Also known as lancha (basket) or shengcha (sacred tea), lu’an is a distinctive style of aged green tea from the western area of Anhui Province. Records of its production date back over four centuries, and it has historically been considered a booster for traditional Chinese medicine remedies.

This small 100-gram version—an unusual size—was commissioned from the Sun Yi Shun factory by a private collector in 1999. The well balanced flavor is versatile; depending on how you strongly steep it, the body ranges from light to medium, with distinctive notes of baking spices and dandelion and marshmallow roots, with a refreshing, briny aroma. Brew the same leaves multiple times: the slightly drying finish encourages another sip. If desired, add a piece of the bamboo leaf wrapper for a bright eucalyptus note.

Country: China
Region: Anhui Province
Tasting Notes: nori, burdock root, herbaceous
Year of Production: 1999

3.5 oz / 100 grams

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 210º F

5 grams, 3 minute steep

 ⅓ full, 30 second steep