Kaihua Longding

The relatively recently-developed green tea Kaihua Longding has undergone a still more recent change with this processing as a yellow tea. Spicy and velvety, the pungency of clove and a bit of star anise may recall a rich-brothed pho, while a slowly-developing aftertaste tilts toward fruity cranberry and a touch of cream. The central vegetality of banana leaf and chard, along with its bright, slightly downy leaves, suggest it can largely be treated like its green progenitor, but its particular character will be difficult to find anywhere else.

A green Kaihua Longding is also available.