HUANG SHAN MAO FENG | 2023 VERY EARLY PLUCK

These beautiful leaves are the very first pluck of the 2023 season!  Released on April 5th in Vancouver, it is an absolute pleasure to drink this tea.

Experience:  steamed bamboo shoots, chestnuts, wild flowers

Harvest:  March 23, 2023 

Micro Region:  She County, Huang Shan, Anhui (29.7°N   117.6°E)

Farming / Production Supervisor:  Wang Qiangsong

Cultivar:  heirloom Huang Shan Da Ye

HUANG SHAN MAO FENG 黄山毛峰 

Huang Shan (黄山), literally translated as Yellow Mountain, is often referred to as the most famous and culturally important mountain range in China. According to legend, it is in this mountain that Shen Nong (yup… the guy who ‘discovered’ tea) ascended to heaven from 黄山. It is, nowadays, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a most important origin for tea.

Heavily influenced by Confucianism, Chinese scholars often produce lists: the top 10 mountains, the best water for tea, and (of course) the most important teas in China. I haven’t seen a single one of those lists that does not feature Huang Shan among the mountains and Mao Feng among the teas.

Handcrafting:
Mao Feng is a pan-fired green tea, quite different from the steamed teas that are popular in Japan. After firing, the tea is very lightly rolled and dried. Because of this, as you brew the tea, the leaves will open and strongly resemble freshly picked, LIVE leaves.

Brewing Suggestions:  we highly recommend enjoying this tea like most people do north of the Yangtze River, with the technique often called 'grandpa style'.  For this tea, we recommend:

- Add 50ml of water at 80ºC to 4g of tea leaves.  Swirl gently, allowing the leaves to hydrate over 45" - 60".  This is a very good moment to appreciate the aroma of the leaves.

- Add another 150ml of water, also at 80ºC.  Patiently wait another 60" - 90" and sip.

- After drinking ~70% of your glass, refill the cup with water at 85ºC - 90ºC.

You may enjoy chewing on a few tea leaves as you sip!