Xin Yang Mao Jian

Xin Yang Mao Jian is a famous Chinese green tea from Xinyang in Henan Province. Mao Jian, or ‘fur tips’, refers to the furry appearance of young tea leaves. The light green liquor has a grassy and nutty aroma with thick vegetal, juicy and sweet yet savoury flavours.

Brewing guide: 2.5g in 250ml water at 80°C for 2-3 minutes

£4.00£14.00

(10-50g)

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Origin:Xinyang, Henan Province, China
Elevation:Qin Ling Mountains, 800m
Cultivar:Qin Ling Qunti Native Cultivar (秦岭群体种)
Harvest time:April 2021
Sourcing:Specialist Chinese Wholesaler

Description

Xin Yang Mao Jian (信阳毛尖) is a truly superb green tea from Xinyang in Henan Province of China. This famous green tea has a history spanning over 2,300 years and is listed as one of the top 10 famous Chinese teas. It was harvested from tender young leaves in the middle of April 2021. Tea plucked at this time is referred to as ‘Yu Qian’ tea, which falls between April 5 and April 20, just before the Grain Rain Festival (Gu Yu, 穀雨).

The name ‘Mao Jian’ translates as ‘fur tips’ and it refers to the appearance of the young tea leaves when they are plucked – they are covered with tiny ‘hairs’ or ‘fur’. This rare tea is very time and labour consuming to produce, as approximately 50,000 buds need to be plucked to make only 500 grams of finished tea. After plucking, the leaves of this Xin Yang Mao Jian green tea are rolled and pan fried, resulting in compact needle-like dry leaves.

The dry leaves of this Xin Yang Mao Jian green tea have a lovely grassy and fruity scent. When brewed the liquor is light green in colour with a vegetal and nutty aroma. The taste is quite complex but balanced. The liquor has a thick and juicy profile with fresh vegetal, grassy and slightly fruity notes. The initial taste has top sweet notes followed by a deep and long lasting umami aftertaste that is somewhat savoury. Xin Yang Mao Jian produces a complex and satisfying cup of tea that is very refreshing on the palate.

We suggest brewing at 80°C for 2-3 minutes according to your taste. It can be brewed around 3 times depending on your preference.

This Xin Yang Mao Jian green tea was first featured in our June 2017 Curious Tea Subscription Boxes.