| Name | Liù ān guāpiàn / 六安瓜片 |
| English | Melon Seed |
| Region | Jinzhai, Anhui |
| Manufacture | Green tea. The larger second leaf is selected and the central vein is cut out. The leaf is pan-fired over low heat. |
| Style | Hand shaped into a melon seed or large oval sunflower seed shape. |
| Flavor | Sweet taste, hint of smokiness |
| Aroma | Lightly floral aroma |
| Liquor | Medium yellow |
| Brewing | Brew two or three two-minute infusions at 77-82 C |
Liu’an Guapian, also called “Melon Seed”, gets its name from the shape of the processed tea leaves. It is a special type of green tea and the only green tea in China that uses no stalks or buds in its production. After picking the bud and two leaves from the plant, the tea maker cuts the bud and any stem from the leaves, creating equal-sized single leaf pieces. These carefully cut leaves are then pan-fired over low heat, shaping the leaves into a melon seed shape and creating a tea with bright green colored leaves.
Historically, it is reported the Empress Dowager Cixi drank this tea on a daily basis, Premiere Zhou Enlai loved this tea so much he drank it while on his death bed, and on Henry Kissinger’s historic visit to China in July of 1971, Melon Seed was the tea he was presented as a gift.
As a novice tea enthusiast I must admit being somewhat influenced by the the packaging the tea leaves arrives in – after all, it is part of the overall experience! My Taobao vendor this time will get no awards for the generic packaging he sent me.
The most striking things about this tea is the size of the leaves. Compared to other green teas the leaves are substantially larger, much more similar in size to some Wulong teas. From left to right below compare Longjing, Maofeng, Biluochen, Liuan Guapian and Tieguanyin (a Wulong tea).
More Information (from Baidu Baike):
Liu An Gua Pian is one of the top ten teas of China. Named after the tea leaves’ resemblance to a huge melon seed, Liu An Gua Pian is a unique type of green tea produced in Liu An County in Anhui Province. It is one of the oldest teas in China, highly praised by tea connoissuers from Tang Dynasty. it was chosen as a special gift for Henry Kissinger during his first secret visit to China in 1971.
What sets Liu An Gua Pian apart is undoubtedly its shape. The tea leaves are significantly larger than most other green teas. They are shaped like a plump watermelon seed, a popular nut in China. But to Westerners, almond probably describes the shape better. The tea leaves are large and flat with a slightly curled edge. There are no stems in the leaves. Liu An Gua Pian boasts a bright emerald color, which is why it is also known as ‘ Liu An Emerald Pedal’. There is a very thin layer of white frost on the leaves but not obvious. Since Liu An Gua Pian is thoroughly fried after harvest, the raw leaves have a toasted smell. If they smell fresh instead, it is a sign that the frying was not done properly. But once brewed, the tea tastes sweet, crisp and refreshing, making it a great summer tea. Liu An Gua Pian is also a great antidote to indigestion and fatigue.
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