The
shape of their processed leaves gives this name to Chunmee (Precious
Eyebrow) and several other famous "eyebrow" teas. The beverage this
tea produces has a distinct plumlike flavor, and has long been
popular abroad.
The
plum seems to be prominent in the minds of tea growers of
northeastern Jiangxi province's Wuyuan county, for when they began
producing a new high-quality green tea in 1950, they called it
Mingmei (Famous Plum). It has lived up to its name for fame.
Mingmei is produced from Shangmeizhou (Upper Plum Islet), a fine tea
strain whose fat, hairy buds usually emerge quite late. Great skill
is used in the second wok firing to achieve the right shape.
Temperature, length of time, and hand movements must be well
coordinated. The fine, taut, jade green, eyebrow-shaped leaves have
been likened to a work of art. The clear, yellowish green beverage
has a mellow flavor. Mingmei is also used as a base for scented
teas.
