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 to tell. Despite its name, Anji Bai Cha, which translates as Anji White Tea, is indeed a green tea variety. Its name stems from the Bai Ye No. 1 tea bush, known for its distinct pale characteristics. This tea possesses a rare albino phenomenon, unseen in other tea bushes, where both the plucked leaves and brewed tea display a delicate, pale appearance that sets it apart from the rest.

During the brisk days of spring, when the temperature dips below 23℉, skilled hands pluck the tender tea leaves from the Bai Ye No. 1 bushes. These unique leaves, deficient in chlorophyll, showcase a gentle pale green hue, bordering on white, like no other. This extraordinary phenomenon has captivated tea enthusiasts for centuries, and its allure can be traced back to an ancient Chinese text called "Da Guan Cha Lun." Dating back 900 years, the book recounts a legend of a white tea bush with jade-colored leaves. In the 1980s, scientists stumbled upon a new tea tree variety with nearly white leaves, believed by many to be the very bush mentioned in the classic text. However, this tea's leaves retain their captivating paleness only during the earliest days of spring, when temperatures remain low. This brief harvesting window, lasting just about a month, adds to the rarity and exclusivity of Anji Bai Cha, making it one of the most coveted and sought-after teas in China and beyond.

Although Anji Bai Cha may lack the vibrant greens typically associated with green tea, it compensates with an abundance of amino acids, surpassing the content found in 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. Anji County in Anhui province holds the distinction of being the exclusive production region for this exceptional tea. Since 2004, Anji Bai Cha has been recognized as a Protected Geographical Origin product, ensuring that only leaves harvested within this designated area can bear the esteemed name of An Ji Bai Cha.

To fully appreciate the delicate beauty of this tea, we recommend brewing it in a glass teapot or a tall glass. These vessels provide ample space and visibility, allowing you to witness the mesmerizing dance of the tea leaves as they gracefully unfurl and infuse the water with their ethereal pale color. Slowly immerse yourself in the tranquility of the brewing process, savoring each moment as the tea's gentle essence permeates the air, transporting you to a realm of serene indulgence.

• Place of Origin: Anji, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
• Altitude: 950m
  
• Harvest Date: April, 2025
• Picking Standard: One bud with one leaf
• Aroma: Refreshing with a vegetal aroma
• Taste: Mellow and smooth, sweet with undeniable umami 
• Cultivar: Bai Ye #1 (白叶一号)