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what makes Anhui tea so special?
Anhui sits in the heart of China’s tea belt, where high altitude, rich soil, and misty mountain air create the perfect conditions for slow-growing, flavour-dense leaves.
The province is home to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), one of China’s most iconic landscapes – and one of its most productive tea regions. The altitude and cloud cover produce leaves with a natural complexity and sweetness that low-grown teas simply cannot replicate.
what does Anhui tea taste like?
Anhui teas are known for their clean, refined character. Taiping Houkui – the province’s most famous green tea – produces a cup that is remarkably smooth and mellow, with a natural orchid-like fragrance and a lingering sweetness that develops over multiple steeps.
There is nothing sharp or astringent about a well-brewed Anhui tea. These are leaves grown slowly at altitude, and the patience of the mountain shows in every cup.
how to brew Anhui tea
Anhui green teas are sensitive to heat – lower temperatures preserve their delicate character and prevent bitterness.
Water temperature: 75-80°C
Amount: 2-3g per 350ml
Steep time: 1-2 minutes
Infusions: High-quality Anhui leaves reward multiple re-steeps – the orchid fragrance of Taiping Houkui often becomes more pronounced on the second infusion.
is Anhui tea caffeinated?
Yes. As a green tea, Taiping Houkui contains a moderate amount of caffeine – typically in the 25-40mg per cup range – balanced by L-Theanine, the amino acid that promotes calm, focused energy without the jitters of coffee.
It makes a wonderful mid-morning or early afternoon cup for those who want a gentle lift with something genuinely interesting in the cup.
what are the health benefits?
Like all high-quality green teas, Anhui teas are rich in antioxidants – particularly EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) – which supports metabolism, heart health, and cognitive function.
Because these leaves are grown slowly at altitude with minimal processing, their natural compounds remain intact and potent, making every cup as nourishing as it is flavourful.
Anhui teas at a glance
Our Anhui collection celebrates one of China’s most iconic tea styles.
Taiping Houkui (Monkey King): One of the most visually striking teas in the world – extraordinarily long, flat leaves with a clean, orchid-like fragrance and a mellow, naturally sweet flavour that lingers beautifully.
can you cold brew Anhui tea?
Absolutely. Cold brewing is a wonderful way to experience Taiping Houkui – it draws out a naturally sweet, floral cup with none of the bitterness that can come from over-brewing with hot water.
Add 3-4g of leaves to 500ml of cold water and steep in the fridge for 4-6 hours.
The result is clean, delicate, and quietly refreshing – perfect served over ice on a warm day.
how should I store Anhui tea?
Freshness is essential for Anhui green tea. Store in a cool, dark, airtight container away from moisture, heat, and strong odours.
For the fullest expression of its orchid fragrance and natural sweetness, Taiping Houkui is best enjoyed within 6-12 months of harvest.
is Anhui tea good for beginners?
It’s an excellent choice for anyone who has found green tea bitter or grassy in the past. Taiping Houkui is exceptionally smooth and approachable – its flavour is gentle, refined, and completely free of astringency when brewed correctly.
Follow our brewing temperatures, and you’ll discover exactly why this tea has been celebrated in China for centuries.