Huang Shan Mao Feng

This green tea has always been one of the “Big 10 Teas of China,” the cup is clean and delicate — a reflection of how little the leaves were manipulated. There is no better example of a tea’s association with a place than Huang Shan Mao Feng (Yellow Mtn) in Anhui. The tea plots are small and scattered throughout this region where plucking begins in early spring. The attractive quality about this tea in dry form is that the leaves look just like something very green that has merely been dried. The leaves are fairly open and still green, instead of the wiry, rolled shape that we sometimes see in other green teas. Minimal intervention, purity in processing, and a finessed expression of place are the hallmarks of this tea, from the best known mountain in China. Here, the term Mao Feng (“downy summit”) is meaningful. Mao Feng processing means that less pressure is applied during the rolling, so that the leaves, and in this case, the bud sets, are easily identifiable as an early pluck with minimal processing. Yellow Mtn. has been the subject of poetry and art for centuries, and visitors typically wake early to catch the sunrise, when clouds are still hovering around the rocky cliffs. “A sea of clouds” is often used to describe the scenery.

Recommendation:

If serving this tea iced, consider using an extra 1 1/2 teaspoon of tea for every 6 – 8 ounces of water to provide more flavor. Melting ice will dilute the blend. You can also cold steep to maximize the flavor by filling a pitcher with the appropriate tepid water. Add the suggested amount of tea leaves either in a tea bag or an infuser and put the pitcher into the refrigerator for approximately 1 1/2 hours. Taste the tea and if it’s to your liking, remove the tea leaves and serve.