Mengding Ganlu (Sweet Dew) green tea is meticulously handcrafted, reflecting the rich heritage of traditional Chinese tea-making. Each step is carried out with precision to preserve the tea’s distinctive flavor, aroma, and quality:

1. Harvesting: The tea is picked in early spring from the mist-covered Mengding Mountain. Only the freshest buds and tender leaves are selected, ensuring the highest quality and flavor. Harvesting is done by hand, as experienced tea farmers carefully choose the most delicate leaves.
2. Withering: After harvesting, the leaves are spread out in a cool, shaded area to naturally wilt. This step helps to reduce moisture while preserving the tea’s fresh aroma and vibrant color.
3. Fixation (Pan-Firing): The leaves are stir-fried in a traditional wok at carefully controlled temperatures. This process halts oxidation, locks in the tea’s green color, and enhances its floral and sweet fragrance.
4. Rolling: The leaves are gently rolled by hand, a step that shapes them into their signature fine, curled appearance while preserving their internal juices, which contribute to the tea’s flavor.
5. Drying: Finally, the tea is dried using a low-heat method to reduce moisture content, ensuring long-lasting freshness and a smooth taste.

This intricate process, passed down through generations, ensures that Mengding Ganlu retains its exceptional quality and unique flavor profile. Every cup reflects the artistry and care of the tea-making tradition.

High-quality Mengding Ganlu tea is characterized by its delicate, tender leaves that are finely curled with a light green, slightly silvery hue. The leaves are uniform in size and exhibit a velvety sheen, indicating their freshness and careful crafting process.

When brewed, the tea produces a bright, clear infusion with a light yellow-green color. The aroma is fresh and floral, with subtle grassy undertones, and the taste is smooth, naturally sweet, and refreshing, with a lingering, pleasant aftertaste.

Lower-quality Mengding Ganlu may have uneven leaves, a dull green or yellowish tint, and a lack of luster. The brewed tea might appear cloudy, with a flat or bitter taste that lacks the complexity and refinement of a premium tea. To ensure you’re enjoying the finest Mengding Ganlu, look for its characteristic curled leaves, vibrant color, and the clean, aromatic infusion it produces.