Liu An Gua Pian (Melon Seed Tea)

Considered one of China's 10 most famous teas, Liu An Gua Pian, or Lu'an Guapian, translates to "Melon Seed Tea". The tea is produced in the Anhui Province, and the name refers to the oval shape of the mature tea leaves used to produce this tea. Individual tea leaves are used, not tips or clusters of leaves, and the main vein of each leaf is painstakingly removed. The resulting cup is refreshing, very lightly vegetal, with mild astringency, and a surprising, long-lingering nutty finish. Multiple steeping are possible. Start with a brewing time of 30 seconds and rebrew, increasing by 30 seconds each additional time.