EN
Liu An Gua Pian (Chinese: 六安瓜片) is a famous Chinese green tea from the city of Lu'an in Anhui Province. The name translates as "melon seeds": the smooth, flat leaves, with no buds or stems, really do resemble melon seeds. It is one of the most unusual green teas, made only from leaves rather than buds.
The history of this tea goes back to the Tang era (618–907), and according to legend it was already presented at the emperor's court then. For Gua Pian, the second leaf from the top of the branch is used, picked in early spring when the leaves are young and full of flavor.
Liu An Gua Pian is a "baked" tea: the leaves are roasted over charcoal, and the process can take more than five hours. Thanks to this processing, the flavor is deep and rounded rather than grassy, as in many green teas.
Characteristics
- Type: roasted green tea
- Region: city of Lu'an, Anhui Province, China
- Harvest: early spring
- Leaf shape: smooth, flat leaves resembling melon seeds
- Flavor: rich, balanced, with a light sweetness
Aroma and Taste
Dry leaf: the aroma of a roasted green leaf with herbal and slightly nutty tones.
Infusion: up front is a rich aroma of forest herbs with floral and fruity notes; the flavor is deep and multifaceted, with practically no smokiness.
Aftertaste: long and slightly sweet, with barely perceptible notes of roasted seeds, both sunflower and pumpkin.
Why You'll Love It
- Shows that green tea can be soft rather than bitter or harsh.
- Well suited to a calm tea session, as well as an uplifting drink in the first half of the day.
- Allows several infusions, gradually revealing its sweetness.
How to Brew
Gongfu brewing (short infusions; gaiwan):
- 5 g of tea per 150 ml
- water at 80–85 °C, not boiling
- first infusion 15–20 s, then add 5–10 s each time
Western-style brewing (cup or teapot):
- 3 g of tea per 200 ml of water at 80–85 °C
- steep for 2–3 min
Storage
Keep in tightly closed packaging in a cool, dry place, away from light, moisture and strongly scented foods.