The King of Green Tea
Tai Ping Hou Kui is a legendary Chinese green tea, honored as one of China’s most prestigious teas and famously crowned with the Gold Medal at the 1915 Panama Pacific World Expo. Its impressive reputation has earned it the title “King of Green Tea”.
What makes Hou Kui truly unique is its striking appearance and distinctive craftsmanship. Made from the local Shi Da Ye cultivar 柿大叶, “Persimmon Big Leaf”, this tea boasts the largest leaves among all Chinese green teas, often 5–7 cm long, with some exceeding the length of a finger. Harvested between mid-April and mid-May, later than most green teas, the leaves are hand-picked with great care from the renowned Hou Gang village in Xinming, within the core Huang Shan production region.
Unlike typical green teas that are pan-fired, Hou Kui is gently baked two to three times at low temperatures. The traditional method involves flattening the leaves with a hand-pressed mesh, leaving behind a subtle imprint, a mark of authenticity and quality. Most commercial versions on the market today are machine-made with overly green or sheer leaves, often sourced outside the Huang Shan region, and lack the elegance of true Hou Kui.
The result of this traditional craftsmanship is a beautifully aromatic tea with long, flat leaves neatly arranged in the package to preserve their shape. When brewed in a tall glass, the leaves stand and unfurl gracefully, a stunning visual display. The liquor releases a strong orchid fragrance, complemented by fresh vegetal notes and a smooth, lingering sweetness.
Tai Ping Hou Kui is remarkably forgiving and easy to brew, with no bitterness even after long steeping. It can be re-steeped up to four times, making it a delightful experience from start to finish—both for the eyes and the palate.
