A Detailed Guide to the Characteristics of Lanxin Queshe Green Tea, Its Brewing and Storage Methods
Lanxin Queshe is a green tea distinguished by its sparrow-tongue shape, mainly produced in the tea-growing areas around Meitan in Guizhou. The term "sparrow tongue" refers to dry tea leaves that are flat and straight in appearance, shaped like a sparrow's tongue. It is generally made from the single buds or the tender shoots of one bud and one initial leaf that sprout in spring, refined through processes such as spreading and withering, fixation, strip shaping and drying.
In terms of quality characteristics, the dry leaves of Lanxin Queshe are emerald green and lustrous, with white down faintly visible. After brewing, the liquor is tender green and bright, with a fresh and lasting aroma that often carries a tender fragrance or chestnut aroma, and the taste is fresh and brisk with a sweet aftertaste. The brewed leaves are tender green, uniform and intact, and the overall style is fresh and elegant, making it suitable for tea lovers who enjoy a fresh and brisk taste to drink daily.
When brewing, it is recommended to use a glass cup or a white porcelain gaiwan, with the water temperature controlled at around 80 to 85 degrees Celsius. Water that is too hot can easily scald the tender buds, making the tea liquor bitter and astringent. You can add the tea using the mid-drop method or the top-drop method. After pouring in the water, wait a moment and you will see the tea buds slowly unfurl in the cup, rising and sinking, which is quite a sight to behold.
For daily storage, Queshe-style green tea is rather delicate and vulnerable to moisture, light and odors. It is recommended to seal the tea and place it in the refrigerator for cold storage, and to avoid exposing it to air for long periods when taking it out. When purchasing, you can judge the quality comprehensively from aspects such as the uniformity of appearance, the purity of the aroma and the clarity of the liquor, and before buying you can also check relevant price information so as to have a clear idea.
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