Fujian Old Field Green 2021 No.342

Gutian (古田) means Old field. Located between Wuyi Mountain and the East China Sea, the sea is only 40-50 km away. Tea plants were planted in the ’50s, then have gone wild for the last 20 years. In recent years, after pruning they have been harvesting again. We’ll put a few pictures on our Instagram to feel the atmosphere of the place. In semi-wild conditions picking the tea leaves is a more skillful job, in return, the teas show gratitude in their depth and wholesomeness.

In recent years, we have only been able to buy small amounts from the pre-Qinming harvest (we wrote on our blog about the importance and tradition of this period). We also tasted some samples of the tea which was picked later, but we loved the soft and elegant sweet character of the earlier harvest more. This year we were able to get a larger batch. These early-picked leaves won’t get bitter and bring a lot more finesse to the brew.

Tasting notes:
This year, thanks to the early rains, the tea leaves have a darker shade of green, which appears in the taste of pine needles and resin notes. The feeling of the steaming wood in the sauna. Hints of clay appear, which we think comes from the soil. The tea offers depth and long-lasting effect, with great potential for softening in a short while. Enjoy.

Preparing Instructions:

Quantity: 5-6 grams per 150ml.
Water temperature: 80ºC. From fresh, cold spring water or filtered water.
Brewing time: 10-15…seconds
Infusions: 4-5