Lvbaoshi Green Tea (first grade) 50g

This green tea whose name Lvbaoshi means emerald is produced in the Guizhou region of China. Its name suggests that one of the characteristics of this product is that its leaves are intensely green in colour and therefore very rich in polyphenols, giving the infusion an intense vegetal flavour. In addition to this feature, it can be seen that the leaves have been folded in on themselves during processing. This particular rolled shape helps to preserve the freshness of the product and to better manage the infusion, because once the leaves are fully opened, that may be a good time to take them out of the water.

Regarding the flavour profile of this tea, one can immediately say that it is very complex and develops in a short time in the cup. At first, the tea reveals its vegetal side combined with a body that gives an almost buttery sensation. Next comes a more intense vegetable flavour, first similar to artichokes and then to cut grass with a strong savoury component. Finally, some flashes of fresh notes and wild herbs can be appreciated.

Place of origin

Guizhou, China

Production

This green tea has a very classic manufacturing process which, after an initial withering in the open air, involves cooking the leaves in large woks heated to temperatures of around 180°C to block enzyme activity and prevent oxidation. After these stages the leaves receive their characteristic rolled shape and are left to rest so that they lose some of the residual moisture inside.

How to prepare

We highly recommend infusing this tea in the traditional Chinese method (gong fu cha) to best enjoy these leaves. Following this preparation you can use 4 grams of leaves (about 2 teaspoons) in a gaiwan of about 100 ml to obtain several infusions with different tastes. After a quick rinse of the leaves in water at 80°C, an initial infusion of 15 seconds can be made, after which, keeping the water at the same temperature, multiple infusions can be made, each time increasing the time by 5 seconds (15 – 20 – 25 …).

This tea has a longevity of about 4 infusions.

For a classic preparation according to the Western style, 2 grams of leaves (approx. 1 teaspoon) in a 150 ml cup with water at 80°C for an infusion time of one and a half minutes is recommended.

The tea can be filtered for greater ease at the moment of tasting, and also the infusion times indicated above are intended to be purely indicative, so you can also adjust according to your personal taste.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.