{"title":"Heritage Chinese Tea Selection","description":"\u003cp\u003eA curated collection of Chinese loose-leaf teas for modern tea drinkers, spanning classic red and black tea, pan-fired green tea and naturally fragrant floral styles. Explore distinctive leaf shapes, regional brewing traditions and cup profiles suited to daily tea rituals, thoughtful gifting and refined tea-table presentation.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"hangzhou-jiuqu-hongmei-black-tea-250g-traditional-paper-wrapped-chinese-red-tea","title":"Hangzhou Jiuqu Hongmei Black Tea – 250g Traditional Paper-Wrapped Chinese Red Tea","description":"\u003ch2\u003eJiuqu Hongmei: Hangzhou’s Elegant Red Tea Tradition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJiuqu Hongmei is a distinctive Chinese red tea from the Hangzhou tea tradition, prized for combining the warmth and depth of fully oxidised tea with a refined, aromatic character. This 250g presentation is finished in a traditional paper-wrapped format that feels equally at home on a tea table, in a gift basket or in a collection of classic Chinese teas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTaste \u0026amp; Aroma\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cup opens with a clear amber-red liquor and a rounded fragrance. Expect warm honeyed sweetness, gentle red-fruit tones, soft malt and a lightly toasted finish. Compared with heavier breakfast-style black teas, Jiuqu Hongmei is usually more graceful and aromatic; compared with green tea, it is deeper, warmer and more comforting while remaining clean on the palate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLeaf Appearance \u0026amp; Tea Culture\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe dry leaves are slender and dark, creating a striking contrast with the bright liquor after brewing. In Chinese tea culture, red tea is appreciated not only for flavour but for its ability to deliver a smooth, warming cup across multiple infusions. The traditional paper wrapping reinforces the old tea-house character of the presentation and makes the pack attractive for display before it is opened.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Brew\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWestern-style cup:\u003c\/strong\u003e use about 3–4g of leaf per 250ml of water at 90–95°C. Steep for 2–3 minutes, then adjust the next brew to taste.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGongfu-style:\u003c\/strong\u003e use about 5g per 100–120ml, water around 90–95°C and short infusions starting around 15–20 seconds. Increase the time gradually over later rounds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a cleaner, sweeter cup, avoid boiling the leaves aggressively. A glass fairness pitcher, porcelain gaiwan or small ceramic teapot all work well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhen to Drink It\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJiuqu Hongmei works beautifully in the morning, after lunch or during a quiet afternoon tea session. Its warm, sweet profile also makes it a strong choice for cooler evenings when you want something more rounded than green tea without moving into heavily roasted tea styles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFood Pairing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePair it with butter biscuits, madeleines, dark chocolate, nut-based desserts, red-bean pastries, lightly spiced cakes or savoury dim sum. The tea has enough body to sit beside food while still keeping a polished, clean finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGifting \u0026amp; Presentation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 250g paper-wrapped format has an understated traditional look that suits Chinese New Year hampers, housewarming gifts, tea-themed gifts and refined pantry displays. Place it beside a porcelain gaiwan, bamboo tea tray or celadon cup set for an elegant new-Chinese interior styling moment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Jiuqu Hongmei a green tea?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. It is a fully oxidised Chinese red tea, called black tea in most Western retail terminology.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow is it different from Longjing?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLongjing is a pan-fired green tea known for fresh vegetal, chestnut-like and sweet notes. Jiuqu Hongmei is darker, warmer and more honeyed because the leaves are fully oxidised.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I re-steep the leaves?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Good loose-leaf brewing works especially well with repeated infusions, particularly in a gaiwan or small teapot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow should I store it?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKeep the tea sealed, dry, cool and away from strong odours, heat and direct sunlight.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ClayZenith","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62665998139473,"sku":null,"price":39.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/6297\/6849\/files\/jiuqu-hongmei-250g-paper-pack_307751a3-e3f2-4d14-bb83-7c8839ab7de4.jpg?v=1789714773"},{"product_id":"classic-hangzhou-longjing-green-tea-traditional-paper-wrapped-dragon-well-1","title":"Classic Hangzhou Longjing Green Tea – Traditional Paper-Wrapped Dragon Well","description":"\u003ch2\u003eClassic Hangzhou Longjing: China’s Iconic Flat-Leaf Green Tea\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLongjing, also known as Dragon Well tea, is one of China’s most recognisable green tea styles. Its signature comes from pan-firing: the leaves are pressed and shaped against the heated wok, creating the distinctive flat, blade-like appearance that immediately separates Longjing from curled, rolled or twisted Chinese teas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Longjing Is Famous\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLongjing is celebrated for the balance between leaf appearance, fragrance, flavour and liquor clarity. The best-known style is associated with Hangzhou and the West Lake tea tradition, where the tea became deeply connected with Chinese literati culture, hospitality and refined everyday tea drinking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTaste \u0026amp; Aroma\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe profile is fresh, clean and gently sweet, with characteristic roasted-chestnut, tender green-vegetable and soft savoury notes. Compared with Japanese steamed green teas, Longjing is less marine and more nutty because it is pan-fired rather than steamed. Compared with jasmine tea, the aroma comes from the tea leaf itself rather than added floral scenting. Compared with oolong or black tea, the body is lighter and the finish is brighter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe Flat Pan-Fired Leaf\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the pleasures of Longjing is visual. The flattened leaves soften, brighten and slowly open in hot water, making the tea especially attractive in a clear glass or glass pot. This is part of the traditional appeal: the brewing process is something to watch as well as taste.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Brew Longjing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGlass-cup method:\u003c\/strong\u003e use about 3g of leaf per 250ml of water at around 75–85°C. Steep for about 1½–2 minutes. Leave a little liquor in the glass before topping up for the next infusion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGaiwan method:\u003c\/strong\u003e use 4–5g per 100–120ml, water around 80°C and short steeps beginning around 15–20 seconds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLongjing rewards slightly cooler water. Very hot boiling water can flatten its fragrance and emphasise bitterness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eServing \u0026amp; Food Pairing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrink it in the morning, late morning or afternoon when you want a clean, refreshing cup. It pairs beautifully with steamed dumplings, light seafood, cucumber dishes, fresh fruit, almond biscuits, sponge cake and delicate pastries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTraditional Paper-Wrapped Presentation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe paper-wrapped format gives the tea a nostalgic tea-shop character. It works well as an everyday drinking tea but also photographs beautifully beside bamboo trays, celadon, white porcelain and modern new-Chinese interiors. For gifting, pair it with a clear glass cup or a minimalist gaiwan to highlight the leaf shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy are Longjing leaves flat?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe flat shape is created during pan-firing, when the leaves are pressed and shaped by hand movements against a heated surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes Longjing taste grassy?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt has fresh green notes, but its hallmark is a sweeter, nuttier, chestnut-like character rather than an intensely grassy or seaweed-like profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I brew it in a glass?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. A clear glass is one of the most enjoyable ways to drink Longjing because you can watch the leaves descend and open.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow many infusions?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTwo to four satisfying infusions are common depending on leaf quantity, water temperature and brewing style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow should I store it?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKeep it tightly sealed in a cool, dry place away from light, heat, moisture and strong aromas.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ClayZenith","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62666054729809,"sku":null,"price":42.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/6297\/6849\/files\/hangzhou-longjing-traditional-paper-pack_8d0c8729-a761-4a4d-bbde-5f4ed20028a1.jpg?v=1789714841"},{"product_id":"jasmine-longjing-green-tea-floral-dragon-well-tea-in-jiangnan-style-tin","title":"Jasmine Longjing Green Tea – Floral Dragon Well Tea in Jiangnan-Style Tin","description":"\u003ch2\u003eJasmine Longjing: Floral Fragrance Meets Dragon Well Character\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Jasmine Longjing brings together two immediately recognisable Chinese tea signatures: the flat green leaves associated with Longjing-style tea and the lifted perfume of jasmine. The dry blend is visually expressive, with green leaves and pale jasmine blossoms creating an elegant contrast that looks especially attractive in a bamboo tea scoop or clear brewing vessel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTaste \u0026amp; Aroma\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first impression is floral and fresh, followed by the smoother green-tea character underneath. Jasmine gives the cup a fragrant white-flower lift, while the green tea contributes gentle sweetness, soft vegetal notes and a lightly nutty finish. The result is aromatic without needing milk or sugar and works particularly well for drinkers who enjoy fragrant tea but still want to taste the underlying leaf.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow It Differs from Other Jasmine Teas\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany jasmine teas use rolled or twisted green tea. Here, the Longjing-style flat leaf gives the blend a different visual and sensory identity: broader leaves, a softer pan-fired character and a subtle chestnut-like undertone beneath the floral aroma. Compared with plain Longjing, it is more perfumed and expressive; compared with stronger black tea, it is lighter, brighter and more refreshing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBrewing as a Visual Ritual\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA clear glass pot or tall glass works beautifully because the leaves soften and the pale jasmine blossoms become visible as they move through the liquor. This makes the tea well suited to a modern Chinese tea table where presentation matters as much as flavour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Brew\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEveryday cup:\u003c\/strong\u003e use about 3g per 250ml of water at 80–85°C. Steep for 1½–2 minutes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGaiwan:\u003c\/strong\u003e use 4–5g per 100–120ml, water around 80–85°C and begin with 15–20 second infusions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep the water below a full boil to preserve the jasmine fragrance and the sweeter side of the green tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhen to Drink It\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJasmine Longjing is especially suited to late morning, afternoon tea and after meals. Its aromatic profile also makes it a lovely tea for welcoming guests because the fragrance is noticeable from the first pour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFood Pairing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePair it with light pastries, coconut desserts, almond cookies, fresh fruit, steamed cakes, delicate dim sum, white-fish dishes and mildly seasoned vegetable plates. Avoid very smoky or heavily spiced foods if you want the jasmine aroma to remain the focus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eJiangnan-Style Gift Presentation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe clean rectangular tin, botanical label and visible jasmine blossoms give the tea an elegant Jiangnan-inspired look. It suits housewarming gifts, hostess gifts, tea lovers and anyone building a calm new-Chinese tea corner. Style the tin beside pale porcelain, celadon, bamboo, linen or light wood for a refined contemporary display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this a black tea?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. It is a jasmine-scented green tea style with Longjing-style flat leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShould I add milk?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is designed to be enjoyed plain so the floral aroma and green-tea sweetness remain clear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan it be re-steeped?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Use shorter infusions and slightly increase the time with each round.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy use cooler water?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGreen tea and jasmine fragrance are both more expressive when the water is hot but not aggressively boiling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow should I store it?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKeep the tin tightly closed in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, heat, moisture and strongly scented foods.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ClayZenith","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62666110107729,"sku":null,"price":32.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1069\/6297\/6849\/files\/jasmine-longjing-tin-and-leaves_81e64bbb-870c-4d00-83d2-5c7af95f68a6.jpg?v=1789714864"}],"url":"https:\/\/clayzenith.com\/collections\/heritage-chinese-tea-selection-1.oembed","provider":"ClayZenith","version":"1.0","type":"link"}