Chinese Tea Green Lu Shan Yun Wu "Cloud and Mist" 50gram

This is one of China's finest green teas. Crafted with skills that are becoming increasingly rare in the traditional tea world, this cultivar offers highly aromatic leaves and a taste that is complex and rich in vegetal flavors & melon and hints of anise. Grown in Fujian Province and known as "Mei Lan Chun", it is made with the slow-growing "Mei Zhan" varietal. It's growth is nurtured by the clouds and mist that shroud the mountains (an environment the Chinese refer to as "yun-wu" - a perfect place to grow tea). This combination of elevation, soil, clouds and spring rain, then warming temperatures and mists followed by cooling air and colder nighttime temperatures produces this compact and very aromatic leaf. The processing of the raw leaf is tricky and slow, requiring skill and patience as its production requires a deft touch to maintain and bring out the rare flavors the leaves offer. As a result, fewer farmers are making this tea and it is becoming increasingly rare with supply never quite equal to demand.
Tasting notes. The liquor is pale straw, while the cup boasts flavors of anise, cinnamon, and other warm spices. Balanced with a perfect sweetness, the flavor is uplifting, full and balanced, leaving a wonderful lingering finish on the palate. Note, the leaves produce a high concentration of chlorophyll and nutrients which result in its rich savory flavor.

Brewing suggestions. This tea is strong, use 3 grams for 8-12 ounces of water at a temperature of 185-195 degrees F. This tea offers a very pleasing round taste at these temperatures. Steeped at higher temperatures, the leaves will release more flavor quickly and provide a deeper cup taste. At 2 minutes, there is a wonderful blend of flavors and notes. Longer steep times begin to "crowd" the notes and some of the cultivars subtle notes are lost. Drain all water from the leaves after steeping and you will have multiple steeps.