Good Green Chinese Tea Recommendation

[esabet]

Hi;

I am diving into the world of Green and Oolong Teas and I am looking for some recommendations.

I have started with ordering some Japanese Green Tea, Sencha tea called Kyo no Tsuyu (Kyoto Dew).

Now I would like to know some good quality Chinese green teas. Someone told me about Lu An Gua Pian but not certain about it till I get further recommendations.

Can anyone give me a good recommendation and a good source (vendor)?

Here is how I like my tea: I like it not too Oxidized, Green! I do not sweeten my tea as I think it is injustice to the tea - it kills the whole flavor, what is the point?? Also I like refreshing, flavorful and smooth tea, not bitter. Lastly I don't like scented tea such as Jasmine (IMO in cases where the tea is scented/flavored the tea itself turns out to be of lower quality tea).

Thank you in advance.

[Proinsias]

It might be worth waiting it out a bit for the spring harvests arriving.

I love Liu An Gua Pian but I find it's not a tea for everyone, I know one or two people who love Chinese green in general but don't care for it at all. I've still got a little of last year's left, my five year old daughter was practicing her brewing skillz with it earlier today I personally really enjoy it.

I can't not recommend Long Jing although due to its fame you may pay more for Long Jing than you would for another green of similar quality. Tai Ping Hou Kui is quite popular round these parts and even if you don't really like the taste at least it looks great.

Mao Jian is a tea I've always loved as an affordable, smooth and endlessly drinkable Chinese green.

Jingteashop might be worth a look around. From their everyday greens through to their high end greens they generally give me a happy.

[Oni]

Dragon teahouse, but I would wait month for the teas to be 2009 harvest, with green tea fresh is better.

[lydia]

I suggest high grade long jing which comes from early spring. Pi luo chun is also a good choice. I like the fresh tender feeling. Tai pin hou kui and liu an gua pian are two top grade green tea from high mountains. They are great! But not suitable for everybody, besides, the cost are much higher.

[Beidao]

Good-enough fresh Long Jing (but be prepared to pay) and Fou Cha are my favourites. I have also seen An Ji Bai Cha but haven't been drinking it.

[teaskeptic]

Tai Ping Hou Kui is my personal favorite, but I would probably start with a Dragon well. I don't think Chinese greens vary drastically, so it might give you a good idea about the spectrum. Just don't don't get a really crappy one because it will just turn you off. Also, don't expect it to be similar to any of the Japanese greens.



People seem to like teaspring.com a lot for Chinese greens, maybe try them.