Anji Bai Cha Green Tea

– Take a sip, young one. – Lao Cha handed a cup of freshly brewed tea over to the monk. 

Although the brew looked unassuming and light, the monk was hit by a wave of fresh air. The brew smoothly flowed through his body, leaving a pleasantly sweet aftertaste. 

Anji Bai Cha is a unique Chinese green tea with a fascinating story. Despite its name, Anji Bai Cha, which translates to "White Tea from Anji," is indeed a green tea. Its name stems from the Bai Ye No. 1 tea bush, known for its distinct pale characteristics. This tea exhibits a rare temperature-sensitive "albino" phenomenon, unique among tea bushes, in which the plucked leaves and brewed tea display a delicate, pale appearance that sets it apart.

In 1982, local tea experts and forestry workers in Daxi Village found a rare, wild ancient tea bush that matched historical accounts of an elusive white-leafed tea plant. In the crisp early spring, when temperatures stay below 72°F (22°C), the Baiye No. 1 cultivar undergoes a fascinating temperature-sensitive albinism. This genetic mutation temporarily blocks chlorophyll expression of chlorophyll in budding shoots, producing their signature pale jade leaves before they naturally turn completely green as the season warms.

Anji Bai Cha is a L-theanine-rich green tea whose amino acid content exceeds that of most other green tea varieties. This unique composition contributes to its full-bodied and incredibly soothing taste, characterized by a mellow sweetness that envelops the senses. Notably, the striking umami flavor of Anji Bai Cha leaves an indelible impression.

Anji Bai Cha Green tea comes from Anji, Huzhou, an area renowned as Lu Yu's second home and a prominent tea capital during the Tang dynasty in eastern China. While the underlying Baiye No. 1 cultivar is now successfully grown in several high-altitude provinces across China, only leaves harvested within the specific terroirs of Anji County can legally carry the authentic name of Anji Bai Cha – a distinction protected by a geographical indication designation since 2004.

To fully appreciate the delicate beauty of this tea, we recommend brewing it in a glass teapot or a tall glass. Glass provides visibility, allowing you to witness the dance of the tea leaves as they infuse the water with ethereal pale color. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the brewing process as the tea's fragrance permeates the air, transporting you to a realm of serene indulgence.

• Place of Origin: Anji, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
• Altitude: 600m
  
• Harvest Date: April 2026
• Picking Standard: One bud with one leaf
• Aroma: Refreshing with notes of asparagus, citrus, and soybean
• Taste: Mellow and smooth, sweet with undeniable umami 
• Cultivar: Bai Ye #1 (白叶一号)