Lu’an Gua Pian (Sunflower Seed)

Green tea 2024 | Caffeine:●●●○○

$43.99 USD

Weight: 50g

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Plucking standard

Tea Origin
Xi Tou Mountain, Jin Zai Town, Lu An City, Anhui Province, China
Tea Variety
Anhui #3 Small Leaf Tea Bush (Anhui #3 Xiaoyezhong)
Harvest Period
Late April
Plucking Criteria
Single leaf

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Lu’an Gua Pian (Sunflower Seed) – A Distinctive Green Tea

Lu’an Gua Pian (六安瓜片), or Sunflower Seed tea, is a distinctive Chinese green tea known for its flat, oval-shaped leaves that resemble sunflower seeds. This premium tea offers a refreshing and slightly sweet flavor with subtle vegetal notes and a hint of nuttiness. Its aroma is clean and fresh, evoking the lush tea gardens of the Lu’an region. The light green infusion is smooth and soothing, making it an ideal choice for both casual tea drinkers and connoisseurs. With its unique leaf shape and refined taste, Lu’an Gua Pian is a testament to the artistry of traditional Chinese tea craftsmanship.

LIU AN GUA PIAN

六安瓜片茶

The Art of Crafting Lu’an Gua Pian

No chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides are used in the production of our teas. Click here to learn more about our commitment to sustainability and fair trade practices.

The production of Lu’an Gua Pian (Sunflower Seed) tea is a labor-intensive process steeped in centuries of Chinese tradition. Every step is meticulously carried out to ensure the tea’s unique flavor, aroma, and appearance are preserved:

Harvesting: Lu’an Gua Pian is crafted from mature tea leaves, unlike most green teas that use young buds. Skilled tea farmers hand-pick only the second leaves of the tea plant in late spring, ensuring optimal size and quality.
Deveining: A unique aspect of Lu’an Gua Pian’s production is the removal of the leaf veins and stems. This step gives the tea its flat, seed-like shape and prevents bitterness, resulting in a smoother flavor.
Fixation (Pan-Firing): The leaves are stir-fried in a wok to halt oxidation. This process requires precise control of heat to maintain the tea’s vibrant green color and lock in its fresh aroma.
Rolling and Shaping: The tea leaves are rolled flat by hand or using traditional techniques to create their signature oval, seed-like appearance. This step enhances the tea’s uniformity and presentation.
Drying: Finally, the leaves are roasted in small batches over charcoal. This slow drying process deepens the tea’s nutty undertones and enhances its overall flavor profile.

This intricate production process, perfected over generations, results in a tea that is as visually striking as it is flavorful. Lu’an Gua Pian represents the pinnacle of Chinese green tea craftsmanship.

Lu’an Gua Pian Brewing Guide

Tools Needed: Glass or ceramic teacup, tea strainer (optional).

Water Temperature: 80°C-85°C (176°F-185°F).

Tea Amount: 3 grams per 200 ml of water.

Brewing Time: 1-2 minutes for the first steep, slightly longer for subsequent infusions.

Tip: Swirl the tea leaves gently to fully release their flavor and aroma.

How to Identify Premium Lu’an Gua Pian

Premium Lu’an Gua Pian tea is characterized by its flat, oval-shaped leaves, which are uniform in size and color. The leaves should be a vibrant dark green with a slight sheen, reflecting their freshness and careful crafting process.

When brewed, the tea produces a clear, pale green infusion with a refreshing aroma that blends vegetal and nutty notes. The flavor is smooth, mildly sweet, and balanced, with no hint of bitterness.

Lower-quality Lu’an Gua Pian may have uneven leaves with dull or yellowish tones, often due to poor crafting or improper storage. The brewed tea may appear cloudy, with a harsh or flat taste that lacks the complexity of a premium tea. To ensure you’re enjoying the finest Lu’an Gua Pian, look for its distinctive leaf shape, vibrant color, and clean, aromatic brew.