Qimen Zongzi - Bamboo wrapped Red Tea

Qimen red tea is one of the world's most fragrant teas, historically appreciated for its strong body and intense flavor.
In this special and surprising version, the small leaves - Xiǎoyè zhǒng 小叶种 - of this red tea are delicately wrapped by hand into fragrant bamboo leaves, and tied with a bamboo cord. The result is a beautiful small triangle-shaped tea, that recalls the shape of Zòngzi 粽子, a Chinese sweet dish made of sticky rice filled with jujubes or red beans, and wrapped with a kind of bamboo leaves called ruòyè 箬叶. It is traditionally consumed during the Dragon Boat Festival, Duānwǔ jié 端午节, which takes place every year on May 5th.

This tea can be brewed easily for multiple times in a tall water glass or in a gaiwan, and we suggest using glass as a suitable material to better appreciate the change in color of the liquor, which will show shiny hues of ruby red as soon as the leaves start to open.
Qimen Zongzi will surprise your palate with the sweet malty hue of Qimen red tea, together with the mellow and balsamic aroma of lychee, plum, and bamboo leaves, slowly disclosing their treasure of leaves in the warmth of each new brew. 

Origin: Qimen County, Anhui Province
Flush: Spring 2022
Format: signature package containing 6 pieces
Storage: the leaves can be stored in their original package or in ceramic vases. Avoid heat, light, and moisture. 

Infusion Parameters

EASTERN BREWING
In a Gaiwan:
Quantity: 1 piece for each gaiwan
Brewing time: Take away the cord that keeps the bamboo leaves closed and start with a long rinse of about one minute. Begin the first infusion with a 30-second brew. Increase with each successive brew as needed. 
Water temperature: 85° C
Number of brews: 10-12

In a Glass:
Quantity: 1 piece for each 200 ml glass
Brewing Time: 15 minutes (time may vary according to the capacity of the glass)
Water Temperature: 100°C
Number of brews: 5-6


WESTERN BREWING
Quantity: 1 piece each 500 ml of water
Brewing time: 15 minutes
Water temperature: 100°C