This young hyson green tea became highly favored in the 1700s that the British Tea Tax was actually higher for this variety over other teas. Right from the first sale of tea in England in the mid 1600s, the English took a shine to tea. The government quickly realized the possibilities and levied taxes on tea that remained until the late 1700s. With all the associated taxes on tea and young hyson being taxed even higher, there were all sorts of various schemes done to dodge the taxes. Servants in upper class homes would dry the used leaves and resell them. Smuggling China teas into England reached a feverish peak in the mid 1700s and the ports of France and Belgium were used as the 'jump-off' points for night voyages to Cornwall and Wales. The chancellor of the Exchequer and the East India Company were aware of the extent of their losses and realized that only a large tax cut would make legal imports competitive with contraband tea. Thus finally passing the Commutation Act in 1784.
Young Hyson tea was one of the types of tea that was dumped into the Boston Harbor along with Congou and Lapsong Souchong, which we carry both types of tea as well. The term 'young' was added to distinguish that the tea was made from young leaves (new shoots), which produces a better quality and better tasting tea.
So whether you are an reenactor or a tea drinker that enjoys drinking a fine tasting tea with a bit of history, try having some Lucky Dragon Hyson tea. Definitely not the type of tea you find in tea bags, which are the fannings of tea. Check out our etsy shop for other tea selections that have some history behind them or contact us directly. Makes a great gift for that special tea drinker in your life.
CHEERS!
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