Chinese Green Tea Map

This tea was known about around the 12th century as Xian Xia Tea after its origin. In 1506 a Chinese emperor sampled this tea on his inspection trip. Very much delighted of its taste, he appointed this tea a tribute. In following centuries, however, this tea simply vanished until 1980 when it was resumed as Green Peony, a name after its appearance. In 1982 this green tea was awarded gold medal by National Trade Ministry.

The cropping starts from March and lasts about 15 days. A peculiar method of its shaping is that one rolls tea-leaves from a toasting pan while another standing by fans them cool. This ensures color and appearance as well as shortens the drying time.

Mt. Xian-xia is a precipitous, strategic pass between Zhejiang and Fujian Province. Its fertile soil, plentiful rainfall, diffused light and average 71 F annual temperature give this tea unique quality.