China Moon Palace (Chun Mee) from Tea Frog

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Green

Where to Buy:  Tea Frog

Tea Description:

This popular green tea is also known as Chun Mee, which translates to “Precious Eyebrows”, so named because of the shape of the rolled leaves. After being rolled, the tea is pan fried to halt the oxidization process in the leaf. The flavor of this tea is slightly sweet, with notes of plum, and a fragrant scent. The liquor is a pale yellow, and the tea is produced in the Anhui province of China.

Learn more about this tea here.

Taster’s Review:

This is a very pleasant Chun Mee.

The flavor is consistent with other Chun Mee teas I’ve tasted.  No big surprise there; however, I seem to be noticing more of a fruity tone with this Chun Mee.  In other “Precious Eyebrow” green teas, I usually notice the vegetative flavors immediately – and yes, those vegetal notes are here as well – but, the first thing that really stood out for me was a very appealing fruit-like flavor.  The description above suggests plum, and I get that … for my palate, I taste a cross between plum and apple, complete with a hint of tart green apple flavor that weaves its way in and out of each sip.

It has an earthiness to it as well, not an extraordinarily heavy earthy tone, but a light, musky kind of earthiness that provides a compelling contrast to the sweet fruit tones.  It’s one of those teas that keeps me sipping for the interesting layers of flavors it presents.

And as I continue to sip, I notice the thick, smooth texture of the tea.  It is a mouthfeel that is similar to a broth, and it is very satisfying.  I am finding that not only is the flavor soothing but this texture is incredibly comforting to sip as it is cold and rainy outside.

Of course, this would also make a very pleasing iced tea – I’d recommend serving it with a thin slice of your favorite citrus fruit!  If you enjoy a good Chun Mee, I’d recommend visiting the Tea Frog website and trying this one!