This elegant and distinctive Chinese green tea is Taiping Hou Kui (太平猴魁), one of China’s most famous green teas and instantly recognisable to British tea drinkers for its dramatic, large, flat, sword-shaped leaves. Traditionally produced in the Huangshan region of Anhui province (安徽省), Taiping Hou Kui is celebrated for combining striking appearance with a clean, refined flavour.
Made from carefully selected spring leaves, the tea is handpicked and gently pan-fired before being pressed flat between gauze to create its characteristic long “sword” shape. When infused, the leaves stand tall in the cup, producing a clear, pale liquor with a smooth, mellow body. The flavour is fresh and lightly vegetal with subtle sweetness and a soft orchid-like aroma, finishing clean and refreshing. Despite its reputation and appearance, Taiping Hou Kui is approachable and well-suited to everyday green tea drinking.
Tasting Details
Flavour: Clean and smooth with gentle vegetal sweetness and a soft, lingering finish.
Aroma: Fresh and delicate with light floral and orchid notes.
Infusion Colour: Pale yellow to light green.
Specification
Caffeine Level: Lower than coffee and black teas
Antioxidant Level: High
Production process: Handpicked, pan-fired, and pressed flat between gauze
Leaf Appearance: Very large, flat, sword-shaped green leaves with visible veins.
Origin: Taiping area, Huangshan region, Anhui province (安徽省), China
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight. Re-seal the packaging between uses.
How to Brew
Use one teaspoon of leaves (roughly 3g) for each person you are brewing tea for.
Boil your water and let it cool; aim for around 80°C (hotter water may scorch the leaves).
Steep for 2–3 minutes according to taste.
Reuse the leaves a further 2–3 times by simply adding more hot water.
