Golden Flowers Science: Gut Health Benefits of Fu Brick Tea

Why Hunan Dark Tea Stands Out

In the landscape of Chinese tea, Hunan Dark Tea—an iconic Chinese dark tea—stands out as a unique “drink for human health in the 21st century.” Unlike other teas sought solely for flavor, this fermented tea— specifically Fu Brick Tea (also called Fuzhuan tea, Jin Hua tea, or golden flower tea)—is prized for a microscopic golden miracle known as the “Golden Flowers” (Jin Hua).

As a naturally fermented tea appreciated by many as a gut-friendly tea and a tea for digestion, Fu Brick Tea is celebrated for both tradition and science. According to Academician Liu Zhonghua, a leading authority on tea science, Fu Brick Tea is considered the “soul” of dark tea. But what makes these golden blooms the “origin of health”? Let’s explore the science behind this probiotic wonder.

The “Golden Flower” Phenomenon

The “Golden Flowers” are flourishing colonies of a beneficial probiotic fungus known as Eurotium cristatum (冠突散囊菌), sometimes referred to as the golden flower fungus, a remarkable probiotic fungus in tea.

These golden specks are not accidental; they are cultivated through a specialized state-patented process known as the Fahua process (“Fahua” or “Flowering”). To create a premium brick, the tea must undergo fermentation in a controlled environment with specific temperatures 25–28°C and stable humidity for 10–15 days. This allows the probiotics to bloom throughout the tea leaves.

In premium grades, the concentration of beneficial fungi can exceed 200,000 CFU per gram, a hallmark of classic Anhua dark tea golden-flower craftsmanship.

The Science: Gut Health & Metabolic Balance

Research led by Academician Liu Zhonghua has aimed to “make tea as effective as medicine, and medicine as delicious as tea.” His findings highlight three major health mechanisms of Fu Brick Tea:

1. Gut Flora Regulation

The microorganisms in the tea may help improve the intestinal flora population, supporting gastrointestinal function and digestion—making it a popular tea for bloating and digestion among some drinkers.

2. Metabolic Restoration (The “Three Highs”)

Fu Brick Tea is often discussed for its relationship to the body’s metabolic balance involving blood glucose, blood lipids, and uric acid. This remains an active area of research and should be viewed as supportive rather than therapeutic.

3. Immunity & Vitality

Regular consumption is traditionally associated with supporting vitality. Additionally, this tea is often viewed as a dietary complement, providing vitamins and minerals that may be less emphasized in high-fat, meat-heavy diets.

A Unique Sensory Experience

The fermentation process does more than just add probiotics; it transforms the tea’s character. A high-quality Fu Brick with Golden Flowers offers a distinct “Fungal Flower Aroma” (Junhua Xiang).

When brewed, the soup color is bright orange-yellow or orange-red. The taste is mellow, thick, and sweet, lacking the bitterness of raw leaves. It is a tea that warms the stomach and offers a lingering “rhyme” or aftertaste that tea lovers cherish.

Experience the Heritage of Hui He Tang (Since 1879)

At Cha Zhi Ji, we are proud to collaborate with Hui He Tang, a time-honored brand established in 1879. By combining centuries of traditional craftsmanship with modern “lossless fermentation” technology, we bring you Dark Tea that is clean, potent, and rich in history—an enduring expression of dark tea benefits.

Try Fu Brick Tea with Golden Flowers

If you’d like to experience authentic Golden Flowers for yourself, here are two curated options from Cha Zhi Ji—one classic brick for aging, and one convenient pearl format for daily brewing.

Q&A

What are the “Golden Flowers” in Fu Brick Tea?

The “Golden Flowers” are flourishing colonies of a beneficial probiotic fungus called Eurotium cristatum that are intentionally cultivated in Fu Brick Tea. Through a state-patented Fahua process—fermenting the tea in carefully controlled temperature (25–28°C) and humidity for 10–15 days—these probiotics bloom throughout the tea. Premium grades can exceed 200,000 CFU per gram, contributing both to its health-associated properties and distinctive character. In other words, if you’ve wondered, “what are the golden specks in dark tea?”—they are these Golden Flowers.

How is Fu Brick Tea linked to gut health and metabolic balance?

Research led by Academician Liu Zhonghua associates Fu Brick Tea with three key mechanisms: regulating gut flora to support gastrointestinal function and digestion; helping restore metabolic balance for the “three highs” (blood glucose, blood lipids, and uric acid); and supporting immunity and vitality. It also complements modern, meat-heavy diets by supplying additional vitamins and minerals. Many tea drinkers see it as a tea for gut microbiome support.

What makes the flavor and aroma of Fu Brick Tea unique?

Fermentation with Golden Flowers transforms the tea’s sensory profile. A high-quality Fu Brick exhibits a distinct “fungal flower aroma” (Junhua Xiang), a bright orange-yellow to orange-red liquor, and a mellow, thick, sweet taste without the bitterness of raw leaves. It’s known as a warming, comforting tea with a lingering aftertaste (“rhyme”) prized by enthusiasts.

Does tea have probiotics?

Many teas do not, but Fu Brick Tea is a fermented tea intentionally cultivated with Eurotium cristatum, so it’s often described as a naturally probiotic tea.

Is mold on tea bricks safe?

In the context of Fu Brick Tea, the intentionally cultivated Golden Flowers are considered a beneficial fungus specific to this tea style. Only purchase clean, properly produced tea from reputable makers to ensure safety and quality.

What sets Cha Zhi Ji’s Fu Brick offerings apart?

Cha Zhi Ji partners with Hui He Tang (est. 1879), combining traditional craftsmanship with modern “lossless fermentation” to produce clean, potent dark tea. The lineup includes a Fu Brick with lush Golden Flowers—ideal for daily enjoyment and long-term aging—and Gao Ma Ming Zhu Jin Hua Hei Cha pearls, hand-crafted from Gao Ma Er Xi raw materials and wrapped in gold foil for the same Golden Flower character in a portable format.

How can I recognize a high-quality Fu Brick with Golden Flowers?

Look for abundant, visible Golden Flowers distributed through the tea, a pure “fungal flower” aroma, and a bright orange-yellow to orange-red brew. Premium examples are produced via precise Fahua fermentation and can achieve high viable counts of Eurotium cristatum, reflecting careful control of temperature, humidity, and time.

How to brew golden flower tea?

Rinse briefly with hot water, then infuse at 95–100°C for 10–20 seconds to start, adjusting to taste across multiple steeps. A higher leaf-to-water ratio accentuates the mellow sweetness and aroma.

Can Fu Brick be a weight loss tea probiotic or a natural remedy for high cholesterol?

Some tea drinkers explore Fu Brick in these contexts, but individual results vary and a balanced diet and lifestyle remain essential. Ongoing research continues to explore Eurotium cristatum within a broader dietary pattern.

Is Fu Brick Tea the same as Fuzhuan tea?

Yes. Fu Brick Tea is a type of Fuzhuan tea from Anhua County, often referred to as Jin Hua tea due to its Golden Flowers.