Tai Ping Hou Kui, Chinese green tea (No. 1200)

Description

Captivating Appearance, Flavor, and Aroma

Tai Ping Hou Kui, often translated as “King of Monkeys from Tai Ping,” is a prestigious Chinese green tea that stands out with its remarkable appearance, exquisite flavor, and enchanting aroma. However, some tea masters argue that this translation is inaccurate, insisting that the character “Hou” comes from the village name Hou Keng, where this tea was traditionally grown, and “Kui” from the name of the master Wang Kui Cheng, who refined the local green tea production techniques to create the Tai Ping Hou Kui we know today.

A Tea with Deep Roots

Grown in the Huang Shan mountains of Anhui Province, Tai Ping Hou Kui is a gem of the region, particularly around Tai Ping Lake. The tea is cultivated east of the lake, in the villages of Xinming within the Monkey Trap (Hou Keng), Phoenix Mountain (Fenghuangshan), Shitun Mountain, and Rooster Mountain (Jigongshan). Among these, the highest quality tea comes from Hou Keng. The Monkey Trap area, surrounded by mountains, features tea gardens on mountain passes at altitudes of 500-700 meters. With abundant rainfall, high humidity, short periods of direct sunlight, and fertile soil, these conditions are perfect for the growth of Hou Kui tea trees. The leaves of Hou Kui grow rapidly, transforming from tender buds to 4-5 cm long leaves in just three to four days, creating a unique convex shape with downward-curving edges.

Tai Ping Hou Kui has earned a reputation as one of China’s finest green teas.

Brewing Method

1. Prepare the Glass: Rinse a glass or teapot with boiling water.
2. Measure the Tea: Add 2-3 grams of tea per 250 ml of water.
3. Warm the Tea: Pour in 1/4 of the boiling water and immediately discard it, holding the lid to keep the tea leaves in place.
4. Brew the Tea: Fill with boiling water (95-98°C) and steep for 2-3 minutes.
5. Enjoy: You can brew the leaves 2-3 more times. Enjoy your tea time!

Health Benefits of Green Tea

Green tea is rich in catechins, powerful organic antioxidants. It also contains a significant amount of polyphenols, which are chemical compounds found in fruits and vegetables. These polyphenols have anti-inflammatory and healing effects. Here are some key benefits of green tea:

• Boosts Metabolism: Drinking green tea before or after a workout helps burn more calories. Combined with a balanced diet and exercise, it enhances overall fitness.
• Promotes Overall Health: Regular consumption improves general health, enhancing the quality of life and prolonging active years even in old age.
• Reduces Anxiety: Thanks to L-theanine, an amino acid that regulates brain function, green tea helps reduce anxiety without causing drowsiness and increases dopamine levels.
• Energy and Memory: Caffeine in green tea stimulates the body, speeding up physical reactions, boosting energy, improving long-term memory, and elevating mood.

Key Health Benefits of Green Tea

• Improves cardiovascular health
• Lowers blood pressure and reduces heart attack risks
• Accelerates metabolism and burns fat
• Promotes longevity
• Reduces anxiety
• Kills bacteria in the mouth and body
• Lowers the risk of diabetes
• Detoxifies the body by removing heavy metal salts

Experience the magic of Tai Ping Hou Kui, a green tea that not only delights the senses but also brings a host of health benefits. Let this exceptional tea from the Huang Shan mountains elevate your daily tea ritual to a moment of serene pleasure and well-being.