EN
Ku Qiao Mai is a Chinese buckwheat tea made from bitter, or Tartary, buckwheat. It is a drink from an annual plant, with no tea leaf, especially popular in Yunnan, Sichuan, Shanxi and Guizhou, where buckwheat grows and locals also use it as food.
Tartary buckwheat grains contain phosphorus, iron, manganese, copper, calcium, zinc, selenium, B vitamins, vitamins E and PP, and a range of amino acids. Thanks to this composition, Ku Qiao has long been valued as an everyday warming drink.
Characteristics
- Type: herbal drink, bitter (Tartary) buckwheat
- Origin: China, Yunnan, Sichuan, Shanxi and Guizhou provinces
- Contains no tea leaf
- Infusion: bright yellow with a soft sheen
- Taste: sweet, soft, enveloping
Aroma and Taste
Aroma. Warm and sweetish, with a distinct hint of shortbread cookies.
Infusion. Clean, rich, festive in color, soft and enveloping on the palate.
Aftertaste. Sweet and pleasant, with no harshness.
Why You'll Love It
Ku Qiao suits those who love warming drinks without tea leaf: it is easy to enjoy in the evening, in cold weather and at any time of day. Its mild taste also appeals to those just getting acquainted with Chinese drinks.
How to Brew
- Water at 90-95 °C
- About 1 teaspoon per 500 ml of water; adjust the amount to taste
- Steep in a teapot or mug, or brew gongfu style in short infusions (pin cha)
Storage
Store in a tightly closed container in a dry place, away from light and foreign odors.
