Hairy Crab - Mao Xie

Wonderful, verdant green oolong named for the shape of its leaves as they unfurl while steeping. This unfurling reminds locals on the coast of China of the moving legs of crabs as they swim. Hairy Crab is unusual as it offers a full-bodied fruit-like note.  

Lot Notes. Lot was harvested in late April 2021. Lot is a low-oxidized style, verdant green. Dry leaf is very aromatic. Lot flavor is fruity, full-bodied for a green oolong with a very pleasant mouth feel.  

Tea Facts. Hairy Crab oolong has been cultivated since the Qing dynasty and is widely enjoyed in Asia. The cultivar, Mao Xie, classes as one of the Zhong oolongs meaning it grows in the area where the famous Tieguanyins are cultivated. Our lot is grown in the area around DaPing township in Anxi County, Fujian. Mao Xie is a semi-ball rolled leaf style with a small stem. Tea is 30-40% oxidized.

Taste Profile. The leaves offer a very pleasing floral aroma. Leaves open to a very distinct fruit-like flavor. Unfurl, the leaves offer a delicious cup with delicate "peach-like" notes. Note, it is an oolong that can be served hot or serves well as an iced or chilled beverage.

Brewing Suggestions.  Use a teaspoon or 3-4 grams of leaf for 8-12 ounces of water at a temperature of 195-205 F.  Rinse the leaves briefly, pour water off and reinfuse.  Steep for 2 - 2.5 minutes and taste.  The leaves will yield multiple steeps as the large leaves fully open.