Mao Jian from the Xinyang area is one of the most famous teas cultivated in the Henan Province. This mountainous area creates one of those unique Chinese terroirs that produces a distinctive quality tea. The name Mao Jian is usually translated as “Furry Tips” or “Hair Point” and refers to the white furry strips on the inner side of the typically needle-like leaf.

Provenance:

• Origin: Qinling Mtn., Xinyang township, Henan Province, China
• Elevation: 1400 meters
• Harvest Date: mid-April 2021, Ming Qian
• Cultivar: Mao Jian (Camellia Sinensis, small leaf)
• Cultivation: Natural (Organic, no certification)
• Processing Notes:  3-stage oven drying to halt wilting
• Nickname: Furry Tips
• History/Pedigree: One of China's Top 10 Famous Teas with a history of more than 2300 years.

Brewing Suggestions¹:

• Water: 170-180˚F
• Tea: 2g per 4oz of water (about a level ½ TB/7.5ml²)
• Infusion: 2 minutes with up to 3 infusions

Tasting Notes:

• Grassy aroma with hints of pine; sweet umami taste with full mouthfeel

¹ Brewing suggestions are just that. Try it the suggested way then experiment. In this case I suggest first experimenting with an “Eastern” style infusion: double the quantity of tea per oz of water and do a quick rinse followed by short infusions of 5 sec, 10 sec, 15 sec, 30 sec, 45 sec, and then 1 minute infusions until the tea is steeped out. I usually use a much smaller infusion vessel for this style, maybe 2-4oz as I am going to get so many infusions out of the tea. You can also experiment with temperature as the tea can handle hotter water with the short infusion times. Some tea drinkers like to use slightly hotter and longer times for each subsequent infusion.

² Weighing your tea is always the best way to control your dosage. I provide approximate volume measures for convenience but they can be problematic due to the variance in tea leaf shape and size. It’s best to use the single appropriate volume measure for the tea, i.e., don’t try to measure 1.5TB using two spoons meant to measure 1 TB and a ½ TB. Use an actual 1.5 TB measuring spoon. Yes, they make them! I like the oblong ones to handle longer leaf styles.