Meizhan (Wild Plum): Unique Oolong Tea from Wuyi Mountains
Meizhan is a special type of oolong tea that grows in the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian Province, China. The tea gets its name from the type of tea bush that bears the same name – meizhan, which means “wild plum”.
History and features
Meizhan is one of the oldest varieties of oolong, its history goes back several centuries. Tea bushes of this variety grow on steep mountain slopes, at an altitude of more than 1000 meters above sea level. Due to the unique combination of climate conditions and soils, Meizhan acquires its unique taste and aroma.
The name of the tea reflects its botanical origin, as it coincides with the name of the bush variety – meizhan – within the species camelia sinensis var. sinensis. The cultivar itself was originally bred in the south in Anxi County, but has also become widespread in northern Fujian for its aromatic qualities, reminiscent of the fragrance of plum blossoms. Usually, this variety is used to produce a variety of cliff oolong, such as da hong pao, but in the Mingshan Mountains of Sichuan Province, this raw material was first tried as a red tea and was not mistaken.
Key Features of Meizhan:
- Origin: Wuyi Mountains, Fujian Province, China.
- Tea bush variety: meizhan.
- Processing: semi-fermented, with the characteristic fermentation fixation of oolongs.
- Taste: rich, with fruity notes (plum, peach), light florality and a nutty hue.
- Aroma: bright, floral, with fruity notes.
- Colour of the infusion: amber, with golden highlights.
Taste and aroma
Meizhan has a rich and complex taste. It harmoniously combines sweetness and tartness, fruity and floral notes. The aroma of the tea is bright and memorable, reminiscent of the aroma of a blooming garden.
Main taste characteristics:
- Sweetness: due to the large amount of fruit sugars.
- Astringency: gives tea a refreshing effect.
- Fruity notes: plum, peach, sometimes citrus.
- Floral notes: jasmine, linden.
- Nutty shade: almond, hazelnut.
Health benefits
Meizhan is rich in antioxidants that help fight free radicals and slow down the aging process. It also contains vitamins and minerals that are essential for maintaining a healthy body. Regular consumption of Meizhan can help:
- Improving digestion.
- Strengthening the immune system.
- Improving concentration and memory.
- Lowering cholesterol levels.
How to brew
Meizhan is a tea for multiple brewing. It is recommended to use water at a temperature of 90-95°C for brewing. The first brewing time is 15-20 seconds, subsequent brewings - 30-60 seconds. Each subsequent infusion will reveal new shades of taste and aroma of tea.
Meizhan is a real gift for oolong lovers. Its unique taste, aroma and rich history make it one of the most valuable varieties of Chinese tea.
When dry, the tea has a warm, velvety aroma with a bready-spicy profile with a pleasant spiciness and a hint of dried nuts.
After washing, a velvety aroma is added with notes of young green peas, nuts and spices.
The infusion of red tea Meizhan is dense, rich and thick. The taste has a slight bitterness and spicy-woody notes with a nutty ensemble.
As the infusions increase, the pleasant bitterness in the taste increases, and the woody-spicy notes intensify.
With a ratio of 5 g of dry tea leaves per 150-200 ml, a Yixing clay teapot or gaiwan can withstand 5 full steeps.
The deep amber infusion leaves a refreshing aftertaste with spicy notes of classic red Chinese tea.
Meizhan warms well, creates a feeling of coziness and comfort, and by the end of the tea party it gently tones and gives strength.
|
Name in Chinese
|
梅占 |
|
Pinyin
|
middle |
|
English name
|
Wild plum |
|
Translation
|
Wild plum |
|
Country
|
China |
|
Provinces
|
Fujian (福建) |
|
Region
|
Nanping (南平) |
|
Habitat
|
Уишань Баньян (武夷山半岩) |
- Комментарии
- Вконтакте
