Liu An Gua Pian 'Melon Seed' Tea Description:
Liu An Gua Pian or Lu'an Melon Seed Tea is considered to be one of the top ten Chinese teas. It was featured in The Classic of Tea by Yu Lu written about 1,000 years ago and has won numerous awards for its superior taste and quality. Unlike many Chinese green teas that are prized for a pluck style that is either bud only or bud plus one or two leaves, this tea is hand-made exclusively from the second leaf. The cultivar grown in Lu'an (or Liu'an), Anhui province, where Liu An Gua Pian is produced, has small and oval leaves, looking a bit like a melon and thus the source of the Melon Seed Tea name. After plucking the central vein is removed before being pan fried to halt oxidation and provide its signature flavor.
The infusion from this tea is a bright emerald green with a balanced mouth feel and lightly sweet vegetal taste.
Ingredients:
Chinese Green Tea
Liu An Guo Pian Preparation
Western Style: Steep 3 grams (approximately 1 tsp) per 8 oz of water at 185℉. Infuse for 2-3 minutes for the first infusion. Infuse a second time for 3-5 minutes.
Asian Style: Steep 6 grams of tea in a medium size Gaiwan for approximately 20-30 seconds and pour off into a small pitcher and serve. Infuse 3-4 times adding 20-30 seconds for each infusion.
- Step 1:
- Add boiling water to mug and allow the water to cool to 170°-185° or simply wait 2-5 minutes.
- Step 2:
- Steep 1 light Tbsp or 3-4 grams of tea per 8 oz of water.
- Step 3:
- Steep for 3-5 minutes. Green teas often have substantially different character depending on the time and temperature used for steeping so experiment with water throughout the range. Try 2-3 steepings.
