the fact that only a few hundred grams of this oolong are harvested each year. Da Hong Pao is grown on the slopes of the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian Province, China, where cultivation began several centuries ago. The most valuable leaves are collected from the so-called "mother trees," which are over 350 years old. The tea stands out for its rich, multifaceted taste with notes of fruits, flowers, and a slight smoky hint.
Panda Tea
Panda Tea is one of the most exotic and expensive teas in the world, with its price today reaching up to $70,000 per kilogram. This tea is cultivated in China's Sichuan Province, and its uniqueness lies in the method of fertilization. The plants are nourished using panda excrement. Pandas eat only bamboo, which gives the tea special properties. The tea has a subtle yet rich flavor with light woody and herbal notes, and it is packed with valuable micronutrients and antioxidants that help strengthen the immune system and slow the aging process.
Pu-erh
Pu-erh is one of the most well-known and respected Chinese teas. It is famous for its unique production method: the leaves undergo fermentation and long aging, which can last for decades. The older the Pu-erh, the more valuable and expensive it becomes, with some leaves costing up to $10,000 per kilogram. Pu-erh has a deep, layered flavor with earthy, woody, and spicy notes. It is also famous for its health benefits, particularly for improving digestion and lowering cholesterol levels.
Tieguanyin
Tieguanyin is one of the most famous oolong teas, with its price reaching up to $3,000 per kilogram. This tea is grown in Fujian Province, China. It is named in honor of the goddess Guanyin, who, according to legend, blessed this tea. Tieguanyin has a complex and delicate flavor that combines light floral notes with a smooth creamy aftertaste, and it is also known for its health benefits. This tea boosts energy and strengthens the immune system.
Gyokuro
Gyokuro is one of the most prestigious varieties of Japanese green tea, with a price reaching up to $650 per kilogram. It is grown in shaded gardens, which is a key factor in its unique taste and aroma. A few weeks before harvest, the Gyokuro leaves are completely covered from the sun, which slows their growth and leads to the accumulation of amino acids, giving the tea a sweet taste with grassy notes and a delicate aroma. Gyokuro is also famous for its beneficial properties. It is rich in antioxidants, which help slow down aging and support heart health.