Mandarin Orange Pu'er (小青柑, Xiǎo Qīng Gān, "Small Green Orange") - These small mandarin Pu'er balls are made with fermented Pu'er pressed into the skin of a mandarin orange. This technique has been adapted from traditional Pu'er pressed into pomelo - a much larger citrus similar to a grapefruit. Dried citrus peel is called Chenpi in China and is a classic Chinese medicine. Aged Pu'er is also known in Chinese medicine to have a soothing effect on the digestive system. These Xiao Qing Gan represent a diminutive, single-pot denomination of the citrus Pu'er tradition. Our version is made with high grade Nannuo mountain Shu Pu'er. Each one can be steeped dozens of times - one of these can last all night long. It is traditionally steeped with the citrus skin, and may be cracked, cut, or perforated to allow the leaves to expand. Likewise, there are multiple preparation techniques - it may be boiled, steeped in a pot or gaiwan, or infused using a pour-over technique sitting in a filter over a gong dao bei.
3 Reviews
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First Shu Pu'er, Very Good
This little orange of tea did not taste how I expected, and I mean that in a good way! This was my first shu pu'er, and I wanted to go with something special. This tea tasted surprisingly herbal and fresh at first, with very subtle citrus notes. As it progressed, the flavor evolved into a warm and sweet, almost vanilla-like profile, and the citrus notes came out very nicely—definitely not overpowering the tea itself. If I could make this tea into an ice cream, I would, but as of right now, we don't have the technology to capture the evolving flavors of tea steeped multiple times into ice cream. This tea is also great for a group. It lasted me over ten steeps, and it can take hot water like a champ. If you like to get the last dregs of tea by cold brewing after a tea session, this is also a good tea to do it with, as I found the orange fragrance and flavor shone in cold water. Completely different experience.
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Oranges
The oranges are dried so there is an earthy taste that lessens the sharp quality and makes it more appropriate for tea. Whenever someone tells me they want to try different types of teas I like to share this one. It's cute and compact so it's a great gift but also has a lot of flavor so it lasts. It's also great for winter months where you crave the freshness of spring and summer fruits but still want that warmth and depth of a good rich tea
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Interesting and Specific
It's no surprise that citrus dominates the flavor of this tea. When my friends and family came in out of the snow, I offered this and it was most appreciated. The design extends the life of the session. mug after mug was brewed for quite a while. This is certainly not your everyday tea. The next time I have a cold, I'm certainly bringing this out.
