We have not been able to include this great tea in our green tea inventory for many years due to high cost of production, and the relative rarity of a garden that fit our extremely high standards. This year, however, we are extremely pleased to report that this one of a kind tea is back in our inventory!

This season’s harvest features the Hao Cha’s trademark thick but tender buds covered almost entirely by a layer of fine downy fur. During the drying process, the fur is singed just a little to induce this tea’s unmistakable flavors. The lusciously creamy mouth-feel is accompanied by a light maltiness, but still maintains the freshness characteristic of great green teas. This is a green tea unlike any other, and we recommend that it be savored at every opportunity.

There are two brewing methods suggested. For full viewing pleasure this tea is sometimes infused in a glass rather than a standard white porcelain gaiwan. Fill your glass 3/4 full with hot but not boiling water, and add an appropriate amount of tea based on the size of your glass. Let the tea float, slowly infuse and sink--when most of the leaves have settled to the bottom of the glass, it is ready to be savored!

The standard Gaiwan method also works well. We recommend using approximately 5 grams of tea in a standard 6 oz gaiwan. Infuse in 175 degree water for a 2-3 minutes, drain into another cup and enjoy!

Multiple steepings can be done by gently increasing steeping time and temperature of each infusion. Always adjust according to your personal preference...