Green Tea TaipingHoukui Tea Fresh Organic Nature Tai Ping Hou Kui Tea Top Grade

Taiping Houkui is famous for its majestic size and distinctive shape, which sets it apart from all other green teas. Its high status comes from its unique "two leaves embracing one bud" appearance and its extraordinary, non-bitter smoothness.

• Appearance: The dry leaves are large, flat, and straight (typically 5-7 cm long), with a shape described as "two leaves embracing one bud" . They have an emerald green color, with distinct veins and a subtle, reddish network on the stems . The tips are often slightly bent, which is a traditional marker of authenticity.

• Aroma: It offers a fresh, elegant, and high-mountain fragrance, with a prominent and lasting orchid-like floral note that is both soothing and refined .

• Flavor: The taste is exceptionally mellow, sweet, and smooth, with a rich, thick mouthfeel and absolutely no bitterness, even when brewed slightly longer . The aftertaste is lingering and sweet (huigan). This tea is often described as "thick and robust" yet gentle, which is why it is called the "King of Green Tea" .

• Liquor: The brewed tea yields a clear, bright, light yellow-green liquid.

• Leaf Quality: A key quality indicator is that the infused leaves remain intact, soft, and bright green, showing the beautiful "two leaves embracing one bud" shape clearly .

Brewing Guide

To fully enjoy the majestic leaves and subtle flavors of Taiping Houkui, proper brewing is essential. The leaves are large and need room to unfurl.

1. Water Temperature: 80°C - 85°C (176°F - 185°F) . Do not use boiling water, as it will scorch the delicate leaves and diminish the floral aroma .

2. Tea Leaves: Use about 3-5 grams (about 3-5 individual leaves) per cup, depending on your preferred strength. A 1:50 tea-to-water ratio is a good starting point .

3. Vessel: A tall, transparent glass cup is strongly recommended. This allows you to appreciate the leaves' size, their beautiful upright posture as they absorb water, and the clarity of the liquor .

4. Method:

   • Rinse the cup with hot water to warm it.

   • Place the tea leaves in the cup. You can either lay them flat or gently stand them upright.

   • Add a small amount of hot water (about 1/3 of the cup) and let the leaves sit for a moment to "wake up" and absorb moisture . Gently swirl the cup.

   • Then, slowly add more hot water along the side of the cup until it is about 80% full. Avoid pouring directly onto the leaves to prevent bruising .

   • Steep for 3-5 minutes for the first infusion . Because the leaves are thick and large, they require a slightly longer steeping time than other green teas.

5. Re-steeping: This tea is excellent for multiple infusions. The leaves' thick texture allows them to release flavor gradually. For subsequent brews, increase the steeping time by 1-2 minutes. The leaves can be steeped 3-4 times .

Storage Instructions

Green tea is delicate and can lose its freshness quickly if not stored correctly. To preserve the quality of your tea:

• Airtight: Always store in a sealed, airtight container (like a tin or the foil bag provided) to prevent oxidation and moisture absorption.

• Cool & Dark: Keep it in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from direct sunlight and strong odors.

• Refrigeration: For long-term storage, refrigeration is recommended. Keep it in the refrigerator at 0-5°C and ensure the package is completely sealed to prevent the tea from absorbing other food odors. Avoid frequent opening and closing; take out only the amount you need for a few days.