Top 12 Most Expensive Tea Types In The World in 2024: Da-Hong Pao vs Tieguanyin

Tea is considered to be one of the oldest beverages in the world. There’s hardly any place on the planet where tea is not served. Throughout the ages various types of teas were used as vital elements of celebrations, ceremonial drinks or even life enhancers. There are also at least several crucial points in history that were directly related to tea. For example the First Opium War or the famous Boston Tea Party, which ignited the American Revolutionary War.

There is no denying that tea is a drink that is embedded deeply in many cultures, although history suggests that drinking tea originated from China. Today, there are many brands of teas manufactured and distributed to many tea lovers all over the world, indicating that tea is a positively booming business.

Howver, tea leaves in their raw form can be very expensive and this list ranks the priciest of them all. Check them out.

12. Gao Shan Tea – $150-$250 per kilo

Grown at 4,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level, in the high elevation tea gardens of Taiwan’s mountains, Gao Shan teas are extremely rare. The location and the climate severely limits the cultivation of the tea plans and production of the leaves. Still, people clamor for Gao Shan’s unique taste and aroma and they are more than willing to part ways with their money to have a batch of this seasonal tea.

11. Tienchi Flower Tea – $170 per kilo

While traditional tea leaves are harvested from Camellia sinensis, an evergreen shrub native to Asia, the Tienchi Flower tea is derived from the flowers of Panax notoginseng. Originating from Yunnan Province in China, the Tienchi Flower tea has been used by ancient Chinese to fight insomnia, dizziness, and skin rashes. Even its root is said to have medicinal properties. A kilo of the Tienchi flowers is worth $170 in the market.

10. Silver Tips Imperial Tea – $400 per kilo

This popular variety of tea is widely renowned for its color as well as very special and robust flavor. Cultivated in the heart of the Himalayas around 5,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level, the tea leaves are harvested and sent to the Makaibari Tea Estate, in Darjeeling, India the first tea factory in the world.

9. Gorreana Broken Leaf Black Tea – €405 per kilo

Gorreana boasts of being the oldest and the only remaining tea plantation still operational in Europe. Among their exquisite products is the highly expensive Broken Leaf Black Tea. Broken Leaf teas are made from specific leaves – the third leaf of the tea plant branch. It has a gentle light copper color and bursts with a fruity aroma.

8. Gyokuro Tea – $650 per kilo

While most tea leaves undergo a grinding process, Gyokuro tea leaves do not. Instead, the leaves are shielded from the sun for two weeks prior to harvest. This phase spikes up the amino acid contents of the leaves which gives the tea a sweeter flavor as well as a unique aroma. Gyokuro tea leaves are cultivated in Uji district, Japan and costs $650 per kilo.

7. Poo Poo Pu-Erh Tea – $1,000 per kilo

It is what the name suggests. This particular tea is made from droppings of insects that fed on tea leaves in Taiwan. Farmers have to use tweezers and magnifying glasses to pick the droppings as they are very small. This type of tea is said to have been invented in the 18th century as a gift to the Chinese Emperor Qianlong.

6. Yellow Gold Tea Buds – $3,000 per kilo

The price tag for this kind of tea is not actually surprising, as the leaves are lightly sprayed with 24-carat gold. Although the teas receive its golden color artificially, it is still fit for human consumption. The harvesting process also justifies the price. Farmers cut the leaves from the shrubs using golden shears. Harvesting is only done one day every year, making the yellow golden tea buds extremely rare.

5. Tieguanyin Tea – $3,000 per kilo

This rich oolong tea is named in honor of Guan Yin, a deity in Buddhist religion known as the iron goddess of mercy. The leaves are crisp to the touch and are bright golden in color. It is said that the leaves can be brewed seven times before losing its strong chestnut flavor. In today’s market, a kilo of Tieguanyin Tea leaves is worth $3,000.

4. Vintage Narcissus Wuyi Oolong Tea – $6,500 per kilo

Created more than 500 years ago, this tea was named after the Greek legend of Narcissus, although the leaves are grown and harvested on Mount Wuyi, in Fujian Province in China. A particular box of this tea was exported from China to Singapore and travelled all the way to Hong Kong where it was sold to a Chinese tea collector. A kilo of the Narcissus Wuyi Oolong tea is worth a whopping $6,500 per kilo.

3. Panda Dung Tea – $70,000 per kilo

For those who love exotic drinks and beverages, the Panda Dung Tea may just be a perfect treat to warm their chilly days. Made from the droppings of panda bears who are fed with tea leaves and wild bamboo, it is said that panda dung tea is rich in nutrients.

2. PG Tips Diamond Tea Bag – $15,000 per tea bag

The contents of the bag consist of Silver Tips Imperial Tea, already an expensive type of tea leaves. But what makes this product special is the packaging. Each bag are crafted with 280 pieces of diamonds and are handmade by Boodles jewelers. This particular product was in commemoration of the company’s 75th anniversary.

1. Da-Hong Pao Tea – $1.2 million per kilo

It is hard to imagine that tea leaves can be worth a million bucks or more. But for those who are in the tea business, it is a reality. A kilo of Da-Hong Pao Tea leaves is valued at $1.2 million per kilo. The reason? This type of tea dates back to the Ming Dynasty and has been declared a national treasure by the Chinese government. Usually given as a gift to important individuals such as luminaries, honorable people, and celebrities, the process of making Da-Hong Pao Tea remains a secret tightly guarded by the Chinese.

What are the health benefits of these rare teas?

Many high-end teas come with unique flavors and aromas, but they’re also valued for their potential health benefits. From antioxidant properties to aiding relaxation, these rare teas are more than luxurious beverages—they may contribute to well-being. Here’s a look at some potential health benefits associated with these exclusive teas:

• Antioxidant Properties: Most of these teas, such as Gyokuro Tea and Silver Tips Imperial Tea, are rich in antioxidants. These compounds help combat oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of chronic illnesses by neutralizing free radicals in the body.
• Promoting Relaxation: Teas like Tieguanyin Tea contain theanine, an amino acid known to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. Theanine can improve focus and provide a calming effect without drowsiness, which is ideal for people looking to unwind without losing alertness.
• Anti-inflammatory Benefits: The Tienchi Flower Tea from Panax notoginseng is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine to help with issues like skin rashes and joint discomfort, as well as to promote overall immune health.
• Metabolism and Weight Management: Teas such as Gao Shan Tea may aid metabolism. The high catechin content found in some teas helps boost metabolic rate, potentially aiding in weight management when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
• Supporting Digestive Health: Pu-erh Teas, including the unique Poo Poo Pu-Erh Tea, are often aged, which increases their probiotic content. These probiotics can support gut health, potentially improving digestion and nutrient absorption.
• Enhanced Cognitive Function: The caffeine and theanine content in Da-Hong Pao Tea and other rare teas may enhance cognitive function, including memory, attention, and reaction time. For those who enjoy a mild energy boost without the jitteriness of coffee, these teas can be a valuable alternative.

Key Insights

• Historical Significance: Tea has played a crucial role in history, influencing events such as the First Opium War and the Boston Tea Party, which ignited the American Revolutionary War.
• Cultural Impact: Tea is deeply embedded in many cultures worldwide, with its origins traced back to China.
• Economic Value: The tea industry is booming globally, with numerous brands and varieties catering to tea lovers everywhere.
• Expensive Teas: The article lists some of the world’s priciest teas, highlighting their unique qualities, cultivation methods, and cultural significance.
• Medicinal Properties: Many of these high-end teas, such as Tienchi Flower Tea and Gyokuro Tea, are noted for their medicinal benefits.
• Rare Harvesting Techniques: The rarity and cost of these teas often stem from unique and labor-intensive harvesting processes, such as using golden shears for Yellow Gold Tea Buds or collecting insect droppings for Poo Poo Pu-Erh Tea.

FAQ

1. What is the most expensive tea in the world? The most expensive tea in the world is Da-Hong Pao Tea, valued at $1.2 million per kilo. This tea dates back to the Ming Dynasty and is considered a national treasure by the Chinese government.
2. Why is Da-Hong Pao Tea so expensive? Da-Hong Pao Tea is expensive due to its historical significance, rarity, and the tightly guarded secret of its production process. It is often given as a gift to important individuals.
3. What makes PG Tips Diamond Tea Bag unique? The PG Tips Diamond Tea Bag is unique because it contains Silver Tips Imperial Tea and is packaged in a bag crafted with 280 pieces of diamonds, handmade by Boodles jewelers.
4. Are there any teas made from animal droppings? Yes, there are teas made from animal droppings, such as Panda Dung Tea and Poo Poo Pu-Erh Tea. Panda Dung Tea is made from the droppings of panda bears fed with tea leaves and wild bamboo, while Poo Poo Pu-Erh Tea is made from insect droppings collected from tea leaves.
5. What is the significance of Tieguanyin Tea? Tieguanyin Tea, named in honor of the Buddhist deity Guan Yin, is known for its strong chestnut flavor and bright golden leaves. It can be brewed up to seven times without losing its flavor, making it highly valued.
6. Where is the oldest tea plantation in Europe located? The oldest and only remaining tea plantation in Europe is Gorreana, which produces the highly expensive Broken Leaf Black Tea in the Azores, Portugal.
7. What are the medicinal benefits of Tienchi Flower Tea? Tienchi Flower Tea, derived from the flowers of Panax notoginseng, has been used by ancient Chinese to fight insomnia, dizziness, and skin rashes. The root of the plant also has medicinal properties.
8. How is Yellow Gold Tea Buds harvested? Yellow Gold Tea Buds are harvested using golden shears, and the leaves are lightly sprayed with 24-carat gold. Harvesting occurs only one day each year, contributing to its rarity and high price.

By Jenny Chang

Jenny Chang is a senior writer specializing in SaaS and B2B software solutions. Her decision to focus on these two industries was spurred by their explosive growth in the last decade, much of it she attributes to the emergence of disruptive technologies and the quick adoption by businesses that were quick to recognize their values to their organizations. She has covered all the major developments in SaaS and B2B software solutions, from the introduction of massive ERPs to small business platforms to help startups on their way to success.