Emerging from the verdant slopes of Nanjing’s Purple Mountain and its surrounding areas, this elegant green tea draws life from the region’s rich history and unique terroir. The tea gardens, nestled among the rolling hills at elevations ranging from 20 to 50 meters, are blanketed by a temperate climate with abundant rainfall and a distinct four – season cycle. The soil, a slightly acidic yellow – brown loam rich in organic matter, provides the perfect foundation for the tender tea bushes to thrive. Ancient legends and historical records trace the roots of tea – making in Nanjing back over a thousand years, with the forerunner of Yuhuacha, a “Zhongshan Yunwu Tea” recorded in the Qing – Dynasty’s “Chong Ming Man Lu,” laying the groundwork for this exceptional variety.

Exceptional Flavor Profile

Savor the tea’s refined, refreshing essence: a bright, grassy base with notes of fresh green beans and tender spinach, balanced by a delicate floral sweetness that lingers on the palate. The first sip delivers a clean, invigorating taste—reminiscent of a spring morning in an ancient forest—with a hint of natural astringency that quickly fades into a smooth, sweet finish. A “qing xin” (refreshing) quality spreads across the tongue, while the finish leaves a long – lasting, satisfying aftertaste that makes each sip a new discovery. The liquor shimmers with a pale, emerald – green hue, its texture light and delicate, carrying the tranquility of Nanjing’s mountains in every drop.

Artisanal Craftsmanship

Harvested in the early spring, around the Qingming Festival, when the first tender buds of selected small – leaf tea varieties emerge, local tea pickers rise before dawn. They painstakingly pluck only the finest one – bud – one – leaf shoots, with the bud and leaf no longer than 3 centimeters, ensuring each piece is of the highest quality. The fresh leaves are then gently carried down the mountain in bamboo baskets to the processing workshops. Here, they first undergo a withering process in a well – ventilated, shaded area for 2 – 4 hours, reducing their moisture content slightly. Next, they are pan – fried at a precise temperature of around 180 – 200°C for about 2 – 3 minutes to halt enzymatic activity and fix the green color. After that, a gentle rolling and shaping process follows, which helps to release the tea’s natural oils and form its characteristic shape. The leaves then enter a crucial stage of “cuo tiao” (twisting) and “zhua tiao” (grasping and straightening), a unique technique exclusive to Yuhuacha. This process, passed down through generations of skilled tea – makers, gives the tea its signature tight, straight, and needle – like appearance, resembling the pine needles that adorn the local mountains. Finally, the tea is dried at a low temperature of 80 – 90°C until it reaches the perfect dryness, locking in its fresh, grassy aroma. This meticulous process, a blend of traditional skills and modern techniques, results in a tea that is both fresh and full of character.

Perfect for Every Occasion

Ideal for early mornings when you seek to awaken your senses with a cup of pure, fresh tea, or as a calming afternoon drink to soothe the mind during a busy day. Its mild, refreshing flavor pairs beautifully with light pastries like almond cookies or green tea cakes, enhancing their sweetness with its own delicate taste. It also shines as a beverage for social gatherings, where its elegant aroma and taste can be appreciated by all. Whether enjoyed by green tea enthusiasts or those new to the world of tea, it brings the beauty of Nanjing’s spring to every cup. Moreover, Yuhuacha holds a special place in commemorative events, symbolizing the noble spirit of the revolutionary martyrs who sacrificed their lives in Yuhuatai, adding a layer of solemnity and meaning to each sip.

Brewing Guidelines

Packaged in a sealed, air – tight tin to preserve its freshness and aroma, this tea retains the essence of its Nanjing origins. Let each sip transport you to the misty tea gardens of Nanjing—where this exceptional tea captures the first rays of spring sunlight and the care of traditional artisanal tea – making, while also carrying the weight of history and the spirit of resilience.