Gongmei 2016 "Offering Eyebrows": Exquisite White Tea in Pancake Shape
Gongmei (Chinese: 貢眉, pinyin: Gòng méi) is one of the most revered varieties of white tea grown in China. Its name translates as "offering eyebrows" and refers to the appearance of the tea leaves, which resemble eyebrows.
Origin and history
Gongmei is traditionally grown in Fujian Province, in Fuding County. This region is famous for its tea plantations, where the best varieties of white tea are grown. Gongmei is valued for its delicate taste, aroma and high content of nutrients.
Production
Only the upper parts of the shoot are used to produce Gongmei: the bud and one or two young leaves. The tea is picked by hand in early spring, when they are still young and tender. After picking, the tea undergoes minimal processing, which includes:
- Wilting: Leaves wilt slightly in the open air.
- Fixation: To maintain fresh aroma and color.
- Drying: The tea is dried at low temperatures.
The pancake-shaped pressing allows the tea to mature slowly and reveal new flavours over time.
Taste and aroma
Gongmei 2016 has a delicate, sweetish taste with light floral and fruity notes. The aroma of tea is fresh and clean, reminiscent of spring flowers and fruits. The infusion has a light yellow color.
Beneficial properties
- Rich in antioxidants: Protects the body's cells from damage.
- Improves digestion: Promotes normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Calms the nervous system: Helps cope with stress and improve sleep.
Press form - Bin Cha
Bing cha (cake) is a traditional pressing form for puer. However, in recent years, this form has also been used for other types of tea, including white tea. Pressing into a cake allows:
- Preserve freshness: Tea retains its flavor better.
- Slowly mature: Over time, the tea's flavor becomes deeper and more complex.
- Convenient to store: The pancake takes up little space and is convenient to store.
How to Brew Gongmei in a Pancake Shape
To brew a pancake, you will need a special tea knife to break off a small piece of 10 grams. You can brew tea in a gaiwan or a 150 ml clay teapot in several infusions. The water temperature should be about 80-85°C. The first brewing time is 30-40 seconds, the following ones - to taste.
Why you should try Gongmei 2016 "Offering Eyebrows" This tea is a real work of art, created by nature and the hands of tea masters. Its delicate taste, aroma and convenient pressing form make it a desirable purchase for any connoisseur of white tea.
|
Name in Chinese
|
貢眉 |
|
Tea variety
|
Gongmei |
|
Country
|
China |
|
Raw material production date
|
28.04.2016 |
|
Year of pressing
|
2016 |
|
Pressing form
|
Bing Cha (Cake Tea) |
|
Declared weight, g
|
350 |
- Комментарии
- Вконтакте
In 2015, we interviewed Zhou Xiaolin (周小莉, zhōu xiǎolì) and the materials were shelved. It happens. Xiaolin is a smart married woman who has been working productively with Russians in China for a long time and is already studying Russian herself. Now the time has come and you can read this interview.
