Tai Ping Hou Kui

Tai Ping Hou Kui – Green Tea

Origin: China

Infusion Temperature: 75°-80° Celsius

Infusion Time: 1-2 minutes

Serving Size: 3-4 grams/200-250 ml

Preferred Vessel: Tall cylindrical glass to display the full leaf expansion.

Tai Ping Hou Kui (太平猴魁), often referred to as the “King of Green Teas”, is one of China’s most revered and visually distinctive green teas. Sourced from the lush, mountainous region of Tai Ping County in Anhui Province, harvested in Spring, this exceptional tea stands out for both its majestic appearance and its elegant, sweet character.

This rare gem among our collection of premium loose leaf teas, honoring the craftsmanship and natural purity that define its long standing reputation. The first thing that captures attention is the leaf shape: long, flat, and beautifully pressed. These wide, emerald-green leaves are almost silk like in texture and display a remarkable level of uniformity. This unique appearance is a result of the Shi Da Ye cultivar, known for producing some of the largest tea leaves in China.

An artisanal hand flattening technique, similar to that used for Long Jing teas, but applied individually to each leaf. In fact, the precise, delicate production of Tai Ping Hou Kui is a major reason why it commands such high regard and cost in the global tea market. The tea has an aromas of fresh orchids, chestnut, and soft vegetal notes. The taste profile is remarkably smooth and sweet flavor with absence of bitterness or astringency, even with longer steeps, a subtle umami and long-lasting finish.

Thanks to the natural shade of its mountain valley growing region, the leaves develop high chlorophyll and amino acid content while keeping tannin levels low- resulting in a clean, refined infused liquor with a soft, almost silky mouthfeel. This natural shading process is similar in effect to the artificial shading used for Matcha, but occurs without human intervention.

In 2004, Tai Ping Hou Kui earned first prize at the China Tea Exhibition, solidifying its status as one of the finest green teas in the country. Its international acclaim continues to grow, especially among those who value subtlety, craftsmanship, and heritage in their tea.

Infusion Method Recommendations:

• Gently place the leaves vertically in the glass;
• Pour hot water slowly along the side to avoid damaging the leaves;
• Let steep for 1-2 minutes for the first infusion;
• Can be re-steeped 3-4 times, adjusting time for each infusion;
• Avoid agitation, the tea is meant to steep gracefully, allowing you to watch the leaves dance vertically as they release their delicate flavors;

Tai Ping Hou Kui is not just a green tea it is a tribute to Chinese tea tradition at its most artistic. Hand-crafted leaf by leaf, grown in shaded valleys, and nurtured through generations of knowledge, this tea delivers a meditative experience in every cup. Whether you are a seasoned tea connoisseur or new to the world of high-end green teas, Tai Ping Hou Kui is a must try, offering a rare glimpse into the refined world of Chinese tea culture.