Mao xie (Hairy crab)

Mao Xie (毛蟹) – "Hairy Crab": A Famous Oolong Tea from Anxi

Mao Xie (毛蟹, máo xiè) , which translates as "Hairy Crab," is one of the most famous and revered oolongs from Anxi County, located in the southern part of China's Fujian Province. This lightly fermented oolong, also referred to as "turquoise" or "jade" tea due to the leaf's hue, attracts attention not only for its intriguing name but also for its rich flavor, aroma, and interesting brewing process.

Origin: Anxi – "city of endless spring"

Anxi County, Mao Xie's birthplace, is a legendary oolong tea production site. Its unique climate—high humidity, frequent fog, and a lack of extreme temperature fluctuations—has earned it the nickname "the city of endless spring." Free from severe winter frosts and sweltering summer heat, it creates ideal conditions for growing delicate tea leaves.

Appearance: "crabs" in a cup

This tea owes its unusual name to the appearance of the dried leaves. Mao Xie tea leaves are tightly twisted and consist of two or three outer leaves with a small stalk. They have a subtle white hair ("Bai Hao"). It is this shape, reminiscent of small furry crabs, that gives the tea its name. The color of the dried leaves ranges from light green to bluish-dark green. When brewed, the leaves open, revealing their integrity, density, and elasticity.

Aroma and taste: gradual unfolding and the magic of change

Mao Xie is a tea that doesn't reveal all its secrets right away. Its flavor develops gradually, leaving a pleasant, velvety aftertaste. The distinguishing feature of this oolong is its versatility. With each new steeping, the flavor and aroma are transformed, as if by magic: delicate floral notes can give way to juicy fruity ones, and vice versa. The process of brewing Mao Xie is a distinct pleasure, involving appreciating the aroma of the warmed leaves, as well as the noticeably different aromas from a full and empty cup.

Beneficial properties

Besides being enjoyable, Mao Xie also offers health benefits. It's rich in vitamins and essential microelements, such as iodine, zinc, iron, calcium, selenium, and phosphorus. The "Hairy Crab" is believed to:

• It has bactericidal properties.
• It has a positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular and digestive systems.
• Promotes the removal of toxins from the body.
• Helps to relax muscles.
• Refreshing in hot weather.

The art of brewing

To fully enjoy Mao Xie, it is recommended to pay attention to the brewing process:

1. Teaware: A teapot made of porous Yixing clay is best, as it allows the tea to "breathe" and develop better.
2. Water: Use hot water, 90-95°C.
3. Amount of tea: Take 7-10 grams of dry tea leaves for a standard teapot.
4. Warming up: Rinse the teapot with boiling water, add dry tea, and let it warm up a bit. You can shake the teapot gently to distribute the heat.
5. Aroma: Open the lid and inhale the aroma of the heated leaf.
6. Rinsing: Make the first short steeping (literally a few seconds) and discard it. This infusion is not traditionally drunk; it serves to "awaken" the tea leaves and warm the teacups.
7. Brewing: Begin brewing using the steeping method. Add water and quickly pour the infusion into a chahai (pourer) or directly into bowls. Mao Xie tea can withstand 8-10 steepings.
8. Enjoyment: Enjoy the changing taste and aroma with each infusion, remembering to inhale the aroma from the bowls.

Mao Xie is more than just a tea. It's a unique oolong tea from Anxi that offers a complete journey for the senses. Its unusual name and appearance, complex, ever-changing flavor, rich aroma, and beneficial properties make it a favorite among tea connoisseurs. Properly brewed Mao Xie allows you to not only reveal all its facets but also experience the beauty of the moment, which is, as they say, the very purpose of this tea.