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Strip Leaf

Zhèngshān Xiǎozhǒng正山小种

zhèng shān xiǎo zhǒng

Origin
China, Fújiàn Province (福建省, Fújiàn Shěng), Nánpíng Prefecture (南平市, ...
Tea type
Strip Leaf
Caffeine Level
High
Water Temperature
90.000000
Tea notes

Brewing, origin and taste.

Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong — the world's first red tea, born by chance in the Wuyi Mountains and conquering Europe as Lapsang Souchong.

Tea cabinet

Brewing, origin and taste notes

Brewing
Brewing Temperature
90.000000 - 100.000000
Tea Amount
5–6 g per 100–120 ml (gongfu); 3–4 g per 200–250 ml (European method).
Teaware
Porcelain gàiwǎn (盖碗) 100–120 ml — optimal choice for unsmoked variant. For smoked — Yíxīng teapot (宜兴紫砂壶) is acceptable, which smooths smoke intensity. Fairness cup (...
Water Temperature
90.000000
Water Temperature Detail
90–100°C. Smoked Zhengshan Xiaozhong opens well with boiling water; for unsmoked — 90–95°C.
Gongfu Water Temperature
93.000000
Origin
Tea Type
Red
Origin Country
CN
Province
Fujian
Category
Famous Teas of China (中国名茶). Recognized as the progenitor of all red teas in the world. Since 2010, protected by geographical indication (地理标志, dìlǐ biāozhì).
Coordinates
E 117°38′6″–117°44′30″, N 27°41′35″–27°49′00″.
Origin
China, Fújiàn Province (福建省, Fújiàn Shěng), Nánpíng Prefecture (南平市, Nánpíng Shì), Wǔyíshān City (武夷山市, Wǔyíshān Shì)...
Taste
Dry Leaf Appearance
Tightly twisted strips, dark brown with reddish tint (not coal-black).
Dry Leaf Aroma
Floral-fruity, honey, with longan and dried fruit notes. Without smokiness.
Liquor Aroma
Clean, floral-honey, longan, honey, light sweet potato (薯香). Closer to Jun Mei series profile.
Liquor Color
Golden-amber, orange-red, clear.
Spent Leaves
Copper-red, whole, elastic leaves.
Taste
Softer than smoked, but with pronounced "body." Longan sweetness, honey, caramel, light fruity notes. Less astringency.
Details
Oxidation
80.000000 - 95.000000
Leaf Shape
Strip
Oxidation Maximum
95.000000
Oxidation Maximum Detail
95
Cultivar
Local population of small-leaf tea bush — Qízhǒng (奇种, Qízhǒng) / Càichá (菜茶, Càichá), *Camellia sinensis* var. *sinensis*. Seed heterogeneous popu...
Picking
Due to high-altitude location (cold climate), the season begins late: spring harvest — from early May (around Lixia, 立夏) to late May; summer harvest — in late June. One year — t...
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