C. sinensis var. unknown; Jiangnan Tea Market, Nanjing County, Jiangsu Province, 20-50m; early Spring, 2021, bud and leaf, traditional hand-made tea, pine needle shaping; #TodaysTea, #今天的茶, #JīnTiāndeChá, #Tea, #茶, #Chá.

small 1-2.5 cm long, dry mostly straight leaves with a pine needle shape, are dark brown and yellowy-silver in colour and have short bread biscuit, or Danish cookie scent with a pronounced, buttery greenness. The wet leaves are uniform, vibrant green colour and have a watermelon rind aroma, with hints of Clementine segments, passionfruit, and Monstera deliciosa (Fruit Salad Plant).

3-4g of dry leaf was infused in 180ml of water for 30sec.@80-85 deg. C. The brewed tea liquor is a very pale yellow-green colour with a light, sweet, fruity scent. In the mouth it is thick, viscous, mildly stimulating and fresh, with an early sweet finish, followed by a lingering, gentle, minerality, whilst the taste is bready, biscuity, buttery, fruity, sweet, finishing with a lingering hint of liquorice.

Highly drinkable.

Enjoy the video – it was fun making this one…