Masu Jin Guazi
金瓜子

金瓜子 (Gold melon seed). This tea is named after the leaves at harvest time. When the sprouts are starting to open, the outer two leaves reveal the center bud. At this stage the leaves are like the shell of a sunflower seed.

This tea is from Masu, a village high in the mountains above Tongmu, where my cousin's family lives and has a few tea gardens. Jin Guazi is produced from older trees. The result is a unique tea produced from this early harvest of small pointed leaves. The soup is fairly thick and luxurious. When brewed quite strong the thickness further develops, some astringency emerges. The strong brew can be felt in the throat. Rich depth of fragrance with an elevated energy.