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Zhang Ping Shui Xian (2024 Spring)

Zhang Ping Shui Xian (2024 Spring)

Lin Yongyuan

Type
Oolong Tea
Origin
Beiliao Village, Nanyang Town, Zhangping, Fujian Province, China
Cultivar
Shui Xian
Elevation
350-400m
Steeping instructions
Portion: Use one piece (9-10g) per serving. Halve it if you prefer a lighter flavor. Each piece can last through 10 or more infusions. Water Temperature: 100˚C / 212˚F. Steeping: - Entire serving: 9-10g : 150ml. For the first three infusions, steep for 30s, 15s, and 10s. For subsequent infusions, gradually increasing by 5s or 10s based on desired intensity. - Partial serving: tea-to-water ratio of 1g per 25ml. Start with 15s, then gradually increasing by 5s or 10s based on desired intensity.
Description
Zhangping, nestled in the southwestern part of Fujian Province, is celebrated as a tea haven in China. Its fertile soil and ideal climate provide perfect conditions for cultivating tea, complemented by abundant wild tea resources that make it one of Fujian’s three major wild tea bases. The area’s terraced tea plantations, some dating back centuries, stand as a testament to its rich tea culture. Tea cultivation in Zhangping began as early as the Yuan Dynasty, flourishing during the Ming and Qing dynasties. In 1910, tea artisan Liu Yongfa introduced the Shui Xian tea variety from northern Fujian and later, around 1920, innovated the now-iconic Zhangping Shui Xian (漳平水仙) pressed tea cakes. Over generations, this unique tea has developed a distinctive character: a delicate, orchid-like fragrance intertwined with the sweet richness of osmanthus, offering a refined and long-lasting aroma. The meticulous production process involves eight steps: picking, withering, cooling, shaking, fixing, rolling, pressing (a signature step), and baking. During pressing, tea leaves are placed in wooden molds, compressed into neat square shapes, and wrapped in tea paper for final shaping. Each small tea cake, weighing 8 to 10 grams, reflects the dedication and craftsmanship of Zhangping’s tea artisans. The tea evolved from round to square cakes through continuous refinement, settling on its now-recognizable 1cm-thick, 4cm-square design. This particular batch of Zhangping Shui Xian tea was harvested and processed on May 8, 2024, during the spring season. Its elegant aroma of orchids and osmanthus, coupled with a refreshing yet full-bodied taste, has made it increasingly popular. Revered for its heritage and uniqueness, Zhangping Shui Xian tea continues to gain favor among tea enthusiasts and stands as a shining star in Fujian’s tea tradition.

Shipped in December 2024

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