G-CN-007

Xinyang Maojian

信陽毛尖

Needle green, from Henan, China.

Green tea

Xinyang Maojian is strongest on sweetness, umami and aroma intensity. Typical tasting words: chestnut, spinach, fresh grass, sweet pea, broth. Henan's hallmark tea style, formalised in the early 20th century and recognized among China's top historic teas. A northern green tea noted for tolerating colder climates, renowned for producing a dense liquor with a punchy initial bite and lingering sweetness.

Also known as Xin Yang Mao Jian and Yu Maojian.

Compare

The profile

Taste, 0 to 5

sweetness4bitterness3astringency2umami4brightness3body3smoothness3aroma intensity4finish length4

Flavour families, 0 to 5

floral2fruity0vegetal4marine1nutty3toasty1malty0honey0spicy0woody0earthy0smoky0creamy0citrus0stone fruit0tropical0cocoa0caramel0

Facts

Origin: Henan, China
Plant: Camellia sinensis var. sinensis, Xinyang Qunti
Harvest: early spring before Guyu, April
Elevation: mid
Oxidation: 0 to 3%
Roast: very light
Leaf: needle
Price band: mid-range
Availability: fairly common
Ageing: not for ageing
Forgiving to brew: 2 of 5
L-theanine: moderate

Made by: withering, then pan-firing, then rolling and needle-shaping, then charcoal baking.

Caffeine

A cup of Xinyang Maojian carries a typical estimate of 40 mg of caffeine, within a range of 25 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	2.5 g	75 to 80 °C	90 s, 2 min, 3 min
Gongfu, 100 ml	4 g	80 to 85 °C	15 s, 20 s, 30 s, 45 s, 60 s, 90 s
Cold brew, 250 ml	2.5 g	Fridge	4 to 8 hours

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

Drinking it

morning
afternoon
morning
study_focus
after_meal

Pairs with seafood, dim_sum and poultry. Milk: no. Iced: yes. Sweetener: no. Good for beginners: no.