G-CN-008

Mengding Ganlu

蒙顶甘露

Pan-fired green, from Sichuan, China.

Green tea

Mengding Ganlu is strongest on smoothness, sweetness and umami. Typical tasting words: sweet pea, chestnut, edamame, orchid. Cultivated on Mount Meng since the Han dynasty, it is often cited among China's oldest documented cultivated teas. A celebrated Sichuan tribute tea traditionally infused in glass or gaiwan to admire its pale liquor and delicate downy buds.

Also known as Meng Ding Sweet Dew, Mengding Sweet Dew and Ganlu.

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The profile

Taste, 0 to 5

sweetness4bitterness1astringency1umami4brightness3body3smoothness5aroma intensity4finish length4

Flavour families, 0 to 5

floral3fruity1vegetal4marine1nutty3toasty1malty0honey2spicy0woody0earthy1smoky0creamy2citrus0stone fruit0tropical0cocoa0caramel0

Facts

Origin: Sichuan, China
Plant: Camellia sinensis var. sinensis
Harvest: early spring (pre-ming)
Elevation: high
Oxidation: 0 to 2%
Roast: very light
Leaf: curled
Price band: premium
Availability: specialist
Ageing: not for ageing
Forgiving to brew: 3 of 5
L-theanine: high

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

Caffeine

A cup of Mengding Ganlu carries a typical estimate of 35 mg of caffeine, within a range of 25 to 45 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	75 to 80 °C	2 min, 2.5 min, 3 min
Gongfu, 100 ml	4.5 g	80 to 85 °C	15 s, 20 s, 25 s, 35 s, 50 s, 70 s
Cold brew, 250 ml	2.5 g	Fridge	6 to 10 hours

Up to 6 infusions. Scale for your own pot with the brew calculator.

Drinking it

morning
afternoon
morning
study_focus
relaxing

Pairs with seafood, pastry and salads. Milk: no. Iced: yes. Sweetener: no. Good for beginners: yes.