Zao Chun Mao Feng “AAA”, Yunnan, Spring 2025

“Early Spring”, bud and two leaves from Yunnan Province.

Aroma and taste:

Sausages — clearly noticeable, slightly smoked. The second wave brings a fresh aroma, slightly salty with a hint of roasted nuts. The taste has a delicate texture with the same smoky nuance, joined by a bitterness of pumpkin seeds and the sweetness of wild strawberry. With successive infusions, notes of green peas become more pronounced. The aftertaste settles like a rough pollen on the tongue, with a light hint of gooseberry sweetness.

When to drink:

A daily green tea that supports and refreshes on a warm day.

Pros and cons:

A simple and fairly stable tea. However, it is somewhat demanding in brewing — temperature control is important, and infusions should be poured off quickly. Recommended water temperature is around 70°C or even slightly lower. The dense, slightly rough character of Yunnan material is reminiscent of young sheng pu-erh. By the 7th infusion, it loses depth, but the sweetness remains, especially in the aftertaste. It can last for more than 10 infusions.