Tea Introduction
An Ji White Tea, or "An Ji Bai Cha," is a rare and premium green tea from Anji County in Zhejiang Province, China. Despite its name, An Ji White Tea is classified as a green tea. It gets its name from its pale, almost white appearance due to the unique albino tea cultivar used in its production. This tea is highly valued for its fresh, delicate flavor, smooth texture, and subtle sweet aftertaste. Known as a "tea of health," it is rich in amino acids, offering a soothing and refreshing experience.
Tea Production Method
The production process of An Ji White Tea begins with the careful hand-picking of tender tea buds and leaves during the early spring season. The leaves are processed using traditional green tea techniques, which include quick pan-frying to halt oxidation, followed by gentle rolling and drying to preserve their freshness and unique pale color. The low-temperature processing method enhances the tea's natural sweetness and light umami flavor.
Brewing Instructions
To fully appreciate the subtlety of this tea:
- Water Temperature: 80-85°C (176-185°F).
- Tea Quantity: Use 2-3 grams of tea leaves for every 150 ml (5 oz) of water.
- Brewing Time: Steep for 1-2 minutes for the first infusion. The tea can be steeped 3-4 times, slightly increasing the time with each infusion to extract its full flavor.
- Serving: Use a glass teapot or cup to watch the elegant leaves unfurl, releasing their soft green hues and delicate fragrance.