Organic Orchid Snow Buds Green

Here's a Green from Zhejiang, picked and processed this spring before and just after April 5th. In addition to a sweet vegetal character that is typical of many Zhejiang Greens, there is the familiar chestnut-y finish, with almost a hint of umami. And to round out the overall character, I find the local name “Eagle’s Claw” intriguing and apt.

Last year, according to the exporter, we were the only importer in the US to bring in this Green; we are glad to have come across this lesser known, local tea and to have it again this year. The formal name is quite old and not of our creation: “lan xue” means Orchid Snow.

Use 3g (1 rounded teaspoon) dry leaves per 6 ounces spring water heated to a temperature of 80° to 90° C. (180° to 195° F.), steeping 3-4 minutes. This tea can handle multiple resteepings.