Lu An Gua Pian

Lu An Gua Pian: Melon Seed tea

Lu An Gua Pian is from Lu An county in Anhui Province. It has been made since the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) and is known as Melon Seed tea due to its shape. A spectacular tea, it is unique in that it is the second leaf that is picked from the stem and it contains no bud. It is then de-veined and pan fired to give an intensively dark green leaf. It creates a bright, clean tasting and smooth tea with a fresh vegetable aroma, a floral sweetness and herbaceous character. Cool freshly boiled water prior to infusing 3-5 minutes.

Lu an Gua Pian has been shown in studies to produce a higher concentration of beneficial antioxidants than any other infused tea.

Sourcing our tea

This tea has been chosen for its distinctive, balanced flavour, aroma and appearance. Our tea is carefully sourced from long-established shippers. We can therefore guarantee the quality and origin of each tea and that it conforms to UK food and drink health regulations and our own demanding grading requirements.

The benefits of loose leaf tea

This loose leaf tea enables the full flavour characteristics of the tea to infuse. This tea is chosen for its high grade which imparts the flavour and aroma characteristics for which this tea is best known. A extra time is necessary when infusing large leaf grades but you will be rewarded with a superior, more balanced cup. You will be well rewarded for your patience!

Packing options

There are generally several packing options to choose from. These are 60 grams, 125 grams and 250 grams, the default being 125 grams in a packet. Our silver-coloured packets are a triple laminate of paper, foil and cellophane, specifically designed for tea. Alternatively, you can select a tin caddy for your tea. These square, silver coloured caddies have hinged lids. Again, 60 gram, 125 gram and 250 gram options are generally available as options which can be selected from the drop-down list. Packets and caddies have full-colour labels.

Delivery options

For delivery our standard shipping is second class post unless you choose an alternative option such as first class post or courier. Free UK shipping is available for orders over £30 and free first class post can be chosen for orders over £50.

Storing your tea

Store your tea with care by ensuring it is stored air-tight, away from heat, light, moisture and strong aromas. Our standard best-before period is one year from packing and all teas are packed to order.

A guide to our tea

At the checkout you may choose to receive a free, full-colour, eight-page guide to our tea. For more information about buying our loose leaf teas see our page How to Buy the Best Loose Leaf Tea.