Chinese Wild Green Tea

When I opened the pouch, the dried leaves hit me with the smell of grilled vegetables and sweet pastries. I brewed western style and was quite pleased with the result. This tea has notes of grilled zucchini and umami with a slight hint of apple in the aftertaste. It left me feeling like I had just eaten a satisfying summer meal.

I received the sampler for free, but my opinions are entirely my own.

My notes are based on gongfu steepings, and it was brewed at 80C.

This is a really nice tea. It’s full-bodied, mellow, and bright. The flavor has a gentle vegetal character, reminding me much of freshly steamed spinach and young greens. There’s a natural sweetness that becomes more noticeable as the leaves open up. I also picked up some strong umami notes, similar to those in Sencha. The tea’s complexity is evident but not overwhelming, making it an enjoyable and approachable choice for both seasoned drinkers and newcomers.

This balanced, but still very nuanced profile makes it an appropriate choice for any time of day. I typically drink in the morning and afternoon, but this would certainly make for a great evening tea as well. You may want to experiment with temperatures and brewing styles to figure out what works best for you if you pick up this tea. Gongfu at 80C is what I liked the most, but greens are versatile and can taste very different depending on your methodology.

Overall, this tea is a really great value in its price range and I can recommend it.

This wild green tea from China offers a distinct and robust flavor profile, reminiscent of Bilouchun but with a more rugged, countryside charm. Initially brisk and grassy with earthy undertones, the tea’s complexity unfolds over longer steeps, revealing subtle sweetness, floral hints, and a rich umami depth. Each session brings a balanced, enjoyable experience that showcases the tea’s wild origins and unique character.