PRESTO XIAO HONG PAO, oolong tea

PRESTO Xiao Hong Pao – Oolong Tea

Xiao Hong Pao (translated from Chinese as “Little Red Robe”) is considered the “younger sister” of the famous Chinese tea Da Hong Pao. The story of Da Hong Pao is surrounded by legends – it is said that this tea cured an emperor or his mother from a serious illness. In gratitude, the emperor ordered the tea bushes to be covered with his red robe as a symbol of imperial protection. This is how the name “Big Red Robe” was born.

In the Wuyi Mountains, four original tea bushes dating back to the Song Dynasty (10th–13th century) are still preserved today. Tea harvested from these bushes is extremely rare and highly valuable. As demand grew, cultivated clones were developed, allowing tea lovers to enjoy similar characteristics in a more accessible form.

Traditionally, Wuyi Mountain oolong teas are slowly oxidized and carefully dried over low, open charcoal heat. Da Hong Pao is known for its intense aroma and bold flavor, which may not suit everyone. Xiao Hong Pao offers a gentler and more elegant interpretation – lighter in aroma, more harmonious in taste, and appealing to both green and black tea enthusiasts, while still preserving the distinctive character of Wuyi oolong teas.

Preparation

• Use 12 g (6 teaspoons) of tea leaves per 1 liter of water.
• Pour freshly boiled water cooled to approximately 90 °C over the leaves.
• Steep for 2–3 minutes.
• The leaves can be infused multiple times, shortening the steeping time with each infusion to discover new flavor notes.

Storage Conditions

To preserve the tea’s natural flavor and aroma, store it in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place, away from products with strong odors.