Tea Spotlight: Award Winning Lu An Gua Pian Chinese Green Tea

We are proud to announce that our Liu An Gua Pian (“Sunflower Seeds”) Green Tea is a winner in the 2016 North American Tea Championship!!! 

What makes our Liu An Gua Pian special?

We like to think that a big part of it is that it is an artisanal, hand-crafted tea produced by a painstakingly meticulous process. The green tea leaves are not only withered, but heated in a wok twice, during which the artisans stir it with a straw broom and give the leaves their characteristic, recognizable shape. They then bake the green tea leaves over a charcoal fire in a barrel-shaped bamboo basket.

When the tea leaves are sufficiently dry, the artisans proceed with the final step: walking the tea leaves over the charcoal fire for a few seconds and then letting them cool. They will repeat this process over hundred times or longer, waiting for the tea leaves to dry out almost completely. 

What I love about this tea is the depth in color of the green tea leaves. For example, when I meditate on the dry leaves, I feel as though I find myself walking on a twisting path through a forest riddled with lush, green ferns. And when I steep these leaves, even more magic happens; for as the tea leaves grow and expand in the water, it is as if the path has given way to a rich, exotic tropical rain forest.

I also find that the meditative imagery evoked by the observation of the tea leaves carries over into the cup as well. The resulting green liquor looks as though the rain from such an enchanted place has dripped right off of the tree leaves and into your cup!

Fortunately, we believe the taste proves equally energizing and refreshing too! 

The first thing one will note is a crisp and stimulating orchid-like aroma accompanied by a complex taste that results from the charcoal firing processes involved in producing the tea. The aftertaste of this tea in particular is quite delightful, lingering on the palate with a subtle but sweet finish.

It’s no coincidence that the tasters at the tea competition noted not only the attractive color of the tea liquor, but they were also elated with the texture and mouthfeel of our green tea. These qualities helped this amazing tea secure third place in the 2016 Spring Hot Tea Competition, specifically in a category noted for its many entrants.

With so much work and love devoted to hand-crafting this wonderful tea, it’s no wonder that it is receiving professional attention!

And we’re excited to offer this same amazing green tea to our customers!