Lu An Gua Pian Premium Green Tea

Lu An Gua Pian – Melon Seed Green Tea (六安瓜片)

Famous Chinese Green Tea from the Mountains of Lu’an, Anhui

A rare Chinese green tea made from mature leaves—refined, smooth, and deeply aromatic.

Lu An Gua Pian Green Tea (六安瓜片), also known as Lu’an Melon Seed Tea, is a prestigious Chinese green tea known for its elegant leaf shape and sweet, mellow flavor. Uniquely, this tea is made only from the tender single mature leaves, without buds or stems—giving it a deeper, more refined taste and exceptional smoothness.

Grown in the high mountain villages of Lu’an County, Anhui Province, and hand-processed using traditional charcoal techniques, this tea is favored for its nutty aroma, cooling aftertaste, and refreshing energy.

If you’re seeking a non-bitter green tea with strength, subtlety, and cultural heritage, Lu An Gua Pian is a timeless choice.

If you'd like to know what drinking this tea is like, you can read this: A Moment with Lu An Gua Pian Green Tea

Why You’ll Love Lu An Gua Pian

• Top Ten Famous Tea of China with centuries of acclaim
• Crafted from mature leaf only – unique among green teas
• Smooth, clean flavor with a nutty-sweet aroma
• Naturally low in caffeine – ideal for calm energy
• Handmade and charcoal-dried for authentic depth

Tasting Notes

• Toasted chestnut and mountain herbs
• Smooth and slightly sweet vegetal flavor
• Cooling aftertaste with a clear, clean finish
• Subtle nutty warmth that lingers on the breath

Tea Profile

• Type: Premium Chinese Green Tea
• Cultivar: Local broadleaf variety
• Harvest: Mid to late spring (post-Qingming)
• Origin: Qitou & surrounding villages, Lu’an County, Anhui, China
• Elevation: 600–1,000 meters
• Craftsmanship: Fully hand-crafted, no buds or stems used
• Leaf Appearance: Flat, curled leaves shaped like melon seeds; dark green with a natural sheen

Collected: 2025

Traditional Processing

Lu An Gua Pian’s unique production method focuses on depth and aroma retention:

1. Selective Plucking – Only mature single leaves are harvested
2. Fixation (Shaqing) – Leaves are pan-fired to stop oxidation
3. Rolling – Leaves are gently rolled into oval shapes
4. Charcoal Basket Drying – Hand-tossed and dried over low heat in bamboo basket ovens across three stages

This rare technique gives the tea its signature warmth, fragrance, and stability.

Health Benefits

Lu An Gua Pian is highly regarded in both classical and modern Chinese wellness traditions:

• Supports mental clarity and light focus
• Promotes hydration, skin health, and metabolism
• Rich in chlorophyll, amino acids, and polyphenols
• Naturally low in caffeine, making it suitable for later-day drinking

Brewing Instructions

Gongfu Method (5 oz / 150 ml)

• Tea amount: 5–7 grams
• Water temperature: 80–85°C / 176–185°F
• Infusions:
• 1st: 30–40 sec
• 2nd: 45–60 sec
• 3rd: 60–75 sec
• Tip: Use a Gaiwan or tall glass vessel to allow the leaf shape to shine. Avoid crushing the delicate leaves—they are best enjoyed whole.

Cup Method (8.8 oz / 250 ml)

• Tea amount: Adjust based on personal preference for tea strength.
• Water temperature: 80°C / 176°F
• Method:
• Add leaves and ⅓ of the water, allowing them to open (30 sec).
• Gently fill the rest of the water.
• Steep 2–3 minutes.
• Refill up to 2–3 times—flavor holds beautifully.

Cultural Significance

Lu An Gua Pian has been honored as a Tribute Tea since the Qing Dynasty and continues to be revered among China’s “Top Ten Famous Teas” (中國十大名茶). It was highly valued by scholars and aristocrats for its calm energy and refined taste.

Its name—“Melon Seed Tea”—refers to its distinctive leaf shape and evokes themes of growth, balance, and quiet strength.

Unlike most green teas, which use buds, Lu An Gua Pian is crafted entirely from mature leaves—offering a deeper Qi and a more grounded, meditative presence.