Taiwan Green Heart | Chin Xin Gan Zhi Lu Cha - Option: 50 g

Qing Xin Gan Zi 青心柑仔 is a top grade early Spring green tea from Taiwan. Made from the Qing Xin 青心, or Green Heart cultivar that is normally reserved for oolong teas, it has a brilliantly floral profile. It is somewhere between a light green tea and a light, very low oxidised Oolong. Qing Xin Gan Zi is grown to organic standards around Mingjian Township of Nantou County.

The Qing Xin Gan Zi name actually refers to the varietal used for this green tea. It is a sub-varietal of the widespread and popular Qing Xin cultivar known for a particularly floral character. The Gan Zi sub-varietal is extensively used for high grade Oriental Beauty Oolong teas due to large amount of buds that these plants tend to produce. While Qing Xin cultivars are a popular choice for fine floral teas from Taiwan, these plants are not as popular with the farmers. It is generally thought that this particular cultivar naturally evolved and developed over time from ancestor plants from Fujian. Unlike the many scientifically selected and developed cultivars from Taiwan that are more resistant and featuring increased output, the Qing Xin cultivar does not have such characteristics. As such, the farmers are unable to produce as much tea from these plants, leading to higher prices.

This Qing Xin Gan Zi has a very bright and clear liquor with a yellow-green light colour. The aroma is slightly vegetal and highly floral.