Chun Mee (Moon Palace)

I was hoping to replace my old Chun Mee variety from the late SpecialTeas website, but alas this one does not quite resemble the sweet plum-like flavor of my favorite organic Chun Mee.  Upton informs us that, "Literally translated, Chun Mee means 'precious eyebrows'. [This is]One of our most popular China green teas. Steep about 2 minutes."  To me it seems slightly dusty and smoky, more reminiscent of a gunpowder green than a delicate and sweet Chun Mee.  I feel badly giving this such a poor review since it is a company bestseller, but it is not the flavor I was searching for.  Now that I have a 125 gram tin of it, I'm not sure what to do.  Maybe a teatime bath is in order...

ZG18: Chun Mee (Moon Palace)

Steeping Suggestions:
Leaf Quantity: 2¼ g/cup
Water Temp: 180º
Steep Time: 2-2¼ min

Gu Zhang Mao Jian

Time to review a new green tea for the summer season.  When the heat wave hits, I tend to shy away from heavier black teas and gravitate towards light greens, oolongs, and whites.  This standard green tea was one of the top sellers on the Upton Teas website, boasting of its clean, simple, and sweet liquor.  Upton describes the blend as, "A green tea with deep flavor notes and good body, priced for everyday consumption. Rarely do we find a tea with this quality and flavor at this price level."  The leaves take on a vaired and wiry appearance, giving off a vegetal, sweet smell.  The brew itself is a clean, simple green.  Although not as pungently sweet as a Chun Mee green tea, it is a gentler alternative.  I recommend drinking this brew without sugar to enjoy its simplicity.

ZG54: Gu Zhang Mao Jian

Origin: China
Brewing Suggestions
Leaf Quantity: 2¼ g/cup
Water Temp: 180°
Steep Time: 3 min.

Pi Lo Chun (Green Snail Spring)

I will be honest, I expected more from this tea.  Although the process of creating this tea is ages old- involving the careful, hand-rolling of each leaf set, I was not enamored with the flavor.  It was rather earthy and smoky for a green tea- lacking the bright, spring-like qualities I enjoy in other brews.  Upton claims, "The most tender buds are picked under carefully controlled conditions in the spring. One of the most prized of China green teas, only a limited amount of this special grade tea is available."  Not my cup of tea.

ZG92: Pi Lo Chun (Green Snail Spring)

Origin: China
Steeping Suggestions
Leaf Quantity: 2¼ g/cup
Water Temp: 180º
Steep Time: 3-3½ min.

Green Tea Tropical

Green tea that is not boring.  The tropical fruit notes –pineapple and guava- complement this tea, rather than overpowering.  A harmonious mix that transports you to summer days in the dead of winter.  Sold by Mighty Leaf.

An Ode to Chun Mee

Oh Chun Mee how I love thee, let me count the ways!  I have found green tea nirvana.  I found this minx in a local supermarket, and was supposedly purchased from SpecialTeas as # 522.  This tea is smoky and sweet, yet reminiscent of ripe plums.  Not like any other grassy, vegetal, and weak green tea I have ever had.  A lifetime friend for certain.

Update: Due to Special Teas going out of business I have been searching for an alternative Chun Mee.  Upton Tea appears to have a 'Moon Palace' Chun Mee, but I have yet to review it.

Moroccan Mint

There is something about the combination of a smoky green and mint that wakes me up from any slump.  After stealing several cups worth of peppermint from my neighbor, I finally broke down an ordered a 100g tin from Upton Teas (suggested to me by my partner in crime).  I must say, I am pleased with the herb.  It is more powerful than any other mint blend I have had at the school dining hall.

• 3/4 tsp China Gunpowder Green Organic (Special Teas #520)
• 1/2 tsp Domestic Peppermint (Upton Teas #389A)
• 1/2 tsp Spearmint (Frontier)

Steep 3 mins @ 180 degrees F

Review: A Moroccan mint that will knock your socks off.  The smoky gunpowder taste is noticeable with the first sip, followed with cooling mint tones that linger.  No need for sugar here.