-
8 Saturation
-
7 Aftertaste
-
7 Aroma
-
6 Effect
-
7 Balance
-
10 Body
Meizhan (Wild Plum): A Unique Oolong Tea from the Wuyi Mountains
Meizhan is a special variety of oolong tea grown in the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian Province, China. The tea gets its name from the variety of tea bush that bears the same name—meizhan, which translates as "wild plum."
History and features
Meizhan is one of the oldest oolong varieties, with a history spanning centuries. Its tea bushes grow on steep mountain slopes, at altitudes over 1,000 meters above sea level. The unique combination of climate and soil gives Meizhan its distinctive flavor and aroma.
The tea's name reflects its botanical origin, as it shares the name of a bush cultivar—meizhan—within the Camelia sinensis var. sinensis species. The cultivar itself was originally developed in Anxi County in the south, but has also become widespread in northern Fujian for its plum-blossom-like aromatic qualities. This cultivar is typically used to produce a type of cliff oolong tea, such as Da Hong Pao, but it was in the Mingshan Mountains of Sichuan Province that this tea was first used as a red tea, and it was a success.
Key features of Meizhan:
- Origin: Wuyi Mountains, Fujian Province, China.
- Tea bush variety: meizhan.
- Processing: semi-fermented, with the fermentation fixation characteristic of oolongs.
- Taste: rich, with fruity notes (plum, peach), light florality and a nutty tint.
- Aroma: bright, floral, with fruity notes.
- Colour of the infusion: amber, with golden highlights.
Taste and aroma
Meizhan has a rich and complex flavor. It harmoniously combines sweetness and tartness, fruity and floral notes. The tea's aroma is vibrant and memorable, reminiscent of a blooming garden.
Main taste characteristics:
- Sweetness: due to the large amount of fruit sugars.
- Astringency: gives the 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, which help fight free radicals and slow the aging process. It also contains vitamins and minerals essential for maintaining a healthy body. Regular consumption of Meizhan may contribute to:
- Improving digestion.
- Strengthening the immune system.
- Improving concentration and memory.
- Lowering cholesterol levels.
How to brew
Meizhan is a tea for multiple steepings. It is recommended to use water at a temperature of 90-95°C. The first steeping time is 15-20 seconds, followed by 30-60 seconds for subsequent steepings. Each subsequent infusion will reveal new nuances of flavor and aroma.
Meizhan is a true gift for oolong connoisseurs. Its unique flavor, aroma, and rich history make it one of the most prized varieties of Chinese tea.
When dry, the tea has a warm, velvety aroma with a bready-spicy profile, 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 Meizhan red tea is dense, rich, and thick. The flavor is slightly bitter and features spicy, woody notes with a nutty undertone.
As the steepings 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 drinking it gently tones and gives strength.
|
Name in Chinese
|
梅占 |
|
Pinyin
|
interstate |
|
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, wǔyíshān bànyán) |
- Reviews
- Vkontakte
