Description
Qing Xin Gan Zi (青心柑仔) is a top grade early spring white tea from Taiwan. Made from the Qing Xin (青心), or Green Heart cultivar that is normally reserved for oolong teas, it produces a sweet and floral liquor with a clean finish. Qing Xin Gan Zi White tea is grown to organic standards around Mingjian Township of Nantou County by Mr Yu and was hand picked from the fine early spring leaves in February 2021.
The Qing Xin Gan Zi name actually refers to the varietal used for this green tea. It is a sub-varietal of the widespread and popular Qing Xin cultivar known for a particularly floral character. The Gan Zi sub-varietal is extensively used for high grade Oriental Beauty Oolong teas due to large amount of buds that these plants tend to produce. This results in finer and more characterful profiles and translates extremely well to this fine, particularly sweetly floral, Taiwanese white tea.
While Qing Xin cultivars are a popular choice for fine floral teas from Taiwan, these plants are not as popular with the farmers. It is generally thought that this particular cultivar naturally evolved and developed over time from ancestor plants from Fujian. Unlike the many scientifically selected and developed cultivars from Taiwan that are hardier, more resistant and featuring increased output, the Qing Xin cultivar does not have such characteristics. As such, the farmers are unable to produce as much tea from these plants, leading to higher prices. However the unique character of this cultivar makes the challenge all the more worthwhile for the farmers!
This Qing Xin Gan Zi white tea has a very bright and clear liquor with a light yellow-green colour. The captivating aroma is floral and fresh. It produces a light cup that nevertheless delivers nicely balanced and complex flavours. The floral profile has sweet and creamy notes of fruits and hops. The clean and lasting aftertaste delivers a tangy finish. This is not a typical white tea and makes an interesting comparison to our richer and bolder Taiwanese Red Jade White tea.
It is best brewed at 80°C for 2-3 minutes according to your taste and should be brewed multiple times, increasing steeping time with each brew if desired.
This Qing Xin Gan Zi white tea was first featured in our April 2021 Curious Tea Subscription Boxes.