Little Lu'an

Also known as lancha (basket) or shengcha (sacred tea), lu’an is a distinctive style of aged green tea from the western area of Anhui Province. Records of its production date back over four centuries, and it has historically been considered a booster for traditional Chinese medicine remedies. This small 100-gram version—an unusual size—was commissioned from the Sun Yi Shun factory by a private collector in 1999. The well balanced flavor is versatile; depending on how you strongly steep it, the body ranges from light to medium, with distinctive notes of baking spices and dandelion and marshmallow roots, with a refreshing, briny aroma. Brew the same leaves multiple times: the slightly drying finish encourages another sip. If desired, add a piece of the bamboo leaf wrapper for a bright eucalyptus note. Country: China Region: Anhui Province Tasting Notes: nori, burdock root, herbaceous Year of Production: 1999 3.5 oz / 100 grams -- 210º F 5 grams, 3 minute steep ⅓ full, 30 second steep