This is a spectacular hand-rolled tea from Yunnan that is a delight to behold and to drink. Be sure to watch it slowly unfurl in the water as you infuse the tea. I call this tea “Jade Nautilus” because the rings remind me of the marine creature as they sink slowly unfurling to join the rest of the writhing tea at the bottom. I add the tea to the water instead of the other way around so I can really enjoy them dropping through the water. The time-consuming hand rolling requires a high level of skill but the results are stunning.

Provenance:

• Origin: Mojiang Town, Simao Prefecture, Yunnan
• Grower/Teamaster: Pu Hong Li
• Elevation: 1500 meters
• Harvest Date: Autumn 2017
• Cultivar: Yun Kang #100
• Cultivation: Natural (Organic, no certification)
• Plucking Standard: Pure bud pluck
• Processing Notes:  Hand-rolled with great care into symmetrical hoops, or “earrings”
• Nickname: Jin Si Hong (as it is made from Jinggu Golden strands, so literally “Strands of Gold”); Jade Earrings

Brewing Suggestions¹:

• Water: 170˚-180˚F
• Tea: 2g per 4oz of water (about a level 1/2 TB²; or about 60 rings)
• Infusion: 2 minutes or shorter for several infusions

Tasting Notes:

• Fragrant floral aroma; distinct white tea characteristics with just a hint of the vegetative taste of a quality Simao green tea

¹ Brewing suggestions are just that. Try it the suggested way then experiment. In this case I suggest first experimenting with the infusion time and temperature of the water, as the leaves tend to unfurl more as both rise. I find the second infusion has a slightly sweeter note than the first. 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.