There is a class of teas harvested early in the spring & processed to local customs of appearance, flavor, and aroma. Typically made in small lots and rarely exported, these teas are often exceptional and offer a window into the great variety of China's tea offerings. Sold locally in tea markets and directly from farms, "fresh teas" are made with cultivars that, in time, have adapted to the local terroir and now have taste characteristics unique to the area. Each year, we are invited to meet with a longstanding supplier, who produces select lots of whites, greens, and blacks in this "fresh" style. This year's lot was harvested mid-April 2024.
Lot Notes. Made using an early spring-pick leaf, it is cut and then curls, finishing with a deep green coloration. Processed by pan-firing, the leaves are highly aromatic. In tasting, we found this tea offered stone-fruit notes at the front and a sweet, lush finish. From our perspective, this lot offers a vibrant green tea taste.
Tea Facts. Empress Green is made using the Mei Zhan cultivar. In time, the cultivar has developed nuanced layers of flavor, preserved and accentuated in the pan-fire processing. The farm operates using organic traditional practices but has no certification. Each year, this green will be made with subtle changes in taste. It well exemplifies the Chinese tea farm model wherein there is wide variation in flavors and aromas from region to region. Farm is at an elevation of approximately 600 meters.
Tasting Notes. The leaves offer an aromatic, sweet aroma, hints of anise. It is more naturally sweet than vegetal in flavor. Steeped, the taste is nuanced, offering light grassy notes and stone fruit. There is a pleasing tension between sweet and astringent underscoring the strength of the cultivar. The tea cups to a clear, light green to gold color.
Brewing Suggestions. As this green tea is strong in flavor, we suggest 3 grams per 7-8 ounces and 4-5 grams for 12 to 16 ounces. Steep 2 minutes and taste. This should yield a balanced cup. Use water at a temperature of 185-205 F. Leaves are strong and will yield multiple steeps!
GREEN TEA
3 grams/1 teaspoon per 6 ounces of water
170° - 195° F
2 Minutes
Full-leaf green teas will open to layered, delicate flavors. The freshly picked leaves are dehydrated to prevent oxidization and preserve their natural green color. Japanese green teas are steamed to preserve their fresh aromas and flavor notes. It is best if green tea is not brewed with boiling water.
Lower temperature water allows the leaves to steep slowly, preserving their natural sweetness. Green teas and yellow teas offer a gentle vegetal aroma. In the mouth, flavors range from spring asparagus and delicate notes of sorrel and raw vegetables to herbaceous and nutty.
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Empress Green
Another lovely green, from Silk Road Teas, that's full of character. This one brews very well Gong Fu style also; is forgiving at boiling temps.. Bright cha chi. Love it though it's a bit expensive but that doesn't affect my rating. 5*'s.
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Empress Green Lu Huanghou
This green delivers all the delights of its varietal. It has a sparkling bright flavor with a subtle and smooth vegetal finish. Its liquor is a lovely sunset yellow. It is a spectacular tea!
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Empress Green
Exceptional in taste. Nice fresh aroma and flavors. Pleasant sweet aroma and slight grassy astringent flavor. Steeped 3 grams in 6 ounces at 185 F for 2 minutes.
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An awesome green tea!
This is one of those exceptional teas that got my attention on the first sip. Brewed hard (for a green) at 190, for 2-3 mins and you get a tea that delivers a LOT of great flavor, and not overly bitter or astringent as you might expect from a green at high temperatures. Can easily go a second steep (at minimum). I was a huge fan of Silk's Wild Green, and this is a great replacement for that.
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Empress Green
Having tried other typical Greens, not quite a Sencha, this seemed a step above the rest of green teas with a unique character. Has almost an green tart apple edge trailing off with a bite, but is a potent leaf, and takes less for a cup. My favorite brew, as of this summer.. is ICED with this, it stands up nicely, and this hot summer has brought on many a days of enjoying this leaf. Is a bit more caffeinated than most, so heads up...!
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LU HUANGHOU
I drink a lot of green tea, and I have to say that this is one of the best I have had in awhile. I can't give you all the technical adverbs that this tea has going for it.....But it is a beautiful tea with a mellowness to it that I really enjoy. At the moment it is in my pot every morning.
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Bright, Flavorful, Mineral qualities
This is a very tasty tea. It had a fullness I enjoy of Chinese Greens of this type, mineral and nuanced flavors, bright feeling with a touch of astringency at the end.