Lu'an Guapian is one of the ten most famous teas in China, making it one of the most appreciated green teas. The name derives from the peculiar shape of the fresh leaves, that resemble small melon seeds - 瓜片 guapian in Chinese.
It is cultivated near the famous Biānfú dòng, Bat Cave, the place of origin of Lu'an Guapian, on Dabie mountain. The young lady who tends to the plants of cultivar Jinyu n.1 is an expert in the pan-frying and charcoal drying processes that contributes to the great body and complexity of this tea, and her family has over 40 years of tea making experience. Lu'an Guapian is composed of only the first and second apical leaves, without any buds: even though this harvest may seem of lower quality, it is actually as precious as an Imperial harvest. In fact, pickers select the leaves with the utmost care, choosing only the older and bigger ones, which give a strong body, and a great complexity. The rolling process is done completely by hand, and the vegetal aroma of this harvest is mouth-filling and unmatched among most green teas. The first brews release a sweet orchid scent and a long-lasting fresh hue of cooked vegetables. The liquor shines of a pure emerald light, that gets stronger and more intense with each new brew.
Born in 1905, the fame of this tea is now widespread all over the world after it was listed in the most famous Chinese teas in the 1915 Panama International Exposition, together with Xihu Longjing, Wuyi Yancha, Qimen tea, Anxi Tieguanyin, to name a few.
Zhou Enlai, who was China's head of Government from 1949 to 1976, was particularly fond of this tea. According to the legend, a fresh cup of Lu'an Guapian was his last dying wish.
Origin: Bianfudong, Qishan village, Mabu town, Jinzhai county, Lu'an city, Dabie Mountain, Anhui province
Altitude: 804 m asl
Producer: Ling family
Flush: April 2025, Spring tea
Storage: the leaves can be stored in their original package or in ceramic vases. Avoid heat, light, and moisture.
Ingredienser: Grøn te
Brewing guide:
EASTERN BREWING
Quantity: 1 gr. of tea every 30 ml of water
Brewing time: Begin with a 30-second brew. Increase with each successive brew as needed.
Water temperature: 75-80°C
Number of brews: 4-5
WESTERN BREWING
Quantity: 1 gr. of tea every 100 ml of water
Brewing time: 2-3 minutes
Water temperature: 75-80°C
COLD BREW
Quantity: 1 gr. of tea every 100 ml of water
Brewing: put the tea leaves in room temperature water and steep for 5-6 hours. Filter the liquor and drink within 24 hours.
