White Eagle Long Life Green Tea

• Country of Origin: China
• Region: Hunan Province
• Shipping Port: Shanghai
• Grade: Mao Feng
• Altitude: 2000’ – 4000’ ft. above sea level
• Manufacturer Type: Traditional
• Cup Characteristics: Refreshing and delightful. The spring tea has a hint of sweetness followed with a mild astringent finish. An excellen example of an early April tea
• Infusions: Bright, green yellowish
• Ingredients: Luxury green tea

In China it is said that much like the milestones by which we measure the passing of time, those Where were you when moments, you will remember every sip of White Eagle Long Life tea. Were you on a boat cruising through the three Gorges of the Yangtze? Under the canopy of a Grant St. café in San Francisco’s Chinatown? Or was it after dinner on Pender St. in Vancouver’s Chinatown? Wherever you go in life, whenever you sip it, you will remember. This saying has its roots in ancient legends told high in the mountains of China.

Mountain mythology has it that there was an old race of mountain men who lived in caves and had learned the secrets of flight and immortality. The secrets were told to them by some women who lived in the valleys below. The women had learned the secrets directly from the eagles who lived in the great forests separating the men and the women. One day, the men invited the women up for Mao Feng tea, the local specialty. The women flew up to visit and were so impressed by the tea offered that they shared the secret of flight with them and blessed their teapot so they would live forever and remember every sip of the delicious tea as they did so.

We’ll be the first to admit that White Eagle Long Life still has not yet been scientifically proven to grant immortality. That said, it is packed with anti-oxidants so it is very good for the body. It’s also delicious. The cup is full and round, with honey like sweetness, mild astringency and notes of orchid. The unique production method used in its manufacture is one of the oldest in China. Pre-infusion, the dried leaf is straight and sturdy.

White Eagle Long Life, like all Mao Feng teas is considered one of China’s 3 celebrated teas. The other two places in this triumvirate of cups are held by Dragonwell and Pi Lo Chun. Like these, Mao Feng production is heavily regulated to ensure an authentic product. We’ve sourced this tea from a long time friend and grower in Hunan province known for his strict adherence to these regulations and progressive environmental record. In fact the first sip we ever had was in his field kitchen. The water was boiled over a fire in a 500-year-old kettle. The sun was beginning to rise over the lofty peaks overhead. The clouds were…ok, you get the picture