Anhui Liu An Gua Pian roasted green tea

One of China's "famous teas", recognized as exceptional in quality by emperors in centuries past, Little Melon Seed, "Lu An Guapian", is an exceptional yellow tea. It is unusual for its leaf coloration as it shows deep green almost blue colors. The leaves evidence the richness of the varietal and the farm's nurturing soils. This is a yellow tea with a good deal of cup strength.

Why we selected this lot. Little Melon Seed is so named as its opened leaf is shaped like a small melon seed. One will also note the fine serration along the leaf’s edge. It is abundantly rich in cup color and its flavor is convincing for anyone who enjoys naturally sweet China varietals. Cup has body, flavor and rich aromas. Lot # 8.

Interesting facts about this tea. It was grown in the Huang Shan Mountains (The Yellow Mountains) of Anhui Province and was harvested in April 2018. The area is steeply sloped and replete with fresh water springs and bamboo forests. Being a yellow tea means it receives an extra step or "steam" in processing before the leaves are fired. The result is a tea that cups to a clear, light-yellow with hint of green cup color.

Brewing Guide:

Use up to one tablespoon (3 grams) per cup and steep for three minutes. Keep the water below the boil, but just after the steam (170-180F). It is good for several infusions. This Chinese green tea works with all the sweets, savories, and sandwiches that are served with Afternoon Tea.It is the perfect green tea selection for your elegant Afternoon Tea.

Why does this tea have the shape of a melon slice? After picking the tea, every leaf is selected by shape and all twigs and roughness are removed. Afterwards, all the leaves of the same size are baked, which gives them the remarkable shape.

There are many different kinds of green tea, but this tea is one of a kind and definitely worth trying. It's not coincidence that you can find this tea on the list of China's most famous teas.