Melon Seed
Tasting notes: baked avocado, cherry cheesecake, toasted pumpkin seeds
Lu An Gua Pian aka 'Melon Seed' is a legendary Chinese green tea. By pan-frying over low heat, the leaves curl into a shape reminiscent of melon seeds, yielding a refreshing, invigorating, and complex flavor. This tea was chosen as a special gift for Henry Kissinger during his first secret visit to China in 1971.
Tea character
Leaf aroma
toasted pine nuts, fresh bamboo, sweet pea flowers
Cup aroma
warm chestnuts, orchid blossoms, and a hint of sea breeze
Flavor
sunflower seeds, steamed edamame, honeydew melon
Tea story
Steeped in history and crafted with precision, Lu An Gua Pian, or "Melon Seed Tea," is one of China’s most revered green teas, originating from Lu’an City in Anhui Province. Unlike most green teas, which use bud-and-leaf combinations, this tea is made exclusively from mature, single leaves, a technique that dates back to the Tang Dynasty.
The unique production method is what sets Lu An Gua Pian apart. Once hand-plucked in late spring, the leaves undergo a careful de-stemming process, removing the central vein to enhance smoothness. They are then pan-fired in multiple stages, first in a wok over low heat and later in a bamboo basket over charcoal embers. This labor-intensive approach gives the tea its distinctive curled shape, reminiscent of melon seeds, and its signature roasted complexity.
A tea of historical significance, Lu An Gua Pian was famously presented as a diplomatic gift to Henry Kissinger in 1971, marking a pivotal moment in China-U.S. relations. It remains one of China’s Top 10 Famous Teas, valued for its invigorating yet balanced character.
Tea Region | Lu’an, Anhui, China
Tea tree | Camellia sinensis sinensis
Cultivar | Qishan Da Ye (齐山大叶)
Harvest | Spring, 2024
Picking & processing | Mature single leaves, de-stemmed, pan-fired, hand-rolled into its signature curled shape
Almond biscotti
The nutty crunch enhances the tea’s toasted seed-like character.
Grilled asparagus with lemon zest
The tea’s vegetal depth pairs beautifully with the smoky-sweet brightness of asparagus.
Soft goat cheese with honey drizzle
The creamy texture and light tanginess complement the tea’s subtle umami finish.