Bama Hong Cha (巴馬紅茶, Bā Mǎ Hóng Chá, "Bama Red Tea") - Bama refers to a famous patch on Nannuo Mountain nourished by a small stream of the same name. The water from the stream is sweet, and white rice planted on its banks grows up red. The tea from near this stream is also known for its sweetness and depth of character. Bama tea was famously gifted to Chairman Mao when he passed through this part of Yunnan. This tea is a shài gān hóng chá 曬乾紅茶 ("sun-dried red tea"), produced from the same large leaf varietal used to make Pu'er. It differs in process from Pu'er and most process of red tea in that it is never cooked. Instead the fresh leaves are rolled and massaged, breaking the cell walls and releasing the enzyme polyphenol oxidase which catalyzes the oxidation of the leaves. The tea leaves are massaged between one and three times over the course of the day and left in the shade to rest in between. By nightfall the green leaves have turned brick red. The oxidation gives the tea its refreshingly light astringency and its deep, sweet woody character. Maintaining the rawness of the leaves gives it notes of stonefruit and melon.
