This is a gorgeous tea with long (1 1/2 to 3") leaf sets. Cups to a pale yellow/green soup with nice thick mouth feel and a fresh, delicate, but noticeably savory (umami) taste. I’m not getting the orchid notes.
I brewed it with warm/hot water (175F?) poured gently over 12 or so leaves placed base down standing straight up in a 4 oz. ball jar. 1st steep (45 sec) was all fresh spring with a bit of mouth puckering. 2nd to 4th steeps with increasing temp and steep times yielding very enjoyable cups. Final steep (#5) with boiling water and drank it right out of the ball jar with the leaves at the bottom.
It’s a delicate tea, and maybe a bit tricky to brew, but has the umami taste of a nice fresh green and the mouth feel of a silver needle white. I’m very satisfied with the purchase.
