Maojian tea is one of the famous green teas in China, with the main varieties including:
Taihu Maojian: Produced around Tai Lake in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, it is one of the representative varieties of Maojian tea. Its leaves are slender and emerald green, with a fresh aroma and a refreshing taste.
Anji Bai Maojian: Grown in Anji County, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, this is a type of white-hairy Maojian tea. The leaves are slender and light green, with an elegant, fresh fragrance and a sweet, refreshing taste.
Yan Tea Maojian: Cultivated in Wuyi City, Fujian Province, this is a type of rock tea. The leaves are flat and dark green, with a unique aroma that includes notes of Charcoal and fruit, and a rich flavor.
A common method for brewing Maojian tea is as follows:
Prepare the tea utensils: It's recommended to use a glass cup or a transparent covered bowl when brewing Maojian tea, so you can observe the unfolding of the leaves and the change in color of the Infusion. You will also need the tea leaves, a strainer, and hot water.
Water temperature and water quality: The brewing water temperature for Maojian tea is generally between 70°C and 80°C. Spring water or purified water is recommended; try to avoid tap water containing chlorine.
First rinse: Place the tea leaves in the utensil and pour in a small amount of hot water. Allow them to briefly steep, then discard this first rinse. This step helps the leaves open up and release their best aroma.
Brewing: Pour hot water into the utensil again. The brewing time is typically 30 seconds to 1 minute, but can be adjusted according to personal preference and the quality of the tea. The first infusion tends to be lighter, so you may want to slow down the brewing time to allow the leaves to fully unfold. The color of subsequent infusions will gradually deepen, along with richer aromas and flavors.
Tasting: Maojian tea has a refreshing taste and a long-lasting sweetness, making it perfect for savoring slowly. When tasting, take note of the aroma, sip the tea, observe its color, and appreciate its flavors, immersing yourself in the exquisite character of the tea.