Name: Huangshan Maofeng (Yellow Mountain Fur Peak)

Huangshan Maofeng green tea ranks among the most famous teas in China. This tea grows high up in the Yellow Mountains on the slopes of the extended Huangshan mountain range. High peaks and scattered lakes create a favorable surrounding for growing Maofeng green tea. In history Huangshan Maofeng green tea has been named frequently and with reference in historical books and poems. During the Qing dynasty in the Huizhou Commerce Information(<Huizhou Shanghui Ziliao>) it was recorded that Xie Yu Tai Tea Company refined the procession of tender sprouts harvested in high peaks (in Yellow Mountain), from which Huangshan Maofeng green tea (as we know nowadays) was invented. Good Huangshan Maofeng green tea has two outstanding characteristics which makes it different from all other Maofeng green tea (there are numerous of Maofeng green teas in China), one that it has a golden yellow colour (refering to the sprout leaves) and two it has an ivory colour (refering to the buds).

Appearance: The leaves are even, pliant and have a shape like the tongue of a bird, the colour is shiny yellowish green

Liquid:Yellowish green, clear and bright.

Taste: Fresh, mellow and sweet

Fragrance: Fresh and light

Origin: Fuxi Area, Huangshan City, Anhui Province

Harvest: Spring, 2007

To brew Huangshan Maofeng green tea, first put dry tea leaves (ratio leaves to water, 1:50) in Gaiwan, porcelain or glass teapot, next pour 90 degree hot water into the teaware. Another brewing method that can be used for tis tea is to first pour boiled water to about one third of the glass/cup/teapot, then put dry tea leaves in the glass and then again pour 90 degree hot water into the glass/cup/teapot till about 70%.This method is often used as a way to avoid the tender leaves to become damaged by the cooking hot water. Steeping time for first round can be up to 15 to 20 seconds. Steeping time can be prolonged with each subsequent brew. Huangshan Maofeng green tea can be brewed for 3 rounds.

There is a story passed down about an official named Xiong Kai Yuan in the Ming dynasty that went on a trip to the Huangshan mountain in spring. During his wanderings he lost his way, a senior monk came to his rescue and took him to a monastery where he was served with tea, Huangshan Maofeng green tea. The leaves of the tea had forms like the tongue of a sparrow and the steam transformed into the form of a white lotus in the air.When the official said farewell, the monk gave him some huangshan maofeng leaves and a spoon of spring water from Huangshan. The monk mentioned that the white lotus would only appear when it was brewed with that water. Later the official brewed this green tea with that water for a friend, also an official, whom was surprised to see the white lotus appear and reported about this to the emperor. This official was invited to demonstrate it before the emperor and to everyone's dismay the white lotus did not appear. The official confessed that the tea was not his, but belonged to Xiong Kai Yuan. Xiong Kai Yuan was called over and questioned about this tea, when he learned that they had used a dfferent water. He pleaded to have some spring water from huangshan mountain to be fetched. The senior monk once again handed over some spring water and this time the white lotus appeared and delighted the emperor. The emperor offered Mr.Xiong a higher rank but instead Mr. Xiong, inspired by the lofty nature of this tea, chose to become a monk in a temple.