Xinyang Maojian Tea

Xinyang Maojian is a prestigious green tea from Xinyang City in Henan Province, China. With a history that dates back centuries, this tea is renowned for its high quality and distinctive flavour.

Characteristics:

• Appearance: The leaves of Xinyang Maojian are slender, tightly rolled, and covered with fine white down. They are a deep green in colour, and the brewed tea typically has a vibrant green or yellow-green hue.
• Aroma: Xinyang Maojian is known for its fresh and complex aroma. The scent includes vegetal notes, such as freshly cut grass, combined with a subtle nuttiness reminiscent of chestnuts. There is also a faint floral undertone that adds depth to its fragrance.
• Taste: The taste of Xinyang Maojian is rich and balanced, with a sweet, nutty profile. The initial vegetal notes are complemented by a smooth chestnut flavour, followed by a lingering sweetness that remains on the palate. The tea’s flavour is full-bodied yet smooth, providing a pleasant and enduring taste experience.
• Brewing: For optimal flavour, brew Xinyang Maojian tea with water heated to about 75-80°C. Steep the leaves for 1-2 minutes to avoid bitterness and preserve the delicate flavours. This tea can be steeped multiple times, with each infusion offering a slightly different nuance.

Origin: Xinyang Maojian tea comes from Xinyang City in Henan Province, an area known for its favourable climate and soil conditions for tea cultivation. The traditional processing methods used in this region help to enhance the tea’s unique characteristics and quality.

Mengding Ganlu Tea

Mengding Ganlu, also known as Mengding Sweet Dew, is another esteemed green tea, originating from Mengding Mountain in Sichuan Province. It holds a special place in Chinese tea history as one of the earliest documented teas.

Characteristics:

• Appearance: Mengding Ganlu tea leaves are slender and tender, covered with a light, downy fuzz. The tea itself is a light green, and the brewed liquor is typically pale green or yellow-green.
• Aroma: This tea is renowned for its sweet, fresh aroma. It features delicate floral notes, such as orchids, and a hint of honey, contributing to its refined and elegant fragrance.
• Taste: Mengding Ganlu has a gentle and sweet taste, with a soft vegetal note and a subtle honey-like sweetness. The tea is smooth and mellow, with a refreshing quality that is both soothing and satisfying. The finish is clean and leaves a pleasant sweetness on the palate.
• Brewing: Brew Mengding Ganlu tea with water at a lower temperature, around 70-75°C. Steep the leaves for 1-2 minutes to maintain the tea’s delicate flavours. It is best enjoyed fresh, and the leaves can be re-steeped several times, with each infusion offering a slightly different flavour profile.

Origin: Mengding Ganlu is grown on Mengding Mountain in Sichuan Province, a region celebrated for its ancient tea traditions and ideal growing conditions. The high altitude, fertile soil, and traditional cultivation methods contribute to the tea’s exceptional quality and distinctive taste.

Conclusion

Xinyang Maojian and Mengding Ganlu are two exemplary green teas that reflect the diverse range of flavours and qualities found within green tea varieties. Xinyang Maojian, with its rich, nutty, and sweet notes, highlights the distinctive attributes of Henan’s tea-growing environment. Meanwhile, Mengding Ganlu offers a lighter, sweeter profile with delicate floral and honey notes, showcasing the fine craftsmanship of Sichuan’s tea producers.

Exploring these teas provides a richer understanding of green tea’s diversity and the cultural significance of tea cultivation in China. Whether you prefer the robust and nutty flavour of Xinyang Maojian or the subtle, sweet notes of Mengding Ganlu, each tea offers a unique and enjoyable tasting experience that celebrates the tradition and artistry of Chinese tea making.