Chun Gong (Spring Gift or Spring Offering)

Chun Gong (春贡): White Tea "Spring Gift" from Fujian

Chun Gong (春贡, chūngòng) , whose name translates as "Spring Gift" or "Spring Offering," is an exquisite white tea native to Fujian Province (福建, Fújiàn), specifically the Dagang region (大岗, dàgǎng). This tea is prized for its refined character, refreshing properties, and interesting, multifaceted flavor profile, which will appeal to lovers of white teas, yellow teas, and even sheng pu-erh teas.

Appearance and aroma

This tea is presented with neat, fairly large leaves. When dried, they exude a delicate, velvety aroma with unusual notes—as if rosehip petals had been carefully dried between the pages of an old book. After rinsing with boiling water, Chun Gong awakens, and its aroma becomes melodic, with distinct nuances of forest herbs. Some connoisseurs also note notes reminiscent of birch bath whisk.

Taste: harmony of sweetness and freshness

The flavor of brewed Chun Gong is distinguished by its softness, beautiful balance, and moderate sweetness. It imparts a feeling of freshness and purity. The flavor palette is rich and complex: it reveals notes of rosehip petals, juicy fruits, delicate homemade caramel, and the aroma of blooming flowers, like those you might encounter in the forest on a summer day. Interestingly, as the tea steeps, it gains richness without becoming bitter or astringent. Only a slight, pleasant bitterness emerges, quickly giving way to a wave of sweetness. Reviews also mention a refreshing tartness and a taste reminiscent of birch sap.

Aftertaste and effect

Chun Gong has a long, refreshing finish, with a light floral-fruity lingering note and a pleasant, lingering sweetness on the tongue. This white tea is known for its harmonizing properties: it relaxes, calms the mind, and brings balance. Its refreshing properties make it ideal for hot weather, helping the body cope with elevated temperatures. Its gentle, calming effect makes it an excellent choice for evening tea.

Brewing recommendations

To best reveal the taste and aroma of Chun Gong, it is recommended to adhere to the following parameters:

• Water temperature: 85-90 °C.
• Amount of tea: 5-7 grams of dry leaves per gaiwan or teapot with a capacity of 150 ml.
• Brewing time: Brew using the steeping method, starting with short exposures (15-20 seconds) and gradually increasing the time.
• Number of steeps: The tea can withstand up to 7 full steeps.

Chun Gong is a remarkable white tea from Fujian. It captivates with its delicacy, yet retains its own distinctive character. Unusual notes of rosehip, wild herbs, and birch sap distinguish it from other white teas. Its refreshing taste, lingering sweet aftertaste, and harmonizing effect make it a wonderful tea for both everyday consumption and meditative tea ceremonies. Its excellent price-quality ratio makes it accessible to a wide range of connoisseurs.