G-CN-015

Chunmee (Zhen Mei)

珍眉

Pan-fired eyebrow green, from Jiangxi, China.

Green tea

Chunmee (Zhen Mei) is strongest on astringency, bitterness and brightness. Typical tasting words: cut hay, charcoal, plum, mineral. A classic Jiangxi green tea whose curved needle shape resembled the delicate eyebrows of traditional Chinese beauties. A staple everyday export tea widely consumed across West and North Africa, frequently brewed strong with mint.

Also known as Chun Mee, Precious Eyebrows and Zhen Mei.

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The profile

Taste, 0 to 5

sweetness2bitterness3astringency4umami1brightness3body3smoothness2aroma intensity3finish length3

Flavour families, 0 to 5

floral0fruity1vegetal3marine0nutty1toasty3malty0honey0spicy0woody1earthy2smoky1creamy0citrus0stone fruit1tropical0cocoa0caramel0

Facts

Origin: Jiangxi, China
Plant: Camellia sinensis var. sinensis
Harvest: spring to summer
Elevation: low
Oxidation: 0 to 3%
Roast: light
Leaf: curled
Price band: budget
Availability: everywhere
Ageing: a little
Forgiving to brew: 2 of 5
L-theanine: low

Made by: pan-firing, then rolling, then shaping, then drying.

Caffeine

A cup of Chunmee (Zhen Mei) carries a typical estimate of 45 mg of caffeine, within a range of 30 to 60 mg depending on leaf amount, water temperature and steeping time. Figures are estimates for a 240 ml cup. Better earlier in the day if you are sensitive to caffeine. The caffeine planner turns this into a daily total.

How to brew it

Method	Leaf	Water	Steeps
Western, 250 ml	3 g	80 to 85 °C	2 min, 3 min
Gongfu, 100 ml	5 g	85 to 90 °C	Rinse, then 15 s, 20 s, 30 s, 45 s, 60 s
Cold brew, 250 ml	3 g	Fridge	8 to 12 hours

Up to 2 infusions. Scale for your own pot with the brew calculator.

Drinking it

morning
midday
after_meal
midday
breakfast

Pairs with spicy_food, red_meat and fried_food. Milk: no. Iced: yes. Sweetener: yes. Good for beginners: no.