Weishan Maojian (Hairpoint)
Tea, Smoked for Xinjiang
We
include this tea because of its uniqueness, even though it is not
generally available abroad. The bright yellow leaves are a highly
valued gift in Xinjiang, where it is drunk after a meal of mutton to
help digest the fat.
It
is grown on Mt. Weishan in Ningxiang county, south of Dongting Lake
in north central Hunan province. Two processes differ from the
usual: the leaves are withered in an airtight container so that they
turn a glossy yellow color, and then later are cured in smoke from
the xianhuang vine or maple wood. The beverage is clear,
yellow-orange with a smoky flavor.
