Ganlu
Though ultimately derived from a Han-Dynasty era name, ‘sweet dew’ fits this green tea perfectly by coincidence, with a honeyed sweetness and soft liquor underlying vegetality: buttered haricots vert, tender microgreens, a hint of artichoke. Flexible and not too sensitive to its brewing, it is a consistently refreshing tea, even while warm, and recommends itself for chilling. Though its fluffy curls are not quite as renowned as, say, those of Biluochun from the eastern Jiangsu Province, its fine, delicate flavor and long history recommend Ganlu for an equal place in the green tea pantheon.
- ORIGIN: Caoba, Yucheng, Ya'an, Sichuan, China
- MEANING: Sweet dew (gan lu)
- CULTIVAR: Fu Xuan nr. 9
- HARVEST TIME: 20 March 2023
- TASTE: Haricots verts, acacia honey, butter
IN THE TEAPOT
- Quantity: 6g / 500ml
- Water temperature: 80°C
- Infusion time: 3-4 min
GONGFU CHA METHOD
- Quantity: 2g / 150ml
- Water temperature: 80°C
- 4 infusions: 60, 60, 90, 120 sec
For best results in gongfu cha, brew in a tall glass and fill with water before adding the leaves. Too high water temperature would burn the leaves, resulting in bitter taste.