Award-Winning Artisan Lu An Gua Pian Green Tea Sunflower Seeds

 A Tribute Tea of Distinction and Excellence

Liu An Gua Pian is one of China’s top ten famous teas and has a legacy as a tribute tea enjoyed by emperors for centuries. Named after its origin in Lu An, Anhui Province, this remarkable green tea stands apart with its distinctive production process and exceptional flavor. 

Unlike most green teas that use buds and tender young leaves, Liu An Gua Pian is crafted solely from mature single leaves. The leaves, resembling sunflower seeds—hence the name "Gua Pian"—undergo a labor-intensive, traditional baking method. Roasted in large bamboo baskets over open charcoal fires, this sophisticated technique requires exceptional skill and dedication. The result is a tea with deeper complexity and a much longer shelf life than typical green teas. 

While machine roasting has become common to reduce costs and broaden accessibility, it simply cannot replicate the nuance and character achieved by traditional hand-roasting. Our Liu An Gua Pian is sourced from the same artisan producer since Victoria’s visit to the region in 2016—the same year this tea earned 3rd place in the prestigious North American Tea Championship (Green Tea category). Qitou mountain, in Jinzai county is the core producing region of this famous tea, 

Expect an intense orchid aroma, a rich and layered flavor, a smooth creamy body, hint of sweet chestnut, peas, cantaloupe, and a light vegetal sweetness with no bitterness. This tea is a joy to savor over multiple infusions, sustaining up to four steepings. 

For more info about this tea and its production process, please read Victoria's blog The Difficult Art of Roasting Lu An Gua Pian Green Tea. Also her tea sourcing trip blog here.  

Additional Info

Origin:                        Qitou, Jinzai county, Lu An prefecture, Anhui province
Picking standard:       Mature leaves
Elevation:                    800 meters
Harvest Time:             April 10, 2025
Caffeine level:             Moderate

Tasting Profile

Hint of sweet chestnut, peas, and asparagus, with a buttery sweet finish, even after several steepings.