Maofeng Tea: From Huangshan to Your Teacup

Maofeng tea is grown in the Huangshan region of China and is considered one of the country’s finest teas.

This green tea is made from the young leaves and buds of the Camellia sinensis plant. The leaves are picked in the early spring when they’re freshest. The tea is processed using traditional methods, including withering, rolling, and drying the leaves. The result is a light, refreshing tea and full of flavor.

In this article, we aim to give you a better understanding of this celebrated tea.

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Table of Contents

Origins of Maofeng Tea

Maofeng tea has been grown in the Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) region since the Song dynasty. It acquired notoriety during the Ming era. For reference, the growing region is located in the Anhui province of China.

Sources indicate the cultivar used nowadays to produce the tea dates from the late 19th century. This cultivar was discovered in the Huangshan region. When mixed with traditional processing methods, it yielded one of the most well-known green teas in the world.

Farmers pluck tea leaves by hand. They only pick the young, tender leaves covered in fine white hairs, which is why the tea is called Maofeng, which means “furry peak” in Chinese.

The climate and soil in the mountains are perfect for growing this tea. The region experiences a lot of fog and mist, which helps slow down the tea leaves’ growth and gives them a distinctive flavor.

The finished Maofeng tea leaves are long, thin, and curly. They are covered in fine white hairs. The leaves have a vibrant green color and glossy sheen, making them look almost wet.

Cultivation and Harvesting

To produce Maofeng, the tea leaves are harvested in the early spring, typically around late March or early April. The leaves are picked by hand, and only the young, tender leaves and buds are selected. This ensures that the tea has a delicate flavor and aroma.

Once the tea leaves are harvested, they are immediately taken to the processing facility. There, the leaves are withered, rolled, and dried.

The withering process involves heating the leaves in a wok to reduce the water content.

After this, the tea leaves are rolled to release their flavor and aroma. This step is critical to the quality of the tea, as it helps break down the leaves’ cell walls and release the tea’s natural flavors and aromas.

It is worth noting that leaves are twisted into tight spirals during the rolling step, giving the tea a distinctive texture and appearance. When brewed, the leaves unfurl and release their full flavor and aroma.

Finally, the tea leaves are dried to stop oxidation and preserve flavor. This step is done at a low temperature to ensure the tea leaves do not lose their characteristics.

Taste and Aroma

The flavor characteristics of Maofeng tea are as follows:

Sweetness: Maofeng typically exhibits a natural sweetness that is gentle and pleasant on the palate. A mild vegetal undertone often accompanies this sweetness.
Mellow and Smooth: The tea has a mellow and smooth flavor profile, making it easy to drink and enjoy.
Fresh and Floral: Maofeng tea is known for its fresh, clean taste with floral notes. It may have a delicate aroma reminiscent of orchids or other flowers.
Subtle Vegetal Notes: Alongside the floral aspects, the tea may have subtle vegetal notes, such as hints of grass or steamed vegetables. These flavors are usually well-balanced.
Umami: Some varieties may also have a slight umami quality, contributing to their savory and satisfying character.
Long-Lasting Aftertaste: One of the distinguishing features of Maofeng tea is its long-lasting aftertaste.
No Bitterness: Maofeng is not bitter or astringent when properly brewed, making it enjoyable even for those new to green teas.

Maofeng tea is often considered one of the top grades of Chinese green tea. As with any tea, the flavor can be influenced by factors such as the specific tea plantation, growing conditions, harvesting time, and the expertise of the tea makers.

Grading System

The grading system of Maofeng tea is an important method used to classify and differentiate the quality of this Chinese green tea. It considers appearance, color, aroma, taste, and overall leaf condition.

Tea experts or experienced tea tasters typically do the grading. Although the system may vary slightly among different tea producers, the following is a typical example of the grades used:

Supreme Maofeng: This is the highest grade. It comprises the youngest and most tender tea buds and leaves, usually harvested in the early spring. The leaves are long, straight, and well-shaped, with a bright green color. The aroma is fresh, floral, and captivating, and the taste is delicate, sweet, and lingering.
Special Grade: This grade is also made from high-quality young tea leaves and buds, with a similar appearance to Supreme Maofeng. The taste and aroma are still excellent but may be slightly milder than the top grade.
Grade 1: This grade includes slightly larger and more mature leaves, which may result in a somewhat more potent taste and a slightly darker color. However, it is still considered to be of excellent quality.
Grade 2: This grade may contain some leaves that are not as well-shaped as higher grades, and the taste and aroma may be less refined. However, it still offers a pleasant drinking experience.
Grade 3: This grade may contain more mature leaves and fewer buds, leading to a coarser appearance and a less delicate flavor.

Brewing Maofeng Tea

To brew a delicious cup of Maofeng tea, you will need to follow a few simple steps. Here’s how to do it:

Start by heating some water. The ideal temperature for brewing Maofeng tea is around 80°C to 85°C. You can achieve this by boiling the water and cooling it for a few minutes.
While the water is heating up, measure out the tea leaves. A good rule of thumb is to use one teaspoon of tea leaves for every 8 ounces of water.
Once the water has reached the right temperature, pour it over the tea leaves in a teapot or a cup. Let the tea steep for 2-3 minutes.
After the tea has steeped, strain out the leaves and discard them. You can also leave the leaves in the teapot or cup if you prefer a stronger brew.
Finally, sit back and enjoy your delicious cup of Maofeng tea!

Health Benefits of Maofeng Tea

Here are some of the health benefits you can get from drinking Maofeng tea:

Rich in Antioxidants: The tea is rich in antioxidants such as catechins, tea polyphenols, and vitamin C. These antioxidants help to fight free radicals in your body, which can cause damage to your cells and contribute to aging and disease.
Boosts Metabolism: Contains caffeine and theophylline, which can help to boost your metabolism and increase your energy levels. This can help you to burn more calories and lose weight.
Improves Heart Health: Maofeng has been shown to help lower blood lipids and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Maofeng tea’s catechins can help improve blood flow and reduce inflammation in your arteries.
Antioxidants: Contains EGCG, which is a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect your skin from UV damage and reduce the signs of aging. The amino acids in Maofeng tea can also help improve your skin’s elasticity.
Boosts Work Efficiency: Contains caffeine, which can help to improve your concentration and focus. This can help you to be more productive at work or school.

Buying Recommendations

A great place to buy this tea is at specialty tea shops. These shops often carry a wide variety of tea blends. Specialty tea shops are also the place to ask questions and get recommendations from knowledgeable staff members who can help you find products according to your preferences and budget.

If visiting a specialty tea shop is not viable, you can look for reputable online tea shops or retailers. You can also read reviews from other customers to get an idea of the quality of the tea and the seller’s reliability.

If you are interested in buying online, please consider the recommendations below.

FullChea – Mao Feng – Chinese Green Tea Loose Leaf Tea

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XIXICHA Maofeng Green Tea

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Teapigs Mao Feng Green Tea Tea Made With Whole Leaves

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Mao Feng and Longjing tea?

Mao Feng and Longjing tea are high-quality green teas from China but come from different regions and have different flavors. Mao Feng tea is grown in the Huangshan Mountains, while Longjing tea is produced in the West Lake region of Hangzhou. Mao Feng tea has a fresh, vegetal flavor with a slight sweetness while Longjing tea has a nutty, chestnut-like flavor.

How is Mao Feng tea processed?

Mao Feng tea is hand-picked in the early spring when the leaves are young and tender. The leaves are then withered (by applying heat), rolled, and dried. Mao Feng is not roasted, which allows it to retain its fresh, vegetal flavor. The leaves are usually green and slightly curled, with a delicate aroma.

What are the health benefits associated with drinking Maofeng tea?

Maofeng, like other green teas, is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols that can support overall health. It is believed to aid digestion, boost metabolism, and promote relaxation. The tea contains various vitamins and minerals, contributing to its potential health benefits.

How should I properly store Maofeng tea to maintain its freshness?

To preserve the freshness and flavor of Maofeng tea, store it in an airtight container, away from direct sunlight, heat, and strong odors. Avoid exposure to moisture, as it can compromise the quality of the tea.

Can Maofeng tea be re-steeped, and how many times?

Yes, the tea is known for its ability to be re-steeped multiple times. Depending on the quality and grade, you can typically re-steep the leaves 2-3 times while enjoying a satisfying cup of tea.