ORIGIN & SOURCING:

Sourced from the Fujian mountains of China, traditionally grown at elevations of 2,500-5,000 feet in the legendary Wuyi Mountains or Taimu Mountains—regions considered sacred in Chinese mythology. Direct Trade sourcing ensures the value stays with the farmers. Grown sustainably without herbicides or pesticides, fairly traded and directly sourced by Rare Tea Company.

THE NAME:

The tea gets its poetic name from the resemblance of its delicate, curled, white, downy buds to the curled paw of a little white monkey. The fine silvery “hair” on the leaves is a sign of early harvest quality and careful processing.

TRADITIONAL PAN-FIRING METHOD:

Within hours of plucking, fresh leaves are brought to large, very hot metal bowls. The leaves are gently rolled inside the hot pans so that every part is exposed to the heat—this rapid firing seals in the fresh green flavours while maintaining the whole leaf structure. This 3,000-year-old technique has been perfected over millennia and continues unchanged in the same place by master craftspeople.

ABOUT RARE TEA COMPANY:

Founded in 2004 by Henrietta Lovell (The Tea Lady) with a mission to source the world’s finest teas directly from farmers. Based in London, working exclusively with sustainable, organic farming methods and fair labour practices. Packaging is free from bleaches, glue, and microplastics.

RARE CHARITY:

A percentage of all tea sales goes directly to Rare Charity (rarecharity.com), supporting educational scholarships on partner farms.

PHILOSOPHY:

“Our ambitions go beyond organic and sustainable to a regenerative future for both the land and tea communities.” Hand-crafted by artisans who have been making tea with love and care for thousands of years, without noxious chemicals or industrial machinery.

TASTING NOTES:

Clean and bright with notes of fresh spinach and pea pods, complemented by a smooth, silky mouthfeel. Remarkably delicate with gentle grassy notes, subtle hints of fresh vegetables, and natural sweetness. Light and refreshing with a velvety texture that reveals deepening complexity with each infusion. Brews to a pale yellowish-green liquor.

FOOD PAIRING:

The clean, subtle flavours make this an ideal tea to accompany food. Goes particularly well with savoury dishes—Rare Tea Company recommends it for breakfast with smoked salmon and poached or scrambled eggs. Also excellent with light Asian cuisine, seafood, or enjoyed on its own.

PERFECT FOR:

Morning refreshment, afternoon pick-me-up, accompanying meals, serious green tea enthusiasts, or introducing newcomers to premium loose leaf green tea. The smooth, non-bitter profile makes it accessible while maintaining exceptional quality.

WHY THIS TEA IS EXCEPTIONAL:

Unlike industrially processed green tea bags—which are machine-harvested, crushed, and may contain microplastics from bags plus unknown industrial chemicals—this is lovingly handcrafted loose leaf tea. The traditional pan-firing method and whole leaf structure retain precious amino acids, catechins, and polyphenols that may be lost in industrial processing.

CERTIFICATIONS: Grown without herbicides or pesticides, Direct Trade, Fair Trade, supports Rare Charity