Mengding Ganlu is one of China’s most renowned green teas, cultivated at the summit of Mount Meng in Ya’an, Sichuan. This tea is celebrated for its tightly rolled leaves, prominent silvery down, clear yellowish-green liquor, and uniquely high, refreshing aroma.
An Exquisite High-Mountain Tea: Mengding Ganlu
Mengding Ganlu originates from Mount Meng in Ya’an, Sichuan Province, a region historically ideal for tea cultivation. Situated between Mingshan and Ya’an, Mount Meng is surrounded by the Qionglai Mountains, Mount Emei, Daxialing, and Jiajin Mountain. This exceptional natural environment earned Mount Meng the praise: “The peaks of Mount Meng boast lush ridges; no common weeds grow here, only fine tea.” The history of Mengding Ganlu dates back to the Han Dynasty. According to legend, the Ganlu Patriarch Wu Lizhen personally planted seven immortal tea bushes here, laying the foundation for Mount Meng tea.
Mengding Ganlu features a distinct leaf shape and flavor profile. Its appearance is slender with robust buds and tender leaves, tightly rolled with abundant down, uniform and neat. When brewed, the liquor is a bright yellowish-green with a rich, captivating aroma, offering a clean, refreshing taste that is both mellow, sweet, and brisk.
Production Method
The best time to harvest Mengding Ganlu tea is around the Spring Equinox. Primarily picking single buds or tender leaves with one bud and one leaf, the yield of this tea is relatively low. After harvesting, the tender leaves are withered for a period of time, then pan-fired at temperatures between 140 to 160 degrees Celsius until the leaves become soft, the tea aroma emerges, and the moisture content is reduced to 60%. At this stage, the leaves are initially twisted into strips, followed by three cycles of repeated rolling and pan-firing until the ideal shape is achieved.
During the rolling process, the tea leaves must be gathered by hand and rolled in the palm for 4 to 5 turns, then repeatedly returned to the wok for heating to shape them into an attractive form. Once the tea shape is well-formed and the moisture content is reduced to 15% to 20%, initial drying is performed to ensure the quality of the tea.
Brewing Guide
To appreciate the graceful shape of Mengding Ganlu tea, it is recommended to use transparent glassware for brewing. Control the water temperature at around 80 degrees Celsius to fully release the tea’s aroma and flavor. The second infusion offers the best taste, leaving a lingering fragrance in the mouth that immerses you in its unique flavor profile.
China's Premier Green Tea: Mengding Ganlu Tea
Mengding Ganlu tea is not only an exceptional green tea but also a treasured gem of Chinese tea culture. Its intricate and meticulous production craftsmanship fully reflects the ingenuity of passed-down tea arts. It is also worth mentioning that Mengshan Peak produces Mengding Huangya, another renowned famous Chinese tea.