Famous China Special Green Tea Mao Jian
The leaves of mao jian are commonly known as "hairy tips”, a name that refers to their slightly dark-green color, straight and delicate edges, and thin and firmly rolled appearance with both ends in a pointed shape. The tea leaves, which are covered in abundant white hairs, are thin, tender and evenly shaped.
Comparing it with other famous types of green tea, Mao Jian leaves are relatively small. After brewing Maojian and pouring the water into a teacup, the aroma will flow into the air and create a peaceful atmosphere. The tea liquor is slightly thick and tastes refreshingly brisk and with a long-lasting aftertaste.
Like its name, hairy tips, the taste of mao jian is clean, buttery and insanely smooth, aromas of fresh young spinach and wet straw follow through into and a mild yet full, serene green tea of the highest order. Mao jian is like a gentle breeze that refreshes and exhilarates, sweet and subtle with a fresh aroma. The best Mao Jian is harvested in spring and processed with smoke, giving it a unique flavour.
It is one of China’s most famous teas, believed to have been brought from the heavens to earth by 9 fairies, as a gift to humans. Tradition says that when Maojian is brewed, one can see the images of 9 fairies dancing in the steam.
Process of Mao Jian
Tea pickers will organize to harvest on days that are clear and without rain. Workers will head to the mountain very early, just as soon as they have enough light to see what they are plucking. They return at lunchtime to eat, and then return to pluck again in the afternoon. For this particular tea, they harvest pluckings at a standard of one bud and two leaves. The leaves are withered on a bamboo tray to let them soften for processing. Once the tea is suitably withered, it is quickly heated to de-enzyme it. This is accomplished by an oven-like heating element. After this step, the tea is rolled and kneaded to tighten its shape. The basic shape of the tea is fixed at this point. Then, the tea is quickly roasted and once again rolled to refine its shape. Finally, drying is completed with an oven-like drying machine. By the end, the residual moisture does not exceed 5-6%, keeping it shelf stable.
