One of the top ten most famous Chinese teas, it became world famous when it won the gold prize for teas at the Panama World Expo in 1915. It also won the King of Green Teas at the China International Tea Expo in 2004. It is one of the country’s most prestigious teas and has been used as a national gift tea for several visiting heads of state. Like many other Chinese teas, it is named after its place of origin, the core producing area of Tai Ping district (formerly Tai Ping county), on the north side of Yellow Mountain city, Anhai province, China.

Taiping Hou Kui has the largest sized leaf among all green teas. The picking window is very short, usually around Guyu festival, from mid-April to the end of April. The process of making this tea is very delicate and labor intensive, very unique unlike any other green tea.

Nowadays, it is difficult to find authentic handmade Taiping Houkui in the core producing area. Most Hou Kui is machine made with sheer leaves.

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Highlights

This is one of the top ten most renowned Chinese teas since it won a gold medal for teas at the Panama World Expo in 1915. It has incredibly long, flat leaves, which are pointed at the top and the end. This tea is traditionally handmade top grade tea, in its appearance, its process, and its character, and known for its aromatic orchid fragrance and vegital sweet taste. The dry leaves is neatly arranged in the package to keep the beautiful long flat leaves intact.

Additional Info

Origin: Taiping district, Yellow Mountain city, Anhui province, China

Picking standard: One bud, two to three leaves

Harvest Time: April, 2017

Caffeine level: Medium

Packaging: This tea is hand arranged neatly to prevent any of the long beautiful tea leaves from being broken.

Tasting Profile

This tea provides its aromatic orchid fragrance, not overly bold but like a fragrant breeze in a deep valley. It is a little vegital with sweet finish. No bitterness.

Steeping Guide

185^oF, 4 grams (3 tbsp) for 6 oz of spring/filtered water, adjust to taste, 1 minute, 5 steepings. We advise against the use of tap water as well as purified water. This tea is large and bulky so it is somewhat difficult to measure by tablespoon. We recommend to weigh on a gram scale for best results.

We also recommend to brew the tea in a tall clear glass in order to observe the amazing leaves opening and dancing in the glass, creating an astonishing view. At first steeping, be sure to enjoy the signature aromatic orchid fragrance. At second brewing, enjoy the full bodied mellow taste. For consequent steepings, the delicate fragrance still remains as does an enjoyable taste.

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