"Xue Long" is handmade in a wok to silky, soft sweet notes. A comparatively rare spring harvest tea widely enjoyed in Fujian Province, the leaves are large and have a distinct light yellow-green coloration. Classed as a green tea, it is made using the famous Da Bai white cultivar of Fuding County. The "snow" portion of its name is drawn from the fine hairs that cover the leaves and appear white.
Lot Notes. Lot is single origin and grown on a small farm. Lots come out early in the harvest, once plucked and withered, Snow Dragon is wok-fired at a comparatively low temperature. Taste is subtle and lush once one comes to know its flavors.
Tea Facts. The leaves are lightly pan-fired stopping their enzymatic oxidation thus categorizing the tea as green. The very best lots are plucked by mid-March into early April. This tea is not widely sold outside China but we believe it well represents the diversity of green tea offerings from the southeastern area of the country.
Tasting Notes. Snow Dragon cups to a clear, light green-yellow color. Taste is admittedly light & clean; softly sweet vegetative notes reflect its high mountain origination. A hint of "puckering" at the finish is characteristic.
Brewing Suggestions. Use 3 grams (one tablespoon) per 6-8 ounces of water with water at 185-195 degrees F. Steep for 2 minutes and taste. If more flavor is desired, go longer with the steep.
SKU: G-SD-6
Green Tea
Add 30 seconds for each successive steep — flavors evolve.
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.