The botanical home of the tea plant and the kingdom of Kubla Khan's Xanadu. The Chinese perfected the art of tea cultivation and the method of brewing.
Anhui Keemun Congou (Medium Black Tea): The most famous of all China black teas grown in southern Anhui in the beautiful mist-filled mountains near the present day city of Qimen. Revered since ancient years for its tea, Qimen was strictly off-limits to the early European traders seeking to discover the secrets of making tea. Interestingly, "Congou" is the anglicized word for the Chinese ideograms representing "Kung Fu," a revealing glimpse into the entwinment of tea and philosophy in ancient China. This tea is characterized by a long, slender, tightly rolled leaf, with an orchid-like aroma. Keemun teas are treasured for their brilliant red liquor, with their unique, naturally sweet flavor and alluring aroma. Perfect for afternoon or evening enjoyment, this tea is delicious by itself, or can be enjoyed with milk or sugar.
Temple of Heaven (Mild Green Tea): Also known as Pinhead Gunpowder because its tightly rolled leaves resemble powder used in cannons on 18th century British ships. Unlike much of the lesser quality "gunpowder" teas that are bulk packed for export, Xanadu Temple of Heaven is meticulously hand packed into very small containers for protection and to preserve freshness and quality. Temple of Heaven, a green tea, surrenders a cup rich in flavor, with a surprisingly full body. When fully steeped, the tender whole leaves unfurl, spilling out deep rich flavor.
Young Hyson (Mild Green Tea): Noted for its long, twisted leaf, pale green hue and delicate sweet flavor, Young Hyson is seldom available on world markets. The harvest of this green tea is tedious, hand plucking only the youngest, most succulent new leaves. Grown at over 3,000 feet altitude in the mountains of western China, Hyson teas are hand-harvested and quickly steamed, rolled and fired to preserve the delicate "fresh from the garden" flavor. "Hyson" is literally translated from the Chinese "yu-chien," meaning leaves harvested earliest in the spring "Before the Rains". "Young" Hyson tea is created strictly from the youngest, most succulent and flavorful new leaves. Because of the extreme difficulty of harvesting these tiny leaves, the tea is a source of considerable pride from the tea workers. So popular was this tea in 18th century England, that Pariament levied its highest tariffs on Young Hyson. This lovely tea is characterized by a long twisted leaf, which yields a cup with a smooth, pale green hue and a delicate sweet flavor. Enjoy this tea as brewed, without milk or sugar.
Green Dragonwell (Mild Green Tea): (Previously Zhejiang Dragonwell) Originating near the fabled city of Hangzhou, and caressed by the steady onshore wind off the East China Sea, this exquisite tea is spring-harvested by hand, then quickly steamed and gently fired in large wok-like pans. It is grown near an ancient Taoist temple honoring an especially gentle dragon reputed to be living inside a nearby well. Of the several thousand types of Chinese tea, Xanadu Dragonwell from Zhejiang Province is the most highly sought-after green tea China produces. A perfect all day tea traditionally enjoyed while contemplating the beauty and meaning of life. Xanadu Green Dragonwell proffers a light, nearly transparent white jade colored liquor, with an aroma both sweet and herb-like. Drink this tea straight up, never adding milk or sugar. Also available loose in a 4.5oz tin and in teabags.
