One of China's "Famous Teas", recognized as exceptional in quality in centuries past and widely enjoyed for its quality today. Little Melon Seed, "Lu An Guapian", is unusual for its leaf coloration as it shows deep green almost blue colors. The leaves evidence the richness of the cultivar and the farm's nurturing soils. Little Melon is a full bodied yellow tea.
Lot Notes. Little Melon Seed is so named as its opened leaf is shaped like a small melon seed. One will note the fine serration along the leaf’s edge. Offers an abundantly rich, green-yellow cup color. Lot is full-bodied and refreshing.
Tea Facts. It was grown in the Huang Shan Mountains (The Yellow Mountains) of Anhui Province and was harvested April 2024. The farm is terraced, steep, and surrounded with fresh water springs and bamboo forests. Being a yellow tea means it receives an extra step or "steam" in processing before the leaves are fired to stop oxidization.
Tasting Notes. Taste is full bodied, a tea for those who enjoy a full-bodied "green" tea flavor. It offers a bit of a "bite" exemplifying the strength of the cultivar. Yet it is undeniably sweet and "round" in the mouth, with a finish that makes for an exquisite cup of tea.
Brewing Suggestions. Use a level teaspoon or 2.5 grams for 6-8 ounces of water at a temperature of 195-205 degrees F. Steep the leaves for two minutes. This tea can be strong, so experiment to find where it meets your taste preference. It will steep multiple times.
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Beautiful afternoon tea.
Overall, as wonderful tea (as the description states). At a low temperature steep, after a wash, the first pot was still a little dry for my taste. The second pot was a sweet mellow tea and well worth the price.
Yellow tea varietals offer a round mouth feel. Naturally sweet & clean.