Liu An Gua Pian Green Tea

Lu An Gua Pian (六安瓜片) is unlike any other green tea in China. Grown in Liu’an, Anhui Province, this rare tea is made only from mature leaves—no buds, no stems. Each leaf is carefully crafted into a signature oval “melon seed” shape, giving the tea both its name and its charm.

Expect a mellow, refreshing cup with a soft vegetal sweetness, hints of honeydew, and a light almond-like finish. There’s also a subtle cooling sensation that follows—especially satisfying in warmer weather.

What Makes It So Special?

• Single-Leaf Craftsmanship: Only the second and third leaves are picked—never the bud. This results in a more robust, smooth flavor.
• Extremely Limited Harvest: The picking window is just ten days each spring, around the time of Grain Rain (谷雨). It takes 5kg of fresh leaves to produce just 1kg of finished tea.
• Protected Origin: Officially recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage and protected by geographical indication since 2007.

Brewing Recommendation – Gongfu Style

• Use 1.5g of leaves and 90–100ml gaiwan
• Water temperature: 195°F (90°C)
• First infusion: 20–25 sec
• Second infusion: 15–20 sec
• Add 3–5 sec for each following steep
• Enjoy up to 6–7 steeps.

If you’re looking for a more robust yet refined Chinese green tea with a clean, refreshing profile, Liu An Gua Pian is a beautiful choice to add to your collection—especially during the summer months. Its elegant flavor and cooling sensation make it a standout for those who appreciate craftsmanship and complexity in their green teas.