Liu An Gua Pian (Melon Seed) — Loose Leaf Chinese Green Tea

How to brew Liu-An Gua Pian perfectly?

Brewing Liu-An Gua Pian is a rewarding art.

Because it uses substantial, mature leaves without stems, it requires a gentle temperature and precise drainage to draw out its famous smooth, nutty sweetness.

The Vessel: Gaiwan or Glass Infuser?

• The Gaiwan: The traditional choice for tea connoisseurs. It allows you to control the pour with millisecond precision, perfect for "Flash Steeping."
• Our Recommendation: Our [Glass Tea Infuser] is ideal here. It gives you the same precision as a Gaiwan but with the crystal-clear view of the leaves dancing in the water.

Follow this 5-step ritual for the perfect cup:

• Temperature: 80°C - 85°C only. Never use boiling water; it will "scald" the leaves and ruin the roasted aroma.

• Step 1 – Warm the Soul: Rinse the vessel with hot water and discard.

• Step 2 – The Inhale: Add dry leaves (3g–4g), shake gently, and inhale the deep, roasted nutty fragrance

• Step 3 – The Awakening: Add just enough water to barely cover the leaves, swirl for 5 seconds to awaken the essence.

• Step 4 – The Infusion:
• Pour water against the inner wall (avoid direct impact).
• A harsh stream of water will "bruise" the leaves, releasing unwanted bitterness and clouding the crisp flavor.

• Step 5 – Timing:
• * 1st brew (5s): Since the leaves have already been "awakened" in Step 3.
• 2nd brew (10-15s): The tea peaks at the 2nd infusion.
• 3rd brew (20-30s): The peak continues.
• Subsequent brews: Simply add an extra 15–20 seconds for each additional steep.

Our premium Liu-An Gua Pian can easily yield 4 to 5 delicious cups.

Master's Tip: Always leave the lid off after each pour. Smothering the leaves will "cook" them, making the next steep dull.

Protecting the Freshness
Green tea is delicate and acts like a "sponge" for odors. Proper storage is non-negotiable for maintaining that vibrant, spring character:

• The Fridge is Best: To maintain the vibrant color and nutty flavor, we recommend storing your tea in the refrigerator.
• Airtight Seal: Ensure the bag is perfectly sealed. We highly recommend using our [Tea Bag Sealer] to lock out moisture and persistent fridge odors.
• The Golden Rule (Crucial): When removing tea from the fridge, wait a while before opening the bag. Allowing the leaves to reach room temperature prevents condensation from forming on the leaves, which would ruin the tea instantly.

18 Years of Sourcing from the Da-Bie Mountains

• The Terroir: Sourced from the high altitudes of the Da-Bie Mountains in Anhui Province. Growing above 800 meters, the thick clouds and mist protect the leaves from harsh sun. This slow, shaded growth makes the tea naturally sweet and rich.

• The Character: Defined by its unique melon-seed shape, bright green liquor, and a deep, satisfying roasted nutty aroma. Because it uses only the mature second leaf with no stems, it is exceptionally smooth and full-bodied.

• VGT Sourcing: For 18 years, Valley Green Tea has been the trusted destination to buy authentic Liu-An Gua Pian online in Australia.

The Truth About Green Tea Bitterness
Many people think green tea is supposed to be bitter—but in the world of premium tea, bitterness is usually a sign of poor quality or incorrect brewing.

Our mission is to show you the "Sweet Spot": authentic teas like our Liu-An Gua Pian that offer a smooth, sweet, and uplifting experience every time.