ANHUA SONG ZHEN
PINE NEEDLES
GREEN TEA
★ PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
Anhua, Hunan, China
Anhua Song Zhen "Pine Needles" is an exquisite tea from Hunan province, celebrated for its pristine mountain origins and traditional hand-processing. It offers a fresh, delicate flavor with subtle floral and sweet notes, reflecting the pure terroir and refined craftsmanship of the region. MORE
AROMA
Floral
TASTE
Honey, nutty
CULTIVAR: Yun Tai Shan Da Ye
HARVEST: Spring (Pre-Qingming), 2025
GREEN TEA
★ PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
Anhua, Hunan, China
Anhua Song Zhen "Pine Needles" is an exquisite tea from Hunan province, celebrated for its pristine mountain origins and traditional hand-processing. It offers a fresh, delicate flavor with subtle floral and sweet notes, reflecting the pure terroir and refined craftsmanship of the region. MORE
AROMA
Floral
TASTE
Honey, nutty
CULTIVAR: Yun Tai Shan Da Ye
HARVEST: Spring (Pre-Qingming), 2025
GREEN TEA is one of the world's most studied and revered beverages for its cultural significance and impressive range of health benefits. Green tea is rich in bioactive compounds and supports both physical and cognitive well-being when consumed regularly and mindfully. Due to the tea leaves' special cultivars, climate, and quality, green tea is rich in amino acids, vitamins, and microelements. The highest-quality green teas are made from spring young buds and leaves, traditionally processed to prevent oxidation and keep the tea leaf in its original chemical composition. Research over the past few decades has discovered that green tea reduces the risk of heart disease, cleans the circulatory system, strengthens blood vessels, reduces blood pressure, lowers blood sugar, prevents the development of cancer cells, and relieves nervous tension.
Learn more about the BIOCHEMISTRY OF A TEA LEAF
SEED-GROWN TEA PLANT
This tea refers to a Qunzi Zhong, a "seed-grown tea plant". Unlike cloned or asexually propagated cultivars, which are created by cuttings or grafting from a single "mother" plant, Qunzi Zhong tea trees are grown from seeds. This results in a genetically diverse population of plants. Each seed-grown tea tree is unique, with slightly different characteristics. This genetic variety helps improve the resilience of the tea garden, making it more resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental stress. Seed-grown trees usually develop stronger and deeper roots than cloned plants, allowing them to draw nutrients and minerals from deeper soil layers, often giving the tea a more complex and rich flavor profile. Qunzi Zhong represents the traditional way of tea cultivation. Because of the genetic diversity, teas made from Qunzi Zhong plants tend to offer more layered and nuanced flavors, reflecting a richer expression of the local terroir (soil, climate, and environment).
PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
Pesticide-free gardening refers to a cultivation method in which no synthetic chemical pesticides are used at any stage of plant growth. Instead, this approach relies on biodiversity, ecological balance, and cultural practices to manage pests and diseases. Unlike conventional farming, which often depends on chemical intervention to control infestations, pesticide-free gardening emphasizes prevention through healthy soil, companion planting, and natural predators. This method fosters a more resilient and adaptive garden ecosystem. Without chemical inputs, beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and native bees thrive, contributing to pollination and pest control. Untouched by harsh agents, the soil remains alive with microbial activity, supporting deeper root systems and more vigorous plant development. Over time, this results in produce with purer, more expressive flavors, reflecting the health of the environment and the grower's intention.
Learn more about Pesticide-Free Gardening
EASTERN (PIN CHA) ★
Temperature: 75-85 °C
Amount: 3-5 grams per 120 ml of water
Steeping: 20-40 sec x 5+
WESTERN (INFUSION) ★
Temperature: 75-85 °C
Amount: 2-3 grams per 250 ml of water
Steeping: 1-2 min x 3
Learn more about TEA BREWING METHODS
Tea absorbs surrounding aromas and moisture. This type of tea oxidizes when it comes into contact with oxygen and loses its properties, including taste and aroma. Store it in a dry and cool place in airtight packaging. Avoid direct exposure to the sun and high temperatures.
BEST BEFORE: 2 years since production date!
BEST BEFORE: 2 years since production date!
Learn more ABOUT TEA STORAGE
ANHUA PINE NEEDLES
ORIGIN
Anhua County is situated in the southwestern part of Hunan Province, surrounded by picturesque mountains and rolling hills. The region’s unique geography contributes significantly to cultivating Anhua Song Zhen green tea. The tea is grown at high altitudes, typically between 600 to 1,200 meters (2,000 to 4,000 feet), where the cool climate and abundant rainfall create ideal growing conditions. The soil in Anhua is rich in minerals, and the natural environment, characterized by misty mountains and lush vegetation, provides the perfect ecosystem for tea plants to thrive. Furthermore, the region enjoys a subtropical climate, which, with its distinct seasons, allows for a slow and balanced growth cycle, ultimately enhancing the flavor and aroma of the tea.
ABOUT
The name "Song Zhen" translates to "Pine Needle," derived from the tea leaves' slender and needle-like appearance. Historically, Anhua has played an essential role in Chinese tea culture, often associated with high-quality craftsmanship and meticulous production processes. Local farmers have passed down various techniques for harvesting and processing tea leaves, ensuring that the traditions and practices remain intact over generations. The tea's reputation grew in China and gained international recognition, particularly among those who appreciate the subtleties of high-quality green tea.
ORGANOLEPTIC
The dry leaf of Anhua Song Zhen is composed of slender, needle-like buds of deep green color with a silvery sheen. The leaves are delicate and uniform, releasing a clean aroma with notes of fresh pine, wild herbs, and a hint of roasted chestnut — light yet vivid, evoking the freshness of Hunan’s mountain forests. When placed in a preheated teapot, the fragrance opens with warmth and depth. Subtle sweetness emerges alongside aromas of conifer needles, spring flowers, and light wood smoke, creating a calm and elegant atmosphere.
The infusion is bright and clear, pale green with golden reflections. Its aroma blends soft vegetal freshness with resinous, floral notes and a gentle honey-like tone. The liquor feels light and smooth, carrying both purity and quiet strength. In taste, Anhua Song Zhen is refined and balanced. The flavor begins with gentle sweetness and light umami, followed by fresh grassy and nutty nuances. A faint mineral touch adds structure, while the texture remains silky and clean throughout. The aftertaste is long, crisp, and slightly sweet, leaving a refreshing pine-like coolness on the palate. Anhua Song Zhen expresses the character of Hunan’s highland teas — clear, vital, and naturally elegant, offering a taste that feels both pure and deeply rooted in nature.
Anhua County is situated in the southwestern part of Hunan Province, surrounded by picturesque mountains and rolling hills. The region’s unique geography contributes significantly to cultivating Anhua Song Zhen green tea. The tea is grown at high altitudes, typically between 600 to 1,200 meters (2,000 to 4,000 feet), where the cool climate and abundant rainfall create ideal growing conditions. The soil in Anhua is rich in minerals, and the natural environment, characterized by misty mountains and lush vegetation, provides the perfect ecosystem for tea plants to thrive. Furthermore, the region enjoys a subtropical climate, which, with its distinct seasons, allows for a slow and balanced growth cycle, ultimately enhancing the flavor and aroma of the tea.
ABOUT
The name "Song Zhen" translates to "Pine Needle," derived from the tea leaves' slender and needle-like appearance. Historically, Anhua has played an essential role in Chinese tea culture, often associated with high-quality craftsmanship and meticulous production processes. Local farmers have passed down various techniques for harvesting and processing tea leaves, ensuring that the traditions and practices remain intact over generations. The tea's reputation grew in China and gained international recognition, particularly among those who appreciate the subtleties of high-quality green tea.
ORGANOLEPTIC
The dry leaf of Anhua Song Zhen is composed of slender, needle-like buds of deep green color with a silvery sheen. The leaves are delicate and uniform, releasing a clean aroma with notes of fresh pine, wild herbs, and a hint of roasted chestnut — light yet vivid, evoking the freshness of Hunan’s mountain forests. When placed in a preheated teapot, the fragrance opens with warmth and depth. Subtle sweetness emerges alongside aromas of conifer needles, spring flowers, and light wood smoke, creating a calm and elegant atmosphere.
The infusion is bright and clear, pale green with golden reflections. Its aroma blends soft vegetal freshness with resinous, floral notes and a gentle honey-like tone. The liquor feels light and smooth, carrying both purity and quiet strength. In taste, Anhua Song Zhen is refined and balanced. The flavor begins with gentle sweetness and light umami, followed by fresh grassy and nutty nuances. A faint mineral touch adds structure, while the texture remains silky and clean throughout. The aftertaste is long, crisp, and slightly sweet, leaving a refreshing pine-like coolness on the palate. Anhua Song Zhen expresses the character of Hunan’s highland teas — clear, vital, and naturally elegant, offering a taste that feels both pure and deeply rooted in nature.
CHINA CLASSICS
Try one of the best Chinese classics from AN SHIM TEA COLLECTION