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Zhang Ping Shui Xian (2023 Spring)

Zhang Ping Shui Xian (2023 Spring)

MyTeaPal Club

Type
Oolong Tea
Origin
Nanyang Town, Zhangping, Fujian Province, China
Cultivar
Shui Xian
Elevation
500m
Steeping instructions
100˚C / 212˚F Gongfu style: Brew the entire piece (9-10g) with a vessel around 150ml. 20s for 1st infusion, then 10s for 3 infusions, and increment by 10s for multiple infusions until it loses flavor. Western style: 1g : 80ml, 2min+1min Bowl style: 1g : 80ml
Description
Zhangping, situated in the southwestern part of Fujian Province, stands as a renowned tea haven in China, blessed with a climate and soil conducive to the growth of tea leaves. Abundant wild tea resources within its borders make it one of the three major wild tea bases in Fujian Province. The favorable natural conditions have nurtured the development of Zhangping tea, with numerous terraced tea plantation remnants scattered throughout the area. Legend has it that during the Song Dynasty, cultivation of tea trees began in Zhangping, gaining considerable scale by the Ming and Qing dynasties. In 1910, the Shuixian tea variety was introduced and promoted by Zhangping tea maker Liu Yongfa from northern Fujian. Around 1920, he innovated the unique pressed tea – Zhangping Shuixian tea cake. Over the years, through continuous development, inheritance, and refinement of techniques, Zhangping Shuixian tea has gradually developed its distinctive qualities – a fragrance reminiscent of orchids, elegant and enduring, and a rich, lasting aroma like osmanthus. Its production process is intricate and demands refined skills. In summary, there are eight processes: picking, withering, cooling, shaking, fixing, rolling, pressing (a unique step for Zhangping Shuixian), and baking. During the pressing step, Shuixian tea leaves are placed in a firm, odorless wooden mold, manually compressed into a square shape, and then wrapped in tea paper for final shaping. A single square Shuixian tea cake encapsulates the dedication of several generations of Zhangping tea artisans. Evolving from the initial round cake through continuous exploration and improvement, it ultimately settles into a 1cm thick, 4cm square-shaped cube, making Zhangping Shuixian tea renowned for its unique water fairy tea cake. Each small tea cake is handmade and weighs between 8 and 10 grams. With an aroma reminiscent of orchids and osmanthus, and a refreshing yet robust taste, Zhangping Shuixian tea has gained the favor of a wide consumer base, gradually establishing itself as a new trend in the Fujian tea market.

Shipped in December 2023

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