Wudang Daoist Green Tea

Wudang Mountains is a special place for any Daoist, not only because there are many Daoist monasteries there but also because of the lovely local tea. 

Wudang Daoist Green Tea, also known simply as Wudang Green Tea, is a special type of green tea cultivated in the Wudang Mountains of Hubei Province, China. This tea holds significance not only for its flavor and aroma but also for its connection to Daoist culture and the serene environment in which it is grown. 

Wudang Daoist green tea is drunk not only by all local Daoists but also by local people, and now you have the opportunity to drink it too.  

If you'd like to know what drinking this tea is like, you can read this: Wudang Daoist Tea - A Cup of Harmony.

Our store is probably the best place to buy Green Tea directly from the Wudang Mountains apart from the Wudang Mountains themselves.

Characteristics:

- Origin: Wudang Daoist Green Tea comes from the Wudang Mountains, a renowned Daoist (Taoist) holy site and center of martial arts and meditation in China.
- Leaf Appearance: The tea leaves are typically slender and straight, with a dark green color and a glossy appearance.
- Processing Style: Wudang Green Tea is traditionally pan-fired to halt oxidation, preserving its fresh green color and delicate flavor profile.

Flavor and Aroma:

- Flavor: Wudang Daoist Green Tea is characterized by a fresh, crisp, and slightly sweet flavor. It has a clean taste with a subtle vegetal undertone, often described as grassy or herbaceous.
- Aroma: The aroma is fresh and inviting, with notes of spring flowers and a hint of chestnut.

Tasting Notes:

- First Infusion: Refreshing with a mild sweetness and a vegetal hint.
- Subsequent Infusions: Develop a slightly deeper flavor profile with more pronounced vegetal notes and a smooth finish.

Processing:

- Plucking: The tea leaves are harvested by hand, often in early spring when the buds are tender and full of flavor.
- Withering: Leaves are allowed to wither briefly to reduce moisture content.
- Firing: The withered leaves are pan-fired or roasted at a low temperature to stop oxidation.
- Shaping: After firing, the leaves are shaped by hand rolling or machine rolling into their final form.

Cultivation and Harvest:

- Wudang Green Tea is grown at altitudes ranging from 600 to 1,400 meters in the misty and pristine environment of the Wudang Mountains.
- The mountainous terrain, fertile soil, and foggy climate contribute to the unique flavor and quality of the tea.

Appearance:
- Dry Wudang Daoist Green Tea leaves are dark green in color, tightly rolled into thin, needle-like shapes.
- When brewed, the tea produces a bright, clear, pale green liquor.

Health Benefits:

- Like other green teas, Wudang Green Tea is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins and polyphenols, which may help support overall health and well-being.
- It contains caffeine, providing a gentle energy boost.

Brewing Tips:

Chinese Gongfu Method (5oz / 150ml):

1. Tea Leaf-to-Water Ratio: Use approximately 5-7 grams of Wudang Daoist Green Tea for 150 ml (5 oz) of water. This ratio allows for a higher concentration suitable for Gongfu brewing.

2. Water Temperature: Heat water to around 75-80°C (167-176°F). It's essential not to use boiling water to avoid scalding the delicate green tea leaves and to preserve the tea's nuanced flavors.

3. Brewing Time:
   - First Infusion: Steep for about 30-40 seconds initially. This short steeping time allows the rolled or twisted leaves of Wudang Daoist Green Tea to unfurl and release their flavors gradually without becoming too bitter.
   - Subsequent Infusions: Increase the steeping time slightly for each subsequent infusion. For example, steep for 40-50 seconds for the second infusion, then adjust based on taste preference. Wudang Daoist Green Tea can typically be steeped multiple times (3-4 infusions or more) using Gongfu brewing, with each infusion offering different layers of flavor and aroma.

Cup Method (8.8oz / 250ml):

1. Tea Leaf-to-Water Ratio: Adjust based on personal preference for tea strength. 

2. Water Temperature: Use water at around 75-80°C (167-176°F), similar to Gongfu brewing.

3. Brewing Time:
   - Steep Time: Steep Wudang Daoist Green Tea for 2-3 minutes. This longer steeping time allows the flavors to fully develop in the larger volume of water, resulting in a well-balanced infusion of the tea's delicate sweetness and floral notes.

Cultural Significance:

- Wudang Daoist Green Tea holds cultural significance due to its association with Daoist traditions and the spiritual ambiance of the Wudang Mountains.
- It is valued not only for its taste but also for its perceived harmonizing effects on the mind and body, aligning with the principles of balance and tranquility in Daoist philosophy.
- The tea is often used in Daoist ceremonies and rituals, reflecting its deep-rooted connection to Chinese culture and spirituality.

In conclusion, Wudang Daoist Green Tea offers a unique sensory experience with its fresh flavor, delicate aroma, and cultural significance rooted in the Daoist traditions of the Wudang Mountains. It represents a blend of natural beauty, artisanal craftsmanship, and spiritual heritage cherished by tea enthusiasts and Daoist practitioners alike.

• Collected in spring 2024
• Origin: High peaks of the Wudang Muntains, Hubei Province, Mainland China
• Taste: Mellow, slightly bitter with a sweet aftertaste