Originating from Anxi county in China’s Fujian province, this tea is known for its mild astringency and floral, earthy flavour. Legend has it that the Iron Goddess of Mercy, after whom this tea is named, bestowed this tea on one of her devotees to reward him for his sincerity.
Brewing instructions
Standard Brew
Add 1 teaspoon of tea to 250ml of boiling water. Steep for 2-3 minutes. Strain and enjoy your brew. These leaves can be reinfused multiple times. Or, you can use them for cold brew (instructions below) after the first steep.
Gong Fu Brewing
- Add 5-6g to a gaiwan (the brewing vessel).
- Pour boiling water over the tea to wash it (a few seconds). Use it to warm and wash the remainder of the teaware.
- Pour boiling water into the brewing vessel again (for the first steep). This steep should be between 10-15 seconds.
- Pour the brewed tea into a gong dao bei (cup of equality) if serving more than one guest.
- Pour the tea into cups from the ging dao bei (cup of equality).
- Pour boiling water into the brewing vessel again (for the second steep). Increase the steep time by 5 seconds.
- Repeat steps 4 and 5.
- Continue pouring boiling water into the brewing vessel for as many steeps as you like/the tea will allow. You can do this over an hour or throughout the day.
- When you have finished brewing, wash the teaware in boiling water (and vinegar if severely stained).
- Compost the used tea leaves.
Cold Brew
Add 1 teaspoon of tea per 250ml of room temperature water to a bottle. Put the bottle in the fridge overnight or for a minimum of 8 hours. Strain and enjoy cold.
