Taiping Houkui stands among China's top ten renowned teas, its heritage rooted in the lush expanse of Huangshan Mountain, within Taiping County, Anhui province. This illustrious tea has graced palates since the early 1900s. In contrast to the majority of Green Teas, plucked prior to Qingming (April 3rd), Taiping Houkui's leaves unfurl post-Guyu (April 20), infusing it with a distinctive character. Thriving in the hamlets of Xin Ming, Longmen, and Sankou, the pinnacle of this tea's quality showcases a mere duo of tender leaves and a singular bud, while the third and fourth leaves are reserved for its lesser grades. Origin: Anhui province Leaf Profile: Broad, sleek, and linear, spanning a length of approximately 5-7 cm for the twin leaves and sole bud. Hue: The leaves exhibit a deep green hue, which, upon infusion, metamorphoses into a vibrant, emerald green. Flavor Notes: The flavor profile is characterized by mellowness and a lingering, sweet aftertaste, devoid of any harsh bitterness or astringency. Harvest Season: Spring, post-April 2024. Historical Anecdote: The fabled genesis of "Taiping Houkui" traces back to wild tea originating a hundred miles distant, nestled northeast of Huangshan Mountain. By a fortuitous twist, avian couriers transported seeds to Huangshan's cliffs. There, the formidable task of leaf plucking was ceded to trained monkeys, bestowing the tea with its name - " Taiping Houkui," signifying the harmonious fusion of simian dexterity and the best tea. Distinguished Accolades: 1910: Honored with the Excellence Award at the Nanyang Commodity Exposition. 1915: Achieved a first-class gold medal at the Panama Pacific International Exposition. 1955: Crowned as one of China's top ten teas, earning the esteemed moniker, "Monkey Chief Peace." 1972: Premier Zhou Enlai offered a sachet of Taiping Houkui as a symbolic gesture during President Nixon's inaugural visit to China. 2004: Secured the esteemed title of "King of Green Tea" at the International Tea Expo. 2007: President Hu Jintao bestowed Taiping Houkui Green Tea upon Russian President Vladimir Putin, a gesture of diplomatic significance. With a history as rich and nuanced as its flavor, Taiping Houkui emerges as a distinguished treasure in the world of tea. Harvest Period: : 2025, early April.
