Lu An Melon Seed Tea

Description of Tea

Lu An Melon Seed is praised not only as of China’s ten famous teas but as well an 18th century Qing Dynasty Tribute tea. Gua Pian, or Melon Seed as it is said to resemble as the leaf unfurls in water, comes from the Province of Anhui located north and west respectively of Jiang Xi and Zhe Jiang Provinces. This tea’s earliest recording can be found as far back as the 7th century, yet it was not until the 20th century, in the year 1905, when its harvesting and processing method were changed resulting in a tea very similar to the one we know today. This tea presents an incredible well-balanced flavor composition varying between sweet nutty aromas and bitter grassy textures. This unique balance presents a beautiful example of Hui Gan, the Chinese term which appropriately depicts the recurrence of flavors rolling back into the mouth after the tea has been consumed. This bitter-sweet reprisal is unique and wonderfully satisfying.  A great tea to enjoy and experiment with!

Taste
Lu An Melon Seed tea is a richly elegant tea.
The fragrance is light and spicy, while the liquor is almost nectar sweet.
Yet the richness is not overpowering and the smoothness lasts from start to finish.

Appearance
The leaf color varies from jade to bright green.
All stems and buds are removed and the large second tea leaf is shaped into a flat, oval melon seed or large sunflower seed shape.
The liquor in the cup is a medium yellow.

Special Occasions
Lu'an Melon Seed tea is the perfect green tea selection for your elegant Afternoon Tea.

Serving Suggestions
This Chinese green tea works with all the sweets, savories, and sandwiches that are served with Afternoon Tea.

It is also good with most cheeses, fresh fruit and avocado, seafood and smoked fish, prosciutto, chicken and turkey, mushroom or egg dishes, and strong flavorings like basil, ginger, mint, and vanilla.

Choose this tea to serve with simple fruit desserts, caramels, creme brulee, pecan pie, and even dark chocolate.

Preparation
Use up to one tablespoon per cup and steep for three minutes. Keep the water below the below the boil, but just after the steam (170-180F). It is good for several infusions.

History
Lu'an Melon Seed tea is one of China's 10 Famous teas.
This handcrafted gourmet tea has won prizes for centuries.
During the Ming dynasty, it was recommended as a remedy to relieve summer heat, quench the thirst, and help digestion.

Processing
Tea leaves from the Lu'an region in the Dabie mountains of Anhui province is are hand plucked.

The larger second leaf is selected and the central vein is cut out. The leaf is pan-fired over low heat.

During this processing, each leaf is hand shaped into a melon seed or large oval sunflower seed shape.

Grades
Some areas like Jinzhai or Huoshan claim higher quality Lu An melon seed tea. The most famous is produced at Bianfu Dong (Bat Cave) on Mt. Qiyun. The hallmark of a good quality is the elegant taste of rich nectar and a well-shaped leaf that holds the melon seed shape until brewing.

Brewing

The preferred method of brewing is a small glass teapot or a gaiwan.  Glass in particular makes for a wonderful presentation and greater enjoyment of these spectacular tea leaves. Boil water to 160-180°F or 70-80°C and rinse the gaiwan or teapot once.  By rinsing we ensure the tea ware is free of any unwanted matter as well as create optimal heat conditions for brewing.  After a thorough rinsing add tea leaves to the vessel.  We suggest 4 grams of tea per 200 ml of water. However, these parameters have more to do with personal tastes than any sort of scientific groundings.  The lengths of the infusions are also dependent upon personal preference for either a weaker or stronger infusion.   We suggest starting with shorter infusion times of up to one minute for the first brew while increasing infusion times by one minute for each consecutive brew.

Interested in China travel? Have you planned what is your next destination? Consider start a fantastic travel soon? Customize your China travel, here we go! Show me your ideas; let us guide your travel now.

Our TripsBooking ConditionsTravel FAQHow to Book

Our Trips: