by Janelle Wazorick
June 09, 2020
Not for all the tea in China should you miss out on the varieties of Green Tea China has to offer! The idea of brewing leaves from a particular bush was originally conceived in China thousands of years ago, and in those thousands of years, China has perfected the teas they introduced to the world. But what teas should a beginner try? After all, as the largest producer of tea, there is no shortage of Chinese teas to try. But fear not! Here is A Quick Guide to 5 Chinese Green Teas to start you on your journey through China's tea selection.
Gunpowder Tea
Let's start this off with a bang.
Gunpowder (or Zhu Cha) is one of China's most famous green teas. It's a very ancient tea, dating back to the Tang Dynasty. It is produced in the Zhejian Province on the East Coast of China and is popular worldwide. Resembling gunpowder pellets, Gunpowder Tea is rolled to protect the tea from damage; this maintains its flavor and aroma. Once brewed, it unrolls and releases a mild smoky flavor. While there are many ways to brew it, Gunpowder Tea can be brewed like a typical green tea with 176 degrees Fahrenheit water for about 2 to 3 minutes; preheating the tea vessel before brewing is also recommended. Additionally, Gunpowder Tea can be used to prepare Moroccan Mint Tea: simply brew the tea with spearmint and sugar for a uniquely sweetened tea. As a popular tea, Gunpowder is a great introduction to Chinese Green teas for its versatility and smoky flavor.
Dragonwell Tea
Dragonwell tea (or Longjing) is China's most prized green tea and is mostly made by hand. Noted for its flat shape, Dragonwell is grown and manufactured in the mountains of the Zhejian Province. Similar to Japanese teas that are shaded, Dragonwell tea leaves are harvested in early spring and retain more theanine and antioxidants than other Chinese green teas due to being grown with less sun; this gives the tea a mellow, fruity flavor. When brewing Dragonwell, it is important to keep the water temperature between 167 and 176 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid making the beverage bitter. Depending on personal preference, it can be brewed between 1 to 3 minutes, producing a light green beverage prized by the emperors of China.
Pi Lo Chun
Hailing from the mountain region near Lake Tai in the Jiangsu Province,
Pi Lo Chun (or Biluochun) is a rolled tea similar to Gunpowder Tea. Unlike Gunpowder Tea, Pi Lo Chun has a fruity taste and floral aroma from being cultivated in a mountain climate and from being harvested in early spring. It is rolled into a spiral shape that resembles snail meat and is covered in little white hairs (similar to some white teas). In some respects, it even rivals Dragonwell Tea. Because Pi Lo Chun is more delicate than other teas, over-brewing or brewing at a high temperature should be avoided. Brew Pi Lo Chun at 176 degree Fahrenheit for about one minute for a very fragrant cup of tea.
White Monkey
Do not be fooled by the name:
White Monkey (or Baimao Hou) is actually a green tea. Originating from the Taimu Mountains in the Fujian Province, White Monkey Tea is identified by the small white hairs protruding from the dark green leaves, resembling the paw of a white-haired monkey. When brewed, White Monkey produces a light yellow cup with delicate, vegetal flavors. It can be brewed like a typical green tea: 176 degrees Fahrenheit for about 2 to 3 minutes. With its mild flavor, it is a great introductory tea to the world of Chinese teas!
Lu'an Melon Seed Tea
While it doesn't contain any melons or seeds, Lu'an Melon Seed Tea (or
Lu An Gua Pian) is a green tea recognized by its long, flat, oval leaves that resemble melon seeds. Unlike other teas which use the buds and the following first leaves, Lu'an Melon Seed Tea is made from the second leaves on the branch of tea bush; the veins and stalks of the leaf are removed giving the brewed drink a mellow flavor. Originating from Lu'an City in Anhui Province, it is one of China's top green teas. Lu'an Melon Seed Tea is typically brewed at around 180 degrees Fahrenheit (a little warmer for green teas) for about a minute and a half. Brew a cup of this mellow green tea as you relax after a long day.