Lu’an Melon Seed Tea, commonly known as Guapian or Melon Seed Tea, is a traditional and historical Chinese tea. It is one of the top ten famous teas in China and is produced in the vicinity of the Dabie Mountains in Lu’an City, Anhui Province. During the Tang Dynasty, it was known as “Luzhou Lu’an Tea,” and in the Ming Dynasty, it became known as “Lu’an Melon Seed Tea,” considered a premium and top-quality tea. It even served as a tribute tea to the imperial court during the Qing Dynasty.
Lu’an Melon Seed Tea is a special type of green tea with a unique production process and distinct characteristics. It is the only tea in the world that consists of single leaves without buds or stems. The removal of buds ensures that the tea maintains its leaf shape without a grassy taste, while the stems undergo a woody transformation during processing, ensuring a rich and non-bitter taste. Lu’an Melon Seed Tea is typically harvested within ten days before or after the Grain Rain (Gu Yu) period.
History
The history of Lu’an Melon Seed Tea is intertwined with that of “Lu’an Tea” and represents the essence of Qing Dynasty famous teas. According to historical records from Lu’an and the renowned poet Yuan Mei’s “Suiyuan Shidan” during the reign of Emperor Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty, Lu’an Melon Seed Tea evolved from the Lu’an Tea, with local folklore describing it as originating from the “Qishan clouds and mist” region. Lu’an Melon Seed Tea’s original production area was around Qitou Mountain, and it was recognized as a famous tribute tea during the Qing Dynasty. The tea was widely popular in the Jianghuai region, as well as the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, and it was exported to regions like Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the United States.
Brewing Method
Brewing Lu’an Melon Seed Tea, a type of green tea, involves four essential steps: warming the cup and utensils, adding tea leaves, pouring water, and enjoying. Follow these steps for a perfect cup of Lu’an Melon Seed Tea:
- Warm the Cup and Utensils:
- Pour a small amount of hot water into a glass cup and rotate the cup to ensure complete contact with the glass, then pour it out. This step warms the cup and removes any odors.
- Add Tea Leaves:
- Use a tea spoon or scale to measure approximately 5 grams of Lu’an Melon Seed Tea and place it in the glass cup. Gently shake the tea leaves to release their aroma.
- The tea-to-water ratio should be 1:50, so for a 300ml glass cup, use around 5 grams of tea. You can adjust this based on the freshness and intensity of the tea leaves and personal preference.
- Pour Water:
- Lift a kettle filled with water and slowly pour it along the inner wall of the glass cup. Stop when the water level reaches about 70% of the cup’s capacity.
- The ideal water temperature for brewing Lu’an Melon Seed Tea is around 85°C (185°F). You can use boiling water, but this may affect the number of infusions and the tea’s strength.
- Enjoy:
- Allow the tea leaves to infuse for about 5 minutes until the temperature is suitable for drinking.
- Savor the fragrant, sweet, and delicate green tea.
Lu’an Melon Seed Tea can be steeped up to three times, with each infusion reaching about one-third of the cup’s volume before refilling with water.
Health Benefits
Lu’an Melon Seed Tea offers a range of health benefits due to its unique properties:
- Anti-aging: The tea contains antioxidants that help combat the aging process by reducing oxidative stress and scavenging free radicals.
- Antimicrobial: Lu’an Melon Seed Tea contains catechins, which have inhibitory effects on some pathogenic bacteria while promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
- Cardiovascular Health: It can help lower total cholesterol, free cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL). This contributes to heart health and reduces the risk of atherosclerosis.
- Weight Management: The tea contains caffeine and catechins, which can activate protein kinases and lipase, aiding in fat metabolism and weight loss.
- Oral Health: Lu’an Melon Seed Tea’s fluoride content helps inhibit the growth of cavity-causing bacteria, reducing the risk of dental issues and bad breath.
- Anti-cancer: While the exact mechanisms are still under research, Lu’an Melon Seed Tea is believed to have cancer-fighting properties, making it a healthy beverage choice.
- Skin Health: The tea’s catechins have been shown to protect against UV-B-induced skin cancer and promote a healthy complexion.
- Digestive Aid: Lu’an Melon Seed Tea can help improve digestive issues, including acute diarrhea caused by bacterial infections.
In conclusion, Lu’an Melon Seed Tea is a unique and prestigious green tea with a rich history, unique brewing process, and a wide range of health benefits. Its crisp, aromatic, and non-bitter taste, combined with its potential health-promoting properties, make it a tea worth savoring and exploring. Whether you are a tea enthusiast or looking to incorporate healthier beverage options into your daily routine, Lu’an Melon Seed Tea is a wonderful choice. Enjoy its refreshing taste and numerous health advantages as you sip this exceptional Chinese green tea.
