Yunnan, known as the birthplace of tea, is a province in southwestern China that borders Vietnam, Burma, and Laos. Yunnan translates literally to "south of the clouds". Its diverse landscape offers everything from tropical rainforests to mountainous terrain and is home to a wide variety of plant species. The Yunnan region focuses heavily on agricultural production.

Yunnan teas are particularly delightful as breakfast or early afternoon teas.

Yunnan leaves are most distinctive in appearance, with their fat buds and thick leaves. The black, golden, tippy leaves of this Imperial Yunnan Black tea brew to a lovely amber cup, with a rich, full-body and a slightly spicy aftertaste.

Brew tea at 212º - steep for 3 minutes.

Tea Salad Dressing
Recipe from Cooking with Tea by Robert Wemischner and Diana Rosen

1 cup apple juice
1 Tbsp. China Yunnan black tea leaves
1 tsp. Dijon-style mustard
½ cup Buttermilk
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Bring the apple juice to a boil. Add the tea leaves and let steep for about 5 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh sieve and place in a bowl. Cool. Blend the mustard and buttermilk, and then gradually add the cooled apple juice-infused tea. Add salt and pepper to taste.