Liu An Gua Pian is a type of green tea from Liu An in Anhui Province, China, and is one of the top ten famous Chinese teas. Liu An has been known for producing high-quality tea for over 1,000 years, and about 300 years ago, it became a tribute tea (offered to the emperor). Liu An Gua Pian is characterized by the removal of buds and stems during production, leaving only the tea leaves, which are shaped like melon seeds. This makes it a rare, aesthetically pleasing, and high-priced tea.
Origin of Liu An Gua Pian Tea
The name “Liu An Gua Pian” is confirmed to have appeared at least 120 years ago. In 1905, a tea master from a local tea shop in Liu An developed the tea by selecting only the first and second tender leaves of the spring tea, removing the stems and buds. Because the leaves resemble melon seeds, the tea was named “Gua Pian,” which was later shortened to “Gua Pian.”
Characteristics
The primary feature of Liu An Gua Pian is its appearance, which is flat and resembles melon seeds. Producing this shape is quite difficult and requires the removal of all buds and stems, leaving only the leaves. This meticulous process makes it a challenging and valuable tea to produce. Additionally, its crisp and delicate flavor is highly sought after. High-quality Liu An Gua Pian should have a fresh, fragrant, and mellow taste without any bitterness or astringency, as the presence of buds or stems can affect its flavor.
Production Process of Liu An Gua Pian
The best quality tea is harvested before April. Tea harvested after April tends to be of lower quality. Only mature leaves are picked, while tender leaves and stems are avoided. Liu An Gua Pian is the only Chinese tea that does not use stems. During the pan-frying process, tea leaves are first heated over a low flame until they reach 40% moisture content, then the heat is increased. The leaves are stirred every 3 minutes with a red-hot charcoal fire, ensuring even heating. Traditional methods require that top-grade Liu An Gua Pian tea should excel in color, fragrance, taste, and shape. It should have a clear, refreshing taste with a lingering sweetness.
Brewing Method
To brew Liu An Gua Pian, start by using mountain spring water. After boiling, let the water cool to about 80°C (176°F) before pouring it into the cup. Pour the hot water along the sides of the cup and gently stir with a teaspoon to cover the tea leaves. Let it steep for about 3 minutes before drinking. Avoid using water that is too hot and do not pour water directly onto the tea leaves to prevent over-extraction, which can make the tea taste harsh and damage its components.