Harvest Location: Yu'an District, Lu'an, Anhui
Harvest Date: 04/17/2025
Cultivar: Dushan Small Leaf Species
Dry Leaf: green, oval melon seed shaped, leaf only, no buds
Flavor: Refreshing, green, vegetal, slightly sweet, with a suggestion of seaweed
Liquor: Medium yellow
Lu'an Guapian, also known as "Melon Seed" tea, is named for its distinctive, seed-shaped leaves. This exceptional green tea stands out as the only green tea in China crafted without using buds. Instead, it utilizes the larger second leaf
Each leaf the central vein removed, ensuring a smooth texture and refined taste. These carefully trimmed leaves are then pan-fired over low heat, gradually forming the iconic melon seed shape. This precise process imparts a vibrant green color to the leaves and enhances their natural flavor.
To finish, the leaves are baked over charcoal, a traditional method that infuses the tea with a subtle, smoky essence. The result is a tea that not only captivates with its appearance but also delights with its bright, fresh flavor and unique character.
2025 Lu'an Guapian
Water Temperature: 180°F
Amount: 3g per 150ml
Steeping Time: 1m/1m/1.5m/2.5m
# of Infusions: 3-4 infusionsInstructions
- Warm the Vessels
- Fill your fairness pitcher or glass with 180°F water to warm it.
- Pour this water into your tasting cups to warm them too.
- Discard the water from both.
- Add the Tea
- Place 3 grams of green tea into the warm fairness pitcher or glass.
- Inhale the aroma of the warmed, dry leaves — this step helps engage your senses.
- First Infusion
- Fill the pitcher with 180°F water (150 mL).
- Steep for 1 minute.
- Pour the tea into a second fairness pitcher or glass, but do not pour all of it out; leave just enough liquid to barely cover the leaves.
- Pour the brew into the tasting cups,
- Sip, savor, and take tasting notes.
- Second Infusion
- Refill with 180°F water, steep again for 1 minute.
- Pour, taste, and note any evolving flavors.
- Third Infusion
- Steep with fresh hot water for 1.5 minutes this time.
- Pour, taste, and compare it to earlier steeps.
- Optional Fourth Infusion
- You can go for a 4th steep at 2–3 minutes, depending on how much flavor remains in the leaves.
- This steep may reveal subtle vegetal or mineral notes.
- Reflect & Compare
- Review your tasting notes across infusions.
- Notice how the tea evolves — body, aroma, texture, finish.
- Warm the Vessels