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En Shi Yu Lu Green Tea (En Shi Jade Dew)
En Shi Yu Lu Green Tea (En Shi Jade Dew)
The Jade Dew of Hubei
En Shi Yu Lu, also known as En Shi Jade Dew, is an outstanding and one-of-a-kind tea hailing from En Shi in Hubei Province, China. Enshi is located in the southwestern part of Hubei, within the Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture. This region enjoys a unique geographical position, bordering Chongqing to the north and west, the Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture of Hunan Province to the south, and in close proximity to the renowned Shennongjia National Forest Zone to the northeast and Yichang City to the east.
Endowed with a subtropical mountain climate significantly influenced by monsoons, Enshi experiences a consistently humid and mild environment throughout the year. It rarely suffers from the sweltering heat of midsummer or the biting cold of midwinter. Instead, the area is often shrouded in mist and blessed with regular rainfall, creating an idyllic setting for tea cultivation. This tea has a profound and extensive history. Records indicate that tea production in En Shi dates back to the glorious Tang Dynasty (618 – 907). Moreover, historical annals suggest that En Shi Yu Lu was initially crafted during the reign of Emperor Kang Xi.
The leaf morphology of Enshi Yulu bears a resemblance to that of Japanese sencha, and their steaming processes share certain similarities, yet there are distinct differences that set them apart. Enshi Yulu is a rare gem among Chinese green teas as it is meticulously processed using the steam method. In the Tang Dynasty, steaming was a prevalent technique in green tea production. However, over time, it was gradually replaced by the pan-fire method in China, while the Japanese adopted and refined the steaming technique to produce sencha. In the production of Enshi Yulu, the first crucial step is to steam the freshly plucked leaves. This not only halts the natural enzymes responsible for fermentation but also plays a vital role in preserving the leaves’ innate oils and essential natural antioxidants. Additionally, it softens the leaves, making them more pliable for subsequent processing.
Following steaming, the leaves undergo a rolling or twisting process. This action ruptures the cellular structure, enabling them to release their fragrant juices when steeped. Subsequently, a gentle second heating, known as firing, further reduces the water content to a mere 3 percent. This slow and repeated heating ensures the leaves dry gradually, maintaining their integrity and flavor.
The name “jade dew” aptly describes the delicate pale green color of the infusion. The leaves are long and slender, and when brewed, the cup presents a bold, robust, and complex flavor profile, accompanied by an intensely powerful vegetal aroma. While the leaves may evoke memories of Japanese gyokuro or sencha, they are unmistakably the product of skillful Chinese craftsmanship, resulting in a perfect Chinese green tea that combines a sweet undertone with a delightful floral taste.
What makes En Shi Yu Lu even more remarkable is its rich selenium content. Selenium is an indispensable trace mineral that has been shown to play a crucial role in preventing cancer, cataract, heart disease, growth disorders, and a plethora of other ailments. This unique combination of flavor, history, and health benefits makes En Shi Yu Lu a truly exceptional tea that continues to captivate tea lovers around the world.
making a perfect cup of
En Shi Yu Lu Green Tea (En Shi Jade Dew)
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- Teaware
- 12 OZ. Tall Glass Teacup, Gaiwan (Bowl)
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- Leaves
- 1 TBS
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- Water
- Filtered (Spring) Water
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- Fire
- 85°C | 185°F
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- Time
- 2-3 Min for 1st Infusion
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- Infusion
- 5 infusions