Snowflake Dan Cong (Xue Pian)

Snowflake Dan Cong, or Xue Pian, is a lighter Dan Cong oolong that originates from the Wudong area of the Fenghuang Mountains in Guangdong Province, China. The Phoenix Mountains, with their misty peaks and mineral-rich soil, provide an ideal environment for cultivating high-quality Dan Cong oolongs. The term Dan Cong refers to a style of oolong tea traditionally harvested from single tea bushes, each yielding a distinct flavor profile. Xue Pian translates to Snowflake, reflecting the tea's winter harvest season and the delicate influence of the mountain environment on these leaves.

This tea is crafted from the leaves of older tea bushes grown at high altitudes on Wudong Mountain. The unique terroir, characterized by significant temperature fluctuations and consistent mist, contributes to the tea's complex and refined character. Traditional processing methods—including careful withering, rolling, oxidation, and roasting—preserve the natural fragrances of the tea while enhancing its intricate flavors. The result is a tea that offers a refreshing quality, reminiscent of fresh high mountain air.

The origins of Dan Cong teas date back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and gained significant prominence during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). The Phoenix Mountains (Feng Huang Shan) in Guangdong Province, China, have been known for centuries for their tea cultivation. The high altitudes, misty climate, and fertile soil provide ideal conditions for growing exceptional tea.

Dan Cong tea, a type of oolong, is celebrated for its unique flavor and aromatic profile, which can range from floral and fruity to nutty and herbal. These teas often draw comparisons to natural scents such as orchid, magnolia, and honey. The term "Dan Cong" translates to single bush, single tree, single grove, or single strain, indicating that each tea comes from a single tea tree or bush.

Unique Terroir of the Phoenix Mountains

The Phoenix Mountains provide an ideal environment for tea cultivation. The combination of high altitudes, misty climate, and rich, fertile soil contributes to the distinctive qualities of Dan Cong teas. This unique terroir, paired with traditional cultivation and processing methods, results in teas with complex flavors and aromatic profiles.

Development and Cultivation of Dan Cong

The method of cultivating tea bushes individually, known as "Dan Cong," allows each bush to develop its unique characteristics. This approach has led to a wide variety of Dan Cong teas, each with a distinct flavor and aroma. The meticulous process involves hand-picking the leaves, withering, rolling, oxidizing, and roasting, which enhances the tea's unique attributes.

Dan Cong teas are renowned for their distinctive fragrances, often reminiscent of orchid, magnolia, and honey, providing an exceptional sensory experience. This meticulous cultivation and processing ensure that each cup of Dan Cong tea offers a rich and varied tasting experience.

• • Antioxidant Properties: Rich in antioxidants that help in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

  • Aids Digestion: This tea is often consumed after meals to aid in digestion and promote overall digestive health.

  • Energizing Effects: Contains a moderate amount of caffeine, providing a sustained energy boost without the sharp rise and fall associated with coffee.

  • Stress Relief: The natural floral aroma is considered soothing, helping to reduce stress and improve mood.

Preparation Method

1. Western Preparation:

   • Use 4 grams of tea per 6-8oz of 190°F (88°C) using a teapot, kyusu or infuser mug

   • Steep for 1-3 minutes

   • Good for multiple steeps

2. Eastern Preparation with rinse (Gong Fu Cha):

   • Use 4-5 grams of tea per 100ml of water at 200°F (93°C) using a gaiwan or small teapot

   • Flash rinse the leaves to awaken and prepare

   • Steep for 10-20 seconds

   • Increase steeping time by 5-10 seconds with each subsequent infusion

   • Enjoy multiple infusions to savor the evolving flavors

Cold steeping involves combining tea and cold water, allowing it to steep over an extended period. This method is ideal for green teas, white teas, light to mid oxidized oolong teas, and some botanicals.

1. Measure:

   • Use 1 gram of tea per 2 oz of water.

2. Combine:

   • Place tea leaves in a vessel and add cold, filtered water based on the ratio.

3. Steep:

   • Refrigerate and steep for 4 to 24 hours. Use less tea for longer steep times to avoid over-extraction.

4. Strain and Serve:

   • Strain the tea leaves and serve over ice or as is.

5. Enjoy:

   • Relish the refreshing and flavorful cold-steeped tea, perfect for any time of the day.