Lu An Melon Seed Tea

Taste: Lu An Melon Seed tea is a richly elegant tea.

The fragrance is light and spicy, while the liquor is almost nectar sweet.

Yet the richness is not overpowering and the smoothness lasts from start to finish.

Appearance:

The leaf color varies from jade to bright green.

All stems and buds are removed and the large second tea leaf is shaped into a flat, oval melon seed or large sunflower seed shape.

The liquor in the cup is a medium yellow.

Special Occasions:

Lu'an Melon Seed tea is the perfect green tea selection for your elegant Afternoon Tea.

Serving Suggestions:

This Chinese green tea works with all the sweets, savories, and sandwiches that are served with Afternoon Tea.

It is also good with most cheeses, fresh fruit and avocado, seafood and smoked fish, prosciutto, chicken and turkey, mushroom or egg dishes, and strong flavorings like basil, ginger, mint, and vanilla.

Choose this tea to serve with simple fruit desserts, caramels, creme brulee, pecan pie, and even dark chocolate.

Preparation:

Use up to one tablespoon per cup and steep for three minutes. Keep the water below the below the boil, but just after the steam (170-180F). It is good for several infusions.

History:

Lu'an Melon Seed tea is one of China's 10 Famous teas.

This handcrafted gourmet variety has won prizes for centuries.

During the Ming dynasty, it was recommended as a remedy to relieve summer heat, quench the thirst, and help digestion.

Processing:

Tea leaves from the Lu'an region in the Dabie mountains of Anhui province is are hand plucked.

The larger second leaf is selected and the central vein is cut out. The leaf is pan-fired over low heat.

During this processing, each leaf is hand shaped into a melon seed or large oval sunflower seed shape.

Grades:

Some areas like Jinzhai or Huoshan claim higher quality Lu An melon seed tea.

The most famous is produced at Bianfu Dong (Bat Cave) on Mt. Qiyun.

The hallmark of a good quality is the elegant taste of rich nectar and a well-shaped leaf that holds the melon seed shape until brewing.

Origin:

Lu'an region, Dabie mountains, Anhui province, China

Other Names:

Luan Melon Slice

Liu-an Guapian

Emerald Petals